Reviews by kitch82

Going into this, I had never listened to Elliott Smith before, so I wasn't familiar with any of his albums or songs. Either/Or turned out to be an excellent introduction — a brilliant, emotionally resonant album that showcases Smith's talent beautifully.

His songwriting is quietly devastating, filled with poetic, introspective lyrics and hauntingly beautiful melodies. The production is raw and intimate, giving the album a timeless, deeply personal feel. It’s easy to understand why Either/Or is considered one of the defining singer-songwriter records of the 1990s, and after this listen, I’m eager to explore more of his back catalogue.

Favourite Track: “Alameda” stood out as the highlight for me, though it was a close call. “Speed Trials,” “Ballad of Big Nothing,” “Pictures of Me,” and “Angeles” are all equally compelling.

Least Favourite: While the album is strong overall, there are a few moments that felt less inspired. Tracks like “Rose Parade” and “No Name No. 5” come across as more generic and lack the emotional punch of the stronger songs. These dips keep the album just shy of a perfect score.

Album Artwork: The cover is cool and understated, complementing the mood and tone of the music well.

Electric Warrior by T. Rex is, without a doubt, one of my favourite albums of all time. This is easily the most effortless 5/5 I’ve ever given.

Favourite song: Cosmic Dancer ranks in my top five songs of all time—it's absolutely brilliant. Add to that the swagger of Jeepster and the iconic Get It On (Bang a Gong), and you're already looking at a masterpiece. And that’s just scratching the surface—there’s so much more to love.

Least favourite: Honestly, there isn’t a single weak track. Every song earns its place and contributes to the album’s magic.

Album artwork: Simple, cool, and elegant. The cover perfectly reflects the album’s stylish and timeless vibe.

As someone new to Ryan Adams, I was really looking forward to giving Heartbreaker a proper listen—and it did not disappoint. If you're looking for a place to start with Adams, his debut album is absolutely the right entry point.

Right from the beginning, the album grabs your attention. I loved the opening—a casual argument about two of Morrissey's greatest albums sets a perfectly offbeat, intimate tone. From there, the music only gets better.

The first two tracks set the bar high. To Be Young (Is to Be Sad, Is to Be High) bursts with energy, while Winding Wheel delivers a beautiful melody paired with heartfelt lyrics. As the album unfolds, it continues to impress, layering emotional depth with raw, rootsy instrumentation.

I'll definitely be coming back to this one—it’s an album that invites repeat listens.

Favourite songs: Winding Wheel and Oh My Sweet Carolina stand out as emotional and melodic highlights.
Least favourite: Honestly, there weren’t any weak links. Every track brought something to the table.
Album artwork: Moody and cool—perfectly in tune with the music inside.

The name Megadeth alone isn’t exactly inviting, and Rust in Peace doesn’t do much to spark confidence either. From the outset, I had low expectations—and unfortunately, the album didn’t change my mind.

While I can appreciate the technical skill, particularly the guitar work, this brand of thrash metal—intense, aggressive, and laced with a touch of theatricality or dark humor—just isn’t for me. It’s loud, chaotic, and emotionally distant, leaving little that I personally connect with.

Favorite track: None. I wouldn’t revisit any of these songs.
Least favorite: Honestly, all of it. The best part was that it was relatively short.
Album artwork: Not to my taste.

Hybrid Theory takes me straight back to my youth. It's hard to believe this album is now 25 years old.

At the time, I wanted to hate it. I was a mod, and this was what we used to call "greaser music"—something we were meant to avoid. But secretly, I loved it. I just couldn’t admit it out loud.

Revisiting it now, more than two decades later, I’m struck by how many solid tracks still hold up. The energy, the angst, the fusion of rap and rock—it all comes rushing back. There’s a raw urgency that captures a very specific moment in time.

That said, age brings perspective. As a 40-year-old listener, the cracks show more clearly. The album lacks variety, and its sound rarely strays from a narrow formula. There’s a sameness to the production that makes the second half blur together. In hindsight, Linkin Park wasn’t alone—many bands of that era, like Limp Bizkit and Papa Roach, mined similar territory with similar limitations.

