One Album for Every Year of the 21st Century

I will be unveiling my list of top albums of 2013 in a few days. However, I thought it would be fun to compile a list of the best album of every year from 2000-2012.  So here it is!

2000
Radiohead- Kid A

At this point, Radiohead had already enjoyed massive success as an alternative rock band in the 90's with highly acclaimed albums such as Ok Computer and The Bends, plus their huge hit song "Creep".  As the new millennium hit, Radiohead took a massive artistic risk by completely changing their sound and style that made them such a favorite of so many music fans.  They ditched the rock persona and presented a record that incorporated electronic influences with jazz, classical, krautrock, trip hop, and basically anything else you wouldn't expect to find from a platinum selling artist.  Here's the thing, it worked.  Birthed was Kid A, one of the most mesmerizing yet challenging albums you'll ever encounter.  It would inspire a wave of cerebral music full of forward thinking and new artistic boundaries.  Kid A would go on to be one of, if not the most adored Radiohead works and one of the most influential albums of the 21st century.

Song to know: Idioteque

2nd place album: Eminem- The Marshall Mathers LP

2001

The Stokes- Is This It

In 2001, we saw a new band hit the market known as The Strokes.  These guys brought with them a fresh melodic rock sound that really resonated with a large audience.  The use of melodies combined with a youthful energy and infectious rhythms really struck a chord with their fans and would find their contributions to the music world showing up in the sounds of many bands to follow them.  With lyrics dealing with modern youth and their relationship to urban society, it's no wonder this album was so huge and related so well to a new generation.  Although The Strokes have never really been able to match the quality of their debut record, these 11 songs have also never lost their charm.

Song to know: Last Nite

2nd Place Album:  Daft Punk- Discovery

2002

Wilco- Yankee Hotel Foxtrot

Perhaps inspired by what Radiohead did a back in 2000 with Kid A, Wilco is another act who decided to abandon the formula that brought them success in exchange for experimentation.  These guys had already built up a fan base with the folk and americana sounding records they have previously created.  However with Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, they ditched those sounds and brought meddled with karutrock, psychedelia, electronic music, and  electric guitar delays and feedback.  This was not the same band, so much that their label refused to put this album out convinced it would never sell.  Reprise Records dropped Wilco from their label.  In response, the band streamed the entire thing on their website, and gaining attention by not only fans but also Nonesuch Records, which decided to take a chance on this album.  This chance paid off and it became the band's all time highest selling record.  This new creative sound, mixed with frontman Jeff Tweedy's simplistic yet marvelously poetic lyrics and delivery make Yankee Hotel Foxtrot an instant classic.

Song to know:  Jesus Etc.

2nd Place Album:  Queens of the Stone Age- Songs for the Deaf

2003

The White Stripes- Elephant

This staple record of the 2000's garage rock revival opens up with one of the most recognizable riffs of all time on the opening track "Seven Nation Army."  The rest of this album never loses it's ferocity and energy as Jack White carries Elephant with his unpolished voice; and skillful and energetic guitar playing.  Meg White's drumming has been criticized in the past, with people questioning her technical ability.  However on these songs, her simplistic style provides the perfect backdrop for Jack's fuzzy and distorted guitar jams.  This record is dirty, aggressive, barbaric,  and primitive.  It's beautiful music to our ears.

Song to know: Seven Nation Army

2nd place album:  OutKast- Speakerboxxx/The Love Below

2004

Arcade Fire- Rebellion

Canadian artist Arcade Fire has become one of the biggest bands in the world.  They have already built themselves up to legendary status and cemented their legacy among some of the greatest artists of all time.  However, their greatest contribution to music's history comes from their humble beginnings on Funeral.  Lyrically, this album commentates on the isolation and detachment that has become a reality in this generation, while providing a message of hope and restoration.  These songs are catchy, anthemic, and flourishing with an unrestricted artistry.  Heard on this record is flawless orchestration, and songwriting abilities that have not been so perfectly tapped into since the Beatles.  If I was just to say this album tugs on the emotions of the listener, I would be doing this record an injustice.  These are the kind of songs that send shivers down your spine and bring the goosebumps out on your arms.

Song to know:  Rebellion (Lies)

2nd place album:  Kanye West- The College Dropout

2005

Sufjan Stevens- Illinois

Illinois is definitely an interesting gem of a record.  You can't really talk about this album without mentioning it's unique instrumentation.  Sufjan Stevens never seems to favor the traditional drums, guitar, and bass set-up that has been so prevalent in the popular music world since the very beginning.  Instead we hear banjos, trumpets, glockenspiels, sleigh bells, accordions, and really anything else you could possibly think of.  Lyrically, Stevens paints a picture of the state's history and culture, as well as singing about his Christian faith.  The music has playful quirkiness to it, as well as moments of somber reflection, often on the same track.  I think what has really elevated this to be one of the most respected records of the past 10 years is it's rare tender sincerity and honesty that is lacking in a vast majority of today's music.

