Reviews by kitch82

I was genuinely excited to come back to this. I had not listened to it properly in years, but I still remember buying the 20th Anniversary double CD when it came out and playing it constantly. There is something about this album that has always stayed with me.

It really is a great record.

For me, it is comfortably the best solo Beatles album. There is a confidence and freedom to it that you can almost feel. Harrison sounds liberated, stepping out from the shadow and delivering song after song that had clearly been building up inside him for years.

My Sweet Lord, What Is Life and If Not for You are brilliant pop songs, melodic, uplifting and full of warmth. The production has that huge Phil Spector scale, which at times is overwhelming, but it also gives the album a sense of grandeur that suits the material.

The only real issue is the length. It is sprawling, and the final few tracks, particularly the extended instrumentals, feel unnecessary. The album could easily lose five or six songs and become an absolute five out of five classic without question. As it stands, it slightly overstays its welcome.

Favourite song: What Is Life
Least favourite song: The final few instrumental tracks
Album artwork: Iconic. Instantly recognisable and perfectly eccentric

I have heard so much about Graceland over the years but had never actually sat down and listened to it properly. I have always loved You Can Call Me Al, although I do sometimes wonder how much of that is down to the brilliant video with Chevy Chase.

Listening to the full album, it is easy to see why it is so highly regarded. The blend of world influences with Simon’s songwriting creates something genuinely distinctive. The rhythms are infectious, the musicianship is superb and the melodies are strong throughout. The Boy in the Bubble is a fantastic opener and sets the tone brilliantly.

At times though, I felt it almost overplays its hand. There are so many different sounds and textures that the album can feel like it jumps around a little too much. Instead of flowing naturally, it occasionally feels busy, and that slight lack of cohesion made it more tiring than I expected.

That said, there is no denying the quality. It is ambitious, intelligent and full of memorable moments. It is definitely one I will return to, even if I am not quite as blown away as some.

Favourite song: The Boy in the Bubble and You Can Call Me Al
Least favourite song: I Know What I Know. A bit too crowded for me
Album artwork: Love the cover. Simple and striking

This is a great album.

It has taken me a while to properly get into ELO. For years I appreciated the big singles but never fully bought into the whole sound. In recent years though, it has really clicked, and Out of the Blue shows exactly why they were so huge.

It is ambitious, melodic and unapologetically grand. The strings, harmonies and huge choruses could easily tip into over the top territory, but somehow it all works. There is a real sense of scale to the album, yet it never loses its pop instincts. The hooks are everywhere.

Turn to Stone is a brilliant opener, full of energy and drive, and It’s Over shows the more emotional, dramatic side of the band. Even across a long running time, it rarely drags. It feels like a fully realised vision rather than just a collection of songs.

Favourite song: Turn to Stone and It’s Over
Least favourite song: Birmingham Blues
Album artwork: Amazing cover. Iconic and perfectly matching the space age ambition of the music

I was not expecting much from this. I have only really known the title track over the years, and even that I have always thought was just OK rather than amazing. So I came into the full album with fairly low expectations.

It surprised me.

There is a real polish and confidence to this record. The songwriting is tighter than I expected, and the production has that warm mid 70s California sheen without feeling overblown. New Kid in Town is excellent, smooth and melodic with a great vocal, and Life in the Fast Lane has real bite and energy.

Across the whole album there is a strong sense of craft. The musicianship is superb and the songs feel carefully constructed rather than thrown together. It flows well and never drags, which I did not anticipate.

I will definitely listen again, which is not something I thought I would be saying beforehand.

Favourite song: Life in the Fast Lane
Least favourite song: None. All strong tracks
Album artwork: Great cover. Instantly recognisable and perfectly suited to the mood of the music

I actually really enjoyed this, more than I expected to.

Going in, I was prepared for something abrasive and chaotic, but what stood out was how inventive and atmospheric it is. The basslines are brilliant throughout, driving the songs in a way that feels fresh and slightly unsettling. There is space in the production, which makes everything feel more deliberate and less frantic than I imagined.

Religion I and Religion II are the clear highlights for me. Powerful lyrics, sharp delivery and far stronger melodies than I was anticipating. There is anger there, but it feels controlled and purposeful rather than just noise.

It feels like a proper step away from punk into something darker and more experimental, and you can hear the foundations of so much post punk that followed. For a debut, it is bold and confident.

Favourite song: Religion I and Religion II
Least favourite song: None. Every track brings something interesting
Album artwork: Awesome. Striking and very of its era

This is the first proper, full on metal album I have ever listened to from start to finish, so I went in with an open mind.

