10/9/25 Rating Change 82->80

Mk.Gee clearly is a talented musician who packs this album with some really enjoyable musical ideas, even those that seemingly have no business being together normally. Reminds me a lot of "Bocanada" by Gustavo Cerati which proved to be one of my favorite albums that I had no expectations going into originally. While I wouldn't say this projects live up to that degree of quality, is certainly a very eclectic mix that flows together incredibly ... read more

I will give Alessia Cara credit for not sticking with the sound that made her famous and trying a jazzier and indie rock sound. However, with some questionable production/mixing choices and lyrics, her attempt to be the next Amy Winehouse or Maggie Rogers leaves me quite cold.

To me this album feels like standing outside a nightclub in the 80s, not that you couldn't get in, but rather that you had the full intention of going on to forget someone you once loved but you got anxious so this is what's playing in the club while you smoke a cigarette outside to calm your nerves. The first 3 songs and the tiktok viral hit "Champagne Coast" really show off what this album can do. The plinky guitars, palm muted bass and the lilting voice go well together ... read more

This project feels like a mix of Daft Punk and The Cars to me, as odd of a pairing that may sound initially. Djo clearly knows and appreciates his synthpop and all of its offspring. The Tiktok fueled "End of Beginning" stands out as the high point with "On and On" and "Change" not too far below. The rest of the track list is populated with enjoyable but not overly remarkable bits of synth driven, semi 80's throwback songs. When listening to this project, one ... read more

I really just can't stand it. It's well known that this was made as a demand by a label single and Chino didn't want to do it. I wish he hadn't. I know he was trying to prove a point that it's easy to make a single with a rapped verse and a sung chorus but for me this just absolutely does not work. Made sure I got a vinyl that specifically didn't have this song included, that's how much I want to avoid it. The meager points I'm offering are for some good ... read more

And here we are, the last Deftones Album (as of 4/22/25, subject to change). While it can be argued that their best albums are now years if not decades behind them, this album is certainly no slouch. Keys are much more at the front on this album, helping to create some more ethereal passages on the track list which I personally enjoy. The first half has some good tracks that hold their own quite well, featuring some great Chino Vocals, guitar riffs and drumming, along with the aforementioned ... read more

We all have to start somewhere, and here marks Deftones' beginnings into the early Nu Metal scene. This is definitely their most raw effort in their discography, and you can certainly some of the first signs of their signature sounds in the embryonic stage. Overall though, this is definitely more of a Nu Metal album with a Deftones album. Granted it's a Nu Metal album with the incredible Chino Moreno on vocals (although he seems be doing his best Jonathan Davis at times) and much ... read more

Whatever the opposite of a sophomore slump is, this is it to the fullest (paraphrased from the Rocked YouTube channel). Deftones is really starting to find their sound here, finding the balance between intimate and intense that gave them tons of fans and crafted some of their best tunes. The quality is great throughout the track list, with obvious standouts being My Own Summer, the title track, and Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away). Lhabia, Mascara, Lotion, and the Dai the Flu deserve some ... read more

9/3/25: (86->89)

Even though it took 2 years to complete as a result of some major dysfunction, this still a very good record with some real quality songs on there. Hole in the Earth is a very strong opener, and the hits keep coming with Beware, Cherry Waves, Mein, Xerces and Kim Dracula. Most of the other tracks are pretty decent and easy listens. Most. Okay, yeah. Pink Cellphone. The black sheep of the album. On the positive side I would call it experimental and the soundscape for most ... read more

A surprisingly eccentric collection of cover songs from the band. Has an unfortunate problem of having the best song first that tends to negatively affect a listening experience for me since nothing later on lives up to it. Not to take away from how good the cover of The Cars' "Drive", as it may be one of my favorite covers ever. Also props to the covers of Jawbox's "Savory" and The Cardigan's "Do you believe". Everything else just feels alright ... read more

An amazing album that serves as a fitting tribute to the then uncertain future of Chi Cheng. While some may say it doesn't reach the heights of White Pony or Koi No Yokan, to me it is a very safe bronze medal and that's nothing to be ashamed of. This album flows beautifully with themes of life and death and love and intimacy. Chino's singing is as good as ever and this may be some of my favorite drumming from Abe who deserves his flowers every chance he gets.

Edit: The copium was real. Good lord does this fall flat. (Rating: 71-35)

I don't understand the hate for the chorus vocals. It's a pretty alright song. Gonna get a lot of grief for being the single for the album that follows up The Forever Story but I do agree if it were on that album it would be the worst song. Flows are varied and very enjoyable. Beat is pretty underwhelming I do have to say.

Oh this hurts. Partially because no one likes to say anything ill about their favorite band and also this is the follow up to Koi No Yokan which is tied with if not surpasses White Pony for me. But yeah. While it still is leaps and bounds above many other artists' worst albums, this is the low point for Deftones. Prayers/Triangles is a great start, and Phantom Bride and Rubicon are great enders, but the majority of the project is frankly quite forgettable and lackluster (I know Heart/Wires ... read more

Having the unenviable task of coming after the simply incredible and widely lauded White Pony, Deftones' self titled album still manages to produces some quality songs that could be considered more hidden gems to the casual listener. Minerva is an obvious standout and widely loved from my understanding, but Needles and Pins, Good Morning Beautiful, Deathblow, Bloody Cape, Anniversary of an Uninteresting Event and When Girls Telephone Boys absolutely deserve a listen. Deftones' ... read more

Naturally going to catch some guff for not being TPAB or GKMC but that's bound to happen when you've set the bar so high. I don't think Kendrick was focused on meeting that bar I think he just really wanted to make a love letter to the west coast. A lot of strong tracks, some decent tracks that are better than the average filler track, and the subpar peekaboo and GNX.

Absolutely mastery of flow and energy on this track. JID exudes such control and confidence in his flow and dynamics here.

Feels like a really unique take on R&B, Soul and Funk. All of these genres have their strongest assets mixed in with several other influences in this musical cauldron that Blood Orange continues to stir with each new project. Saint, Charcoal Baby, and Chewing Gum are the definite standouts for me, with Orlando and Hope being strong entries as well. The last third is a little bit weaker than the first but just a really fun listen.

While this album is overall incredibly lush and dreamy with its soundscape, the bass in particular has some of the best parts I've ever heard for the instrument. The classic good versus evil or purity versus sin is present through the project and adds layers that integrate perfectly into this incredible work. A must listen for sure.

Another absolute staple of jazz and music in general. After just getting done listening to A Love Supreme this feels manages to feel like a whole different sound and I'm just as, if not more engaged with this record.

60 years old and still holds up perfectly well. Truly an immortal record. Some of the tightest jazz around in terms of sound. One of the records that while it may not be your personal favorite, it deserves a perfect or near perfect rating on a technical level, so I will gladly give it one out of respect.