It's really technical, which I like, but through most of the album I feel like there is too much going on in order for me to seriously pay attention to the music.

As heartbreaking these lyrics are, the overall content of this record failed to keep me looped in. Just not enough is added to the lyrics instrumentally to make this a very memorable album in my mind. Additionally, I get weird vibes from Nick Cave's voice.

fav track: Rings of Saturn

A very abstract and different project compared to what Stevens usually sticks to, but it is pretty great nonetheless. None of the tracks are so harsh you want to turn it off, but none are so non-stimulating that you want to fall asleep (a problem that I find with many albums of this nature). Through the mess, there is plenty to enjoy.

fav track: Year of the Rat

When does Sufjan Stevens ever not impress me? Looking at the critical reception of this EP, I was expecting some throwaway tracks and demos that didn't make the cut maybe. But All Delighted People contains songs that are so beautiful and in tune with Stevens' style that there is no way they could not be enjoyable. His use of brass instrumentation, and what sounds like a small orchestra, on some tracks is juxtaposed perfectly with the stripped down, bare bone tracks that are only Sufjan and ... read more

I am not a very experienced listener of the Caribbean music scene, or any world style music for that matter. But I can tell when an album is something special. Exuma incorporates elements of traditional African folk music with heavy tropical instrumentation to create an album so weird and unique that it is incredible. I felt like I was on an island in the Caribbean, partaking in a ritual or celebration within a small tribe. And albums that can really put you into a situation are those that ... read more

I appreciate this, but don't have much to say about it. Got bored at some points, loved others.

fav track: Maxwell's Silver Hammer

I fell for it. Fuck this shit. Sounds like Queen and any generic pop punk band thrown into a blender and then made even more embarrassingly childish and "edgy".

Throughout all the thick layers of cheap jokes and immature humor, there are some legitimate bangers and tracks filled with energy. Kinda fun, but nothing to revisit in full aside from maybe a few tracks.

There was some kind of kick to this album that was missing. All the aspects of a solid dream pop project were there, but I was still extremely underwhelmed with Shelter. Too little variation between tracks, and a lack of emotion in any of the vocals.

When looking at this as simply another emo album, it's great, but still has some flaws. However, if you then look at this as the FIRST emo album, one that led the way for literally thousands of other bands (no matter how shitty some are) in the rock scene of the 90's and early-mid 2000's.
The songwriting is particularly impressive, in addition to the overall structure of each song. Catchy hooks, meaningful lyrics and themes, and plenty of open time to showcase the guitars and drums that run ... read more

Yeah, The Weeknd sings pretty well on this, but god damn this production is crazy to me. Love the piano under the electronically manipulated "haha"s and repeating drum loop. Still doesn't compare to the stellar material on his 3 mixtapes from earlier in this decade, but an improvement upon the majority of his work on Beauty Behind the Madness. Excited to see what this full length has to offer.

i dont like good rapping

I am having trouble coping with the fact that this group's artistic merit is now gone. Knife Man was the last wonderful thing they did, it's all downhill from there.

Beautiful voice, underwhelming instrumental work.

Doesn't impress me as much as the other singles, but still a great track nonetheless.

Brilliant electronically influenced modern jazz. El-P continues to prove to me that he is the best all around producer of music in the 2000's with this project. He brings what he knows best, hip hop, in with a genre that he is less familiar with, and it still sounds amazing.
Your point of view determines how you perceive this album. If you are looking for smooth, classic jazz, you might not appreciate this as much, but you would also be crazy for listening to El-P and expecting something ... read more

what do you know, he's still not good.

so bad it's funny

Not gonna lie, his production is heavenly sometimes.

I expected more, but it could've been a lot worse. The singer seemed to be much too calm compared to the instrumentals, and even those were rather tame. Not really worth another listen honestly.