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So @RollingStone just released their updated list of the top 500 albums of all time. No one asked but I will be listening and doing a review for each album, each day for 500 days.
The plan is to start in descending order (obviously).
#500DaysAnAlbum
The plan is to start in descending order (obviously).
#500DaysAnAlbum
The reviews will follow this format:
Bullet point review. Top 3 songs, overall vibe, and how the album plays in pandemic times.
I will probably also add more material to the reviews, as the spirit moves me.
#500DaysAnAlbum
Bullet point review. Top 3 songs, overall vibe, and how the album plays in pandemic times.
I will probably also add more material to the reviews, as the spirit moves me.
#500DaysAnAlbum
Day 1: Arcade Fire, ‘Funeral’
Approached this with skepticism bc it’s been a while since I enjoyed rock. Very happy to say I was wrong.
Definitely had to listen multiple times but so far 8/10 songs are a yes.
Picking my top 3 will be difficult.
#500DaysAnAlbum
Approached this with skepticism bc it’s been a while since I enjoyed rock. Very happy to say I was wrong.
Definitely had to listen multiple times but so far 8/10 songs are a yes.
Picking my top 3 will be difficult.
#500DaysAnAlbum
Day 1: Arcade Fire, ‘Funeral’
This has all the existential angst expected of early ‘00s indie rock. The writing is so precise that it remains especially relevant in these times.
Top 3 in order:
- Wake Up
- Power Out
- Crown of Love
#500DaysAnAlbum
This has all the existential angst expected of early ‘00s indie rock. The writing is so precise that it remains especially relevant in these times.
Top 3 in order:
- Wake Up
- Power Out
- Crown of Love
#500DaysAnAlbum
Day 2: Rufus, Chaka Khan, ‘Ask Rufus’
The songs sound good (obviously, it’s Chaka) but I’m running low on sleep so this isn’t my vibe rn. Taking a break and I’ll try again later today.
#500DaysAnAlbum
The songs sound good (obviously, it’s Chaka) but I’m running low on sleep so this isn’t my vibe rn. Taking a break and I’ll try again later today.
#500DaysAnAlbum
Day 2: ‘Ask Rufus’
Chaka’s voice brought it home for me. Melody and instrumentation are solid but in 2020, feels like I’ve heard it all before.
Top 3:
- Close The Door
- Everlasting Love
- Egyptian Song
#500DaysAnAlbum
Chaka’s voice brought it home for me. Melody and instrumentation are solid but in 2020, feels like I’ve heard it all before.
Top 3:
- Close The Door
- Everlasting Love
- Egyptian Song
#500DaysAnAlbum
Day 3: Suicide, ‘Suicide’
I came into this knowing there would be albums for which I feel nothing. This was one.
Interesting take on lyrical storytelling - think of a table reading set to music.
No Top 3 but ‘Cheree’ is a good shout.
#500DaysAnAlbum
I came into this knowing there would be albums for which I feel nothing. This was one.
Interesting take on lyrical storytelling - think of a table reading set to music.
No Top 3 but ‘Cheree’ is a good shout.
#500DaysAnAlbum
Day 4: ‘The Indestructible Beat of Soweto, Vol. 1’
I got into non-House SA music this past year so it was nice to enjoy such an OG album. Perfect for Saturday mornings imo.
Top 3:
- Holotelani
- Indoda Yejazi Elimnyama
- Ngicabange Ngaqeda
#500DaysAnAlbum
I got into non-House SA music this past year so it was nice to enjoy such an OG album. Perfect for Saturday mornings imo.
Top 3:
- Holotelani
- Indoda Yejazi Elimnyama
- Ngicabange Ngaqeda
#500DaysAnAlbum
Day 5: ‘Donde Estan Los Ladrones’, Shakira
Never listened to Shakira beyond her pop hits so this was an introduction to a soulful side I hadn’t heard before.
Top 4 bc I couldn’t choose:
- Ojos Asi
- Moscas en la Casa
- Inevitable
- Que Vuelvas
#500DaysAnAlbum
Never listened to Shakira beyond her pop hits so this was an introduction to a soulful side I hadn’t heard before.
