Guided By Voices has one of those staple 90's sound in it, and they seem to be the ones who drove it into existence. There are some obvious other bands from the 90's that seem like they took a note from their book and followed suit. Guided By Voices though has some really catchy sounds that stick to this raw formula. While I wished they would have cleaned it up a bit I think they sound good, and keep it chill.
History: The album has some of the most mixed reviews I've seen thus far on the list. With some claiming it was a huge failure, and others noting that it is one of the best albums of the 90's. I'm sure the musicians are happy with the turn out of the album though considering they claim that it cost more than a few dollars to make, and they earned all their money back and then some from the album.
Closer would arrive in 1980 after the suicide of singer, Ian Curtis. The album would go on to be a hit for the band though. The album closely reflects what was to come though. Not only by the cover, but by the dark lyrics including themes of isolation and depression.
The cover of the album was chosen before the death of Ian Curtis. This did cause much concern for the record company. The photo was done by Bernard Pierre Wolfe, and is of the Appiani Family Tomb. The tomb is in Cimitero Monumentale di Staglieno in Genoa, Italy. Martyn Atkins and Peter Saville were behind the cover design, which depicts a funeral. While they might have been concerned, I think it reflects the atmosphere and deeper workings of the album well.
Unknown Pleasures, their debut album, was a hit for the band, so much success was predicted for the follow up. They even had their first United States tour on the books, but it was never done since the singer died before they could embark on it.
My favorite parts of Closer were the instrumentals. With the English post-punk and gothic rock mixings it makes for an innovative blend of genres and sounds that progress the tunes past the 80s. With Bernard Sumner and Peter Hook on bass and guitar they carry much of the rhythm of the music. Stephen Morris contributes with drums and other percussion for a beat you won't forget as well.
The talent of the musicians give the best backing there can be for Ian Curtis' voice. The gothic, baritone voice is given light with the instruments. Most of all I would recommend emotionally preparing for the album. The lyrics are depressing. The sound is goth. For many you might be thinking of death of the singer taking place around the release of this album as well. Putting all that together it makes the experience of listening a lot darker. This makes the album real and honest though. I was in the mood to listen to something I figured I might enjoy and also contributed to diving into a bit of music history. This was the perfect listen for that. It also gave me a new book to potentially check out, Deborah Curtis' Touching From a Distance: Ian Curtis and Joy Division.
Today was a Beth Orton type of day. With the back drop of the moody, cloudy, and rainy day, her tunes carried a lot more power. They were also uplifting enough to provide a bit of silver lining to the day. Her voice is powerful, and with the backdrop of the soothing music, it's the perfect balance.
Each song on the album sounds different. One moment it veers into an indie pop inspired tune, or the next more with folk roots. I could see Norah Jones having potentially being inspired a lot by the tune of Beth Orton. The album did start out a little slow to me, but as it continue on I did relate to the songs better, and I enjoyed the instrumentals of each tune, and how it grew the personality of the album as the songs went on. It grows into a beautiful album.
The 1999 album will also bring you back to the late 90's, and make you think of the music that transcending us into another century. It received great reviews and feedback from the critic audience, and proved a success with fans as well by shooting to the top of many charts around the world. It would also win awards and receive recognition.
Now there are also many artists of varying genres these tunes put me in mind of as well if you enjoy these other ones, like Tori Amos or Sarah Maclachlan. She has a rustic tone to her voicing, and with the wide range of instrumentals adding a variety of emotions to her singles it adds impacts.
It will take time to know whether this will be an album I will go back to, but tunes like "Feel to Believe" still stick with me.
Hole is one of the most famous female fronted bands. They may get more attention for the acts of their singer, Courtney Love, than they do for the music sometimes. This album contains some of their most popular work including, the title song, Celebrity Skin. The album did surprise me, and it's one of the more enjoyable albums I listened to in recent times from the list.
History: The band was returning from multiple different projects, and began work on their third album, Celebrity Skin. You can tell the difference between the other albums in a new polished sound, and you can hear a lot of personal changes since the band found fame. The release of the album would get them positive attention for their new endeavor in a more pop driven sound.
