#albumreviews

[musicmattersmedia]

Welcome back to the Music Matters Media Podcast! In this special episode, we’re taking a deep dive into our album reviews from last year, revisiting the scores we gave to artists like Green Day, Gary Clark Jr., Justin Timberlake, Ariana Grande, Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, and more! Did these albums hold up over time, or did some grow on us in unexpected ways? Tune in for an update on all our ratings, and find out which albums are still rocking our playlists—and which ones… maybe not so much. Don’t miss it!

Visit our website: MusicMattersMedia.com All Music Matters Media links: linktr.ee/musicmattersmedia

[canadianstud]

SPARKS ALBUMS TIER LIST RANKING (1971 - 2023)

[musicnewsweb]

KillerStar - Live at The 100 Club Read full review here: https://ift.tt/UDinOh2 More at Music-News.com

[alitcis]

The 25 Greatest Albums of the 21st Century: A Journey Through Music History

Introduction: The Best of the 21st Century So Far The 21st century has brought with it an incredible evolution of sound, style, and creativity in the music industry. Albums released since the turn of the century have shaped not only the soundscape of today but also the cultural moments that define our generation. From groundbreaking debuts to genre-defining masterpieces, the best albums of the 21st century have left their mark in ways that will be remembered for years to come. In this article, we’re diving deep into the 25 greatest albums that have rocked the 21st century. Get ready for a musical journey like no other as we explore the soundtracks to our lives, the albums that changed everything, and the unforgettable records that made us feel. 1. "To Pimp a Butterfly" – Kendrick Lamar (2015) A profound exploration of race, identity, and societal struggles, this album redefined hip-hop with its combination of jazz, funk, and thought-provoking lyrics. 2. "Kid A" – Radiohead (2000) A groundbreaking album that melded electronic music, experimental rock, and abstract lyricism, Kid A was the sound of the future when it dropped. 3. "Back to Black" – Amy Winehouse (2006) Amy Winehouse’s soulful vocals and blend of jazz, R&B, and pop created a timeless record that has influenced artists ever since. 4. "Lemonade" – Beyoncé (2016) With Lemonade, Beyoncé fused pop, R&B, rock, and country into a powerful exploration of betrayal, love, and empowerment, making it a modern-day masterpiece. 5. "The Life of Pablo" – Kanye West (2016) An album that broke the mold, The Life of Pablo pushed boundaries with its genre-blending approach and constantly evolving nature post-release. 6. "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea" – Neutral Milk Hotel (1998) Though technically from the 90s, this indie-folk album remains one of the 21st century’s most influential releases, with its emotionally rich and lo-fi production. 7. "Random Access Memories" – Daft Punk (2013) Daft Punk’s exploration of funk and electronic music culminated in Random Access Memories, which blended past sounds with futuristic elements, creating an instant classic. 8. "Channel Orange" – Frank Ocean (2012) Frank Ocean’s debut album, Channel Orange, shattered expectations with its deeply personal and genre-defying sound, redefining contemporary R&B. 9. "The Blueprint" – Jay-Z (2001) A landmark in hip-hop, The Blueprint established Jay-Z as one of the greatest rappers of all time, showcasing impeccable production and lyricism. 10. "Is This It" – The Strokes (2001) With its minimalist guitar-driven sound, Is This It helped usher in the indie-rock revival of the early 2000s. 11. "A Rush of Blood to the Head" – Coldplay (2002) Coldplay’s A Rush of Blood to the Head propelled the band into global stardom with its sweeping ballads and emotionally charged rock anthems. 12. "good kid, m.A.A.d city" – Kendrick Lamar (2012) Kendrick’s cinematic storytelling captured the struggles of growing up in Compton, blending powerful narratives with an eclectic mix of production styles. 13. "Funeral" – Arcade Fire (2004) This debut album from Arcade Fire captured the melancholy and passion of youth, mixing baroque-pop with indie rock in a unique and poignant way. 14. "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" – Kanye West (2010) My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is Kanye’s magnum opus, a brilliant blend of rap, rock, and orchestral music that set a new bar for hip-hop. 15. "21" – Adele (2011) Adele’s 21 became an international phenomenon, known for its powerful ballads and timeless sound that resonated across generations. 16. "White Blood Cells" – The White Stripes (2001) With its raw garage rock energy, White Blood Cells catapulted The White Stripes to mainstream success, influencing countless artists in the process. 17. "Modern Vampires of the City" – Vampire Weekend (2013) Vampire Weekend’s Modern Vampires of the City explored more complex and introspective themes, cementing the band’s place in modern indie-rock history. 18. "The Suburbs" – Arcade Fire (2010) A sprawling, ambitious album that reflects on suburban life, The Suburbs captured the anxiety and nostalgia of growing up in the modern age. 19. "Blackstar" – David Bowie (2016) David Bowie’s final album, Blackstar, was a fitting and enigmatic farewell to one of the most innovative and influential artists of all time. 20. "Anti" – Rihanna (2016) Rihanna’s Anti completely redefined her career, with a bold mix of R&B, pop, and experimental sounds, showcasing her artistic growth and maturity. 21. "The College Dropout" – Kanye West (2004) Kanye’s debut album brought a fresh perspective to rap, mixing introspective lyricism with soulful beats and a unique approach to production. 22. "The Marshall Mathers LP" – Eminem (2000) A defining moment in rap history, The Marshall Mathers LP solidified Eminem as one of the greatest and most controversial figures in hip-hop. 23. "Nostalgia, Ultra" – Frank Ocean (2011) Frank Ocean’s free mixtape Nostalgia, Ultra showcased his smooth voice and lyrical depth, making him one of R&B’s most celebrated modern artists. 24. "Fever to Tell" – Yeah Yeah Yeahs (2003) With its gritty guitar riffs and Karen O’s powerful vocals, Fever to Tell became a modern punk-rock classic and put Yeah Yeah Yeahs on the map. 25. "Blonde" – Frank Ocean (2016) A highly experimental follow-up to Channel Orange, Blonde was deeply introspective and vulnerable, proving Ocean’s place as one of the most influential artists of the century. Conclusion: The Sound of the Century The 25 albums listed here are just a glimpse into the transformative power of music in the 21st century. Whether redefining genres, pushing boundaries, or telling deeply personal stories, these albums have shaped and reflected the world around us. We hope this list inspires you to dive into the soundtracks that have defined our generation—and who knows? The next 100 albums of the century are just waiting to be written. What’s Your Favorite Album? Have any of these albums made an impact on your life? Do you have another album in mind that you think belongs on this list? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s continue the conversation about the albums that have changed music history! Read the full article

