Yesterday I made some headway into all of those classic rock albums that everyone should listen to, but honestly never get around to. I've now listened to every album on the [somewhat outdated] DTF Top 20 list. Hooray.
Albums I listened to:
Underoath - They're Only Chasing Safety [2/5]
Okay, this one isn't exactly a classic, but it's a leftover from me going through some of the most popular bands/artists from Florida (where I live). Honestly, my verdict is that it's simply okay. Some clunky lyrics, the vocals kinda bothered me, and the guitars are pretty standard metalcore stuff. Not unlistenable, but not really enjoyable either.
L'Arc~en~ciel - Smile [3.5/5]
This is one of the most popular Japanese bands out there, and tbh just some genuinely good alternative rock. Great vocal melodies, killer riffs, and just a wonderful overall energy. Some of the ballads on here are total duds, though. I'll definitely check them out further.
Everclear - Sparkle and Fade [1.5/5]
Honestly, I did not like this at all. The lyrics made me cringe a lot, the melodies and arrangements are pretty blase, the lead vocals just irk me, and the album wasn't exactly produced by Steven Wilson. This is the second album by them that I've heard that was a total dud, so I think I'm going to give up on this band completely.
Pearl Jam - Ten [4.5/5]
This album was great ngl. Most of the songs on here were winners. I can see why this is generally considered a classic.
Queens of the Stone Age - Songs for the Deaf [4.5/5]
Another fantastic album, but imo this one is a lot more varied and interesting than Ten. The concept is just kinda there for the most part, sure, but the album flows incredibly well and each song is really strong on their own without reference to the concept.
Queensryche - Operation: Mindcrime [4/5]
I've been kinda sleeping on this album for too long. Wasn't really hesitant to listen to it, just lazy. It's a good album overall, but the second half is less interesting than the first imo. Some of the themes this album hits on have become much more relevant recently (especially all that stuff about income inequality) than in 1988, so that got an interesting reaction out of me. The concept as a whole is interesting, but tbh I didn't really pay much attention to it. Suite Sister Mary was kind of a drag to get through so that drags the album down a bit. First half has some genuinely good songs tho. Also it's interesting to hear just how much Ayreon/Arjen Lucassen was influenced by this album.
King Crimson - Red [3.5/5]
It was good, but not great. Most of the criticisms I gave O: MC I could give here. The first half of the album was much more enjoyable than the second. The album epic was easily my least favorite song on the album. Etc. Overall it's still good, but lots of great sections interspersed throughout the album.
Topic: What album are you listening to? v.6 (Read 478535 times)
