Didn't expect to like this one as much as I did! This is a true masterpiece of the punk genre — reminds me a lot of The Clash but more effective and with that distinct raw punk sound. Even the song that goes longer than the norm of the genre — "Johnny Was" — feels important and fitting in an album of briefer tracks. This album as a whole completely blew me away.
100/100
favs: suspect device, state of emergency, law and order, rough trade, johnny was, ... read more
Pollitically charged punk album that covers wide spectrums of issues with intensity accompanied by the wit, humor, and (most importantly) truth in Jello Biafra's lyrics. A staple in early hardcore punk.
96/100
a raw and relentless burst of energy and perversity; this is a fascinating listen that combines conventional ideas in rock with others much darker and pushing the boundaries of post-punk
80/100
A deeply personal and reflective album, Dream of Life was Patti Smith's comeback to music and her first release since 1979's Wave. It marks a shift in her sound that leaned more into of an 80s pop rock approach while still maintaining Patti's signature poetic touch. "People Have The Power" is the standout song from this record and Patti's whole discography (It's my favorite song of all time). It's an anthem of unity and the collective impact that we have ... read more
While many highlights of Joni's folk years are on this album, some fall short and aren't as memorable as she would go on to be.
87/100
favs: both sides now, i don't know where i stand, the gallery
Experimental and thought-provoking live performance art—Laurie Anderson does this like no other.
Patti's set of covers brings her creative touch to them, but lacks that wild and free nature of her albums of original material. Smells Like Teen Spirit is a highlight.
A devastating and reflective piece right from the mind of Daniel Johnston, Hi How Are you is a rough and sometimes unsettling look into the troubled life and art of the creator. This DIY nature of the album makes it really engaging and reminds me of a time capsule that was supposed to get hidden away but is instead readily available for all of us. Johnston openly showcases his deep emotions and spiraling depressive feelings on this project and I think that can resonate with a lot of people, as ... read more
I don't quite get the hype behind this one but it's a chill ride that has moments of Cohen's darkness as well as his sweet romantic side. The lyrics and sound just don't land with what I enjoy for the most of it.
In my opinion this is a huge improvement from "Songs of Leonard Cohen." The songs grab me more on this one and keep my attention completely. Some tracks are big skips that bring the score down though.
This album's contrast between first and second sides (electric vs acoustic) provides for an engaging and entertaining listen. My favorite Bob Dylan album, this feels like an entry point to his more rock based albums that would come, with that second side being like a final encore reminiscent of his early folk days. While the lyrics on the electric side lean into the silliness that turns me off to a majority of Highway 61, I feel that they work as a contrast to the lyrical prowess delivered ... read more
The closest I'll come to giving a metal album a 10, Master of Reality is a wild ride that combines the best elements of Sabbath's first two albums into an opus of innovative guitar tones and extraordinary playing. The strides made by the band lyrically are very wide as well, diving deeper into the already impactful songwriting on the first two records. It's a cohesive and well-paced album that makes the big moments really feel that important. A few brief low moments deduct the ... read more
An iconic landmark in the genesis of heavy metal, Paranoid is a nearly perfect rock album that showcases the band's superb musicianship as well as their dark themes and instrumentation. Though not the kind of rock music I normally consume, it's surely a trip that I revisit sometimes to acknowledge its innovation and influence to almost all metal records. Legendary!
98/100
favs: war pigs, electric funeral, paranoid
One of if not the most important album to be released in the 2020s, My Back Was a Bridge for You to Cross is an embrace of humanity's need to step up to make change as well as the effects of not doing so. Just like on HOPELESSNESS, Anohni's lyrics are right in your face and don't shy away from dark themes. Throughout the whole project, it feels like she's channeling a lot of the thoughts and concerns about our globe and infusing them right into the album. You can hear the ... read more
A landmark in 21st century songwriting, Lana presents us with a modern classic that will stand the test of time and will certainly be played and adored for the years to come. Nothing compares to her in today's landscape.
100/100
favs: happiness is a butterfly, the greatest, california, nfr, mariners apartment complex
This live performance reminded people (including myself) of how powerful and masterful the album Berlin truly is. With a choir, fantastic band, and of course Anohni, Lou Reed breathes new life into his classic concept album from 1973.
100/100
favs: candy says, caroline says pt. 2, oh jim, lady day
Create an account to rate and review albums.
Recent Review Comments
No review comments
Advertisement