It's rare that a band can shift sounds slightly and find as much success with it. While there is still the alternative rock driven ballads of the tunes, a more glazed pop sound does drive the beat of the songs. Personally, I've always enjoyed that polished sound, but understandably it's not everyone's taste.
I did say this album surprised me, and it is true. I wasn't familiar with Hole's songs, which is odd because I've heard their music for so long. Celebrity Skin still gets a lot of airplay, and yet I had no idea it was them. This album is good outside of that song though. They show a range of diversity in the music arrangement, and no one song sounds the same.
Love has a distinctive voice that leads the song strongly, and it does seem like an ode to 80's punk rock, female artist. She also though has a roughness to her voicing that gives the songs emotion and attitude. There are elements of it's grunge inspiration.
Another notable aspect of the album is the guitar work. I think without it a lot of rhythm and even instrumental prominence would have been missing. For fans of Hole's previous work I think it gives them an aspect they can still enjoy. The lyrical content also show cases a lot of what had been happening in the bands' personal lives. They had went through loss and the increased fame, and you can the impact it had even in their music through the lyrics, and the way the music is performed.
The album also highlights the music of the 90's, and as this album was nearing a release toward the end of that decade it sums up how certain sounds and genres had merged before the turn of the century.
Next up to listen to was a guy I remember being very interesting to listen to previously. The combination of unique arrangement of instrumentals, and a voice that shows a lot of presence make it hard to forget. The album lives up to the theme of the name though, and as you're listening you're not only intent on hearing the instrumentals, but also trying to understand the sentiment of the lyrics.
History: The album is the fourth for the band, debuting n 1996, and the one that would chart their commercial breakthrough. The album after this, A Short Album About Love, is the one I've also heard. There are many British influences in this album, and it combines those influences with the talent of the band for an unique sound. Several singles were released from the album as well.
As I was listening to this album I noticed that sometimes I couldn't help but listen. I would be writing, and then be paused to listen. Now I don't think this is an album I would go and listen to again, but it is intriguing. It sets the mood for an overall theme, and the instrumentals align to make that vibe almost seem like a soundtrack for the tone they are going for.
Neil Hannon is the singer, and he does have a talented voice. I think I was more so a fan of the vocals than the instruments. Then again, I'm not a person who follows pop closely, which is what this genre most falls into. I found it interesting I stumbled onto The National and The Divine Comedy comparisons, I did pick up on a few crossovers, and I could see where there were influences. I'm a huge fan of The National.
One of the memorable songs from the album is also a single, Something For the Weekend. Don't get me wrong, there are many memorable songs because they all have an unique flare, but this one maybe the one listeners most likely recognize at first.
Not all the songs are so dramatic. There are gentler ones like "Songs of Love", which I did prefer. There is a theatrical sound throughout most the album that pours a lot of emotion into the songs. There are songs like "Through a Sleepless Night" that go far to utilize that. They have two types of vocals to strengthen the pattern like from high to low. The lyrics were a hurtle for me. I don't know that I personally related to much, but the performers know how to weave together a story with lots of passion.
I have an open love for music from the 80's. The middle of the decade brought some of the best music of that time, including Tears For Fears' Songs From The Big Chair. I hadn't heard the whole album till I got the record for Christmas, and it now stands as one of my favorite albums I've heard.
History: This album spawned many singles including the popular ones, "Shout", and "Everybody Wants to Rule the World." It was a hit in multiple countries, and it was received well by critics a like. This album goes carefree in sound, and meshes all types of genres and instrumentals to compose an album that is unique from other new wave bands' directions at the time. You never know what is coming next on this album. Also, I do recommend looking up the meaning behind the title of the album...
One of the singles I enjoyed from the album was, "Everybody Wants to Rule the World." This song is still a popular one from them, and it has modern elements to the tune that keep it appealing even to listen to today. The guitar arrangement is one of my favorite parts, especially at the opening, and I like how the drumming beat of the tune rolls in the rest of the song with the new wave effects. Overall, the song is upbeat, but it's also easy to relate to in a serious way.
Another favorite single from the song is "Head Over Heels." This is a song I hadn't heard from the group before, and immediately liked when it came on. It has a lighter, 80's vibe, that I enjoy in 80's songs. The single, "Mother's Talk", is also a good tune, and their first single from the album.