Favourite tracks: The big hits still land: One Step Closer, In the End, and Papercut remain standout anthems.
Least favourite: I never liked Crawling. It still sounds like entrance music for a pro wrestler.
Album artwork: Still a cool and iconic cover—gritty, bold, and instantly recognizable.

Ananda Shankar by Ananda Shankar is, quite frankly, not for me. Despite only running to around 40 minutes, it felt like a bit of a slog to get through.

At its core, this is a novelty record, taking well-known Western songs and reinterpreting them through the sitar. It sounds interesting in theory, but in practice it didn’t land. The fusion feels more gimmicky than innovative, and the arrangements don’t have enough depth or energy to keep you engaged.

Favourite track: If I had to pick one, Jumpin’ Jack Flash stands out, mainly for the novelty of hearing The Rolling Stones in this style
Least favourite tracks: The rest of the album blurred together and didn’t leave much of an impression
Album artwork: Like the music, it didn’t really resonate and feels quite dated

Overall, this might appeal to fans of experimental fusion or musical curiosities, but it missed the mark for me

Ragged Glory by Neil Young & Crazy Horse is a powerful blast of raw rock and roll, released right at the heart of the grunge era. It's loud, loose, and full of energy — a reminder that rock doesn't need to be polished to hit hard.

This is Neil Young’s 18th studio album and the sixth with Crazy Horse, and it’s remarkable how fresh and urgent it sounds after so many years together. It’s rare to hear a band with this much history still sound so alive, inspired, and genuinely loud.

The guitars are absolutely massive — drenched in distortion and unafraid to sprawl out into long jams. Unlike some critics, I actually really like Neil Young’s voice, especially in this heavier, more aggressive setting. It adds an authenticity and edge that suits the music perfectly.

This is an album I’ll be returning to again and again. It was the perfect soundtrack for a sunny Monday morning, turned up loud.

Favorite Tracks: Love to Burn, Over and Over, F!@ing Up
Least Favorite: Honestly, not a single bad song here.
Album Artwork: Simple but cool — it fits the music.

Let Love Rule is Lenny Kravitz’s debut album, but unfortunately, it didn’t leave much of an impression. Overall, the record felt like a diluted version of Prince — lacking the charisma, energy, and standout moments that might have elevated it. Most of the tracks faded into the background, with a consistently low-key, slow-paced vibe that never really gained momentum.

Standout Tracks: Let Love Rule and Fear were decent, but even they didn’t quite hit the mark.

Weakest Aspect: The rest of the album was forgettable — not bad enough to be offensive, just overwhelmingly average.

Album Artwork: Nothing remarkable here either — a fairly standard cover that matched the overall tone of the music.

Verdict: A forgettable listen. I won’t be revisiting this one

Today called for something slower and more relaxed — and The Trinity Session by Cowboy Junkies delivered exactly that. It’s a chilled, folk-inspired album with a soulful, moody vibe that makes for an easy and calming listen.

The band’s sound is slow-burning and atmospheric, with a few standout moments like Blue Moon Revisited, which stood out as a highlight. While the album has a pleasant overall feel, many of the tracks tend to blur together and aren’t especially memorable. I’d listen to it again, but it didn’t quite leave a lasting impression.

Favorite song: Blue Moon Revisited – a lovely, haunting track
Least favorite: Several songs didn’t stand out and felt forgettable
Album artwork: A classic cover that suits the album’s mood

Rubber Soul by The Beatles stands as one of the greatest albums of all time, and arguably their finest work.

It’s a masterful blend of styles, moods, and lyrical depth, showing the band’s evolution and willingness to experiment. From the reflective storytelling of Norwegian Wood and the introspective Nowhere Man to the warmth and beauty of Michelle, every track brings something different.

At the heart of it all is In My Life, one of my favourite songs of all time. It’s deeply personal and has resonated with me for over 30 years, still holding a special place.

