1001 Albums Summary

Horny! Fun. Very samey. Night prowler is a good bluesy anthem. 2.5 rounded to 3

Such an influential sound. But I never can really get into M.I.A’s music despite the beats being so danceable and fun and abrupt, it sounds too messy, irritating and repetitive. The production is so ahead of its time, can’t believe this came out in 2005. I don’t enjoy listening to it despite it having so many elements of music that I enjoy. Second half of this album is better. Best song: Galang Hearing a little influence on Major Lazer, Die Antwoord, Death Grips from this record

I was expecting something corny. I was not expecting Gang Bang. This is witty, theatrical and original. But it’s actually just musically GOOD. Totally see how this was a formative influence for Nick Cave. the blues, the classic rock n roll and cabaret intertwined in here which contextualise it for its time period; but still a very original sounding record.

Nice, smooth, focused and upbeat.

Some standout songs and some scratchy songs. The everything but the girl production is excellent on some tracks and are dying for a ambient dnb remix 3/5 1 star = poor 2 stars = average 3 stars = good 4 stars = excellent 5 stars = perfect

Very cool bit of ambient from an artist I haven't heard of before who turns out to be an successful mass market producer as well. I disliked the vocals when they were comprehensible, they have that 90s corny sound. Water from a Vine Leaf really had me cringing there. Gringatcho Demento had Hawaii vibes including the guitar. Matrix if it was set in Hawaii. Prefer the more upbeat pieces, or just soft textural sounds - the organs are not for me, and the twangy 90s guitar. Another really creative album. Outros are blissful. Wonder how much he influenced BoC's work.

Top tracks: Like A Prayer, Love Song, Oh Father, Cherish, Express Yourself Interesting tracks: Dear Jessie (so psychedelic and kitsch?), Act of Contrition Iconic album that continues to influence popular music. Incredible music videos, a piece of art, but not timeless. The synths, choirs and strings feel dated, they're so connected to the sound of the 80s and make me feel dusty. I feel like I can smell hairspray and tutti-frutti 80s powder compacts from listening. Lyrics are great, songs are often 2 minutes too long. What a creative pop album. What do you mean it's not in the computer?! Because of all these reasons, while I won't listen to this in full again, it can't be lower than a 4.

Classic melancholy album, sweet nostalgic lullabies. Every song is perfect.

Synths are not my favourite instrument and 80s is not my favourite decade for music, so the first track I wasn't sure if I'd like this. By the end, I liked it a lot. The lyrics contrast with the lightness of the instrumentation and creates a sardonic feeling. It's a unique and complete album and I can appreciate it. It really reminds me of primary school with the steady clapping and percussion across multiple songs. Associations: Public Image, Talking Heads, Smiths Favourite song: Giant