2024 Classic Album Reviews
My Thoughts on Some of Music's Most Impactful Releases
Every December, I like to review some classic albums that are important to the history of music and some of my favorites. This year, I have chosen a diverse collection of albums from various artists and genres. All of these individual reviews will be posted to my Album of The Year account, which I will link to in this article. I review new music throughout the year, so if you enjoy these classic reviews, consider following my page.
Just for a refresher, if you are new to how I score albums in a review. I review all records based on my personal enjoyment on a scale from 1 to 10. With 5 being neutral or indifferent. Any number below 5 is a different degree of negative feelings and anything above 5 is a different degree of positive feelings.
Top Tracks are my favorite songs on each record.
Non-Starters are automatic skips.
That’s The Way of The World- Earth, Wind, & Fire
1975
Soul
The 1975 classic soul album from the legendary band Earth, Wind, & Fire is everything that I love about the genre and feeling of soul music. In general, I am one of the people who reject the notion that “Music was automatically better back in the day” as there is an abundance of fantastic music being released every day. The only genre I hold that notion to be true is with Soul music. There was just a certain magic that came from the ‘70s era of Soul music that hasn’t been heard since. Earth, Wind, & Fire was one of the most popular bands creating music within the Soul music genre, with That’s The Way of The World being their Magnum Opus. As with most Soul music of this time, the entire project is built on the foundation of an impeccable rhythm section. Funky walking bass lines, string sections, electric pianos, funk rhythm guitars, and full brass arrangements make up the instrumentals on this record. And it’s all just so great. There is a definite emphasis on some African-style rhythms on most of the uptempo tracks, which was common within the genre at the time. All of the great instrumentation is led by the legendary vocals of Maurice White, Philip Bailey, & Verdine White. Their harmonies soar on every track here and even mellow out perfectly on the slower ballad tracks. When it comes to tracks on this project, there are some obvious standouts. Shining Star is a strong opening, really setting the tone for the following tracks. The title track is, in my humble, the best song in Earth, Wind, & Fire’s catalog. Yes, I love September as much as the next, but there is something about how this track builds softly with the brass into that smooth guitar solo and the drop-dead gorgeous vocals. It’s the track I come back to the most when listening to this project. Where I will have to offer criticism for the album is that this album feels hollow in the middle. At only eight tracks, Happy Feelin’ and Yearnin’ Learnin’ are just merely okay, in my opinion. The two closing tracks are nice and solid, but I don’t think they stack well against the heavy hitters toward the top of the tracklist. Nevertheless, That’s The Way of The World is a classic Soul record that any fan of the genre or music of this era must listen to.
Top Tracks- Shining Star, That’s The Way of The World, All About Love, Reasons, Africano, See The Light
Score- 8.5
Slipknot- Slipknot
1999
Nu-Metal
The 1999 Self Titled debut release from the Nu-Metal band Slipknot burst onto the metal scene and changed the landscape forever. Before Slipknot would travel the world selling out stadiums and headlining countless festivals, they released this raw, unfiltered metal record. The band would portray themselves by wearing masks and wearing matching boiler room jumpsuits as a clear statement of what the listener will be getting into just by a glance of the cover art. The best way to describe this record simply is a punch to the face. It’s intense from start to finish, with no chance to catch your breath or take a break. And that was largely the intention of the record as a new evolution in the genre of metal began forming in the late ‘90s and early ‘00s. Metal began fusing old-school thrash metal of the ‘80s with hip-hop, groove, and industrial sounds to create a new genre that was incredibly catchy, easy to mosh to, and incredibly intense style of metal. The opening track (sic) is an example of this new sound. Pounding drums with powerful double kicks, combined with thundering guitars, match the drum’s rhythm along with DJ record scratches. Then comes the screamed vocals from frontman Corey Taylor. Corey’s delivery across this track and the entire record is so intense and in your face to perfectly match the sheer audio assault from the instrumentals. The track list features some of the band’s best work in the career. As previously mentioned (sic), my personal favorites, Eyeless, Wait and Bleed, Surfacing, and the concert staple Spit It Out. The hits here are incredible and perhaps the most of a record in their catalog. The track list, I think, loses a little steam about two-thirds in even though there are some great deep cuts here, like Liberate & Prosthetics. With this album turning 25 years old, I think it holds well, given that the genre of Nu-Metal as a whole has aged quite poorly. This album was groundbreaking in its aggression and intensity back in 1999, being among the heaviest-sounding albums. Sure now it’s easily surpassed by genres like Deathcore and Grindcore, but given the impact and context of when this thing came out, I think it’s still heavy and will surely get those who listen to head banging in no time.
Top Tracks- (sic), Eyeless, Wait and Bleed, Surfacing, Spit It Out, Tattered and Torn, Liberate, Prosthetics, & Eeyore.
