Reviews by kitch82

This album has a strong blend of folk and psychedelia running through it.

At times it feels very Doors like in mood and atmosphere, with that slightly dark, late sixties edge. There is a loose, colourful feel to the songwriting, but also some really sharp melodies.

Stephanie Knows Who and She Comes in Colours are definite highlights. Both have a great groove and that hazy psychedelic charm that makes the album stand out. There are moments here I will definitely return to.

Revelation, on the other hand, drifts too far for my taste. It feels overlong and loses the focus that makes the shorter tracks work so well.

Favourite songs: Stephanie Knows Who and She Comes in Colours
Least favourite song: Revelation
Album artwork: A good, bold cover that fits the psychedelic feel of the record

Love, love, love this and I am not even a massive hip hop fan.

Straight Outta Compton is explosive from the very first seconds. The opening track sets the scene perfectly. Bold, confrontational and completely unapologetic. Moving straight into the next run of tracks keeps that momentum going and makes for an incredibly strong start.

The production hits hard and the energy never really dips. It feels raw and important, even now. There is anger, confidence and a real sense that this album changed the direction of hip hop.

Straight Outta Compton and Fuck tha Police are obvious standouts. Both are powerful, direct and impossible to ignore. If I had to pick a weaker moment, 8 Ball would be it, but even that fits the overall mood.

Favourite songs: Straight Outta Compton and Fuck tha Police
Least favourite song: 8 Ball
Album artwork: Awesome and iconic. One of the most recognisable covers in music

A good album from a truly great artist who I adore.

This record has a raw, uncompromising punk energy that feels intense and immediate. The production is stripped back and abrasive, which only adds to the power of the songs. It sounds urgent, confrontational and completely authentic. PJ Harvey commands every moment.

“50ft Queenie” is explosive and full of attitude, while “Rid of Me” is tense and gripping, building and releasing with incredible control. The whole album feels fearless and unapologetic.

Favourite songs: 50ft Queenie and Rid of Me
Least favourite song: Yuri G
Album artwork: A great cover that perfectly matches the stark, uncompromising feel of the music

actually liked this a lot more than I expected to.

If I am honest, this whole challenge has made me appreciate Led Zeppelin far more than I have over the years. I have tried with them before and never fully connected, but revisiting these albums properly has changed that.

This debut is raw, heavy and full of confidence. Yes, some songs stretch out longer than I would prefer and there are moments where the guitar solos feel a little indulgent for my taste, but there is no denying the power and presence of the band.

Good Times Bad Times is a brilliant opener and Dazed and Confused has that dark, hypnotic edge that really works. The blues influence is clear throughout, but it is delivered with real intensity.

Favourite songs: Dazed and Confused and Good Times Bad Times
Least favourite song: You Shook Me
Album artwork: Legendary cover. Instantly recognisable and perfectly matched to the weight of the music

This is a hard album for me to review because it is so far removed from what I usually enjoy.

I can appreciate the musicianship and the influence it has had, especially in jazz fusion and funk, but as a listening experience it just does not connect with me. The extended instrumental passages and heavy keyboard focus feel repetitive, and with only four long tracks, it all starts to blur into one.

It is the first album in this challenge where I genuinely considered stopping halfway through. That is not to say it lacks quality, but it simply is not for me.

Favourite song: I honestly could not pick one
Least favourite song: The overall sound feels too similar throughout
Album artwork: Funky and striking. Easily the most immediately engaging part of the album for me

What an odd yet engaging album. Such different sounds from multiple nationalities but a heavy African influence. Interesting to listen to but not something I would listen to again which is a shame as this app has got me into talking heads.

I am not normally a fan of heavily instrumental music. This album had some good moments though and I understand the importance of this album.

Favourite song: Regiment for sure
Least favourite song: very very hungry
Album artwork: Great cover I love it.

Loved the sound of this album, the tracks worked together really well. Really good jazz and rap mash up. One of the best rap albums I have ever heard. I feel the lyrics are very powerful.

Favourite song: Rolling with heat or seed 2.0
Least favourite song: Some of the fillers between songs.
Album artwork: Love it

I had never heard a KISS song before today, so I went in with fairly low expectations. I was expecting full on bombastic rock, heavy guitars and not much else.

I was actually surprised. There is more variety here than I expected. The lyrics are decent in places and the album moves between hard rock anthems and more melodic moments. It is theatrical, but not without hooks.