The most popular song from the album might be, "Shout." Before having the album it was the only one I knew was from Tears For Fears. The song is dramatic, and unlike the other tunes not easy listening outside of a certain mood, but I love it. The pounding of the drums, the jazzy saxophone, make this song come together to have intense emotion.
There is a bit of everything on this album, and it will be unexpected. You kick off with the serious and dramatic song, "Shout," and end with a more culturally drive song, "Listen." In between there is an array of sound and themes that will provide more than much 80's music of the time. It's not a bunch of light beats and romantic lyrics, but instead a bit of rebellious hit back from the band.
Lucinda Williams' Car Wheels on a Gravel Road was a deviation in what I'm currently listening to in music. The combination of the rock, folk, and heavily country influence come together to be suiting for Williams voicing. This might just be an album you can turn on while traveling on a gravel road in your car...preferably I hope to be on gravel roads as little as possible.
Williams' fifth album would be released in 1998 with much acclaim and success. It would even score her a first album to go gold. With the multiple genres layered on the album in the realm of country it is very appealing for many audiences. Not only with the musical talent though, there is Williams' voicing that impressively conveys the content of her lyrics, and relates to you. It's definitely one of the pioneering albums in music for women.
credit: qbq903
The imagery of the album gets off to a great start by presenting this image of driving on a car on a gravel road, and then from there your mind can grasp the deeper meanings and feelings you will be grasping in the album. If you're from the country as I am, then you might remember when roads were more graveled than paved as they are now even. It not only allures to the rough parts of life as we are going over them, but it brings out the nostalgia effect as well if you're thinking back to certain times.
Enough about me though. The album itself is a good one, but the main thing that will hold me back from enjoying it again is my lack of enjoyment of country toned music. Don't get me wrong, this isn't like your mainstream country station that was occurring even in the 90's. It's much better than that, and the talent shines through all elements of the album.
Credit: p1nkp4nt3r
The best way to listen to this album might just be turning it on while you're driving. Not driving to work or to the grocery store, but on a road trip. It's reflective, and the lyrics are well crafted. Lucinda Williams is a very talented voice, and the power she exudes when singing showcases the talent she has. You can also feel the emotions she has toward her lyrics, and for the listener this brings you in closer to what is being sang.
Fans of genres that fall into rock, country, and folk will find something to like about this album. It has a tone that resonates with the listener, and makes you feel what is being sang. Better than listening to the album might be giving the song a listen to live though to hear the talent.
When you think about it Red Hot Chili Peppers have been around a very long time. There career actually spans back before I was even before. These guys have been making music since 1983, and are working on an 11th album now. One of their most popular albums, and arguably the most popular at that, is Californication. Even at the age of 11 I remember the hits that came from this album.
History: Dave Navarro leaving the band must have let loose a lot of pent up creative energy they wanted to disperse that they hadn't been able to since John Frusciante had departed the band after Blood Sugar Sex Magik. The album seems to emerge with a lot more maturity than even that album, and it channels sounds that sound more intentional. It would spawn many hit singles as well including "Californication" and the one I remember most clearly, "Scar Tissue".
Vocals: Anthony Keidis are very noticeable whether he is singing fast, or in a more serious tone. While I can hear the appeal of faster tracks like "Parallel Universe" I'm more into the tracks where not only the instrumentals slow down a bit, but also the vocals. Some of the favorite tracks where I thought the vocals were some of the highlights were "Around the World" or "Otherside". There seems to be a lot more burst of emotion throughout as well. You can't forget "Scar Tissue" though, which features some of the most impressive vocals because without the little emphasis on certain words you wouldn't have near as memorable a song that stuck with you after listening, which is also why it was such a memorable single.
Instrumentals: I assume that most fans of Red Hot Chili Peppers were very glad to have the guitar work of Frusciante back. While the various other musicians are good the other unique signature of Red Hot Chili Peppers is the way the guitar sounds. With the darker themes on the album the guitar still has a more upbeat vibe that just doesn't quite match the lyrical content of what ranges from drugs to suicide. For the listener it provides some introspective thoughts while also not getting us down in the dumps listening to the album.