[sandrarchives]

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Date of Discovery: January 15, 2025 Review: I waited for this release since me and my friends bought tickets for Cup of Joe's Silakbo concert before this album launch, and I fell in love. To be honest, the album as a whole took me a few more listens before it stuck to me, but it did have songs that were instant hits. Before the concert, I had 5 favorite songs; after the concert, I fell in love with the whole album because I heard all of the songs live. I fucking love this album. It's such a good mix of sound and storytelling; it makes you feel so much emotion. I also love how the whole album's concept is the five stages of grief, and you can really hear the division between the songs and the stages they're associated with. This album is an experience, and it only made me love Cup of Joe more. walang tapon ang discography nila!

Favorite Songs: I love all of the songs from the album!!! my most favorites are:

Kanelang Mata

Bubog

Pahina

Multo

Hinga

[warrenwoodhouse]

Def Leppard’s Vault: Greatest Hits (1980-1995) (Album Reviews) (Reviews)

I have been a fan of Def Leppard since the age of 14 and it’s been one of the albums that I have been mostly listening too. You might disagree if you’re not into rock; I assure you that listening to this album would make you agree to rock.

It’s not always shouting, in this case, Def Leppard introduce another way to get bromance through lyrics which are easy on the ears and makes you want to sing along, even if you’re not up for it.

I like the music on this album as it makes me happy and is a great experience if you want to get into rock music.

I got interested in this wonderful Sheffield British Hard Rock band and I’m sure that you would too.

“Vault” says everything about me and my personality and is the main reason for why I wanted to do this review. I like this band and it’s the reason for why I got into listening to rock music.

[indepthjaybeats]

The 10 Best Rap Albums of All Time: A Must-Listen Guide

Are you ready to dive into the world of rap music? Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the genre, this must-listen guide will take you on a journey through the 10 best rap albums of all time. From the iconic lyrics of Tupac Shakur to the groundbreaking production of Kanye West, these albums have shaped the landscape of hip-hop and left an indelible mark on music history. Discover the raw…

[amari-3-18]

The latest Amari Music Talk takes a look at this game changing album by Tony Toni Tone’, the 1993 album Sons of Soul! Like and subscribe!

[brandon-gonchsquared]

Early review of Foo Fighter's new "The Teacher"

[dustedmagazine]

Godspeed You! Black Emperor — "NO TITLE AS OF 13 FEBRUARY 2024 28,340 DEAD" (Constellation)

The night of the election in America, Godspeed You! Black Emperor played a show in Toronto. As they almost always do, they said nothing. No interaction beyond playing music and then expressing wordless thanks to the crowd as each stepped off stage to the roaring feedback surge that closed out “Piss Crowns Are Trebled” and the concert. Even if they’d taken a moment to check the news that night, what was there to say? As suggested last time here, the ineffable, unspeakable power of the Montreal collective can be read at least partially as the only possible response to the deranged and deranging power of repression and evil in the world. 2021 felt dark. Suffice it to say that things have not gotten better and appear set on getting quite a bit worse.

The title this time, of course, is a reference to the verified (and thus almost certainly lower than actual) death toll of the genocide in Gaza at the time of creation. Associate and Constellation labelmate Jessica Moss released her own powerful statement on the same issue this year, and again, things have not improved in the meantime. It’s enough to lead to a rare appearance of lyrics, with “RAINDROPS CAST IN LEAD” featuring a poem in Spanish read (and written? as always, the band remains gnomic) by Michele Fiedler Fuentes. Of course the current album will be viewed in light of current events (they almost beg you to do so, from track titles and statements on down), and while no Godspeed You! Black Emperor record is exactly drowning in levity, they cast a particularly grim panic over affairs here.