Sweet Pain stood out for me. It has a strong groove and feels a little different from what I imagined KISS would sound like. Detroit Rock City, despite being one of their signature songs, did not quite land for me.

Overall, it was a more interesting listen than I anticipated.

Favourite song: Sweet Pain
Least favourite song: Detroit Rock City
Album artwork: Love the cover. Bold, dramatic and completely iconic

I know this album is critically acclaimed and adored by artists I rate highly, including Paul Weller. That said, I have always struggled with it.

There is no denying the craft. The harmonies are tight, the arrangements are thoughtful and it has that classic late sixties melodic charm. But for me, it never quite catches fire. It feels pleasant rather than powerful, and I find my attention drifting at times.

I have even seen The Zombies live and, if I am honest, I found them quite boring on stage as well. The songs just do not have the bite or urgency that I tend to gravitate towards.

There are moments I enjoy. Maybe After He’s Gone has a lovely melody, and Time of the Season is obviously a standout with its distinctive groove. But the first couple of tracks do very little for me and make it hard to fully settle into the album.

Favourite songs: Maybe After He’s Gone and Time of the Season
Least favourite songs: The opening two tracks do not grab me
Album artwork: A great cover. Colourful, bold and instantly recognisable

I had not listened to this album for years, so when it popped up in the challenge I was genuinely excited. For me, it is one of the Stones’ very best.

Rocks Off is a brilliant way to open a record. Loose, swaggering and slightly chaotic in the best possible way. It sets the tone perfectly for what follows. This album feels raw and unpolished, but that is exactly what gives it its character.

Tumbling Dice is one of the first songs I think of when I think about The Rolling Stones. Effortless and full of groove. Let It Loose was one I had almost forgotten about, but revisiting it reminded me what a great track it is. A real hidden gem on an album packed with them.

There is so much depth here. Soul, blues, rock and gospel influences all woven together. It is messy, but gloriously so.

Favourite songs: Shine a Light and Loving Cup. There are so many you could choose.
Least favourite song: Turd on the Run if I had to pick one
Album artwork: Amazing and iconic. One of the most recognisable covers in rock history

Not really my kind of album.

I can hear the quality in the musicianship and the smooth neo soul production, but it just does not connect with me in the way other genres do. The laid back grooves and mellow vibe never quite build into something that grabs my attention.

If I had to pick a highlight, the opening track Brown Sugar is the most engaging. It sets the tone well and has a nice groove. Beyond that, much of the album blends together for me.

Coming straight after listening to Meat Is Murder, this felt like a big tonal shift and perhaps a bit of a comedown. Completely different mood, different energy and not one that suits my taste as much.

Favourite song: Brown Sugar
Least favourite song: The overall sound feels too similar throughout
Album artwork: Clean and understated, fitting the smooth tone of the record

I absolutely love The Smiths. I have never been able to choose between their albums because, for me, they are all five out of five.

Meat Is Murder is incredible. The songs are sharp, emotional and perfectly sequenced. It works brilliantly as a complete piece, moving between anger, wit and vulnerability without ever losing its identity. Johnny Marr’s guitar work is outstanding throughout, and Morrissey’s lyrics cut straight through.

There genuinely is not a bad song on the album. “Nowhere Fast” is probably my favourite. What a riff. It has that driving energy that makes you want to turn it up louder every time.

Favourite song: Nowhere Fast
Least favourite song: None. They are all fantastic
Album artwork: Iconic. Stark, political and instantly recognisable

Another band I had never heard of before this challenge, and I am genuinely glad I have now discovered them.

A Walk Across the Rooftops has such a moody, atmospheric sound. It feels spacious and slightly melancholic, but never dull. The production is very eighties, yet in a restrained and elegant way rather than over the top.

Tinseltown in the Rain is a brilliant track and easy to see why it became one of their best known songs. It has that sweeping, emotional feel that really pulls you in. Stay is another highlight for me. Subtle, heartfelt and beautifully arranged.

I really enjoyed the album as a whole. It feels cohesive and carefully crafted, and it has definitely made me curious to dive deeper into their catalogue.

Favourite song: Tinseltown in the Rain
Least favourite song: None that stood out negatively
Album artwork: A great cover. Very eighties, but stylish and perfectly matched to the music

There is a lot of repetition on this album, and at times it feels like certain ideas are stretched a little too far. The long builds and looping structures are clearly part of the style, but for me they can drag.

