Reviews by zmzamarripa

I was going to write a big review using descriptors like derivitive and poor modern copy of... but lets just get down to it.
While the harmonies of multiple voices are nice the leads voice is not pleasant on its own. Everything sounds like stolen bits of old songs by the Beach Boys and Neil Young mashed together and I dont mean that in a complimentary way.
I guess this strikes a chord if you like a more modern version of the california folk pop of the mid to late 60s or if you were too young to have really heard any of it. No new ground is being broken here and there is no need for this on a list that could contain the vast options of music available.

This is VERY of its time and genre. Nothing really stands out other than the big single everyone that was alive at that time has heard a million times.

I dont see why this is on this list, but everyone has different taste.

This isnt bad, I wish 2.5 was available to rank as that would mean its average without being good or bad. It just is.

My favorite thing about people that get high is that they cant shut the fuck up about getting high.
I have no idea why anyone would think this is essential listening unless they are just super pumped about weed or they REALLY love reggae.
I fit into neither category.
The truly wild part about all of the above is this is no where near the bottom of the barrel on this journey.
2 stars

Lets start with this, these are clearly very gifted musicians AND I love broken tempo time changes (prog).
But, I REEEEEAAAAAALLLLLLY do not care for this gentlemans voice. Also, being a gifted musician doesnt mean that arrangement and songwritting are always of equal measure.
I can see why someone would love the complex and challenging nature of this and in all honesty I probably would enjoy this more if there was someone else singing.
2 stars is too harsh, 3 stars is giving too much. Ugh

Im not saying its bad, its just not for me.

This is one of those albums where I consider not continuing with this journey.

There is nothing new here, no one is breaking any ground.
Its not like this is clearly a masterpiece within its genre, either.

Heres the best part, this isnt the worst thing Ive heard on this list. Far fucking from it.

2 stars.

I understand why this would be here. You can hear its influence in music even today but especially in the 90s. Doesnt mean I want to go buy this today and put it in my rotation. 3.5 would be appropriate

This is one of those albums that if you hear a song pop up somewhere like a snippet in a movie or randomly on a playlist and you havent heard it in 2 years you think to yourself "hey, this is awesome". Then you whip out the album and play it and youre good for another 2 years until it pops up randomly again.
This is cool but it is also something I wouldnt want to listen to on repeat.

I went in with low expectations being that I have never understood the critical glaze over Kate.
I would like to say that I came out blown away by the record, I wasnt.
Its cool and all and there are parts here and there that are really good. Its usually not a full song but there will be a bridge or a chorus or just some little bit thats really great..... just like the rest of her discography.
Considering that this list is VERY UK oriented I wont be surprised to see every record of hers over the course of the next (checks notes) 577 records remaining.
3 stars. Its good I suppose and I understand why people would like it. I just dont care if I ever hear it again.

I can freely admit that Beyonce has a great voice. What I dont like (abhor is a better word) is the herky jerky delivery and I REALLY dont need to hear that you can hit every damn note in the spectrum every third word.
These are the theme songs for women with shitty dudes that cheat on them, have no job and no prospects. Hiliariously ol B sings these songs about not tollerating a man that cheats and is disprespectful and yet.... there she is with a man that has cheated on her which is the ultimate for of disrespect.

Suffice it to say I hate this. Doesnt mean I dont see the appeal for some people and the ladies have great voices even if I cant stand the delivery.

THIS is what I came to this project for. Thought provoking, musically challenging while being rewarding.
I wouldnt necessarily say I love this but I appreciate what it is.

Christina clearly has mutant lungs and is an incredibly gifted singer. That being said sometimes she does this kind of muppet type voice and I dont need every song to have a vocal run or 14. I get it, you can hit ALL the notes.

Its good, dont get me wrong but I hardly feel as though this is essential listening. "Beautiful" will forever be remembered and covered for the rest of time, doesnt mean the rest of the album is even within the realm of it.

Never heard this before! I love hearing new music.

Welp, I do not care for the singers warble, nor his tone.