Song to know:  Chicago

2nd place album:  Antony and the Johnsons-  I Am a Bird Now

2006

Arctic Monkeys- Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not

Pure rock n' roll.  There's not a lot of it anymore, but with their debut record, the Arctic Monkeys looked to change that up a bit.  These guys from England found a way to put together some of the tightest, catchiest, and plain freaking awesome rock tracks you're ever going to hear.  This isn't mindless party rock music either.  Drawing inspiration from many of the great punk acts of old, the Arctic Monkeys do a great job of creating anthems that analyze the youth culture at the time.  This is the perfect album for blaring in your car with the windows rolled down or to headbang to in your room when no one else is home.

Song to Know:  I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor

2nd Place Album- Joanna Newsom- Ys

2007

LCD Soundsystem- Sound of Silver

James Murphy is a legendary producer, and he is best known for his work under the moniker, LCD Soundsystem.  Citing some of his main influences as Daft Punk, The Velvet Underground, Talking Heads, B52's and Brian Eno, Murphy brings together characteristics of punk, new-wave, and dance music together into this electro-punk classic.  On "All My Friends," the album's centerpiece, Murphy sings about reaching adulthood and reflecting on the scene and lifestyle him and friends left behind.  "I wouldn't trade one stupid decision, for another five years of life."   With spacious textures, and thought out melodies, this album take electronic production to new heights.  Although it's mainly an electronic based record, it doesn't try to be too modern.  In fact it feels as if you're spinning a classic record from the 70's and getting lost in the nostalgia.

Song to Know:  All My Friends

2nd Place Album:  Radiohead-  In Rainbows

2008

TV on the Radio- Dear Science

Following up the success of their 2006 LP Return to Cookie Monster, these art-rockers return with their best record yet.  The band does a marvelous job of fusing funk textures and afrobeat influences to their sound.  Dear Science is an extremely social conscious and politically fused album.  Never has funk music sounded so cerebral.   "DLZ", one of the record's standout tracks, is one of the most danceable and catchiest war-protest songs you're going to hear.

Song to know:  Golden Age

2nd Place Album:  Vampire Weekend- Vampire Weekend

2009:

Animal Collective- Merriweather Post Pavillon

This psychedelic music act had built up a cult following to this point.  Music lovers found a sense of joy in their early experimental and pleasantly strange compositions.  However, in 2009 Animal Collective was able to release their most commercial and critical success yet.  Their earlier work may not be for everyone, as their musical ideas were often very left-field and foreign to the casual ear.  With Merriweather Post Pavillon, they were able to capture the essence of their sound, while presenting it in an accessibly structured format.  In this instance, getting "poppier" was not a bad thing at all.  These tracks are full of musical integrity while being happy and containing a playful energy.  This album contains very unique electronic sounds with drones, shoe gaze elements, and just really trippy textures.  It's really hard to not find yourself dancing or tapping your foot to some of the more built up choruses on this record, such as on "My Girls" or "Brother Sport".

Song to know:  My Girls

2nd place album:  The xx-xx

2010

Kanye West- My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

A year ago, Kanye had pulled off his infamous antics with Taylor Swift at the VMA's.  This was the tipping point for most people with him.  With other regrettable media antics under his belt, he was really beginning to be labeled as an enemy of society, a douchebag, and someone nobody really wanted to like.  In response, Kanye wanted to show the world how much he really doesn't care.  His introspective lyrics deal with his relationship to the media as well his roll in society.  "Screams from the haters, has a nice ring to it.  I guess every superhero needs his theme music."  We always knew Kanye was extremely talented with the studio, getting his start producing classic hip-hop records such as Jay-Z's The Blueprint.  However, we did not know how much of his talent he had been holding back unto he leashed it all out on this grandiose record of sonic maximalism. Kanye brings in marching bands; progressive rock samples; and guest appearances from acts like Bon Iver, Elton John, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Jay-Z and more.  Simply put, this is the most well-engineered and ambitious hip-hop records ever made, and the biggest artistic statement the genre has ever seen.

Song to know: Power

2nd place album:  Arcade Fire- The Suburbs

2011

PJ Harvey- Let England Shake

PJ Harvey has had her fair share of stellar albums such as Rid of Me (1993) , To Bring You My Love (1995), and Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea (2000).  However, she had been fairly quiet since than.  No one really expected her to reach a new artistic prime like this in 2011.  With this album, PJ Harvey sings about her loyalty to England, but seeks to highlights the disturbing reality that the nation has faced due to war and social injustice.  Musically, it often sounds as if she is borrowing from old English folk tunes to make this a very "English" sounding record.  Definitely a concept record, this is a complete artistic package, and not a collection of songs, although their are definitely some standout tracks.  Known for her more abrasive and primitive sound, Harvey actually shows how polished her voice can be, and how beautiful and gentle she can make music at times.  On the more politically charged tracks, she still displays how in-your-face she can be.

Song to know:  The Words that Maketh Murder

2nd Place album:  Bon Iver-  Bon Iver, Bon Iver

2012

Frank Ocean- Channel Orange

There's been a lot of buzz about this guy, and respectably show.  Already making a name for himself, with his guest appearances, he was not completely unheard of when he released his major label debut.  This R&B album experiments with dark post-dub like textures and lo-fi sounds.  This record is so uniquely engineered, we may have found a glimpse of the future of popular music.  R&B can be a somewhat predictable genre, but Frank Ocean looks to break the cliches.  Lyrically, he deals with topics such as unrequited love, religion, and the impact of drugs on today's culture.  This is a new artistic level for R&B music, a genre that has never been so adventurous as this.

