Hozier is an artist to the exact definition of the concept. This man is a lyricist to the core! The constant biblical allusions and branching them with the theme of romance and devotion (romantic devotion vs. theological devotion, rather genius creativity) are just astounding! This album is like welcoming the listener into Eden, allowing them to take a bite of the forbidden fruit that are these tracks, and open their eyes to the sheer beauty that accompanies adoration of another. Hozier ... read more
Let me just preface that I only listened to this album for my bestie, because she really enjoys Alexander Stewart's music, and there are certain songs I can tolerate enough to have on my playlist, but those are listened to in moderation. It may seem silly to complain about this album as it generally isn't what I enjoy listening to, but I want to justify my thought process. It's just half an hour plus of complaints and self-pity. I can most certainly understand that it is an ... read more
I mean what an amazing introduction for the band. Impressively aggressive guitar, surprisingly significant amount of percussion for a heavy rock group, and a fantastic vocalist to head the band. Lyrics could use some work, but from a debut album it isn't a concern as long as they evolve. Fabulous pacing! Even an acoustic song to end the album! Excited to listen to their other stuff!
Favourite Songs:
Taxicab Messiah
Pretty
Before I'm Dead (Acoustic)
Pleasantly surprised at how solid this was. Spectacular instrumentals, distinct vocalist as the band's front man, and a consistent identity with the common theme of history and ancient/mythical metaphors present. Lyricism was about average, which is fine for a debut album, in my opinion. While distinct, the vocals do lack at times, but the instruments usually pick up the slack. Felt like a mixture of Dead Poet Society and 80s rock, which is a major compliment. Album is paced very well, ... read more
A very solid album from Natalie Jane. Not exactly my favourite genre of music, but she makes it work to the point where I could replay this album.
Favourite Songs:
Butterflies
4ever
Girls Will Be Girls
There is no doubt that Madison Beer is a talented vocalist, she certainly has that prowess, I just simply can't narrow a style that is definitively hers. It sounds to me like basic pop, more like Madison Beer singing over many pop tracks, not Madison Beer singing over Madison Beer tracks. And that isn't necessarily a bad thing, I can certainly understand the appeal, and could certainly see myself appreciating her work more if she tuned into a more dark pop genre which I think would ... read more
This review is only considering the original tracks, especially since, from what I understand, MJ wanted this to be an EP, but his record label pushed it to be a full album release, so we got the remixes, too. However, if they had just trusted his wisdom (imagine telling the KING OF POP what to do in regard to his art, asinine amount of arrogance) this would probably be my favourite record from him. The original songs pack such a punch, they are in your face, they are meaningful. It is MJ at ... read more
The most popular user review asks whether people listened to the album, and I must agree. There are certainly flaws in the length of the album and certain selections (especially when you consider the majority of Xscape could have thrust this album into everyone's good graces), but said flaw does little to take away from the timeless genius on display, in my opinion. The entire album is a perfect example of MJ's evolution, even if others may be blind to it. It is perhaps his most ... read more
Greatest album of all time, from the album cover to every second of every song. So much variety, so many sexy songs, so many inventive sounds. Cements himself not just as the King of Pop, but as the greatest artist to ever live.
Favourite songs:
In the Closet - 100
She Drives Me Wild - 100
Who Is It - 100
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Recent Review Comments
On Shayden's review of Britney Spears - In the Zone
"I hadn't noticed the Middle Eastern influences until I saw you mention them, and now they seem very obvious. She really manages to blend it with dance pop to the utmost perfection"
On The Plague Review's review of Paul McCartney - The Boys of Dungeon Lane
"I didn't care for it much either, but gave it some grace since at this point McCartney can do whatever he pleases in his career twilight"
On Lynn's review of TX2 - End of Us
"DeathbyRomy is easily the best part of this record and that is hilarious considering she is there for like 2 minutes"
On Shayden's review of Katy Perry - Witness
"Chained to the Rhythm has often been a diamond in the rough for me within Katy Perry's discography, though I'm uncertain whether it works as intended in the grand scheme of the record, I haven't (nor do I really intend) listened"
On Britney Spears - ...Baby One More Time
"@Shayden Those are the two that always come to mind for me that received so much abuse at the end of the media's sword. What they experienced exceeded anything I can even think of. The media was deliberately cruel toward them, and actively perpetuated false narratives that continuously harmed them, fully cognizant of their culpability in the assault on both of them, arguably contributing to the death of Michael Jackson for one, and to the literal removal of Britney Spears' autonomy. She was eighteen on her second effort, and already writing lyrics regarding the pain that fame brought. It is absolutely terrible that so many normalized that treatment of her. She deserved so much better"
On Ninedescent's review of d4vd - WITHERED
"@Ninedescent I have been placing this (https://nomoredirectory.org/) link on my Marilyn Manson ratings. I haven't looked into any explicitly attentive to pedophilia, but I would like to believe a sexual violence helpline would be sufficient assistance"
On Ninedescent's review of d4vd - WITHERED
"I tend to agree. Review bombing strikes me as attention-seeking. "Look at me!! I'm against this person!!" The same sentiment is conveyed if one just doesn't engage with the art whatsoever. If I despise the artist I am reviewing on an ethical plane, I simply attach a link to support those who have been victims in similar instances. I am more pleased with offering that assistance, however miniscule it may be, than trying to display my apparent ethical superiority for clicks"
On IloveApples's review of Michael Jackson - Dangerous
"This was a project that cemented himself as a force of pure versatility. He was the King of Pop, and as you mentioned, allowed his drive for perfection to steer him down a completely foreign road. And he excelled. He allowed his morals and ethics to tackle cultural issues such as racism, "human apathy" (as you so intelligently put it), and worldwide mistreatment of the planet. It expands across such a vast array of thematic grievances, and it is superior for it. It's truly perfection. I'm very glad that you enjoyed it for the marvelous masterpiece that it is, and I am pleased to read and reply to your reviews!! You analyze them without a measurable bias, and with a willingness to allow the art to speak for itself. Simply stunning review!!"