Did I hear any tunes from this album prior to listening?: I was vaguely familiar with this album before listening, but this isn't one of the albums I had listened to as I had other albums from the band. It lives up to expectations though from the one single I had heard, "Scar Tissue". There were many songs that kept catching my attention on the album, to be honest though I still don't prefer the faster ones though and remain a fan of the slower tunes.
I think any album like this could be enough to convert a person into a fan of the band. There is a reason this band has found longevity in their music. It's remained consistent over the years in making music that stays in line with what fans know from the band, but always keeping it unique. This album provides a different offering with each tune, but regardless of what you like it sounds like the band.
I do enjoy 80's music, but the past couple of albums have been some underwhelming 80's music. There was The Style Council and now The Triffids. They have the 80's sound, but there is something missing that completely gets me into it. The Australian singer even has a good solid voice. The album has it's moments though, but maybe it was the 17 songs on the album that made it lull.
History: This song was the fourth album the band, The Triffids, and despite the sound of the 80's this album explores themes that are quite deep within in the lyrical content. The sounds are more upbeat than the message itself. Several singles would generate from this album, and not only would fans like the album, but critics would as well. The album also took place in several recording places instead of one.
I do really love 80's music, and for some reason I was expecting The Style Council to sound a lot different than they turned out sounding. Instead of just new wave or rock, you get a bit of jazz fused in as well. It sounds good, and catchy, but it's not some of my favorite from the 80's so far, but there is something still unique about the sounds.
History: This album was at first a huge hit in the U.K. It would reach number two on the charts there before finding itself a hit in other countries. Oddly, after it became a hit in the U.S. they even changed the name of the album so it was more appealing to Americans. The album though would prove a success for the band that was trying out new sounds that included more jazz and soul than the straight up pop they dealt with.
In 1997 this music was huge and I'm sure at 10 I loved the tunes, though I don't remember listening to Mariah Carey as much. I found some tunes that might have appealed to me on it then. Nowadays though the album sounds incredibly 90's. As I enjoy the sounds of the 80's, I am sure the 90's pop sound is enjoyable to others. There is one thing that can't be denied though, and that is that Mariah Carey has an amazing voice.
History: This was the 6th album for Mariah Carey, and it showed her music growing in a positive way. The album was a direction for her that continued her growing into the hip hop and R&B genres, which also complimented her voice very well. Critics gave the album mostly positive reviews as well. The album also debuted as well with it being a chart topper.
I've been really wanting to hear some music like this from the 80's. It's got this electronic vibe that is something you will only hear in the 80's. This song has some great guitar riffs as well, and I like the upbeat tone of the songs as well. Happy Mondays also has a really great band name! Anyways, I ended enjoying and welcoming this album to listen to.
History: Released in 1988, the album would be met with generally good reviews and a sound that was a bit different than what others had known them for. The band added in more echoes and other sounds for a style of electronic that would inspire the future of Madchester genre. You'll hear a variety of genres meshed in from rock to funk on this album for a sound that really does bring something interesting for the ears.
I often see that Dinosaur Jr. is playing in a nearby city, but yet I had never heard what the band sounded like before. Today they made an appearance on the list as I was reading through to see what was next, and I was finally going to give a listen. I can definitely see why they have a strong appeal to the Athens, Ga scene. They are very indie sounding. The songs are raw, but show case the talent of the band.
History: This album is from the alternative rock band, and is the third one. The band released this in 1988, and honestly it sounds so different from the sounds associated with the 80's. The band is getting in gear for more of the 90's sound I'm familiar with. The album has mostly positive reviews from critics as well. If you're not familiar, the album also falls under the category noise rock.
So if you grew up in the south as I did, then you probably were around a lot of country music. Maybe your parents left the radio station on it, or perhaps you even rode a bus to school that played it on the radio. It might have even just been your peers that listened to it, or well you were probably the fan yourself. I was a fan of country music in the style of Yoakam when I was a little kid. This is also the first album on the list so far where I heard country music like this.
History: Dwight Yoakam was already having hits with his music from the first two albums, but once again his third album, Buenes Noches From A Lonely Room would be number one on the Billboards once again. He even had country classic, Buck Owens, on the song "Streets of Bakersfield." The album would be a definite hit with fans of his music, and get some good critical feedback.
