Explore the overall rankings of the best albums in history, based on over 2 million album rankings across 61,000 chartsClick to see how the rankings are calculated.
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"Mellow My Mind ..............says it all, a great album. Tired Eyes is so emotional as are so many songs here. Tonights The Night finds Neil in a reflective mood due to the death of his friend & Crazy Horse band member Danny Whitten and Bruce Berry (a C.H. roadie). Needle and the Damage Done (Har...""Mellow My Mind ..............says it all, a great album. Tired Eyes is so emotional as are so many songs here. Tonights The Night finds Neil in a reflective mood due to the death of his friend & Crazy Horse band member Danny Whitten and Bruce Berry (a C.H. roadie). Needle and the Damage Done (Harvest) was written about Whitten's heroin addiction. Young revealed in an interview that he felt responsible for Whitten's death (he was fired by Young on 18 Nov. '72 and died of an overdose later that night). The album was recorded in August '73 but wasn't released until 1975. "Reply
"The band's debut. Released in the same year as Television's debut, Marquee Moon, Wire's debut Pink Flag, Elvis Costello's debut My Aim Is True, Ian Dury's debut New Boots, Mink Deville's debut Cabretta, the third album by the Residents, Fingerprince, the third album by Split Enz, Dizrythmia, the ...""The band's debut. Released in the same year as Television's debut, Marquee Moon, Wire's debut Pink Flag, Elvis Costello's debut My Aim Is True, Ian Dury's debut New Boots, Mink Deville's debut Cabretta, the third album by the Residents, Fingerprince, the third album by Split Enz, Dizrythmia, the fourth album by Dave Edmunds, Get It, and a few months before XTC's debut White Music, a year before Devo's debut Are We Not Men?, Buzzcock's debut Another Music, Rezillo's debut, Can't Stand, and Wreckless Eric's debut The Wonderful World. The music here fits in with what else is happening at the time in both the UK and America. The music of the above artists is classed as belonging to one or other or a mix of these: pub rock, art rock, new wave, and art punk (a genre I'd previously not been aware of). Pub rock is sometimes seen as a precursor to punk rock, but it had a long history in which the attitude and style of music of the main practitioners, such as Dr Feelgood, Nick Lowe, The Stranglers, and Ian Dury, continued into and beyond punk; so, while the two movements might have features in common, they were distinct and separate. Pub rock, like punk, was about the songs rather than the music; unlike punk, it wasn't about attitude or clothing or being part of a movement or making a statement, it was just about playing good songs and entertaining people. As with punk, pub rock had a distain for the flashy, the pretentious, the ambitious, the indulgent, etc; but, unlike punk, in pub rock there was a pride in writing good songs with an awareness of R&B, and playing them well. America didn't have a pub rock scene, though it had CBGB, a New York club, which attracted bands, such as The Ramones, Blondie, Television and Talking Heads, with a similar interest in playing well written and entertaining songs with an awareness of R&B. The difference with CBGB is that the artists there were more aware of being part of a scene, and so were more self-conscious, and often came from an art school or arty background, so there was a little more emphasis on image and appearance, but not so much that it detracted from the music. The music that came from the CBGB artists is generally termed new wave; a genre considered to be closely related to punk rock, and also with pub rock. Generally the difference between punk and new wave is that new wave is mostly seen as being more melodic, more pop focused, more arty, more musical, and less aggressive, less banner waving, and less tribal. The difference between pub rock and new wave is more to do with time and place. Those who encountered The Stranglers early in their career saw them as pub rock, those who encountered them later saw them as either punk or new wave, depending on how closely they looked. If Dr Feelgood had released their first album in 1977 rather than 1975, they likely would have been regarded as part of the UK punk or new wave scene. They might, however, have been regarded as too old and inappropriately dressed for punk, so most likely would have been regarded as new wave.
These days the term "new wave" is regarded as too broad and inclusive to be meaningful, and clearly "pub rock" does not sit well for an American band who only ever played one pub in the UK (The Greyhound in Croydon), but it is still useful to look at what else was happening at the time, to understand the musical impulse. Within that area of music in which Talking Head's debut sits most comfortably, it doesn't really stand out, apart from "Psycho Killer", which was released as a single, caught the attention of Brian Eno, and would point the direction the band would now profitably go in. Without "Psycho Killer" this is no more remarkable than XTC's White Music or Fingerprince by the Residents or Dizrythmia by Split Enz, and somewhat less remarkable than Television's Marquee Moon or Elvis Costello's My Aim Is True. "Reply
"The piano playing on this release is simply phenomenal and Monk commands this album right from the opening track. There is a lot of high quality content for us to dive into on here which starts right from the off with the best track on the album which is Brilliant Corners. The complexity of the s...""The piano playing on this release is simply phenomenal and Monk commands this album right from the opening track. There is a lot of high quality content for us to dive into on here which starts right from the off with the best track on the album which is Brilliant Corners. The complexity of the song and the genius performances we are treated to are exceptional. What a way to start an album and it sets an example for the rest of the cuts to follow. No song manages to top it but a few come close. One of my favourites is the softer track Pannonica, I find myself getting drawn back to hear this over and over again. The percussion goes under rated as well and dominates songs like the closing track and elevates it to another level. Overall, a recording full of outstanding musical prowess with Monk firmly at the helm as he guides on an experience of jazz greatness. "Reply
"An influential R&B classic, Sade burst onto the scene with this sleek debut, mixing glossy 80s production with soulful songwriting. Songwriting duo Sade Adu and Stuart Matthewman (singer and guitarist/saxophonist for the band, respectively) offer everything from smooth jazz-inflected pop ('Your L...""An influential R&B classic, Sade burst onto the scene with this sleek debut, mixing glossy 80s production with soulful songwriting. Songwriting duo Sade Adu and Stuart Matthewman (singer and guitarist/saxophonist for the band, respectively) offer everything from smooth jazz-inflected pop ('Your Love is King', 'Frankie's First Affair', 'Sally') to funk ('Cherry Pie', 'Hang On To Your Love', 'Why Can't We Live Together'). Every track feels like a classic or near it. Breakout single 'Smooth Operator' is often considered their signature song, and for good reason. This record is ripe with bright keyboards, colorful saxophone solos, and slinky (but FAT) basslines.
