Rated 4/10
I had listened to Solid Air before through this project, and I loved it, so I was excited to hear One World based on how much I enjoyed that album.
However, this one just doesn't hit the same way for me. I'm not sure why, but it doesn't have the same jazz atmosphere throughout and feels a bit more middle of the road. It's not an album that I'll come back to, but as a positive it did make me listen to Solid Air again today. 2 stars.
Rated 4/10
First song got my attention, rest of the album is very mediocre 90s pop rock with a country twang, not one for me.
Rated 10/10
This album is the second masterpiece from the Velvet Underground, and I personally enjoy it more than their debut album with Nico, even though I appreciate is more historically significant.
The songs on this album are beautifully written and have a more accessible sound, with mellow and reflective melodies and lyrics. Some of my favourite songs are “Pale Blue Eyes”, “What Goes On”, “Beginning to See the Light”, and “The Murder Mystery”. The last song adds a bit of experimental flair to the album, with its split channels and overlapping vocals. This album showcases the talent and versatility of Lou Reed, and I give it the full five stars.
Rated 6/10
Through my parents I grew up listening to Phil Collins Genesis, which made me dislike their pop rock style. However, I find their earlier prog rock albums more interesting, and I am a big fan of Peter Gabriel’s solo work. His latest album i/o was finally released yesterday, id highly recommend it to anyone who likes his music, hopefully makes futures cuts of the 1001 list.
The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway is one of Peter Gabriel’s last albums with Genesis, and it is a very ambitious and creative project, in my opinion his best with the group. It is a double album that tells the story of Rael, a young man who goes on a surreal adventure in New York City, facing various challenges and temptations. The album explores themes such as identity, sexuality, religion, and society, using a variety of musical genres and styles.
However, I have some issues with the album that prevent it from being a favoruite. First of all, I think the album is too long and repetitive, and it could have been edited down to a single album or a shorter double album. Some of the songs are filler and do not add much to the story or the music. For example, songs like The Waiting Room, The Light Dies Down on Broadway, and The Colony of Slippermen are boring and unnecessary, and they drag the album down.
Secondly, I think the album is too typical and clichéd of the prog rock genre. The album relies heavily on the keyboards, which sound dated and cheesy, and create a bland and monotonous atmosphere. The album also uses a lot of common tropes and devices of the genre, such as complex and obscure lyrics, long and indulgent instrumental sections, and obscure and pretentious references. I feel this sort of album just gives fans of Star Trek a big hard on.
Therefore, I would give the album a solid 3 stars out of 5, and I would say that it is an album that you should listen to before you die, but will only really enjoy if you are interested in the history and evolution of Genesis and Peter Gabriel, or if you are a fan of prog rock and concept albums. However, I prefer Peter Gabriel’s solo work.
Rated 4/10
I recently gave this years model 5 stars. I don’t think this album lives up to that masterpiece or even armed forces which I gave 4 stars. It’s not a bad album but given those two are already on the list, I don’t think this needs to be here. Hence 2 stars.
Rated 6/10
This is my third Fall album and I think it’s a good one, but not as good as their later albums that I enjoyed more. This album sounds a bit more messy and raw, which might appeal to some fans of the post-punk genre.
I wonder if this album is essential to listen to, considering that there are other albums by The Fall on the list of albums to listen to before you die. However, I was impressed by the fact that this album was recorded in just one day, which shows the talent and creativity of the band also live at the witch trials is a great name for an album. I would give this album 3 stars out of 5.
Rated 8/10
Darkland is an album that I often listen to, so this review may be biased.
I think this is a brilliant example of Scottish noise pop. The album has a captivating and immersive quality, and some of the songs, such as April Skies and Happy When It Rains, are really outstanding.
However, I do think that this album is not as good as Psychocandy, their debut album even though both sound very different. I prefer the live drums of Bobby Gillespie over the drum machine used here, and I also like the more abrasive and noisy sound of their first album. This album is still a great melodic album, but not their masterpiece. I give it 4 stars out of 5.
Rated 8/10
Smile is the long-awaited almost mythical follow-up to Pet Sounds. It showcases Brian Wilson's musical genius and emotional turmoil. The poor man suffered a mental breakdown during the recording process, which delayed the release for decades. Listening to this album is a way of honoring his artistic vision and personal struggle.
Compared to Pet Sounds, Smile is less cohesive and more experimental, but also more ambitious and adventurous. It features some of the most beautiful and complex songs ever written, such as "Good Vibrations", "Surf's Up", and "Heroes and Villains". It is an artistic statement that deserves a place in the history of music, even if it is not as flawless as its predecessor. I give it 4 stars out of 5.
Rated 4/10
OK is an album that blends Indian and electronic music, but it failed to impress me. I found the fusion of genres a bit dull, and the tracks lacked coherence and melody.
I don’t think I will ever listen to this album again, as I am not a fan of either Indian or electronic music. This album might appeal to some listeners who enjoy experimental and eclectic sounds, but it was not my cup of tea. 2 stars.
Rated 8/10
Imagine is an album that deserves to be heard, not just for its iconic title track, but for its range of emotions and musical styles. Lennon explores his personal and political views, his love and his anger, his hope and his despair. The songs are honest, raw, and sometimes controversial. Jealous Guy and I Don’t Want to Be a Soldier are haunting and vulnerable, while Give Me Some Truth and How Do You Sleep? are biting and sarcastic. The latter song is a harsh attack on his former bandmate Paul McCartney, which may seem unfair, but also reflects Lennon’s inner turmoil.
The album is not perfect, nor is it Lennon’s best work, which he achieved with the Beatles. It sometimes borders on being too self-indulgent or preachy, but it also has moments of beauty and brilliance. It is a snapshot of a complex and fascinating artist. 4 stars out of 5.