Top 4 bc I couldn’t choose:
- Ojos Asi
- Moscas en la Casa
- Inevitable
- Que Vuelvas
#500DaysAnAlbum
Day 6: ‘II’, Boyz II Men
For an album with such iconic bops, I was surprised to find that the first half just isn’t that great.
The second half though? *chef’s kiss*
I mean, having ‘I’ll Make Love to You’ and ‘On Bended Knees’ back to back is a huge flex.
#500DaysAnAlbum
For an album with such iconic bops, I was surprised to find that the first half just isn’t that great.
The second half though? *chef’s kiss*
I mean, having ‘I’ll Make Love to You’ and ‘On Bended Knees’ back to back is a huge flex.
#500DaysAnAlbum
Day 6: Boyz II Men, ‘II’
Pleasantly surprised to find they covered The Beatles’ ‘Yesterday’. Absolutely stunning acapella rendition. The group’s superpower is definitely harmonizing bc they sound BEAUTIFUL
#500DaysAnAlbum
Pleasantly surprised to find they covered The Beatles’ ‘Yesterday’. Absolutely stunning acapella rendition. The group’s superpower is definitely harmonizing bc they sound BEAUTIFUL
#500DaysAnAlbum
Day 6: Boyz II Men, ‘II’
Top 3 in order:
- On Bended Knees
- I’ll Make Love to You
- Water Runs Dry
#500DaysAnAlbum
Top 3 in order:
- On Bended Knees
- I’ll Make Love to You
- Water Runs Dry
#500DaysAnAlbum
Day 7: ‘Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes’, The Ronettes
I was so sure I wouldn’t enjoy this. I was so wrong. Superb album opener with ‘Walking in the Rain’. It’s a ‘60s album so it’s heavy on the percussion. No complaints tho.
#500DaysAnAlbum
I was so sure I wouldn’t enjoy this. I was so wrong. Superb album opener with ‘Walking in the Rain’. It’s a ‘60s album so it’s heavy on the percussion. No complaints tho.
#500DaysAnAlbum
Day 7: ‘Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes’, The Ronettes
This album is giving me more upbeat ‘Back to Black’ which is honestly amazing.
Had no idea ‘Be My Baby’ is originally their song. First came to it by way of Leslie Grace’s Spanish cover.
#500DaysAnAlbum
This album is giving me more upbeat ‘Back to Black’ which is honestly amazing.
Had no idea ‘Be My Baby’ is originally their song. First came to it by way of Leslie Grace’s Spanish cover.
#500DaysAnAlbum
Day 7: ‘Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes’, The Ronettes
Top 3 in order:
- I Wonder
- You Baby
- Walking in the Rain
#500DaysAnAlbum
Top 3 in order:
- I Wonder
- You Baby
- Walking in the Rain
#500DaysAnAlbum
Day 8: ‘Here, My Dear’, Marvin Gaye
Apparently, Marvin Gaye had to make this album as part of his divorce settlement from his wife who was the sister of Berry Gordy, founder of Motown Records.
Hence, the name
.
#500DaysAnAlbum
Apparently, Marvin Gaye had to make this album as part of his divorce settlement from his wife who was the sister of Berry Gordy, founder of Motown Records.
Hence, the name
.#500DaysAnAlbum
Day 8: ‘Here, My Dear’, Marvin Gaye
The album starts out really solid but gets kinda old halfway through. As always, Marvin Gaye’s vocals showed out.
Top 3:
- I Met A Little Girl (superb storytelling on this one!)
- Here, My Dear
- Is That Enough
#500DaysAnAlbum
The album starts out really solid but gets kinda old halfway through. As always, Marvin Gaye’s vocals showed out.
Top 3:
- I Met A Little Girl (superb storytelling on this one!)
- Here, My Dear
- Is That Enough
#500DaysAnAlbum
Day 9: ‘Nick of Time’, Bonnie Raitt
This starts strong straight out of the gate and doesn’t sound dated even thought it was released in ‘89. I think I’m really going to like this one.
#500DaysAnAlbum
This starts strong straight out of the gate and doesn’t sound dated even thought it was released in ‘89. I think I’m really going to like this one.