Essential tracks: Smooth Operator, Your Love Is King, Hang On To Your Love, When Am I Going to Make a Living
Underrated gems: Frankie's First Affair, Cherry Pie"Reply
"I tend to put my jazz collection down for months at a time and when I do, I return to Miles or Mingus. But every time this one makes its way into my ears I remember why it's my favorite jazz album. Every track is perfect."Reply
"If nothing else, this is an incredibly diverse album. There's pop, hard rock, waltzes, elements of world music, blues, folk, psychedelia and so on. Very difficult to classify, but it's just "out there" enough to catch people's ear, yet not so indulgent as to scare off listeners who prefer more co...""If nothing else, this is an incredibly diverse album. There's pop, hard rock, waltzes, elements of world music, blues, folk, psychedelia and so on. Very difficult to classify, but it's just "out there" enough to catch people's ear, yet not so indulgent as to scare off listeners who prefer more conventional sounding music."Reply
"If you have listened to this album once or twice.... you need to listen to it maybe 5 more times in order to get it! It will grow on you I promise!! This is probably the Saddest album I've heard in my life. I have. to say it's my Top 3 albums of all time.... Like I said in the review on "The Rave...""If you have listened to this album once or twice.... you need to listen to it maybe 5 more times in order to get it! It will grow on you I promise!! This is probably the Saddest album I've heard in my life. I have. to say it's my Top 3 albums of all time....
Like I said in the review on "The Raven", I've only started listening to SW's music 4 months ago. This is the second SW solo album I bought after "The Raven". I can tell you my first impression on the album wasn't as great as his other works like "The Raven" and "Fear of a blank planet", I found the first few tracks are too "Poppy" for my likings, the 2nd half of the album was more enjoyable than the first half. However, after giving it a few more listen, this album has become my favourite prog-rock concept album of ALL TIME, high above Dark Side of the Moon, and I'll tell you why.
To be able to fully appreciate this album, you need to know the concept behind and read the fictional story that SW wrote for the album booklet. I'm sure many of us who bought the album know it's inspired by the real-life story of Joyce Carol Vincent whose body was found in her apartment in London after she's been dead for nearly 3 years. Next to her body were wrapped presents to her family that never got delivered. People wondered how come no one missed her in 3yrs? This album is about urban alienation, and the state-of-mind of a deeply depressed woman who chose to cut herself off from her family, friends and the society eventually.
This album actually has a lot more heart & depth compared to "The Raven". Even though The "Raven" successfully emulated the 70's prog rock sound with tight drumming from Marco, Scorching guitar solo from Guthrie Govan, to me it's more of a Tribute Album to King Crimson/Genesis/Jethro Tull. It's pleasant/euphoric to listen to, but you wouldn't think much about it after.
Versus Hand Cannot Erase, I feel my stomach churned every time I listened to it. Adam Holzman's keyboard work is definitely the highlight of this album. I could hear the emotion pouring out of every key he pressed. The flow of the album is my favourite, each track is carefully placed in order, it's like reading the diaries of the main character and you could feel her emotional state each step of the way. It is meant to be listened from the beginning to the end to get the full picture.
Track List and my own interpretation:
1. First Regret - It starts off with Adam Holzman's gloomy keyboard sound and SW's brooding soundscape. It's calling for your attention.