Rated 10/10
Nevermind is more than just an album, it is a cultural phenomenon. Nirvana captured the spirit of a generation with their raw, powerful, and honest music. I have been a fan of Nirvana since I was a teenager, and I still admire their courage and creativity to this day. This album is timeless, it sounds as fresh and relevant as ever. Every song is a classic, from the iconic Smells Like Teen Spirit to the haunting Something in the Way. Nevermind is the masterpiece of alternative rock, and one of my all-time favourite albums.
I couldn’t not give this 5 stars.
Rated 8/10
I want to start this review by giving the lead singer Tim Burgess a special shout out. Anyone enjoying this project should also check out Tim’s twitter listening parties (you can reply a lot of them on his website), something he started during Covid lockdowns and what got me back into listening to full albums, which then lead to me starting this project.
Anyways on to the review….
The Charlatans are one of the underrated bands from the Britpop era. To me, Telling Stories is a captivating and energetic album that showcases their musical talent and diversity. However, I can appreciate that those who do not like Britpop might think this is very average or bland. Musically, I was impressed by this album. The standout track was their biggest hit, One to Another, which has a catchy chorus and a powerful guitar riff.
This album is already in my frequent rotation of Britpop albums, so I might be biased. I give it 4 stars out of 5.
Rated 10/10
Exile on Main St. is a stunning double album that showcases the Rolling Stones’ musical diversity and creativity. It is a rock and roll masterpiece that features elements of blues, country, soul and gospel. The album is one of their best works, as it captures their raw and authentic sound, their rebellious and eclectic spirit, with lyrical themes of exile, alienation and survival.
Personally, I prefer Sticky Fingers to this album, as I think it is more concise and focused plus more hits always helps.
However, that does not take away anything from the greatness of Exile on Main St., which deserves a full 5 stars rating.
Rated 8/10
This is the best Dinosaur Jr album I have ever heard. I have listened to some of their other albums, given that I’m a fan of a lot of similar indie noise rock groups (Pixies, Sonic Youth, My Bloody Valentine, Nirvana). It’s surprising I haven’t spent more time with Dinosaur Jr.
This album hits the brief of being abrasive and noisy raw emotion but with catchy melodies.
Great album that fits the mould of a 4 star album that will make my frequent rotation list.
Rated 6/10
One of the classic west coast gangsta rap albums, Snoop Dogg’s debut album Doggystyle showcases his smooth flow and distinctive voice over the funky beats produced by Dr. Dre. The album is not quite up to the same standard as Dre’s The Chronic, but it is still a landmark in hip-hop history.
The album features some of the most memorable tracks of the genre, such as Gin and Juice, Who Am I (What’s My Name)?, and Murder Was the Case.
However, the album also suffers from some of the common flaws of 90s rap albums, such as outdated and misogynistic lyrics, and cringey and unnecessary skits. Some of the songs are hard to listen to in the present day, as they glorify violence, drugs, and sexism.
Overall, I believe this album is worth a listen and should be appreciated for its historical and musical significance and its beats that still sound fresh 30 years on, but it should also be critically challenged for some of its problematic messages. I give it 3 stars out of 5
Another country album that I didn’t enjoy. I do feel a bit sorry for poor Loretta though, sounds like she’s been with a lot of terrible men.
Rated 6/10
I have to admit that I'm not a big fan of Leonard Cohen, except for his final album You Want It Darker, which I think is a masterpiece. So when I heard that I'm Your Man had a lot of synthesizers in it, I didn’t have high hopes.
However, I was surprised to find that I actually enjoyed some of the songs on this album, especially the ones where Cohen's deep voice and witty lyrics creates a dark and moody atmosphere. Unfortunately, the album also has some flaws, such as the cheesy backing vocals and the almost cheap sounding backing tracks.
I think this album is worth a listen, but I can understand why some people will hate it. I give it 3 stars out of 5.
Rated 10/10
The Doors’ self-titled debut album is a sonic journey that captures the essence of the sixties. Even though I was not born in that era, I can imagine the psychedelic atmosphere, the rebellious spirit, and the poetic expression that defined it.
This album is a masterpiece that showcases the Doors’ unique blend of rock, blues, and jazz, as well as the charismatic vocals and lyrics of Jim Morrison. It is hard to believe that this was their first album, as it contains some of their most iconic songs, such as “Light My Fire”, “Break On Through”, and “The End”. I think this album is one of the greatest debut albums of all time, and one of those must albums have for anyone’s record collection. 5 stars.
Rated 10/10
An absolute cult punk classic, this album is up there with the best from 1977, which says a lot given the level of music that came out that year. To name a few, Marquee Moon, Never Mind the Bollocks, Rumours, Low, The Clash, The Stranger, Lust for Life, are some of the albums that make 1977 one of the best years in music in my opinion.
The songs are short but impactful. You need to listen to the album to appreciate them. Songs in isolation are not long enough, but together in the album they just flow. This is impressive given the rawness of the music.
This album is a five-star punk masterpiece and so underrated. More people need to hear this album.
Rated 8/10
No Clapton, No problem.
This album is a great showcase of the Yardbirds' blues and psychedelic rock sound, with Jeff Beck's guitar work being the highlight. The songs are catchy, energetic and diverse, ranging from hard rockers like "Over Under Sideways Down" and "Happenings Ten Years Time Ago" to mellow ballads like "Turn into Earth" and "Ever Since the World Began".
The album is not flawless, as some tracks are less memorable than others, and the production is a bit dated by today's standards. However, it is still a very enjoyable and influential album that deserves recognition as one of the best of the 60s. I give it 4 stars out of 5.