If G_d's Pee AT STATE'S END! frequently felt like the massive, sweeping motions of some sort of gestalt entity, it’s fitting that things here feel fractured at times, if no less cohesive. Halfway through “PALE SPECTATOR TAKES PHOTOGRAPHS” it feels like there’s a fire alarm going on behind the banks of sound. One of the guitarists frequently sounds as if they’re trying to pickaxe their way through a boulder (especially on parts of “BABYS IN A THUNDERCLOUD”). The opening “SUN IS A HOLE SUN IS VAPORS” sounds equally as if they might be tuning up for most of its length and like it’s a shame they’d already gotten around to using the name “Anthem for No State” as a title.

Godspeed You! Black Emperor has always been oriented towards apocalypse (the machine has been bleeding to death since their first album as a group, if not long before), and it continues to be queasily terrifying how swiftly the world rushes to meet them there. These are always someone’s last days; the rest of us wake up each morning and fall a little further down. They themselves say, this time, “what gestures make sense while tiny bodies fall? what context? what broken melody?” That may be the reason they close with “GREY RUBBLE - GREEN SHOOTS,” a tidy just-under-seven-minutes that presents both a stirring crescendo and an aching coda. Determined as always to nurture what is left growing after all the valedictions and maledictions are handed out. Every triumphant moment here feels wrested from the jaws of death, all too aware of who still gets claimed. They, and we, have to keep going.

Ian Mathers

[album-a-day-project]

2/20/24

Yeat

2093

====

This is my first time listening to Yeat at length. I've come to the realization that I don't need 22 tracks from artists like this anymore. He seems to use the same exact flows as Travis Scott, without the same level of entertainment value, maintaining a monotone voice throughout every single track.

Upon reviewing the credits, I noticed numerous writers listed for each track, as well as various 'TikTok Producers', which initially surprised me. It appears that we're witnessing the full evolution of Soundcloud rap into TikTok rap, with the first successful artists garnering substantial industry hype and financial backing. This is likely how Yeat managed to feature Future on the track 'Stand On It', which falls flat.

There's undoubtedly a place for this type of music, and Yeat appears to be leading the charge in the zone of TikTok rap. However, the repetitive and uninspired lyrics fail to drive the overall industry forward. By the end of this album, I find myself thoroughly exhausted. Thankfully, it's finally over.

5/10

[sonicreducer-band]

Fugazi Red Medicine by Ryleigh Fugazi, a band hailing from Washington D.C. and composed of Ian MacKaye, Guy Picciotto, Joe Lally and Brendan Canty. The band formed in 1986 and had an illustrious career touring the world and releasing several albums. Red Medicine is the 4th official album by Fugazi and the best combination of the bands signature rock sound, and the experimental sound they adopted in the second half of the bands existence.  Red Medicine begins with a disorientating, messy combination of sound. Many tracks on the album begin with a similar destructive intro. Not all tracks begin with these random sounds though, Latest Disgrace starts with a continuous clicking sound, but what sets this apart from the others is that the intro track is actually incorporated into the song, keeping the time in the beginning.  Red Medicine is not only great because of it’s experimental aspects, but it also consists of some of the bands best performances on any album. The guitar riff and composition on the track Combination Lock are unlike anything the band had done before, and Guy Picciottos vocal performance on the track Forensic Scene is both beautiful and haunting. Brendan and Joe accommodate this album as they do on each album, by being an extremely tight rhythm section, while also providing extremely catchy moments such as the bass intro for Bed For The Scraping.  Red Medicine is my favourite Fugazi record as to this day I think it stands up to anything else in the genre, and I haven’t really heard anything like it. I believe there’s a valid argument for any Fugazi album being the bands best as they don’t have any low points in their discography, but what made me fall in love with Red Medicine more than anything is the live performance footage of songs like Do You Like Me, Birthday Pony and Long Distance runner as they have such a powerful live energy and are huge standouts to me in the bands live set. Fugazi’s 1995 album Red Medicine not only set the pace for what the band would create further down the track, but also set the standard for what a “punk” or “post punk” band is meant to do. 

[canadianstud]

DAVID BOWIE ALBUMS TIER LIST - ALL HIS ALBUMS RANKED

[musicnewsweb]

KillerStar - Live At The 100 Club Read full review here: https://ift.tt/SeZcp7k More at Music-News.com

[lboogiepopworld305]

https://lboogiepopworldinthe305.blogspot.com/2020/11/parisjacksonalbumreview.html

[sandrarchives]

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Date of Discovery: January 20, 2024 Review: I discovered this song while I was in line for UP Fair's REV concert tickets, and I'm so happy I found this album because it is really, really good. Whenever people asked me for album recommendations, this is one of the albums that I suggest. Renee Rapp's voice is just soooo good and she shows it through her songs. The album is a good mix of fun, sad, and crazy songs, and whatever you're feeling right now, you're bound to fall in love with at least one track (can relate, I'm in love with almost all of them).

Favorite Songs:

Talk Too Much

I Hate Boston

Poison Poison

Gemini Moon

Snow Angel

Tummy Hurts