Reviews by lukeice1

I cannot fathom how this record stands out amongst a sea of derivative alternative groups in the 90s. I suppose what sets it apart is the atrocious mixing between the vocals and guitar. One of the most unoriginal and uninspired records I've heard in my lifetime

Drake's lyrics and instrumentation shine as always on this record, with a unique blend of introspection and magenta colored glasses through which he sees the world

The Stranger is a master class in pop rock, showcasing Joel's unique ability to write infectious and catchy songs with storied subjects and really engage the listener to care about each and every person we meet on this record. Truly an amazing album deserving of every accolade it's received

Incredibly skillful blues, harmonica, and guitar playing on display, and the influence on rock is evident! Amazing and classic guitar tones that make this record great but I don't find much standout to revisit here

A stunning, heavy metal record with amazing vocal performance and insane guitar riffs. A surprising mixture of heavy metal with softer and deeper cuts like Changes. Ozzy will be missed, and his influence on Metal can't be overstated

While admirable that the band dares to try so many different sounds, from hard rock to ska to reggae to funk, the album's social message seems to get buried under the cartoonist impressions band members exude during the recording. It's high energy and has something to say but just doesn't feel focused enough

While the album is only 8 tracks, this record is arguably the greatest collection of singles ever put on wax. A landmark on rock and roll, shifting the genre towards arena rock and somehow perfecting it before the genre even had it's legs underneath it. Gorgeous guitar tones, reverberating organs, and layered vocals - Boston's self titled is a must listen!

A indie rock classic, this record contains ear worm hits like where is my mind as well as deeper cuts. The albums influence is widespread, and discoverable in bands that follow like Nirvana and PJ Harvey. The Pixies at their best!

A perfectly serviceable foray into punk, bursting with energy making for a fun listen. It is a distinctive brand of instrumental aggression that is engaging but perhaps not enough to stand out from talented peers

A wonderful foray into avant garde art pop containing many interesting textures. I could mull over the soundscapes presented in this album forever; however at the end of the day this album seems so concerned over the landscapes it paints that it overlooks the impact on the listener, which in my opinion not resounding but muted in contrast to the colors this album tries to present

Besides the attention grabbing moniker, the flying burrito brothers manages to pull the listener into a captivating world where country ballads are interrupted by guitar solos and banging keys. The Prometheus of country rock and full of catchy tunes, counter culture, and memorable tales. Everything one could want from a country album and more!

Full of energy and charisma, Van Halen's debut album contains to rock! Variations on the blues, metal, and rock and roll collide to give birth to glam metal and influence an entire generation of artists. There is a lack of variety on the album but given it's relatively short runtime this isn't necessarily a bad thing. A very enjoyable listen packed with classics

A masterclass in soul and funk, this album has a jubilant energy that is infectious. Wails, screeches, and screams pan in the mix over grooving bass lines, and jam tracks manage to sustain the groove. Different strokes maybe for different folks, but everyone can find something to love on this record!

A fun and unique album, fusing reggae, jazz, and funk. While the tracklist does lag towards the end, this album remains an enjoyable and exciting adventure

While the significance to brit pop is worth lauding, this record seems more derivative of other famous acts like the Smiths than it is confident in its own sound. And in that, this record commits a grave sin; it is boring. Banal, inoffensive, and with little standing out, New Wave manages to do something few other records on this list does, and that is to bore me to tears

I am certainly biased; living in Seattle the past 4 years, this record snapshots the cultural forces present in the area in a way no other collection of music ever has.

Beyond it's bold, unique chamber and choral elements, devastating lyrics, and gorgeous guitar tones, this record speaks to something greater; it's sparse instrumentation and reverberant vocals conjures a feeling of isolation that resonates in the region and time it was recorded and echoes into modern life. This record is truly a modern classic, perhaps the greatest indie record of the 2000s

Great set of folk country tracks, with every track containing a poignant commentary on some aspects of the state of Young's life at the time. That said while quite enjoyable, there is not much in the way of standout tracks or tight cohesion that would elevate this record, making it enjoyable but not an exceptional listen to those not absorbed in Young's self mythology

Some standout tracks that break the mold and serve as stupendous arena rock anthems, but outside of the bookend tracks the remainder of the track list lacks the same substance and sounds cliched by comparison

Filled to the brim with Sinatra classics this is an absolute classic. Of course the composition and arrangement is simple compared to modern standards, but there is a timeless charm here that makes the album worth revisiting over and over

An amazing jazz piano album with wonderful improvisation and a surreal mythos.