That said, there are definite highlights. Impact, The Earth Is Burning is a great tune. It has drive, atmosphere and a real sense of momentum. When the album locks into that groove, it works well.

Overall, it is interesting and textured, but not something I would rush back to. Some tracks blur together, and a few outstay their welcome.

Favourite song: Remind
Least favourite song: Time Becomes a Loop. I would not mind never hearing that again
Album artwork: OK. I like the bold simplicity and the way the title elements stand out on the cover

Interesting sound, Different. Not for me at all though. Struggling to find a favourite song from this. If i had to pick blade runner is OK.

I gave the album 2 listens to see if i changed my mind and didnt. I cant believe it made the top 1001.

Favorite song: Blade runner
Least favourite song: most of the album
Album artwork: No idea what this is

I love this band and I love this album.

Violator is dark, stylish and full of atmosphere. It balances electronic precision with real emotion, and it feels completely timeless. Personal Jesus and Enjoy the Silence are obvious classics, but the depth of the album is what makes it special.

Halo is a huge highlight for me. Brooding and powerful, with that unmistakable Depeche Mode edge. World in My Eyes sets the tone perfectly, sleek and confident. Even Dangerous from the later reissue is a brilliant addition and easily stands alongside the main tracks.

It is an album that never loses its mood. Every song feels deliberate and part of a bigger picture.

Favourite song: Halo, Dangerous or Enjoy the Silence
Least favourite song: Waiting for the Night
Album artwork: Iconic cover. Simple, bold and instantly recognisable

I was not expecting much from this album, but it really surprised me.

Being There has a relaxed, confident feel to it. It blends alternative rock with Americana in a way that feels natural and unforced. There is variety across the record, yet it still hangs together well as a complete piece.

Monday is a great tune. Catchy, upbeat and instantly likeable. Outtasite Outta Mind has real energy as well and adds a bit of punch to the album. There is a warmth to the songwriting that makes it easy to keep listening.

Favourite songs: Monday and Outtasite Outta Mind
Least favourite song: None that stood out negatively
Album artwork: Simple and understated. It suits the laid back tone of the music perfectly

A really good album with that unmistakable mid sixties energy.

The Yardbirds have such a strong 60s sound. Bluesy, slightly psychedelic and full of attitude. You can hear how influential they were, especially in the guitar work, which feels sharp and inventive throughout.

Lost Woman is a standout for me. It has that driving rhythm and edge that makes the album so enjoyable. The whole record has a raw, youthful feel and never drifts.

There are no obvious weak moments. It is consistently strong and a great snapshot of British rock in that era.

Favourite song: Lost Woman
Least favourite song: None. No bad songs on here
Album artwork: I am a fan. Bold, colourful and very much of its time

There are some truly great songs on this album.

Bridge Over Troubled Water, Cecilia and The Boxer are all superb. Big melodies, emotional weight and songwriting of the highest level. The title track in particular is timeless and powerful, while Cecilia has that infectious rhythm that makes it instantly memorable.

That said, parts of the album lean a little too heavily into the folk side for my taste. So Long, Frank Lloyd Wright and El Condor Pasa do not quite land for me. They feel softer and more delicate, and I find myself drifting slightly during those moments. El Condor Pasa especially with the flutes just is not my thing.

When the album hits its peaks it is brilliant. I just prefer the bigger, more direct songs.

Favourite song: Cecilia
Least favourite song: El Condor Pasa
Album artwork: An iconic and instantly recognisable cover

I hated this when I was young and, if I am honest, I still do now. For me this is full on wrestling entrance music. Loud, brash and completely over the top.

That said, listening to it again did bring back memories. I had a mate, Crowton, who absolutely loved this album back in the day. Hearing it now takes me straight back to those times, and that nostalgia is the only reason it scrapes a two out of five. Sadly Crowton has since passed away, so in a strange way this record now feels tied to those memories of him.

Musically, there are a couple of tracks that still have some energy. My Generation and My Way are probably the highlights for me. Beyond the first few songs though, there is a lot of filler and it quickly becomes repetitive.

Favourite songs: My Generation and My Way
Least favourite: After track six it really drags
Album artwork: Completely mental. Definitely not something you would frame and hang on your wall

Not an album I enjoy, but one that now carries personal memories that mean more than the music itself