I have to say, I found it tough going.

From the opening track it feels relentless. Heavy riffs, tribal drums, aggressive vocals and very little let up. It genuinely felt like being shouted at for an hour. I can appreciate the intensity and the power, and I can hear that there is serious musicianship behind it, especially in the rhythm section. The Brazilian influences and percussion elements are interesting and give it a unique edge within metal.

But it is just not my genre.

The constant volume and aggression made it hard for me to find anything to latch onto melodically. Instead of energising me, it left me feeling worn down. I can see how this would be a huge album for metal fans, and I respect what they were doing stylistically, but it is not something I would choose to return to.

I can appreciate that this is considered a classic of Latin music, and Tito Puente’s reputation speaks for itself. The musicianship is tight, the rhythms are energetic and you can absolutely hear why this would have packed dance floors in the late 50s.

It just is not for me.

Across a full listen, I found it repetitive and struggled to stay engaged. The percussion is impressive and relentless, but without much variation in mood or structure it started to blur together. I can admire the technical skill and cultural importance, but personally it did not connect.

I am sure in the right setting, maybe live or in a social environment, this music would come alive. As an album to sit and listen to from start to finish, it did not hold my attention.

I have previously scored a Nico album poorly and White Light / White heat. Thisalbum though is a classic and all the things right about The Velevt Undergound.

Without listening to this again I know its a 5/5. Every song on the album is a classic. The opening 2 songs are so powerful. Heroin is unreal!! All classics.

Favourite song: The black angels death song
Least favourite song: There is not a bad song on the album
Album artwork: could even be the best album artwork ever

I went into this completely blind. I’d never really listened to Gene Clark before — then realised he was in The Byrds. And honestly, at this point in the challenge, it feels like there are far too many Byrds-related albums on the list.

This one just didn’t grab me. It feels very samey throughout — mid-tempo, introspective, and drifting along without much variation. I kept waiting for something to lift it, but it never really arrived. For me, it lacks urgency and bite.

It leans heavily into that earnest, rootsy singer-songwriter territory. At times it feels like a stripped-back, softer blueprint for artists who would come later — but without the dynamism. Being a huge Springsteen fan, I couldn’t help thinking this felt like a poor man’s version of that heartland storytelling — similar themes, but without the punch or the hooks.

Favourite tracks: “With Tomorrow” and “White Light” stand out. There’s a bit more melody and shape to these, and they’re the reason this scrapes a 2/5 rather than lower.

Least favourite: If I’m honest, most of the rest of the album blends into one long, indistinct listen.

Album artwork: Pretty average, nothing especially striking or memorable.

Overall, it’s not terrible, just dull. And that’s worse. It’s another one ticked off the list, but not one I’ll be returning to.

A proper classic.

White Light White Heat sounds dangerous from the outset. It is raw, abrasive and completely uncompromising. There is very little polish here, and that is exactly the point. The guitars are distorted, the rhythms feel almost chaotic at times, and the whole record has an intensity that still feels bold decades later.

The lyrics are sharp and confrontational, tackling subjects that very few bands were willing to go near at the time. It feels important, not just musically but culturally. You can hear the blueprint for so much punk and alternative rock that followed.

It is not an easy listen, but it is a rewarding one. There is a confidence in how far they push things, and that tension gives the album its power.

Favourite song: White Light White Heat and The Gift
Least favourite song: None. Every track earns its place
Album artwork: Simple and stark, perfectly matching the stripped back, confrontational sound

I have never thought about listening to this album but I am glad i did.

There were plenty of songs I have not heard and really enjoyed like Mary Jane, All I really want and right through you. No filler.

This sounds like the 90s.

Favourite song: All the classics we already know and Mary Jane.
Least favourite song: All good tunes!
Album artwork: Really recognisable cover

thi is so far away from being my kind of music. That said whilst listening I noticed I had heard many of these songs before.

With a holiday coming up this album took me to a beach in the sun. Lovely harmonies, great spanish guitar and brilliant percussion. The only issue is the repitition over the duration of the album. Easy album to listen to and just switch off, which I am not sure is a good or bad thing.

Favourite song: D camino a la vereda
Least favourite song: quite a lot of them
Album artwork: love it

I have heard of Dinosaur JR but have never listened to them before. When this came up I was excited and not sure what I was going to get. I was expecting a Feeder, Green Day and Ash vibe.

Thats exactly what I got and its not my bag at all. I found this a noisy and sloppy album.

Favourite song: couldnt find one I liked
Least favourite song: All of them
Album artwork: Meh

What a confusing album this is. there are some great rock and roll songs on this album and then some real dross and there are only 7 songs on the album. I was really not a fan of next.

