It is.
But seriously though this album really blew me away. I was already a huge fan of Keep It Like a Secret, but this album somehow surpasses it, and its for sure one of the best indie rock and guitar albums of all time . I think the biggest factor for that is its sheer scope and consistency. Every track feels really detailed and thorough, if that makes sense. There's hardly a moment on here where I can't help but be impressed. I also really appreciate the inclusion of unique ... read more
An album with classic rock, metal, psychedelia, shoegaze, and grunge elements, I initially though Siamese Dream would be scattered and all-over-the-place. However, that is far from the case. This album is incredibly consistent, incredibly unique, and incredibly quality. When there's like 6-7 tracks competing for my top 3 on the album, it speaks to the pure ability the Smashing Pumpkins had back in the 90s. I also appreciate how diverse this album is. As I stated earlier, there are ... read more
In Utero is a big example of a "grower album" to me. It's a layered, deep, complex, noisy, and raw album. It took a few listens for me to click with it. But when I did, I realized just how amazing this project is, and how perfect of a follow-up it was to Nevermind. The production and instrumentation on this album give it such a fresh (and abrasive) feel, even in the scope of grunge/noise-rock. I also really love the lyricism on In Utero. I'm more of a music-first person, but ... read more
The Glow Pt. 2 is the perfect use of the album format to me. It's a fragmented experience, where each song feels like its own separate event but playing up to a loose narrative of a break-up. At its best, The Glow Pt. 2 is really like no other album. The first three/four tracks get so so much appreciation, but honestly its justified. The rest of the album is also really good, too. It's definitely inconsistent at times, but if anything, I could argue it just enhances the experience. I ... read more
Ziggy Stardust is an unforgettable album. It's really a project I feel like nobody other than Bowie himself could execute to such perfection. I'm not really a glam rock fan, but this album is literally impossible to dislike or even think is just "okay". Every track is brimming with creativity and energy. I also really like the themes on this project - fame, ego, identity, love, etc. I think every track has its own standout motifs or moments. My only real complaint is that I ... read more
This is an album where I went into it knowing I would love it, and my expectations were met. Each track is so unique, not only from each other but in the grand scheme of music. The blending of new wave with afrobeat rhythms and grooves is incredibly clever, and done incredibly well. Remain in Light is simply one of the most tight, creative albums of all time in my opinions. While the latter half isn't as compelling as the start (which IMO is the best 4-track run of all time), the band ... read more
This is just peak 90s indie rock. Every song hits, and it has a perfect mix of catchy hooks and guitar passages. I feel like a lot of songs here have a weirdly nostalgic feel to them, I don't know. Overall, just not something I expected to like as much as I did. It's just plain and simple a good album, even if it isn't technically the most groundbreaking or unique thing of all time. I think it just completely fits my tastes - being a perfect mix of dreamy, catchy, noisy, and just ... read more
Honestly, this is the most concept non-concept album I've ever heard. The tracks on here range from deranged and noisy to gentle and beautiful, yet they flow together so perfectly. While I can totally understand why some people would not enjoy Reed's performances and the lo-fi production, those two things are exactly why I love this album. They make the album truly feel unique for its time, and add to the 'realness' of everything. This was definitely a shock to the people ... read more
I mean, this is THE shoegaze album for a reason. Nearly every track is super noisy and hits hard, yet the melodies on here are genuinely beautiful. Like I'll have tunes from here stuck in my head for days at a time. While I do slightly (very, very slightly) prefer Souvlaki, I do think this is overall more consistent. This album is just downright astonishing in its production and atmosphere. I really want to hear more shoegaze, but I doubt virtually any of it can compare to this.
Top 3: ... read more
My first few listens of Marquee Moon, I didn't really get it. Sure, the title track was absolutely amazing, and instrumentation/vocals were super well done and fitting, but I could never find much enjoyment in this whole project. But then, for some reason, I got a sudden urge to revisit this months later, and when I did, it clicked. The mix of punk/post-punk and art rock takes the best from both genres. It's very technical, but effortlessly cool and enjoyable. On top of that, ... read more
This album doesn't really ask anything from you, and is just fun, catchy, garage indie rock. It's a super fun journey throughout and there's not really any weak points. The guitars, vocals, drums are so energetic and simply easy to enjoy. Sure, it may not be the most musically interesting album of all time, but it isn't trying to be. It's perfect for what it is. I return to nearly every track here individually, for what's its worth.
