LumenWitch

One of the most corny things to come out of 1999. Smooth is a meme for a reason, but it's also kinda brilliant? You can't deny it's got an incredible hook per minute ratio. Along with Maria Maria, they're the closest this album gets to nailing that late 90s, pop fusion cheese.

Unfortunately, you gotta hear Dave Matthews and Everlast embarrassingly croon first to get there. Rob Thomas is also embarrassing, as Santana savagely said to his face “You must be married to a ... read more

Latin rock might be as close to objectively perfect music as is possible by mere mortals.

I suppose I could choose to listen to something less joyful, less life affirming, less in touch with the spiritual core of humanity that music opens a gateway to... but why would I?

I seem to be in the minority of preferring Countdown to Ecstasy to Can't Buy a Thrill, but the more cheesy “yacht rock” sounds from their debut are toned down in favour of more jazz, so like, how else am I supposed to feel about it? The instrumentals here are so much better, with some truly great solos and grooves. It really feels like the band found and honed in their style.

Bodhisattva is an absolute barn-burner and the obvious standout, but (most of) the other tracks pull ... read more

It's hard to listen to this album and not just see it as prototype Dan. Do it Again, Only a Fool, and Reelin are all great songs obviously, but the rest? Dirty Work and Brooklyn feel especially off because of the different singer, whose cleaner, prettier vocals make those songs sound bland and cheesy.

This is still a good album, to be clear, it's just that their later work is so much more accomplished. Even Do it Again, one of the best songs here, has some kinda mid noodly feeling ... read more