The instrumentation isnt really my cup of tea. I get that people are into this type of music but I am not that guy. I can hear how this is a stepping stone into more polished pop-punk but that doesnt mean I enjoy it. I dont need this in my life and I certainly didnt need to hear this before I perish.

That being said, its not like this is even remotely close to the worst thing Ive been subjected to on this project.
2 stars.

Of all the deserving artists that need a single album on a list like this the Fatboy has 2. Huh....

Anyhoo, if youre really into 90s DJ/Dance music like this it might be essential. If not youll probably get bored with it after a bit. There are a couple of really good songs in here and the rest is ok.

You definitely dont need to hear this before you die.

I mean....

This is fine and fun if youre into this kind of music. I dont want this to sound negative because its not. This is fun 80s\90s style glam punk and its not like they are bad musicians.

I would like to hear a detailed explaination from the author as to why this is something someone MUST hear before they die.

As stated above, this is fun! 3 stars worth of fun that I will probably never listen to by choice ever again.

Im always excited whenever I get to hear something I am not familiar with but lets be honest, most of the time on this project it turns out to be terrible.

THIS is the exception. I like everything about this. Instrumentation/programming are not only interesting but catchy as hell. And the vocals.... If it were just the guy singing it might get old after a while but when you throw in the female vocals it really lights up both of them.

I ended up adding a bunch of this to my liked songs playlist. Im not going to go out seeking to purchase this but if I see it when Im out at the record store its going home with me without hesitation.

Easy 4 stars.

Im having a hard time determining what it is that makes this any different than any of the other "alt girl" early 90s albums other than the fact that we knew Aimee from the 80s in 'Till Tuesday. Similar songs with mid tier vocals. Honestly this sounds like the band from a bar scene in any 90s movie

I dont understand the critical love for Aimee and this is no different. I dont dislike it, I dont like it. After today I will forget this exists.
2 stars.

OK, here we go. I do not care for Morresseys voice and delivery. That aside I do not care for his ham fisted lyrics 99% of the time. Its not that I disagree what what hes saying it is again the delivery of it. So dramatically theater kid while simultaneously being as plainly written and unpoetic as possible. Its a dichotomy that I dont care for when HE does it.
Now the positives: The implied melodies and lyrical phrasing and cadence of the vocals I can truly appreciate. I truly believe that if this was sung by someone else who was a better lyricist this could be a 4 star album.
And the surprising... Morrissey (or Morrissey with the Smiths) is on this list 7 fucking times. Christ on a bike, someones a Morrissey fangirl and it sure the fuck isnt me.
2 stars

Waaaaaaay back when there was a company called Columbia House. The deal was you could get like 8 albums for a penny with the understanding that you would buy 5 more at regular price later. Needless to say most people didnt bother paying for the 5 later and Columbia House no longer exists......
This album was on my first order from Columbia House when I was a kid. I spent countless hours teaching myself hand/foot independence playing along with these songs on the drums. Needless to say I have an affinity for this record.
In my oh so humble and always correct opinion this is their best album (take that Hysteria). Sure, it probably has something to do with my love for it as a kid. Once I wash away some of the nostalgia and childhood rose colored glasses it has its its flaws. The singles are spectacular, the rest is good but a clear step down in quality. Also, though popular for the time frame, the mirror sheen production doesnt really feel alive.
Once you get past that though, what a stroll down memory lane for me and a fantastic album. I still own my originally ordered record (thanks mom, for saving all my old vinyl) and I think its time to give it a spin.
SOLID 4 stars.

NICE!
After sludging through another 5 straight ass albums we get to something good.
What Yes brings are elements of what form almost all of my favorite music... time changes, suite style song structures, challenging compositions yet melodic, INCREDIBLY talented musicians (I could fangirl over Bill Bruford all day long).
That being said this is the stepping stone to a more accessible sound but it has its issues as most of their discography in that it is uneven quality wise throughout (sometimes even within the same song).
This is an album that belongs on a list like this.
Solid 4 stars.