Score- 8.5
The Sensual World- Kate Bush
1989
Art Pop
Kate Bush’s sixth studio release is a classic grand Art Pop adventure. Coming off her acclaimed 1985 record “Hounds of Love,” Kate would continue to push the boundaries of what a Pop album could be. For her entire career, she has experimented with her sound with the introduction of unconventional instrumentation and song structures. This record she further pursues this with an incredibly wide arrange of different instrumentation. The front half of the record has a large focus on traditional folk instrumentation, such as woodwinds, violins, and folk stringed instruments. Kate has used plenty of these instruments in this style in her previous projects, so it’s no surprise to see them once again. Layered with these instrumentals are grand and lush strings as heard on tracks like “The Fog” and some driving ‘80s style electric guitar leads on “Love and Anger”. I can’t emphasize enough the complexity and diversity heard on this project. For a pop record at this time, it’s really hard to find anything else like this. The only non-Kate Bush pop projects I can think of off the top of my head would have been Bowie’s Berlin trilogy of records in the late ‘70s. To top off the superb instrumentation of this album, we have to talk about Kate’s vocals, which are, to the surprise of absolutely no one, are beautiful. I wouldn’t argue that she is the most technically proficient singer, but her passion and presence on every track take over and carry the track. Great examples are “Reaching Out” & the closing track “The Woman’s Work”. She perfectly matches the tone and style of each track, with her vocals becoming a natural extension of the instruments. When it comes to the tracklist, we have one of the stronger lists of any pop record I’ve reviewed. I especially love the flow of listening to the album in its entirety. The album starts with the previously mentioned traditional folk instrumentation and gradually shifts into a more modern production with synthesizers, pianos, and electric guitars. It’s such a subtle shift in sound that many may not notice, but it’s there, and it’s great. Truthfully, there is not a bad track on this thing. Every song feels meaningful and important to the project as a whole. Sure, there are some tracks I prefer more than others, but I kinda like them all to different degrees. The standout track, I will say, is the closing track, “The Woman’s Work.” This song, put simply, encompasses every aspect that I adore her music. It’s lush and gorgeous in its instrumentation and Bush’s vocals are passionate and soaring across the entire track. To wrap up this review, I can’t recommend this record enough. It’s a must-listen for any fan of more progressive or art pop music or those looking to expand their horizons.
Top Tracks- The Sensual World, Love and Anger, The Fog, Reaching Out, Heads We're Dancing, Deeper Understanding, Rocket’s Tail, The Woman’s Work.
Score- 9
It Takes A Nation of Millions To Hold Us Back-
PublicEnemy
1988
Hardcore Hip-Hop
The 1988 classic hip-hop record from Public Enemy is a raw, unshamed masterpiece. Turning the clocks back to the mid-’80s when hip-hop was still a fairly new genre in the mainstream. The public upset was still high, with a large segment of the population protesting against police brutality, injustices, the media, and the government as a whole. Few albums capture the grievances of an entire people like this one and do so to one of the hardest hitter soundtracks ever. It’s no mystery about the message of stance with a no record like this. Public Enemy makes it clear upon first glance of the album cover and tracklist title. Chuck D and Flava Flav’s bars on this track are politically charged and socially conscious to what was going on across the nation. Even though this record is quickly approaching 40 years old, I think many of these messages are still felt and expressed today, which shows the importance, impact, and relevance of it almost 40 years later. Chuck D, who primarily is the leading MC on the record, is a force to be reckoned with. He’s bold, loud, and in your face, not afraid to speak truth to power. His flows are great and will instantly catch your ear upon first listen. Flavor Flav is just as loud and memorable with his signature “Yeaaaaa Boyyy” and nearly every track. He takes rapping with Chuck often in the intros of tracks and during transitions. The album is produced by Rick Rubin, which shouldn’t be surprising if you’ve listened to this project. Production is flawless across the entire LP as Rubin, DJ Terminator X, and The Bomb Squad have crafted a timeless hip-hop classic. Yes, this album is a product of its time from a production standpoint with its boom-bap beats and sampled tracks. It still sounds like an ‘80s hip-hop project, but I would argue that it doesn’t sound dated, given how well and raw it’s produced. It still maintains that aggressive and rage that it did when it was released back in 88. The album is politically charged, obliviously, but at no point does it feel preachy or that it’s attempting to punish the listener. The lyrics clearly state who they are addressing, and they are ever so effective at that. The tracklist here is flawless in terms of its quality and flow. I find myself enjoying it more and more with each listen. Each song feels unique and important to the tracklist as a whole. I love how raw and in your face it is. For the time this was released, I imagine it created some controversy in every aspect, It’s lyrical content, production, and what this album stands for. It stands as a clear rebellion against the ruling class and those who seek to oppress, and for that, I can respect it. It’s a must-listen album for any hip-hop fan or any fan of music in general and comfortably sits among my favorite albums of all time. In conclusion, given this album’s impact on an entire genre of music, its flawless track list, and its longevity and relevance almost forty years later, anything short of ten feels disrespectful.
Top Tracks- It’s a Ten
Score- 10!