On IloveApples's review of Michael Jackson - Dangerous
"DANGEROUS AT 97!!! YES!!! My absolute favourite record of all time. I adored this review!!! It really was a symbolic evolution for the King. It was his first example of completely unbridled creative control, and it is safe to say he rose to the occasion. I was extremely intrigued by your mention of the palpable paranoia that encompasses this record! It is no secret that MJ was perhaps the most paranoid person on the planet throughout his career, and its really interesting to see that terror manifest itself in a romantic context on tracks like Who is It and Dangerous, while also in the context of himself as a celebrity on tracks like Jam and Why You Wanna Trip On Me"
On Lynn's review of Neoni - How To Kill A Fairytale
"I was quite disappointed, too. Death of Daisies was really intriguing, and I felt like their songwriting progressed too. This record has some moments, but overall was more of a regression from a songwriting perspective"
On Olivia Rodrigo - the cure
"@Ciroriberi Exactly. It takes immense talent to allow the momentum to naturally gather the way she does"
On IloveApples's review of Marina Sena - Coisas Naturais
"I'm glad you found it beautiful! It was definitely a really serene ambiance that Marina Sena managed to capture — the record has only continued to grow on me since listening. It was my introduction to Latin pop, too, and what an introduction it was. There are so many gorgeous tracks on Coisas Naturais"
On realjulianj's review of Arctic Monkeys - Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino
"It's unfortunate that the Arctic Monkeys have been on the receiving end of such harsh scrutiny on their last two records, especially when it includes some of the most riveting songwriting in the band's discography, courtesy of the one and only Alex Turner, and, in all honesty, some of the best songwriting in music itself in the last decade"
On IloveApples's review of Michael Jackson - You Rock My World
"Very pleased to see Invincible growing on you:) You Rock My World is absolute r&b excellence"
On GVLSCH's review of The Warning - Ego
"@josech5 lmfao cook, I have never understood why people on this site genuinely seek to review things they know they won't like. It's one thing if you go in wanting to like it and find yourself disappointed, but so many people hate review things on this site because they know they won't like it"
On ayayeboo's review of Ed O'Brien - Blue Morpho
"Same opinion here. I can take or leave Radiohead, but this is such a smooth and delicate listen"
On Dσɳ Vҽɾʂαƚιʅιƚყ's review of Olivia Rodrigo - the cure
"My thoughts exactly. I probably prefer a few other songs in her discography, but I definitely echo the idea that Drop Dead was much too middling, and that this is a much more eloquently produced song from Olivia"
On SilviaLb_234's review of The Warning - Ego
"If they release it this year it's going to be an album of the year contender for sure!"
On IloveApples's review of Michael Jackson - Forever, Michael
"I definitely agree that this record — and many of Michael's work in his adolescence — were plagued by this reluctance to include him in the literary process, at least not to the extent he was included on projects beginning with Off the Wall. It's no wonder everything from '79 onward is as stellar as it is when provided the context that he gained the ability to be more hands on with his own work. Great review! Also, happy birthday!"
On Ακύλας [Akylas] - Ferto
"@ANKLEBIKE404 Eh, I've always found Espresso Macchiato as a fun song, especially to watch Tommy Cash perform, without treating it as much of a serious attempt at anything"
On Vengeful Wraith's review of The Warning - Ego
"I can't wait to dive into this, I have very high expectations for these brilliant girls and I have a feeling they are going to deliver and then some!!"
On IloveApples's review of Michael Jackson - Off the Wall
"Just bought this record on vinyl last week — the first record in his career that felt entirely realized from a creative and artistic perspective, and he just soared above everyone else from that point forward. Great review!!!"
On Shayden's review of Drake - ICEMAN
"I pity anyone who does make the conscious decision to put their ears through this"
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