2. 3 Year Older - It's your typical pop rock song, it gives you the first glimpse of the main character's state-of-mind. She's starting to relate to someone who she once knew before... someone who disappeared from her life and she didn't understand why... but now she does..."I can feel you more than you really know.... I can love you more than I'll ever show"
3. Hand Cannot Erase - This is a stellar pop track! It showcases SW's ability to create different type of music. It expresses the desire of the main character that she just wanted to be left alone. It's something we can all relate to...."Writing lying emails to our friends back home...feeling guilty if we sometimes wanna be alone" "It's not you, forgive me if I find I need more space..." I'm sure we all feel that way sometimes.... some days we just want to be left alone
4. Perfect Life - Pure Electronica piece, one of my favourite tracks. It's the monologue of the main character talking about the foster sister that she once had. She's 3 years older and she disappeared from the main character's life. Now we know the track "3 Year Older" is about that long lost friend
5. Routine - This is one of the saddest songs I've heard in my life. It has nothing to do with the story of this album. It's more like a side story about a woman's grief after the lost her children. She had to maintain her daily routine in order to keep sane. The highlight was Guthrie Govan's guitar solo and Ninet's heart-wrenching vocal. I've listened to this song many times, and I cried every time when I heard the line "Don't ever let go.... try to let go....", it's a struggle everyday.... you know you need to move on, but when is it OK to move on?
6. Home Invasion - It's one of the heaviest tracks on this album, it has some Metal riffs. This song talks about the social detachment people have due to Internet and Social Media. Technology brings us closer and further at the same time. We get on line, we know everything that's happening around the world at the comfort of our own home. People don't even interact with each other any more because Texting/Tweeting/Facebooking is easier...everyone has a different visage on the internet, you can be anything, anyone you want...
7. Regret #9 - This one is an instrumental track showcasing each members' musicianship. The opening sounds very RUSH. If you didn't know, you would think you are listening to Rush. This is one of the best and heavier tracks of the album.
8. Transience - Another favourite track of mine. This is the most melodic track in the album. I could definitely hear the influence of Pink Floyd especially the harmonies. It's very folksy & melodic, you just want to sing along. It's simply beautiful.
9. Ancestral - This is probably the best track in the album. It's a 13-min long journey packed with tons of goodies including SW's lush and brooding guitar sound and haunting vocal; Adam's magical keyboard/organ works and Guthrie's sky-scorching guitar solo. Definitely cannot be missed.
10. Happy Returns - This is definitely THE saddest song I've ever heard in my life. I thought there's no song that can top the sadness of 'Routine", but this song did it. I have to say the first 20 times when I heard this song, I just find it very sad, but it never got me to the point that I had to weep uncontrollably like 'Routine". I only truly experienced how sad this song actually is when I saw it performed live at the SW's concert. The song is a letter she wrote to her brother after she cut herself off from her family for years. She tried putting up a strong front so people would think she's ok, but she's actually very broken. It almost seemed like it's her way of crying for help, she's in the verge of breaking down. Her train-of-thoughts were very scattered... one moment she expressed her helplessness "I feel like I'm falling once again... but there's no one left to catch me..." Another moment she's talking about her financial trouble and suddenly asked if her nieces & nephews remember her... "I've got trouble with the bills... do the kids remember me?... I got gifts for them and for you... and sorrow.... but I'm feeling kinda drowsy now... so I'll finish this tomorrow..." Even though the song never implied the fate of the character, but we all know those gifts never got delivered and she's never waking up again. (Joyce Carol Vincent died in her apartment with undelivered wrapped presents around her.) I lose it every time when I thought about how she died alone and no one missed her for years.......
11. Accident Here One - It's all Adam Holzman's emotional keyboard work!! I'm a true fan of him now after seeing him performed this album live. I saw big guys weeping at the concert when Adam concluded the show with this gloomy piece of art.
I have to say there's no other albums I've listened to in my life made me feel that touched and emotional. This is an essential collection for music fans across all genres... not just Pop Rock and Prog Rock fans... but music fans with good ears in general. It is sad... but like Steven Wilson said "I find sad music uplifting!". This album is truly a masterpiece!
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""The Past is a Grotesque Animal" changed my perception of reality. Also it made me violently move my body parts in a rhythmic fashion. Also it's a fantastic song."Reply
"Always saw this as more of a great wide bridge between two great albums rather than a masterful work on it's own, but the highlights are def Cure at their poppier best- the problem is there is way too much bloat and filler here and doesn't really flow together as a cohesive work of art. Still enj...""Always saw this as more of a great wide bridge between two great albums rather than a masterful work on it's own, but the highlights are def Cure at their poppier best- the problem is there is way too much bloat and filler here and doesn't really flow together as a cohesive work of art. Still enjoyable though. "Reply
"Songs for swingin' lovers, is quite possibly Frank Sinatra's most enjoyable album. It's a giddy hoot of a record with Sinatra and arranger Nelson Riddle combining to produce one of their best collobarations. There are fantastic versions of, you make me feel so young, you brought a new kind of lov...""Songs for swingin' lovers, is quite possibly Frank Sinatra's most enjoyable album. It's a giddy hoot of a record with Sinatra and arranger Nelson Riddle combining to produce one of their best collobarations. There are fantastic versions of, you make me feel so young, you brought a new kind of love to me, and, I've got you under my skin. It's a brilliant LP, and one of Sinatra's most essential albums. "Reply
Tamthebam | Helpful? (Log in to vote) · 3
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Decurso | Helpful? (Log in to vote) · 4
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SquishypuffDave | Helpful? (Log in to vote) · 12
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cestuneblague | Helpful? (Log in to vote) · 3
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