I had no idea what to expect to hear when I turned on Buena Vista Social Club's 1997 album. This Latin album though is very enjoyable, and also easy to kick back to or get things done to. It's easy to feel inspired when you're listening to the lively composition of the album, and with all the talent involved it's no surprise the album turned out so well.
History: The album was put together by Cuban band leader Juan De Marcos Gonzalez and American guitarist Ry Cooder with other Cuban musicians. Interestingly, the album and band name is attributed to a music scene that was a popular club in the 40's and 50's, and most the people working on the album performed there during the time. The album is a critical success with it making the best of on several lists. It also achieved Billboard success as well at the time of it's release.
Sebadoh is a band I hadn't heard of, nor do I know of anyone personally who does. It seems like a band that a good many people would like though. The sound is appeasing, and it sounds like an influence of Weezer as well. There is something I did enjoy about this album, and though I can't remember quite what I want to listen again to find out.
History: In 1993 Eric Gaffney would release his last album with the band he founded, Sebadoh. He also would let this be the last time he wrote with them as well. In an album filled with heartache though he shows a lot of talent. The album was well received by critics as well with mostly positive reviews in feedback. Fans might also like or dislike the slightly varying new sound from recording in the studio, which the band hadn't done before.
I know there are a lot of Elvis Costello fans out there, and I can see the appeal, but honestly the more I listen to Costello the more I don't enjoy hearing it. With Brutal Youth Costello is veering out of the sounds from the 70's and 80's, and taking his talent into the 90's, and while it may not be my thing the guy is good about finding a style that he sticks with and carrying it over decades.
History: The last album I listened to was Blood and Chocolate, and well since that last time I listened to it, it was also the last album that Costello recorded with the band The Attractions until this one, in 1994. The albums reviews though would be very mixed though. Some would give it a positive review, while others would give it a mix one. The album would do well with the public, but it would't quite achieve the billboard success others had.
I haven't heard an album that sounds this sexy since Marvin Gaye. The sounds are very 1995, and I have to say they are quite catchy. It's some of the most relaxing music I've heard. It doesn't take itself too seriously, but the mood is good for winding down to if you've had a long day, or you're looking for something to be a backdrop to your romantic dinner.
History: The debut album from D'Angelo would land in 1995. The sound of the album does remind you of older hip hop and the mix of what was modern in 1995, and this can be attributed to the fact that D'Angelo mixed the vintage recording with the modern electronic ones. D'Angelo was multi-talented enough to handle most the aspects of recording this album. He could perform several instruments, and had the vocal talent that was inspired by his gospel music upbringing. Most critics really loved the album, and the album would become a chart hit upon it's release as well.
Dire Straits is easy to see why people find appealing musically. They have a lot of instrumental talent that is blended with the sounds of the 80's that would have heavily appealed to that audience at the time. There is some great guitar playing, and I wish the keyboard sounds had been turned down a bit just so I could hear them better.
History: Something very cool and very notable about this album from Dire Straits is that it was the first channeled to the CD market. Cassettes and vinyls were still heavily around in the 80's, but the fact they were already channeling stuff in that direction is pretty cool. It also would be one of the albums to outsell it's vinyl version, and make more CD sales of the album. While audiences were really enjoying the album critics were mixed in their reception of the album. Some would rate it very positively while others were mixed.
The Black Keys would find a lot of popularity with their album Brothers, when it released in 2010. I'm sure you've heard the popular tunes like "Tighten Up" and "Howlin' For You" that are on the album, but the album has a lot of songs that are enjoyable probably even more so than the singles they would release off this album. It mixes the alternative rock sound with some old school bluesy sound that projects the talent, but also gives it a modern vibe.
History: This album was a massive success. The band already had released five studio albums prior to Brothers, but this one would bring commercial and critical fame. It would win three Grammy awards the following year as well. The album comes during a rough time for the band and after there was a near break up. The serious lyrics that deal with heartache and other emotions reflect the own happenings in the band. The album though would get a lot of positive reviews though, and be a hit on the charts.