Song to know:  Thinkin Bout You

2nd place album:  Kendrick Lamar-  good kid, m.A.A.d. city

Lorde- Pure Heroine Review

Lorde- Pure Heroine

Released September 27, 2013

Universal

Lorde has been creating a lot of hype lately, and I figured it required me to comment on it.  This 16 year old solo artist from New Zealand has suddenly become famous in a very short period after her two mega singles "Royals" and "Tennis Courts" were released.  Now her first full-length album is out and it's got plenty of people talking.

This album opens up with the track "Tennis Courts", which features a very minimalistic drum and bass loop that remains prevalent for the remainder of "Pure Heroine."  While listening to this song, you'll hear a couple decent build-ups, a couple cool melodic lines, and way too many "yeah yeahs!"  This transitions to the second track, "400 Lux."  This is honestly the most forgettable songs on this album, both musically and lyrically.  This song seems to simply exist, and never really demands attention from my ears.

Next up is Lorde's big hit "Royals."  It is understandable why this song has become so popular.  Featuring an almost danceable and broad drum beat and bass line mixed with a catchy chorus, this track is built to sell.  Now, does that make this track great?  In occasionally instances it can be, in this situation no.  "Royals" is seriously lacking in dynamic flavor and lyrical drive.  It's a lot of fluff lacking true ambition and substance.

One of the best songs on this album is "Ribs" which is more slowed down and emotionally driven than other 9 songs on "Pure Heroine."  "Ribs" deals with the fears of life and growing up. The pulsating kick beat rhythm is very satisfying to the ear which accompanies the most honest and vulnerable chorus on this record.  The other song I would recommend listening to is "Team", which is definitely the most ambitious work Lorde has to offer in all aspects.

The past couple weeks have involved me hearing tracks off this album in people's car and plenty instances of people asking "Have you heard that Lorde album yet?!"  We live in a time where people getting excited over a whole album and not just a radio single seem to be a bit rare.  For that reason, I have to smile a bit.  Lorde is turning into the perfect gateway into better music than what the radio feeds uninformed casual listeners.  However, unfortunately I cannot call "Pure Heroine" a great album.

Now I'm not saying this is a bad record.  In fact there are quite a few really nice moments, and I did enjoy my listen for the most part.  "Pure Heroine" is very flawed.  Lyrically it can get pretty awful at times.  It comes across as a 16 year old girl trying to hard to sound wiser than her age.  There is a certain immaturity in the themes and ideas that will probably improve with age and experience. Instrumentally, we hear a very lo-fi drum and bass pattern that doesn't vary much throughout this record.  It lacks in dynamics and never really succeeds in pulling the listener farther into the experience.   There is a lack of consistency, with a few good songs, a couple listenable tracks, and quite a few forgettable numbers.  The album seems to give up towards the end in which the songs get weaker, and the experience gets diminished.  Lorde does provide us with some nice moments, cool melodies, and impressive harmonies, but it's not enough to propel "Pure Heroine" forward.

I don't know if I've emphasized the fact that Lorde is only 16.  Her voice is definitely commendable for her age.  The fact she is so young leads me to believe that she has a ton of potential as an artists and the aforementioned flaws of this release will improve on future releases.  I am looking forward to hearing some potentially killer stuff from her in upcoming years.  Right now, I have  to judge her for what it is. 2013 has provided us with some great work from female artists and female fronted groups such as: Laura Marling, Janelle Monae, Julianna Barswick, Julia Holter, the Knife, Savages, Chvrches, Haim, and Neko Case.  I can't justify placing Lorde into this elite class.

My rating 71/100

Ranking the Beatles Albums from Worst to Best

The Beatles are by far the most influential artist of all time. Very few artists have even come close to being as revolutionary, inventive, and consistently great as the Fab Four. There career was surprisingly short, with a time span of only 7 years between their first release and their last. However, in those 7 years, they were able to leave more of a legacy than many bands that have been around for 30+ more years.  I have taken on the task of ranking The Beatles' 13 studio albums from worst to best.

13. Yellow Submarine (1969)

This was a soundtrack album The Beatles were commissioned to do for the film of the same name.  Of all the tracks on this record, only 4 were original unreleased tracks by The Beatles.  The band elected to bring in  two tracks from previous albums, "Yellow Submarine" from "Revolver," and "All You Need is Love," from "Magical Mystery Tour."  That makes up side 1.  Side 2 is just a collection of film scores created by their producer, George Martin.  The band just feels it's least inspired on "Yellow Submarine," resulting in the only Beatles album that's just kinda meh.

12. Beatles for Sale (1964)

In the middle of the Beatlemania era, the band may have been a little rushed to get an album out quickly to sell to all their screaming fans.  In order to speed up the process the band did less writing and included a few more covers on this album including "Rock and Roll Music" by Chuck Berry, and "Words of Love" by Buddy Holly.  Although this record may be a bit of a weak point for the group, they still were able to construct a pretty fun rock album, with highlights such as Eight Days a Week.