Favourite track: In My Life
Least favourite tracks: None, every song is perfect
Album artwork: An iconic cover that matches the timeless feel of the music perfectly

It felt almost poetic to receive Pet Sounds the day after Brian Wilson passed away. This album is his masterpiece — a timeless showcase of his genius and emotional depth.

From the opening notes of “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” the album sets a hopeful, wistful tone that carries through the entire tracklist. Pet Sounds is filled with beautifully crafted pop songs — fun and romantic lyrics layered over rich, innovative arrangements. There’s a mix of well-loved classics like “God Only Knows” and deeper cuts like “Here Today” and “Sloop John B,” which together create a cohesive, emotionally resonant listening experience.

Favourite songs: “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” and “God Only Knows” are undeniable all-time classics, but I have a soft spot for “Sloop John B” — it’s endlessly replayable.
Least favourite: “Let’s Go Away for Awhile” didn’t quite land for me. It felt like an unnecessary instrumental interlude between two standout tracks.
Album artwork: Iconic — simple, nostalgic, and instantly recognizable.

If You're Feeling Sinister is a standout album that perfectly captures Belle & Sebastian’s signature blend of heartfelt storytelling and beautifully crafted melodies. The songwriting is rich with character and emotion, drawing listeners into vivid, intimate scenes.

Favourite Songs:
The opening track, The Stars of Track and Field, is a gentle, gorgeous introduction—its wistful tone and subtle build set the stage perfectly. Seeing Other People follows seamlessly, offering another slice of poetic melancholy. Both songs are beautiful and create a strong emotional foundation for the rest of the album.

Least Favourite:
Honestly, every track on the album holds its own. There isn’t a weak link; each song contributes to the cohesive, dreamy atmosphere that makes the album so special.

Album Artwork:
Belle & Sebastian’s album art is always distinctive, and this one is no exception. The cover for If You're Feeling Sinister is striking in its simplicity, complementing the introspective mood of the music.

I went into Under Construction expecting not to enjoy it—this isn't a genre I typically gravitate toward. But to my surprise, I found myself not only enjoying the album, but replaying it several times in one day.

There are some standout moments here. The star-studded collaborations with Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and TLC bring variety and elevate several tracks. "Work It" in particular is a brilliant showcase of Missy Elliott’s creativity and energy. It's hard not to appreciate her originality and flow—she may well be the best female rapper out there.

Favourite Tracks: The collaborations really shine. I especially enjoyed “Gossip Folks,” “Nothing Out There for Me,” and “Bring the Pain.”
Least Favourite: Honestly, every track was worth a listen—there weren’t any obvious skips.
Album Artwork: Not something I'd hang on my wall, but it suits the album's tone.

Slipknot’s self-titled debut album is a relentless barrage of aggression and noise that, for many listeners, may feel more exhausting than exhilarating. The band clearly set out to make a statement with their chaotic blend of metal, but for me, it often crosses the line into simply being unpleasant.

There are, to be fair, occasional flashes of strong musicianship—particularly in the guitar work and drumming—which manage to break through the overwhelming wall of shouting and distortion. However, these moments are fleeting and buried under layers of abrasive sound.

Favourite Track: Me Inside – It stood out slightly more than the others, though it still suffers from the same over-the-top vocal delivery.
Least Favourite: Honestly, nearly every other track blends into a relentless blur.
Album Artwork: The cover does little to inspire interest—visually chaotic and unappealing, much like the music itself.

Ramones by the Ramones is one of the definitive punk albums—raw, fast, and unforgettable. Clocking in at just under 30 minutes with 14 tracks, it’s a masterclass in punk efficiency: short, energetic, and irresistibly catchy.

The album features some absolute classics. “Blitzkrieg Bop” is punk perfection—undeniably iconic and explosive. “I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend” stands out as a melodic gem with surprising tenderness amidst the chaos. I also loved their punchy cover of Chris Montez’s “Let’s Dance,” which adds a fun twist to the tracklist.

If there's one critique, it's the album’s repetitiveness. Many of the songs follow a similar structure and riff pattern, which can blur the lines between tracks. Still, the relentless energy and attitude more than make up for it.

