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While it's argued that 'Master of Puppets' is the best album Metallica recorded, no one can argue that their self-titled album, commonly referred to as 'The Black Album', will be the release that they are remembered for. With mega hits like "Enter Sandman", "Wherever I May Roam", "Nothing Else Matters" and "The Unforgiven", this is an outstanding album in a long career of one of the most influential and popular metal bands. Such a great album with all songs very memorable and always fantastic.
A double album is a tricky thing to pull off but who better to do it and do it in style than the longstanding RHCP? Stadium Arcadium's first disc kicks off with the mega hit "Dani California" and every song that follows is infectious and great in blending all that makes them great. Both discs, labeled as "Jupiter" and "Mars" offer plenty of great and memorable songs like "Tell Me Baby", "Desecration Smile" and "Snow (Hey Oh)". The double album is a bit hit with me, despite its incredible length. It's just more to love!
I remember being extremely excited for this album release and I was not disappointed. It builds on the foundation A7X laid down with its previous albums while exploring a bit within the genre. The use of piano is so smartly used and really quite beautiful. The dedication to The Rev is evident even in the way M. Shadows sings his heart out on every track and the inclusion of his vocals is very touching. Wonderful addition to their discography.
I'm a huge Gene Kelly and this is definite proof of how great and creative he really was. The movie has outstanding musical numbers boosted by Gene and Leslie Caron's splendid dancing and Oscar Levant's piano skills. It's funny and sweet and a little sad, blended into one perfect musical. Of course, the real treat here is the 16 minute musical number near the end of the film. No singing, just gorgeous costumes and fantastic dancing to delight us. What a great movie.
I was worried to buy this album because of the somewhat eclectic sound I was hearing from the preview. But the differences in style from track to track really heighten the experience, giving you two distinct sides from a fantastic band. "The Pretender" is obviously great but other great tracks include "Stranger Things Have Happened", "Erase/Replace" and "But, Honestly." This album will not disappoint.
Coldplay defined themselves early as a band that understood pop and how to form it into a crowd-pleasing sing-along. It's fantastic, sweet, and thoughtful. This album was clearly helped by the mega hit "The Scientist" which is really quite a sad song underneath the sweet, romantic-like exterior. But the other tracks hold up their own against it with other highlights such as "Clocks", "A Rush of Blood to the Head" and "Amsterdam." A definite must have for any Coldplay fan.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs came onto the scene with their debut "Fever to Tell" in a very strong way. They have such an original sound in my opinion and they added to their punk pop with some indie flair with this sophomore album "Show Your Bones." Highlights include "Gold Lion", "Phenomena", "Honeybear", and "The Sweets" but all of the songs work together so well on the release. I recommend buying this version with the bonus track of "Deja Vu" since it is such a great track. A real added plus to an already fantastic album.
The Strokes had already laid down that they had what it took to take rock-pop to a new place and this album helped them establish that even further. It pushes what they did in their first two albums further. Highlights include "You Only Live Once", "Juicebox", and "Red Light."
It seems that the new trend for bands is to have a smashing debut album and this band is no different. I first encountered their music at a concert where they opened at and I was so impressed and astounded (especially by the lunatic singer) that I had to check out their music. I'm glad I did because this album is so catchy and so impressive. Some highlights include "In One Ear", "Ain't No Rest for the Wicked", and "Soil to the Sun" but the whole album is a great listen. You won't regret giving this band a chance.
YYYs debut, Fever to Tell, is so out there and original that it's hard to describe what it's really like. Karen O's vocals are extraordinary and one could examine them endlessly and still marvel at what she pulls off. Her vocals are set up magnificently with the guitar and drums provided by Nick and Brian. The music is fun and crazy and maybe a little out there but it all works when it comes together. "Maps" is what got them on the map (pun intended) but I never realized how different it was from its companions on Fever to Tell. It honestly seems to come out of nowhere. But no worries, it's all to be enjoyed and all to be loved. This is the album that I heard last from the YYYs since I'd already heard their three later releases but I am so glad that I came back to their origins, to where it all started. Take a listen, please!