Reviews by h3lios

80s R&B really wouldn't exist without him. What seems commonplace now was new back then. Stevie was breaking a lot of new ground, and "Talking Book" sounds like that transition between love songs and the deeper topics he'd cover in his later works. Whatever he threw on the wall definitely stuck! (3.5-4)

This record resembles Homogenic with its strings and ambient mood. It’s more classical with electronic beats laid on top. And when you have Vulnicura as the title, the album reminds me of Iceland and the volcanic force of nature.

It's definitely a difficult listen than the pop Bjork records I discovered this year. But I appreciate her toying around with the border between familiar and unfamiliar music. Now I can enjoy more songs in this list by having this in my memory.

Pre-The Cure with its uneasy, eerie sound. Reminds me of 90s alt-rock, specifically "Night Shift" with its guitar playing and loud drums. Sticks to a vibe for sure (3.5-4).

This is so vaguely familiar and nostalgic, as I don't remember listening to Linkin Park before. It reminds me of the pop-rock radio stations I grew up listening to as a kid.

Based on the consensus I online, the nu/rap metal genre is seen as the 2000s version of glam metal. I kinda agree with that for this record. It touches on dark themes that don't really go far/become too universal, in addition to how each song is very similar to the last. Nevertheless, being "nu" to nu metal, I do like some of the sound and production here (3.5).

Like one long DJ mix... alternating between hypnotic, spoken-word dance tracks and electronica. It dips in quality by the halfway point but then picks itself up in the last few songs that remind me of Moby.

Does the title reflect the artist's intention to deconstruct and remix rock and roll into dance? I took a look at the samples in Wikipedia and it borrows from a lot of retro tracks.

Jazzy and soulful with some nice songwriting to boot. Reminds me of Alanis Morissette. Beneath the smooth facade lies pain and heartbreak (3.5).

Has that prime Beach Boys’ sensibility/vibe: innocent and child-like but with more social consciousness. The result sounds like a record that comes across as motivational to me.

First impression notes (from when I listened to this before getting this album: The Beach Boys updated to a soft-rock/soul/70s pop sound. So serious like Pet Sounds)

Seems to be an observational study of urban NYC through sound. The conversations of Big Apple natives really adds to the immersive experience. That said, the tracks carry on for too long. Instead of some being hypnotic, they get repetitive (i.e. Freaknik, Rodney Yates), especially in the later half. (3.5)

Shoegaze is all about the hypnotic vibes. The songs just go a minute too long. However, I did like this album more than m b v (3.5).

Interesting that this has two different versions like Pokémon. This rating is based on the US version.

Hendrix's guitar, which I guess is the selling point of this album based on Wikipedia, adds to the atmosphere of this record. It's a shapeshifter, at times melodic and rhythmic. The guitar sound is like prophetic too. The distortion reminds me a lot of 90s grunge and alt-rock. And the way A.Y.E. switches between psychedelic rock, blues, and experimental guitar grooves! Jimi makes it look easy.

I totally mischaracterized his music from the 2-3 songs I heard from him. Listening to A.Y.E. in full, he oozes charisma with the skills to back him up (but maybe that's also because of his legendary status at this point)! (4.5)

Straddles the line between experimental styles and glam rock. The vocals are a bit jarring.

First Black Sabbath album on this generator, and it sounds like they've expanded their heavy metal sound. Songs like "Changes" and the "FX" interlude add a lot of depth to this record's ominous vibe. Personally these two come off as existential dread.

And then BAM comes Supernaut, with that guitar riff! Thank you generator for leaving this on my lap today!! Vol. 4 makes an awesome addition to my heavy metal (and musical) journey.

I still remember the last Dylan album two days ago 😲. How long before I hear that instrument again? Oh, the first song 😳...

Definitely a more diverse folk-rock album than "Blood on the Tracks". But being a music-first person, Bob's poetic storytelling is still lost on me. I'm used to hearing pop melodies and hooks, so he's really opening my mind to experiencing music in a different way. Thanks Bob, seriously.

This is like the kind of alt-hip hop akin Arrested Development would do in the next few years. I really like how it goes back to the genre's roots; lots of dancing, carefree vibes. This also reminded me of De La Soul, and I only learned today that the Jungle Brothers were part of the same collective as them!

Is this a breakup album? Because his lyrics are still poetic but also more direct so I understand the emotion behind the songs. I also probably spoiled myself on the themes of this record by going on a Wikipedia rabbit hole of Bob's discography.

I do like the folk-rock production on this album compared to his older works. His only non-negotiable was probably that damn harmonica 😭. "Lily, Rosemary and the Jack of Hearts" gave me whiplash when I heard those beats (3.5).

Mysterious. Just sounds like the 80s but more artsy. Not much stood out to me except for the lyrics, which were pretty psychedelic.

Okay, this was probably the precursor to so many G-funk tracks. Each track flows well, forming a cohesive sound that explores different grooves and tempos. And personally, it just makes me want to dance!!

It's a quintessential funk album but also one that's undeniably proud of its Black roots. All that to say, I want nothing but the funk, George!

Definitely can hear the punk influence 10 years after metal was formed. Listening to this record made me realize how much I love the choogling, 4-on-the-floor rhythm of heavy metal (4.5-5)

First time I've heard of thrash metal and Megadeth! Sounds like metal infused with hardcore punk. Maybe it's just me, but I can hear some of the 80s glam metal treatment (3.5).

With Disintegration, the Cure invites you to put your headphones on and immerse yourself in their ethereal, sonic world. It's parts sensual, melancholic, and sublime. Plainsong sets this mood so well, but I always go back to Untitled and Lullaby because the production for these songs is so hypnotic. This should've been the sound for TTPD to be honest... (4.5-5)