Here's a conundrum. If you extract a Christmas Album out of the season, is it still a good album? Or is the fact that I am listening to this album on Christmas Day irrevocably biasing my review?
Yeah, it probably is. But I don't really care. It's still a decent album.
Rated 4/10
The album equivalent of getting blueballed. Some of the songs are such a bore to listen to, but then it gets -really- interesting... Only to have it end immediately. It is relaxing to listen to, but for an album that is supposed to be influential, I was expecting more.
Rated 6/10
Ehh, it's pretty alright I suppose. The problem with being the original influences of blues musics is that I have heard it all before. Still, what is there is quite good, and I do appreciate that they try to make their tracks distinct from one another.
Rated 8/10
The length of the tracks daunted me at first. But this is a wonderful, relaxing album to listen to. I can see why Pink Floyd has such a legendary status - the album's autobiographical themes gives it power enough to stick out.
Rated 8/10
Strangely it is a very thematic, coherent album. I was expecting more of a random assortment of Metallica songs, but this was quite nice. I have to say though - James Hetfield's voice gets too much after listening to an entire album of his growling. But One is a masterpiece, and I definitely will give this album a revisit.
Rated 8/10
'Roundabout' is of course the biggest draw of the album, and it is definitely my favourite. But the longer tracks on this album are worthwhile to listen to as well. It is hampered a bit by inconsistency: the short, 'quirky' songs kind of pull me out of going on the journey that Yes wants to send me on. But nevertheless, it is a legendary prog rock album in my opinion.
Also: IS THIS A JOJO REFERENCE???!1one!1!!
Rated 6/10
This album feels like a series of lullabies, softly whisking me away to sleep. The lyrics are well-written and conjure vivid imagery. It's not bad, but it does start to blend all together and I doubt I'm going to revisit any of the tracks on it.
Rated 4/10
Good beats, good flow. It's just a shame that Snoop Dogg raps about three things in general: smoking weed, being sexist, and chilling with his homies. I guess the informality of it just being a sesh with your homies could be the strength of the album, but it is not a friend group I'd like to be a part of.
Rated 8/10
This album... was restorative. After a rough night's sleep and a general feeling of anxiousnesses that pervaded my day, listening to this whisked me away to drift amongst the clouds. It is an ethereal, beautiful experience. But its relaxing vibes are also the biggest critique I can give it: there's no single track that stood out as the definitive iconic song.
An assault on the eardrums in the best way possible. An angry, powerful album that kicks the door in and rocks your socks off. Sometimes it does get a bit samey, though.
Rated 4/10
Firmly middling. I really wish I could give it a 2.5/5, but, I suppose I'll have to trust my gut here. There's some songs that have some catchy groove to them, but the rest just fall by the wayside. Vocals are nice, though.
Rated 8/10
A beautiful voice, accompanied by beautiful piano arrangements. Elton John always seems like he's having the time of his life when he's singing, which makes this album that much more charming. The former half of the album is definitely stronger, though.
Rated 8/10
There's a lot of anger in this album, and it hits hard. Stan and Real Slim Shady are masterpieces. But the in-between segments and Eminem's crass, childish humor gets a bit much at times. Still, it's a legendary album for the rap scene.
Rated 8/10
God damn, I wish I could give this album a 5 just because METAL. But I can't in good conscience. While there is undeniable catchiness to the songs that gets you going, the lyrics seem like a very watered down rebellion (TM). There's just a general anger that seemed to try to cater to as many different people as possible instead of just focusing on bringing a message.
But it is still headbanging good metal.
There's something indefinable that juts puts me off of Elvis Costello. Whether it is his voice, the trite guitars and songs, or just plain unoriginality... I don't know.
Rated 6/10
Very simplistic, lots of songs about love. There are a few that do stand-out, but for an album it's just 'alright'.
Rated 4/10
'Small Hours' is an amazing, trance-like experience to listen to - but the rest of the album was mostly a hit and miss. I do love the experimental vibes, but it is still only a unique experience to listen to once. Kind of underwhelming.
Rated 6/10
It's relaxing to listen to, I'll give it that. It definitely matches the vibe of being at the beach and listening to the languid guitars. However, nothing really stood out to me besides the opening track. So it's going to be just decent for me.
Rated 10/10
Now -this- is what I'm talking about! Rocking guitars, a powerful voice, and just straight up attitude dripping off the tracks. Honestly a perfect album, no further notes needed.
Rated 4/10
What this album lacks is consistency, I feel. Though I'm all for being experimental, it feels like they're just throwing whatever on the album to see what sticks. Vocals can be a bit grating, too. The guitars make this album -just- worth it to listen to once.