Favourite track: “Blitzkrieg Bop” – a brilliant, timeless punk anthem.
Least favourite aspect: The uniformity of sound can get a bit monotonous, but every song earns its place.
Album artwork: Instantly iconic—simple, stark, and as classic as the music itself.

Sweet Baby James is often hailed as a landmark album that helped define the singer-songwriter genre. Its historical importance is undeniable, but personally, I find it a difficult and somewhat dull listen.

The album is simple yet beautiful in moments. Taylor’s guitar playing is understated—softly spoken, almost whispering beneath his vocals. This allows his lyrics and the emotion behind them to really shine. However, the overall pace of the album feels sluggish, almost as if it’s constantly waiting to get going but never quite does.

Favourite Tracks: Sweet Baby James, Fire and Rain
Least Favourite: Nothing stands out as bad; the album is consistently mellow.
Album Artwork: A standard folk aesthetic—nothing remarkable, but fitting for the genre.

Rod Stewart has an incredible voice—versatile and full of character. Whether he's singing rock, folk, or blues, he brings genuine emotion and style to every track.

Every Picture Tells a Story features one of the greatest songs of all time in “Maggie May”, which alone earns the album a high score. Beyond that, the guitar work is outstanding—Ronnie Wood’s talent really shines throughout the record.

There are plenty of other strong moments too, like “(I Know) I’m Losing You” and “Reason to Believe”, which help round out the album beautifully. Overall, it’s an easy, enjoyable listen from start to finish, with both emotional depth and musical flair.

Favourite song: Maggie May – a timeless classic
Least favourite: Honestly, every track feels like it belongs
Album artwork: Very cool cover that fits the era and vibe

This is a solid, well-crafted album that shows why Rod Stewart became a legendary figure in rock music.

Drunk is one of the most recent albums on the list, released in 2017, and I was curious to see what made it an “instant classic” in the eyes of some.

Personally, I didn’t feel that way at all. Maybe I just didn’t get it, but to me, the album felt like background noise. It lacked a clear narrative or emotional direction, and I struggled to connect with it. Nothing really stood out—no big moments, no memorable hooks. It didn’t take me on a journey; it just drifted.

That said, “The Turn Down” and “Walk On By” were okay—probably the most listenable tracks for me. But overall, the album felt flat and unengaging.

Favourite song: The Turn Down, with Walk On By as a close second

Least favourite: Honestly, most of the album felt “meh”

Album artwork: Very unsettling and kind of creepy

I went into OK by Talvin Singh with no idea what to expect. I vaguely remembered it winning the Mercury Prize years ago, so I was curious to hear what made it stand out at the time.

Unfortunately, this album just didn’t work for me. The fusion of tabla, Indian classical elements, and electronic production felt overly polished and, at times, disjointed. It was a challenging listen, and I found myself struggling to get through it within a day.

This one’s not for me, and I don’t see myself revisiting it.

Favourite track: “Traveller” – one of the more listenable songs on the album
Least favourite: Honestly, most of the rest – it just didn’t land
Album artwork: Surprisingly decent – probably my favourite part of the experience

Going into this, I had never heard of Paul Revere & The Raiders or their album Midnight Ride. But with the late '60s artwork and vibe, I was curious to give it a listen.

Midnight Ride is a fun and energetic rock and roll record that captures the spirit of the '60s. At times, it channels a very Beatles-esque sound, which was a pleasant surprise. Standout tracks for me were “There She Goes” and “Get It On”—both catchy and full of that classic vintage charm.

That said, not every song hit the mark. A few tracks felt like filler, with “Melody for an Unknown Girl” standing out as the weakest—it just didn’t hold my attention and felt out of place with the rest of the album's energy.

Favourite song: Get It On

Least favourite: Melody for an Unknown Girl – it’s just a bit dull.

Album artwork: I really love the cover. It sets the tone well and has that cool, retro appeal.

Overall, Midnight Ride is an enjoyable slice of '60s rock, even if it’s a bit uneven at times. Definitely worth a listen if you're into that era.