Rated 10/10
This is peak hard rock. The Who truly had their style, and they did it with fantastic musicality. A play off the epic Lifehouse, Townshend’s song writing masterfully accentuates every members’ strengths - not only, but it sounds like they’re having fun. Every song screams energy, and this is by far Moon’s best playing (Quadrophenia is a close second.) This is a classic through and through, and I hope it’s seen that way for generations to come.
Rated 8/10
First of all, this album is fantastic. Each track is full of energy and rips right out of the gate. It’s classic rock n’ roll at its best - with streaks of hard blues. It’s an incredibly fun album and fully defines the era - and definitely gives the British Rock clan a run for their money. The only problem is that it almost sounds too much like The Rolling Stones. I however, got over it very quickly. The best track is Whiskey Woman.
Rated 6/10
This is often beautiful album - however, this is elevator music. There’s nothing really special about this album. At times there seem to be sparkles of truly magical ideas, but they’re ultimately drowned out by monotony - which is the biggest shame. I didn’t hate this album, and I can see myself putting it on in the background in the future; I just wish there was more. It’s obvious the inspiration and the talent is there.
Rating this 5/5 strictly because this was such an influential album for the Kinks’ success. Each song is fun, light, full of melody, but still hold a note of “please take me seriously.” Ray’s experimentation on this album did not go unnoticed, and continues to be some of the best out of England in the late 60s.
Rated 6/10
A quirky and ambitious album. Likely Eno’s most accessible album with star-struck features to boot. At times utterly beautiful, at times wincingly awkward - but always strikes a nice balance. Definitely an album to put on at a dinner party, but with deeper meaning. It deserves more from the listener.
What an incredibly fun album, full of rhythms, solos, and vocalizations. This combination of jazz and world genres explores an inherently rich world of cultures. Just so much fun.
Rated 8/10
Jaw-clenching hard rock. This is Osbourne and Iommi at their best. They seem to flow effortlessly between their harsh tones and brash lyrics. Although this is by no means a perfect album, and not even the best Black Sabbath album, its ambition and power is there. A strong 4/5 and an instant classic.
Rated 4/10
I want to rank this 1/5, but I can’t. I couldn’t help but find myself smiling intermittently throughout. The album is ludicrous, abrasive, offensive, but something about it is unabashedly unique. It felt like I was at cult meeting for the German Steel Workers Union. Crazy stuff.
Rated 6/10
Wildly imaginative, lyrical and conceptual. John Cale puts more into pop than meets the eye. At times, however, the album seemed trite and predictable. The production is immaculate for the time. The title track is the best. 3.75/5
Rated 8/10
Beautiful and inspired. Willie Nelson really knows how to create a cohesive sound without immense production. 4/5 only because these are covers.