11. Magical Mystery Tour (1967)

The Beatles looked to follow up their incredible "Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band" with another psychedelic album in "Magical Mystery Tour."  Unfortunately they weren't able to match it.  This was originally meant to be just an short EP, and side 1 was going to be the product.  However, they decided to throw in 5 of their non-album singles at the time for a side 2 of this LP.  This is worth buying just for the singles, which includes great songs such as "Strawberry Fields Forever," "Penny Lane", and "All You Need is Love."  Side 1 of this record however feels a bit unnatural and forced, ultimately making this an inconsistent album.

10.  Please Please Me (1963)

This is what started it all! The Beatles took only 9 hours to come out with their debut album.  At the time, they had no idea what kind of career they were about to embark on.  Although "Please Please Me" is not as big of a deal musically compared to some of their later issues, it stills deserves a couple listens.  This is a quality Pop/Rock album that is easy to be enjoyed by everyone.  You will find recognizable hits such as "Love Me Do", "Twist and Shout," and "I Saw Her Standing There."

9. Help! (1965)

"Help!" was designed as a soundtrack to a movie with the same name. "Help!" can be seen as a transition album, as it contained a lot of the similar  pop material that was driving the Beatlemania craze, but also had signs of folk and different genres that would propel the later stages of their career.  The same sing-a-long hits they were so good at producing are present, such as "Ticket to Ride."  However, we also see a more serious and artistic side, such as in the emotional ballad "Yesterday" and the title track.  All in-all Help! was an important step in pushing the Beatles to a new stage of their career.


8.  Let it Be (1970)

When the Beatles first wrote the music for Let it Be, they were unsatisfied and decided to scrap the product and go back to the studio, and that is when they came out with "Abbey Road."  However after Abbey Road came out and the band called it quits, they decided to release "Let it Be" to the public.
This album may be a bit of a disappointment following some of their other masterpieces, but is definitely no throwaway. It is a little unfocused and overproduced, and their are moments when the Beatles seem uninterested and out of it.  However, there is a lot of greatness to be found here, just look at "Across the Universe," "Get Back," and of course the masterful title track, which is one of the band's most coveted creations.

7. With the Beatles (1963)

"With the Beatles" is the groups sophomore effort and an improvement over their debut "Please Please Me."  This album is very similar in style as their debut, but much better.  The songwriting is more developed and careful.  In "Please Please Me" it often felt as they were throwing things together just for the sake of having an album.  Highlights would include "I Wanna Be Your Man" and "All My Loving."

6. A Hard Day's Night (1964)

"A Hard Day's Night" was yet another soundtrack album by the Beatles and probably the most important of the early Beatlemania era albums.  The young Beatles showed a more developed songwriting ability on their 3rd LP in comparison to previous albums, "Please Please Me" and "With the Beatles."  The band let's their musical abilities shine with wonderful harmonies and some nice guitar chops by George Harrison, especially on the title track.

5. The Beatles ("White Album") (1968)

This probably goes down as the Beatles weirdest album.  The band had just arrived from their stay in India and tension between the members were at a high.  In fact, Ringo quit the band for a time when this was being recorded, only to rejoin later on.  It seemed like each member had their own musical ideas they wanted to bring out and no consensus could be made.  This resulted in a melting pot of individual solo works by all the members. Clocking in at over 90 minutes, this album has rock ("Back in the USSR"), folk ("Rocky Racoon"), pop ("Dear Prudence") and a really odd song about pigs ("Piggies") .  "Helter Skelter" is even considered one of the earliest examples of heavy metal.  Some of the oddest things the Beatles have ever recorded can be found here, such as "Revoluton 9" and "The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill."  This record would seem to lack centrality or cohesiveness, due to its, shall I say, randomness.  However, the record somehow manages to find unity through division, resulting in an incredibly influential masterpiece, and a highlight in the Beatles catalogue.

4. Rubber Soul (1965)

Rubber Soul marked a new era for the Beatles.  Inspired by their idol Bob Dylan, the Beatles put out a folk rock oriented album with more serious and thoughtful lyrics.  This was nothing like the bubblegum pop band that put out "I Want to Hold Your Hand" just 2 years ago.  The group was looking to make a more artistic statement and to get away from the more radio friendly material they had been developing, and they did just that.  "Rubber Soul" is one of the earliest examples of an album being a work of art in itself, as compared to simply a collection of songs.  Popular music history buffs know the influence this album had on The Beach Boys as it directly inspired them to create their masterpiece "Pet Sounds."

3.  Abbey Road (1969)

Try listening to "Abbey Road" without smiling, I dare you.  Although tensions were high with the band, they were able to "Come Together" and create one of the most warm and joyous albums of all time.  Every song from the love ballad "Something" the opener "Come Together, the bluesy "I Want You (She's So Heavy) and the acoustic driven "Here Comes the Sun" is simply wonderful.  The album's highlight is the Abbey Road medley, a 16 minute collection of short songs that play right into the next.  It all crescendos into the big finale, "The End" in which the band leaves us with their famous line "And in the end, the love you take, is equal to the love you make.""Abbey Road" was the Beatles last album they recorded, and although "Let it Be" would be released the next year, this was their true goodbye.

2. Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967)

Sgt. Peppers was a journey through psychedelia and experimental studio techniques.  This record is full of orchestral and music hall effects, creating a very innovating, and very "trippy" atmosphere.  Sgt. Peppers was the Beatles response to "Pet Sounds" by the Beach Boys, attempting, and succeeding, to equal it's greatness.  Sgt. Peppers opened the door to multi-track recording, which allowed the band to create very layered and built up sounds in multiple takes, instead of basically recording everything live in one take.  The last track on the album, "A Day in the Life" is one of the Beatles most socially aware songs and it might be the greatest song the Beatles ever wrote.  Sgt. Peppers is definitely one of the most important albums in the history of popular music.

1. Revolver (1966)

Do you want the best album ever made?  You might not have to look any further.  Revolver takes the more serious and in-depth lyrics of their previous LP "Rubber Soul" to another level.  Instead of singing about teenage love like their earlier works, they deal with topics such as death and loneliness (Eleanor Rigby), attacks on Harold Wilson "Taxman," failed love "For No One" and LSD "She Said She Said."  Revolver is a much darker album than anything else in The Beatles catalogue.    However, though the darkness are moments of happiness and joy, such as on "Good Day Sunshine" and "Yellow Submarine" resulting on the perfect emotional roller coaster.  "Revolver" is incredibly innovative and inventive.  From backwards guitar solos, to Indian music influences, to overdubbed orchestra effects, "Revolver" is completely revolutionary and the Beatles magnum opus.

Metallica- Master of Puppets Review

Metallica- Master of Puppets

Released: February 24, 1986

Elektra/Asylum

As a tribute to James Hetfield's birthday, I thought I would do a review of Metallica's classic album, "Master of Puppets."  This is the third studio album by this legendary act.  Although they had moderate success with their first two efforts, "Ride the Lightning", and "Kill 'Em All", they were still mainly a cult act and in the underground. "Master of Puppets" would take them over the edge.  "Master of Puppets" is what they would be remembered for.

The opening track start's off with a classical guitar intro, that out of nowhere turns up the distortion and becomes an epic rock moment.  This transitions into an incredible speed metal riff before the rest of the band joins in.  This incredible intro not only demands the listener's attention, but defines the energy power of this 55 minute experience.  Jame's Hetfield's vocals come in at around a minute and a half when he state's "Lashing out the action, returning the reaction, weak are ripped and torn away.  Hypnotizing power, crushing all that cower, battery is here to stay." Kirk Hammet provides a very musical, yet very metal guitar solo that's full of power (I feel I can't use that word enough to describe this album).

The title track is probably the most important on the album.  This eight minute politically charged track has it all,  incredible riffs and leads backed up by Jame's stellar rhythm guitar work, intensified and angry lyrics, and yes, a really fast guitar solo.  The thing that really stands out on this track are the instrumental breaks, including a cleaner, slowed down, melodic passage that breaks up the ferocity of this record and gives the listener a chance to collect themselves.

"Welcome to where time stands still, no one leaves and no one will.  Moon is full, never seems to change.  Just label me mentally deranged."  These are the opening lines of Welcome Home (Sanitarium) a more ballad oriented song that is based on Ken Kesey's masterpiece of a novel "One Flew Over the Cukoo's Nest."  This track hauntingly deals with the topics of insanity and mental illness. And yes, there is a guitar solo.  

There are other highlights on this record.  "Disposable Heroes" is perhaps an underated track that discusses how the band feels this nation treats war and those who fight in it.  "You will die when I say, you must die. Back to the front, you coward, you servant, you blind man."  "Orion" is a superb instrumental track that features impressive musicianship and an a very engaging and bass solo provided by Cliff Burton.  The album ends with "Damage Inc.", an insanely fast speed metal track that is a real treat to headbangers everywhere.

Theres so much I can say about this incredible gem.  "Master of Puppets" is by far the pinnacle of heavy metal and an album that rock and metal bands still draw inspiration from.  The music is intense, technical, ferocious, and powerful.  This album is incredible engaging lyrically.  The lyrics are full of anger and politically fused as it deals with abuse of power, lack of freedom, and control.  In a time dominated by acts pop like Michael Jackson and Madonna, lyrics that really made bold and substance full statements like this were a bit rare.  Cliff Burton, arguably one of the greatest bass players of all time, would tragically die in a bus accident, but not after leaving his legacy on "Master of Puppets."

Simply put, the music on this record is beyond great.  This is really one of the best albums to come out of the 80's and one of the all time great's.  Kirk Hammet's leads, James Hetfield's vocals and rhythm guitar, Lars Ulrich's speed drumming, and Cliff Burton's bass guitar provide an unmatched combination.  If you call yourself a music fan, but have never heard this album, that is a huge problem that needs to be remedied.  "Master of Puppets" leaves an incredible legacy on the world of music

My rating: 91/100

Temptations- Temptations Sing Smokey Review

Temptations- Temptations Sing Smokey
Released: March 22, 1965
Motown

The Temptations are well known for their countless hit singles and timeless tracks.  Songs like "Just My Imagination" "Papa Was a Rolling Stone" "Cloud Nine", and many more help punch their tickets as the greatest stand-up group of all time.  However, they were never well-known for their LP's.  This doesn't mean they never had a great album.  "Temptations Sing Smokey" is an example of that.

All of the songs on this album are songs written by Smokey Robinson either for the Temptations, or covers of other songs he has written.  Though these are Smokey's songs, the Temptations do a fantastic job of making them their own.

