Reviews by h3lios

Wasn't too long till we got another album 🤭!

From spoiling myself with the reviews, he sounds "sad" here. Or maybe I was primed to think that, cause the 5 star reviews make it sound profoundly gloomy/unsettling. Whatever the case, despite hearing what I heard were mostly upbeat tracks, I definitely heard some sadness in the slower songs like "Tired Eyes". It's like he's pleading with the listener to not do things that could end their lives prematurely (3.5-4).

Mix of country, R.E.M., punk, and the Smiths. Apparently this is a slow core album. I've never heard of that name before, but it sounds like the stripped-back, sad songs in this album.

Sounds like an updated 90s version of psychedelic rock. I do like the pop-rock melodies more than the drone tracks. There was also like kind of a Weezer vibe to it. (3.5-4)

Kendrick really knows how to tell stories. Love the contrast between the chill beats, the realities of growing up in Compton, and the religious motifs. Super immersive too! (4.5-5)

Imagining Prince laying down some sick guitar solos right now...

This record fits itself right into the 80s canon. Those synths, guitars, and reverb drums pair well with Prince's heartfelt singing. His vocal deliveries give off a joyful, almost manic vibe to the songs. Plus extra point for "Purple Rain" as it sounds so much like an 80s "Mayonaise". (4-4.5)

I know about the National cause Aaron Dessner worked with Taylor Swift during her indie-folk era, but this is the first time I've listened to his band. I realize this kind of music is not for me. I don't hear a lot of melodies, hooks and chord changes, so it's not personally captivating. It's as if the music is just settling, like soda after the fizzle. (2.5-3)

Dusty's voice is gentle and sweet, though I guess I expected some of Aretha's passion. Maybe the soul here is not all-encompassing, it's finding beauty in the small moments.

Is it just me or does George's guitar sound like modern indie-rock/jangle pop? It makes this album have even more of an introspective, "folklore" vibe that was part of his public image. I think both of these qualities have made "All Things Must Pass" one of those foundational indie influences. I personally love hearing the melodies, vocal harmonies, and chord changes, and there are some nice head-boppers in between the slower songs. I guess that's what happens when you're a Beatle, music is second nature to you. As for Apple Jam though, let's just pretend it's bonus Harrison DLC (4-4.5).

A Canadian I've never heard of! Did not know what to expect on my first listen. I just don't know how this fits in the bigger "1001 Albums" collection. Even if it necessarily doesn't, I still enjoyed this album. k.d. has such a lovely voice that brings out her emotions (3.5-4)

I'm really not sure how to evaluate this. It's like they're doing the splits: one leg on catchy pop lyrics and melodies, the other on alt-rock styles. It must hurt stretching your "musical" muscles like that for so long. For me personally, stick to either side or find a way where you can stand instead of splitting (3.5).

Eclectic like a mix of gangsta and conscious hip hop to psychedelic rock. The rhymes flow like quickly-melting butter. The album kinda gave me whiplash cause it's all over the place.

I really shouldn't have listened to this on the bus for my first listen; a new take on rock (and early punk) was unfolding in my very ears! The drums on Five Years are so sample worthy, Bowie sings in a higher register here, and the arrangements are quite consistent. Starman being popular on Tiktok made me like the whole concept of "Ziggy Stardust" more.

P.S. Also TF? I just listened to some songs off this record literally the day before

I think this album clicked for me in the third listen. I get why Rumours is so popular for Gen Z. Hearing the lore behind this album makes me appreciate the emotions of love, heartbreak, and everything in between. The harmonies really add to it. Personally, it's just catchy pop rock. That's pretty much 5 stars in my books (4.5-5).

P.S. Why did they remove Silver Springs???

100th Album... still no So 😢

This was probably the 60s lofi study mix. I love how the guitar and the saxophone blend so seamlessly here. I probably wouldn't listen to all the songs in one sitting but they'd make good interludes for my playlist (3.5-4).

If David Bowie got his start in the 90s and wrote 5-min songs I blanked out on...

Ziggy Stardust's adult contemporary side quest. Lots of 50's rock pastiches and all around fun, campy vibes (3.5-4)

This is a nice mélange of country and soul, but bro leave that falsetto alone 😭.

When it's arranged with just those two sounds in mind, it's a nice album, but they decided to add some downs. For example, I don't personally vibe with the lyrics and the lack of melodies in the more ambient, chamber-pop tracks like "Petrified Florist".

The trio works realy well with each member, singing parts of their tracks; beats remind me of ATCQ. Skits revolve around ghetto East Coast life

Woah... I know this is a character but like this didn't age well for most. If we take a moment to distance ourselves from the subject matter, I admire Eminem's mastery of wordplay and tone. He nails the acting for Slim Shady between playful and confrontational. If we just had the instrumentals, I'd instantly be hooked on the beats. Definitely could have been "slimmed" though.

Beatles-like psychedelia, but they went beyond with a whole story. Some parts sound heavy for its time, and I appreciate the ambitious production (like they're scoring for a modern King Arthur), but it's not something I'd put on repeat often (3.5).