#500DaysAnAlbum
Day 9: ‘Nick of Time’, Bonnie Raitt
Top 3:
- Cry On My Shoulder (the sentiments in this song are exactly how I feel for my friends/family)
- Nick of Time
- Have A Heart (sonically, if you liked HAIM’s ‘Another Try’, you should like this too)
#500DaysAnAlbum
Top 3:
- Cry On My Shoulder (the sentiments in this song are exactly how I feel for my friends/family)
- Nick of Time
- Have A Heart (sonically, if you liked HAIM’s ‘Another Try’, you should like this too)
#500DaysAnAlbum
Day 10: ‘Fine Line’, Harry Styles
One of my fave albums of 2019, super excited to see it made the list. A more refined offering from one of the hottest pop stars rn, this album isn’t as melancholic as his first, ‘Sign of the Times’.
#500DaysAnAlbum
One of my fave albums of 2019, super excited to see it made the list. A more refined offering from one of the hottest pop stars rn, this album isn’t as melancholic as his first, ‘Sign of the Times’.
#500DaysAnAlbum
Day 10: ‘Fine Line’, Harry Styles
Being that this is an album close to my heart, I thought I already knew my Top 3 and was listening just for kicks. Alas, every song sounds like it’s the best.
#500DaysAnAlbum
Being that this is an album close to my heart, I thought I already knew my Top 3 and was listening just for kicks. Alas, every song sounds like it’s the best.
#500DaysAnAlbum
Day 10: ‘Fine Line’, Harry Styles
Top 3:
- Falling
- She (the guitar sequence towards the end is the album MVP)
- Golden
S/o to Fine Line, heck of an album closer.
#500DaysAnAlbum
Top 3:
- Falling
- She (the guitar sequence towards the end is the album MVP)
- Golden
S/o to Fine Line, heck of an album closer.
#500DaysAnAlbum
Day 11: ‘Heart of A Wheel’, Linda Ronstadt
I should probably stop pre-judging unfamiliar albums/artists bc I swore I wouldn’t like this much but I loved it!
#500DaysAnAlbum
I should probably stop pre-judging unfamiliar albums/artists bc I swore I wouldn’t like this much but I loved it!
#500DaysAnAlbum
Day 11: ‘Heart Like A Wheel’, Linda Ronstadt
Top 3:
- It Doesn’t Matter Anymore
- Heart Like A Wheel
- You Can Close Your Eyes
These songs are entirely heartbreaking and deeply moving.
#500DaysAnAlbum
Top 3:
- It Doesn’t Matter Anymore
- Heart Like A Wheel
- You Can Close Your Eyes
These songs are entirely heartbreaking and deeply moving.
#500DaysAnAlbum
Day 12: ‘Back to Mono’, Phil Spector
I’m dreading diving into this because it’s a 73-track compilation album of all the songs Spector produced from ‘58 to ‘69.
It won’t all be bad though - he produced ‘Presenting the Fabulous Tomettes’.
#500DaysAnAlbum
I’m dreading diving into this because it’s a 73-track compilation album of all the songs Spector produced from ‘58 to ‘69.
It won’t all be bad though - he produced ‘Presenting the Fabulous Tomettes’.
#500DaysAnAlbum
Day 12: ‘Back to Mono’, Phil Spector
As expected, the production is good and a lot of the melodies sound similar. What stands out on most are the lyrics. Like The Crystals’ ‘Please Hurt Me’ on which they sing “if you’ve gotta hurt somebody, please hurt me”
#500DaysAnAlbum
As expected, the production is good and a lot of the melodies sound similar. What stands out on most are the lyrics. Like The Crystals’ ‘Please Hurt Me’ on which they sing “if you’ve gotta hurt somebody, please hurt me”
#500DaysAnAlbum
Day 12:
This has turned into a reflection on The Crystals’ lyrics but women singing “if you’ve gotta break a heart, please break mine” and “he hit me and I knew he loved me” in the ‘60s has me grateful for the changes since. Still a long way to go.
#500DaysAnAlbum
This has turned into a reflection on The Crystals’ lyrics but women singing “if you’ve gotta break a heart, please break mine” and “he hit me and I knew he loved me” in the ‘60s has me grateful for the changes since. Still a long way to go.
#500DaysAnAlbum
Day 12: ‘Back to Mono’, Phil Spector
I don’t believe in censorship but petition to destroy all songs on the The Crystals’ ‘Twist Uptown’ album
I’m kidding but this has certainly been the listening experience. Every song is problematic?