The record is full of 12 just wonderful tracks.  "Temptations Sing Smokey" is 100% free of boring tracks, and each song feels warm, fresh, and exciting.  Those familiar with the Temptations hit tracks will instantly recognize the opener "The Way You Do the Things You Do", an incredibly catchy, innocent, and classic tune.  This is the first album to feature David Ruffin, and you can hear him singing lead on another great track "It's Growing".  By far the highlight of this album is "My Girl," one of the great songs of all time.

Side 2 is almost all songs originally recorded by The Miracles except for one (You Beat Me to the Punch).  The Temptations do a great job at paying tribute to The Miracles while keeping the tracks feeling new and original.  One of the best covers on this side is of "You Really Got a Hold on Me", in which the group puts their own flair on this incredible tune.

This music is almost 50 years old, yet it still feels fresh and engaging.  These songs are simply timeless, and you get this wonderful nostalgic feeling while listening, no matter what you're age is.  It begs the question, "Why don't they make music like this anymore?"  This record is not a landmark release, or a masterpiece by any means.  However, "Temptations Sing Smokey,"is a quality release and a criminally underrated recording that should be heard by any music fan.

My rating: 79/100

Jay-Z: Magna Carta Holy Grail Review

Jay-Z- Magna Carta Holy Grail
Released: July 4, 2013
Roc-A-Fella, Roc-Nation, Universal


During the NBA finals on June 16, Jay-Z was featured in a commercial in which it was revealed that a new album was on the way in less than a month.  Through the ensuing month Jay would release videos in which he explains already released lyrics to a few of the tracks.  Samsung had paid $5 a copy for one million downloads that would be given for free early to Galaxy phone users who downloaded a special app.  These marketing methods are unconventional, but definitely intriguing.  After some disputing over the validity of these downloads, Jay-Z was able to convince the RIAA to change the industry rules and count the downloads that Samsung payed for as sales.  "Magna Carta Holy Grail" officially became platinum before it ever hit stores.  Impressive.

After all this sudden hype and commotion over this new album, I was looking forward to something bold, epic, and innovative from arguably one of raps greatest acts of all time.  I'm afraid that might now be what we have been given.  It is quite the opposite.

The opening track, "Holy Grail" features a guest appearance by Justin Timberlake.  Justin delivers on a very tender and memorable  but long intro and hook to start the album off.  Oddly, we don't even hear Jay-Z until a minute and a half into the song.  Unfortunately, when we do hear Jay-Z, we get a very uninspired and bland performance from Jay-Z.  His verse, like many on this LP, seems lacking of any real passion or emotion.  They just exist.  After this weak at best moment from Jay, we get more Justin Timberlake!  "Holy Grail" would be more justified being credited as Justin Timberlake featuring Jay-Z as opposed to the other way around.  This track also features a very awkwardly placed clip from Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit".  This is not the only 90's alternative sample found on this record, as Jay-Z places a piece of R.E.M's "Losing My Religion" later on.  These samples don't really work, and just come off as cheesy, out-of place, and just plain gimmicky.

Alot of this record just seems lazy, repetitive, and dull.  Jay-Z's rapping is not at his best, and it seems he's trying to hard.  The production from Timbaland on "Magna Carta Holy Grail" for the most part is decent, but at times seems cliche and unoriginal compared to the soul sample heavy "Blueprint", Jay-Z's classic release from 2001.  This record contradicts itself lyrically sometimes.  One recurring theme the struggles of fame and wealth.  However on many tracks he throws this away and just brags about how successful he is and how many cool cars and fancy pieces of art he owns (See "Picasso Baby").

There are positives on this album.  The track "Oceans" deals with the effects of the slave trade, and "Heaven" deals with ideas of faith and religion.  These are some of Jay-Z's most conscious and cerebral lyrical ideas.  Jay-Z collaborates with his ex-nemesis Nas, on a pretty fun track "BBC."  "Jay-Z Blue" is probably the standout track on this record.  This song is about his daughter and his concerns of balancing being a public icon and his new found responsibilities of being a father.  Jay-Z seems to be the most involved and present emotionally on this song.

Although there are a few good parts on this album, for the most part it is full of lazy and uninspired rhyme schemes and flow from Jay-Z.   I also want to mention all the lame product placement's and bad pop culture references. It seems after a 17 year career, and 12 studio albums, Shawn Carter is running out of ideas.  For example, "hashtag's and retweets, 140 characters in these streets."  Really, Jay..your inspiration is to vent out your dislike for Twitter?  Having a net worth of about a half billion and an a career already proven as legendary, seems to not beg as much need to impress.  Because of this,  I feel we have a less carefully crafted record than Jay has potential of making.   Jay-Z built a platform to put out something iconic and memorably, but instead gave us a very lacking record.  "Magna Carta Holy Grail" can definitely be labeled a disappointment.