Top 3: Someday, Hard to ... read more
Perhaps the easiest album I could confidently call "perfect". Yet, I'm not giving it an absolute 100/100 as its flow, concept, and replayability aren't as high as DSOTM. That said, what is here is flawless. The pacing on this album is slow and methodical, and I really appreciate that. It allows me to truly immerse myself in the art rock and the touching lyrics. It is absurd how good Pink Floyd was in the 70s, and this is just about in the middle of their timeless run.
Top ... read more
I quite enjoyed this album. While I do wish it leaned more into the nautical theming, the sporadic and quirky nature of each of the tracks really stood out to me. It's strange how having Mutilated Lips back to back with The Blarney Stone weirdly works out perfectly. And for what's it worth, there really aren't any bad moments on this project. If each track sounded similar, it would definitely drag on for me, but the variety on display really allows this album to flourish. The ... read more
Plain and simple, Songs for the Deaf is a near-perfect masterpiece front to back. The performances, the production, the concept, everything is excellent. The radio skits, while I can understand why some may find them annoying, are genuinely funny and key to the outstanding flow of the album. The tracks are similar enough to the point that they work together flawlessly, but varied enough in that I am never bored of hearing the same sounds over and over. Oh, and despite being fairly heavy, the ... read more
This album is incredibly intense and emotional, yet somehow quadruple platinum in the US. I can honestly see why, though. The Downward Spiral is more than just depressing industrial rock music - it is a complex, conceptual masterpiece with some of the best production I've ever heard. It probably is the best example of a concept album I've ever heard, with each song telling the story of the titular "downward spiral" in a genuinely crushingly realistic manner. The immersion on ... read more
Impressive is the best word to describe this album. To think that just years ago, the Beatles were practically a love-focused boy band. I still like those albums, of course, but Revolver is a true artistic statement. The creativity on this record is unparalleled by the rest of their career, and while I do slightly enjoy Abbey Road more and find it more consistent, I can't deny that this project has higher highs. I owe much of my current interest in music to Eleanor Rigby, the song that ... read more
An amazing ethereal experience, and one that has a surprisingly diverse tracklist. It's pretty astounding that both Souvlaki Space Station and Dagger are both on the same half of the same record, and are both equally superb. The whole album, for that matter, is excellent. Alison immediately kicks off the project in the proper place, and it mostly rides that high throughout. When the Sun Hits is easily one of the best songs of all time. This album and Heaven or Las Vegas really convinced me ... read more
I'd be completely fine if somebody told me Pet Sounds was the best album of all time. I can see it; it's one of the most beautifully/expertly composed and produced albums of all time. Every track on this record, including the instrumentals, are superb. Its sophistication, influence, and ambition are virtually unmatched. Brian Wilson is a genius, all right. While it doesn't have the incredibly high peaks of some of my other favorite albums, it gets close, without sacrificing any ... read more
I can't say that many albums are as flawless from front to back as In Rainbows. Even Faust Arp is incredibly enjoyable, and a nice interlude of sorts. This record has just enough variety to be unique and interesting throughout, but just enough consistency to keep it cohesive throughout. It also has a perfect mix of accessibility and artistic/abstract merit. Oh, and this album probably has the most perfect 100/100 tracks on any album. If I give it more time, I could definitely see this ... read more
Yeah, I can see why this is often called the greatest album of all time, and I might agree with that assessment. This album is filled to the brim with incredibly meaningful and complex masterpieces. I mean, every time I listen to 'The Tourist' I feel as if it's one of the best things I've ever heard, but then I realize it's probably in the bottom half of tracks on the album. I can confidently say I enjoy every track on this album, and they all work better in unison than ... read more