#500DaysAnAlbum
I don’t believe in censorship but petition to destroy all songs on the The Crystals’ ‘Twist Uptown’ album
I’m kidding but this has certainly been the listening experience. Every song is problematic?
#500DaysAnAlbum
Day 12: ‘Back to Mono’, Phil Spector
Okay so I got tired at the 35th song. Just listen to ‘Presenting the Fabulous Roberts’s’ for an idea of Spector’s work.
#500DaysAnAlbum
Okay so I got tired at the 35th song. Just listen to ‘Presenting the Fabulous Roberts’s’ for an idea of Spector’s work.
#500DaysAnAlbum
Day 13: ‘The Stooges’, The Stooges
Not my vibe, at all.
Top 3:
- We Will Fall (the violin at the end made up for 9 minutes of chanting)
- Ann
- Little Doll (the drums were a vibe)
#500DaysAnAlbum
Not my vibe, at all.
Top 3:
- We Will Fall (the violin at the end made up for 9 minutes of chanting)
- Ann
- Little Doll (the drums were a vibe)
#500DaysAnAlbum
Day 14: ‘Damaged’, Black Flag
I’ve enjoyed the odd punk record in the past but not this album.
Listened on my evening power-walk...I guess it was appropriate.
No Top 3, sorry.
#500DaysAnAlbum
I’ve enjoyed the odd punk record in the past but not this album.
Listened on my evening power-walk...I guess it was appropriate.
No Top 3, sorry.
#500DaysAnAlbum
Finally back with this bc, well, life.
Day 15: Continuum, John Mayer
Not sure why but I’ve always had some disdain for John Mayer without ever listening to his music. Maybe it has to do with this relationship with Taylor. Came into this with low expectations.
#500DaysAnAlbum
Day 15: Continuum, John Mayer
Not sure why but I’ve always had some disdain for John Mayer without ever listening to his music. Maybe it has to do with this relationship with Taylor. Came into this with low expectations.
#500DaysAnAlbum
Day15: Continuum, John Mayer
On first listen, I expected a bit more “genius” but I’ve sat with this album for a couple of months now and it’s grown on me. The guitar on Gravity is the album highlight. He’s a great guitar player, if nothing else.
#500DaysAnAlbum
On first listen, I expected a bit more “genius” but I’ve sat with this album for a couple of months now and it’s grown on me. The guitar on Gravity is the album highlight. He’s a great guitar player, if nothing else.
#500DaysAnAlbum
Day 15: Continuum, John Mayer
Top 3, in order:
- Gravity
- I Don’t Trust Myself
- Vultures
#500DaysAnAlbum
Top 3, in order:
- Gravity
- I Don’t Trust Myself
- Vultures
#500DaysAnAlbum
Day 16: ‘I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight’, Richard & Linda Thompson
This was a solid average. Not good, not bad, just the epitome of mid. Listen for the religious undertones and the live version of ‘The Calvary Cross’.
#500DaysAnAlbum
This was a solid average. Not good, not bad, just the epitome of mid. Listen for the religious undertones and the live version of ‘The Calvary Cross’.
#500DaysAnAlbum
Day 16: ‘I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight’, Richard & Linda Thompson
Top 3 in order:
- I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight
- The Calvary Cross
- Withered and Died
#500DaysAnAlbum
Top 3 in order:
- I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight
- The Calvary Cross
- Withered and Died
#500DaysAnAlbum
Day 17: ‘Born This Way’, Lady Gaga
1. Can’t believe I’d never listened to the full album before
2. I expected to enjoy the album way more than I did
3. Marry the Night and The Edge of Glory make such a great album opener/closer pair
#500DaysAnAlbum
1. Can’t believe I’d never listened to the full album before
2. I expected to enjoy the album way more than I did
3. Marry the Night and The Edge of Glory make such a great album opener/closer pair
#500DaysAnAlbum
Day 17: ‘Born This Way’, Lady Gaga
Top 3, in order:
- The Edge of Glory (might be my fave Gaga song ever. I used to be OBSESSED)
- Marry the Night
- You and I
#500DaysAnAlbum
Top 3, in order:
- The Edge of Glory (might be my fave Gaga song ever. I used to be OBSESSED)
- Marry the Night
- You and I
#500DaysAnAlbum