My rating 62/100

Bon Iver- Bon Iver, Bon Iver Review

Bon Iver- Bon Iver, Bon Iver

June 2011

Jagjaguwar

For those who don't know the story about Justin Vernon, the man behind Bon Iver, here is a quick history lesson.  A few years ago Justin Vernon went through a break-up with both his girlfriend and his band DeYarmond Edison.  Shortly after he became ill with mononucleosis.  Dealing with all of this, he decided to head into seclusion with just an acoustic guitar, some cheap recording equipment, and a whole lot of hurt.  Out of this hibernation birthed the stellar "For Emma, Forever Ago"

Following this it didn't take long before Bon Iver developed a cult following among music fans, "hipsters", and music journalists.  After an appearance on the Dave Letterman show, some of his music played on Chuck, and a guest spot on Kanye West's "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" album, Bon  Iver began to gain some fame.  Fast forward to 2011, Bon Iver released his sophomore effort, "Bon Iver, Bon Iver".  This year Bon Iver would take home the Grammy Award for best album and best new artists.  Everyone was beginning to know who this artist was.

If you have heard "For Emma, Forever Ago" and are used to Justin Vernon's stripped down acoustic sound, you will be very surprised to hear the large soundscapes and deep instrumentation used on this new record.  With the use of electric guitars, drums, horn sections, and lots of synths, this is a completely new musical direction for Bon Iver.  Some of his long time fans may not be extremely happy with this and may even think he slightly "sold out".  However, if one can disregard what was in the past and simply judge this for what it is, than this album will definitely be a very pleasant surprise.

From the very beginning of "Bon Iver, Bon Iver" on the first track "Perth" the listener is immediately drawn in by the beautiful and melodic electric guitar and snare drum intro.  This is blended with Justin Vernon's gorgeous falsetto voice and synths.  This track eventually cresendos into an epic double bass and guitar breakdown.  After just one track in I was already floored by Bon Iver's sense of texture and dynamics.  

Possibly the standout track of this album is Holocene, a beautiful finger picked ballad.  This song will remind listeners the most of the stylings on "For Emma, Forever Ago."  Although this album is stocked full of emotionally gripping moments, the most gripping may be found on Holocene.  In this track the lyrics state, "I knew I was not magnificent."  Mr.  Vernon I have to wholeheartedly disagree.

Other tracks to point out would be Towers, featuring a strummed electric guitar riff and touching vocal melodies.  I also want to point out the haunting piano driven track, "Calgary" which may be the most honest and vulnerable point on this album.  However, the track that has been a point of discussion the most would be the closer, "Beth/Rest."  This song has garnered many mixed opinions, with some dismissing the track as corny and out of place, while others take it as an emotionally charged masterpiece.  "Beth/Rest"  resembles very similarly to many of the power ballads of the 80's, with similar vocal effects, production, horn sounds,  background guitar leads, and synth pads.  This has clearly proven to be a bit too much for some listeners, but I'd have to ask, what's wrong with that?  Yes, it has it's cheesy moments, but behind it all is a very sincere and well-crafted performance from Bon Iver.  The only complaint I might have with it is that it slightly breaks up the flow and pacing, which is otherwise perfect on "Bon Iver, Bon Iver"

Although I am very impressed with this album, I can't right now say it has topped "For Emma, Forever Ago".  "Bon Iver, Bon Iver" misses the sincerity and realness you felt from Vernon's first effort.  I will however do what many other critics have failed at doing, and point out what this new album has that "For Emma, Forever Ago" does not.  "Bon Iver, Bon Iver" presents an astonishing sense of detail as every second of this record seems carefully and finely crafted.  From every softer and stripped down moment, to each built up epic chorus, Justin Vernon's attention to every little aspect of layers, dynamics, and emotion is really something to be praised.  The abstract lyrical ideas mixed with the underlying themes of finding reality though different places in life is very smart.  Justin Vernon's unbelievable falsetto voice can really choke one up.  He knows how to engage the emotions of the listener without every over doing it, while knowing the exact right times to pull away a bit.  

I know a many reviewers have given this record as much or maybe even more acclaim than I have, while a few others have seen it less favorably than I have.  I feel those few have tried to nitpicked the minor flaws on this Bon Iver album just to sound smarter than the casual listener. I will agree that this record isn't without fault however, these critics have missed the sheer fact that this album moves and grips the emotional core of the listener.  At the end of the day,  isn't that really the point?

My rating 84/100

10 Greatest Hip Hop Albums of All Time

Old School vs. New School. East Coast vs. West Coast. Hip-hop is a major part of American music history. I have compiled a list of the ten most influential albums in the hip-hop genre with commentary.


10. Beastie Boys- Pauls' Boutique (1989)
 


Although an initial commerical failure, this has gone on to become the Beastie Boys most heralded relase. Inspired by the The Beatle's "Abbey Road", the Beastie Boys take small parts of songs and piece them together into a sort of collage, much like the Abbey Road medley.  "Paul's Boutique's" main draw is its superb use of sampling, taking bit's from Johnny Cash, to the Beatles, to the Ramones, and everything in between.  Due to modern day copyright restrictions, nothing like this record will probably ever have the ability to come into existence.

9. Wu-Tang Clan- Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) (1993)
















At the time, West Coast Hip-hop was dominating the charts.  This was until Wu-Tang was able to spark a revival of some sort with the release of Enter the Wu-Tang.  A plethora of classic east-coast albums would follow suit.  Underground in nature, this record is dark, violent, and has this weird fascination with martial arts.  Some of the most rememberable hip-hop skits are found here as well.  This is hardcore hip-hop the top of it's game.