Rust In Peace- Megadeth
1990
Thrash Metal
Megadeth's 1990 release from the legendary Thrash Metal outfit is an all-time classic. Rust In Peace is the fourth studio release from Megadeth and arguably their best. Following the highly praised “Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying” and the mediocre “So Far, So Good…So What!” Dave Mustaine and company would release this project here. The second half of the 1980s was dominated by legendary releases from all members of the “Big Four,” which included “Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying?” by Megadeth, “Master of Puppets” by Metallica, “Rein In Blood” by Slayer, and “Among The Living” by Anthrax. Megadeth has a history of having a rotating list of members from album to album other than frontman Dave Mustaine and bass guitar player Dave Ellefson. On Rust In Peace, the band would recruit Marty Friedman on Lead Guitar and Nick Menza on Drums, assembling one of the greatest lineups in metal history. Up to this point in their career, Megadeth has created some of the fastest most aggressive tracks in the thrash metal genre and continues this style on this project. From the opening track, the band hits the pedal to the metal right away, with incredibly fast guitar riffs, thundering drum work, and Dave’s snarling vocals. This song also sets the tone for the album lyrically which is littered with bars dealing with anti-government statements, conspiracy theories, ghosts, war, and even aliens. All of these lyrics are sung by Dave Mustaine who wrote most of this project while playing rhythm guitar. Dave’s vocal style has been one point of discussion dividing listeners. Personally, I enjoy Dave’s vocals as I think they match the aggressive nature of the music and often the dark subject matter of the lyrics, but, I completely understand the point of view of those who don’t share these feelings. His snarly vocals are an acquired taste. However, what I don’t think is an acquired taste are the instrumental performances from this album. In my opinion, some of the greatest riffs, solos, and performances that the genre has to offer. From the absolutely insanely fast riffs of “Take To Prisoners” to the guitar solos of “Tornado of Souls” and “Hanger 18”. Marty Friedman and Dave Mustaine are at their peak across the entire tracklist. And not to forget the bass and drum work from Menza and Ellefson. Both are brilliant as well even if some of their parts aren’t as highlighted as the guitars. For a musician or any fan of heavier music, this is a true master class of technical greatness on display, and I think it is also quite enjoyable to listen as well. The track list is far from perfect, but I think it’s strong with often overlooked tracks “Lucretia” and the title track being hidden gems. It’s a classic for its contribution to the history of Thrash Metal and how well the record sounds almost 35 years later even as the genre has faded in relevancy. It’s among my record metal record and metal experiences and I think it’s a must listen for fellow fans of the genre.
Top Tracks- Holy Wars...The Punishment Due, Hanger 18. Take No Prisoners, Five Magics, Lucretia, Tornado of Souls, and Rust In Peace.
Score- 9
Disintegration- The Cure
1989
Gothic Rock/Post Punk
To wrap up my list of classic album reviews, we will take a look at the 1989 LP “Disintegration” from the legendary U.K. Post Punk band, The Cure. Truthfully this is my first time diving into a full commercial release from The Cure which is shocking to me as they are right up my alley of late 80s post-punk and New Wave styles of rock music. I have always had a special spot in my heart for the New Wave era of Rush’s category and The Cure generally falls into that slot of rock sound. There are not many times nowadays that I am blown away by listening to an album for the first time. One of the last times that happened was when I first finished Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” and based on my review you can see how I felt about it. This was another such experience. What I love about this genre of rock and especially what this album does so well is the mood is set from all aspects of the band. The instrumentation creates such a wide sound stage with the incorporation of large string sections, multi-effects atmospheric guitars, and near-perfect rhythm sections matching the context of the track. Believe it or not, this style of approach to the electric guitar is among my favorite. I love what guitarists were doing at this time in rock music which is why I was drawn so heavily to this project. Their emphasis on the use of the chorus, reverb, and other multi-effects pedals was truly a time of great innovation in the history of the instrument The guitar work on songs like “Fascination Street” and “Prayers for Rain” speaks to me on a fundamental level. The arpeggio work in particular is what I am most in love with on the aforementioned track “Prayers for Rain”. These riffs are in such a beautiful contrast to the haunting strings and bass. I can’t continue much further into this review without talking about the vocal performances of frontman Robert Smith. I struggle to put into words are excellent he is on the album. His melodies and words are so expressive, beautiful, and at times haunting and dreadful when the songs demand it. Outside of song artists from this time like David Bowie or Kate Bush, he might be among the most expressive vocalists in the genre’s history. Every word he says has weight and is the perfect companion for the instrumentation. The track list on this project is so incredibly strong with a nice variety of sounds and moods presented here. “Pictures of You” “Love Song” “Fascination Street” and “Prayers for Rain” are just a few standout tracks that I found myself coming back to the most, but truthfully, the entire project across all 12 tracks is an excellent listen. This is worthy of all the praise it gets and maybe more. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better record in this style of rock music. Ask me later and this album might be a 10.
Top Tracks- Kinda loved them all
Score- 9.5
Have you listened to any of these albums? What were your thoughts on them? Let me know if you agree or disagree with me in the comments below. If you enjoyed this, please consider following my AOTY.org page to read my other reviews.
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