The opening 3 tracks are great. I love Faith healer and gang bang. Then the album goes a little downhill.

I will be downloading this and listening to it again.

Favourite song: Gang bang
Least favourite song: Next
Album artwork: Love the cover

Loved this, I had not listened to this since my childhood. It was one of the first cds I ever bought.
it still sounds good today. Lots more filler than I remember.

Favourite song: Ready or not
Least favourite song:
Album artwork: Cool

I love Blixa Bargeld. His era with The Bad Seeds is my favourite, and the album he did with Teho Teardo, Still Smiling, is superb. That is exactly why this felt even more disappointing.

Kollaps is pure experimental industrial noise. Twenty three tracks of clanging, scraping, abrasive sound with almost nothing resembling melody or structure. I understand it was groundbreaking and deliberately confrontational, but for me there is nothing remotely enjoyable about it.

It is relentless and exhausting. I genuinely praise myself for making it to the end. This is easily the hardest listen of the challenge so far and sits well below a one out of five in my personal rankings.

Favourite song: None
Least favourite song: All of them
Album artwork: Stark and harsh, which fits the music, but not something I would call appealing

I really enjoyed this album. It was exactly what I needed on an early Saturday morning start. I ended up listening to it twice, which says everything.

Purple Rain has an incredible sound. It moves effortlessly between funk, dance and rock, all tied together with gritty, emotional lyrics. It feels big and dramatic but never overblown. There is swagger, vulnerability and pure musical brilliance running through it.

Darling Nikki is wild and outrageous. You cannot help but be entertained. Most of the album is packed with strong songs, though I did struggle a bit with Computer Blue. It feels slightly less immediate than the rest.

The title track Purple Rain is monumental. Emotional, soaring and timeless. It completely justifies the album’s reputation.

Favourite song: Purple Rain
Least favourite song: Computer Blue
Album artwork: I love the cover. Iconic, dramatic and perfectly matched to the music

An easy 5 out of 5 and that is before even pressing play again. One of my absolute favourites from one of the very greatest.

Changes is incredible. It is one of the earliest songs I remember truly noticing and connecting with, and it still sounds fresh decades later. Then there is Life on Mars. A genuine masterpiece. It comfortably sits in my top ten songs of all time. Dramatic, emotional and completely unique.

This album captures Bowie at his most inventive. Witty, melodic, theatrical and thoughtful all at once. The piano led songwriting gives it warmth, but there is still that unmistakable Bowie edge running through it. He blends pop, glam, folk and art rock effortlessly.

There is not a weak moment here. Every track feels considered and essential.

Favourite tracks: Changes, Oh You Pretty Things and Life on Mars. As good as anything you will ever hear
Least favourite: Not a bad song on the album
Album artwork: Perfect. That soft focus, cinematic portrait is just as iconic as the music inside

have always loved Nico’s voice. Even though she was untrained and pushed in a particular musical direction early on, there is something completely unique about her tone. I think a lot of my affection for it comes from her work with The Velvet Underground.

The opening two ballads, The Fairest of the Seasons and These Days, are stunning. Fragile, melancholic and beautifully understated. They set the bar incredibly high.

After those first two tracks though, the album starts to feel repetitive. The arrangements become softer and more ornate, and for me it drifts into something that almost feels like a wistful film or Disney style soundtrack. It loses the edge and tension that made those opening songs so powerful.

It feels like the album is missing something. Perhaps that darker, experimental backdrop she had with The Velvet Underground. There is beauty here, but not quite enough bite.

Favourite songs: The Fairest of the Seasons and These Days
Least favourite song: The later tracks blur together for me
Album artwork: Very sixties and very cool. Effortlessly stylish and perfectly in keeping with the era

I have always loved this album and was genuinely pleased to sit down and listen to it properly again from start to finish.

Highway 61 Revisited is Dylan at his absolute best. Sharp, biting lyrics, swaggering delivery and that electric backing that still sounds bold decades later. It feels confident and slightly dangerous, like he knew he was changing the game.

I had forgotten just how strong some of the deeper cuts are. From a Buick 6 has real punch, and the whole album carries that restless energy. Like a Rolling Stone is obviously monumental, but Tombstone Blues is just as thrilling in its own chaotic way.

There is not a weak moment on here. It is one of those records where every song feels essential.

Favourite songs: Like a Rolling Stone and Tombstone Blues
Least favourite song: None. Not a bad song on the album
Album artwork: Iconic. Effortlessly cool and perfectly matched to the music