8. The Notorious B.I.G.- Ready to Die (1994)

This might be one of the most important debut's in rap history.  Biggie Small's lyrics are funny and clever, but when it's time to get serious, he talks about his "Everyday Struggles"  (track 11) in the most believable and sincere way possible.  Marked by a continuous theme of suicidal lyrics and thoughts, Biggie almost makes the listener want to help him find another way.  Classic tracks originate on this album such as "Juicy" and "Big Poppa" This is all presented with The Notorious B.I.G.'s perfect and classic flow.

7. Eminem- The Marshall Mathers LP (2000)

Eminem has a rare ability to make a sarcastic joke about pop-culture, lash out against his critics, and provide a social commentary, all in one sentence.....and make it rhyme.  After "The Slim Shady LP" made Eminem a superstar, Mr. Mathers comes back with a darker and more autobiographical approach.  The lyrics are shocking, violent, and fuel of fueled anger.  Calling this controversial is more than understatement.   From the twisted opening song "Kill You,"to the chilling "Stan," the in your face "The Way I Am" and the very funny "The Real Slim Shady," Eminem takes us on an almost frightening ride as he looks to get back at everyone who's wronged him.

6. Kanye West- My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010)

Bold. Daring. Adventurous.  These are the words I use to describe this work of art brought to us Kanye West.  The drive for experimentation, and the level of complexity on "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" goes unmatched by anything else in the rap genre.  With big sounds and instrumentation, and groundbreaking production by Kanye, this sonic maximalism at it's core.  With lyrics dealing with his social unpopularity,  fame, and doubt, the introspective honesty may be the most jaw dropping thing about this album.  Although "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" has only been out for a few years, it's already been heralded a classic!With landmark releases like "The College Dropout" and "Late Registration" already under his name, this is Kanye West's magnum opus.

5. De La Soul- 3 Feet High and Rising (1989)

This may be the most unique hip-hop album ever made.  Psychedlica and unusually positive lyrics for rap music, had listeners calling De La Soul "hippies" and the Beatles of hip-hop.  The very clever game-show interludes are some of the first examples of hip-hop skits, something that has become a tradition in rap albums. "3 Feet High and Rising" is playful and an extremely fun listen.  This is hip-hop you can dance to, especially on the infectious hit single "Me, Myself, and I."

4. Nas- Illimatic (1994)

It really doesn't get much better than Illimatic.  Nas commentates on the realities of being raised around poverty, drugs, and gang violence in the most serious and real way.  Musically, the production is flawless, and draws influence from jazz, blues, and earlier hip-hop.  His refusal to conform to commercial trends, allowed Nas to compose a work of art that was completely new and fresh.  With complex rhyme schemes, more than impressive articulation, keen sense of rhythm, and deep intelligent substance; this is just not hip-hop, this is sonic poetry.   The lyrical content and delivery of Illimatic is still being analyzed by scholars this day.  Simply put, this brings the art of rap to a new standard.

3. Dr Dre.- The Chronic (1992)















This was hip-hop's greatest producer's attempt at a solo album.  This could possibly the most well-produced album in the history of rap.  Dre is credited with innovating the G-funk style of rap marked with bass-heavy production, funky grooves,  and female backing vocals.  Snoop Dog's career was jump started from this record as Dre gives the unknown at the time rapper many appearances to shine.  These two rappers helped developed a more laid-back delivery approach nicknamed a "lazy drawl." The lyrics are controversially as they depict violent scenarios of street gangs and drugs, prevalent in the gangsta rap movement.  It should be stated that "Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang" will always go down as one of the greatest rap songs ever made.

2. N.W.A.- Straight Outta Compton (1988)

"Straight Outta Compton" brought gangsta rap to the forefront.  When someone mentions the term West-coast hip-hop, this is probably the first record that comes to mind. This crew consisted of Dr. Dre, Arabian Prince, MC Ren, Eazy-E, The D.O.C., and Ice Cube.  The chemistry between these six individuals worked to perfection as they crafted one of the most influential records in the rap genre.  Full of violence, crime, takes at racism, and production full of siren and gunshot sounds got N.W.A. unwanted attention from the FBI, which only made this album more popular.  N.W.A. defends "Straight Outta Compton" by arguing that it only brings to light reality.

1. Public Enemy- It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back (1988)

The duo of Chuck D. and Flava Flav bring us the best thing that has ever happened to rap music.  This is not only the greatest rap album, but simply one of the greatest albums of all time.  The music is fast, sonicly satisfying, and just grooves in an unmatched way. Fierce turnatable work and sampling brings the sound of this album to new heights.  Politically charged, Chuck D's lyrics bring messages of African American empowerment and fights against. racism and social injustice.  This is more than just an album.  This is a statement that is still resonating today.


I wanted to make a few honorable mentions of some albums that just missed the cut!

• A Tribe Called Quest- The Low End Theory
• Kanye West- The College Dropout
• Outkast- Stankonia
• Jay-Z- The Blueprint
• Beastie Boys- Licensed to Ill
• Eric B. and Rakim- Paid in Full
• Run D.M.C.- Raising Hell
• Kendrick Lamar- Good Kid, M.A.A.D City