Reviews (53)

A nice collection of hits.....
This disc is great for the person just discovering 311! All of the good hits are here....TRANSISTOR...DOWN...BEAUTIFUL DISASTER....and others. However, if you are a hardcore fan of 311 (like myself), you will still want to listen to the individual albums because their best songs were not released as singles. I am glad, though, that they did include the remake of the Cure's LOVE SONG on this CD as I just didn't have the heart to buy the 50 FIRST DATES soundtrack just for that song. And...what a nice remake they did at that! Way to go, guys! Like I said, it's a nice retrospective, but stick to the individual albums for optimum listening pleasure!

Everyone Should Stop Complaining
I wish people would stop whining about this album. Everyone person who's complaining about the track listing should actually look at the title. It's 311-Greatest Hits 93-03, not 311-Best of-93-03. Whoever wrote the review that stated that the band even posted the reason why this is not a greatest hit's album is obviously the only person who gets it. It would be impossible for 311 to gather songs for a Best Of compilation, because almost every 311 is great. Now, that being said, the 17 songs on this album(14 orginal, 1 cover, and 2 new songs) are great and, while they don't nessascarily capture the potential of 311, it offers a fantatic rock album that any true 311 fan, or a fan of rock music in general, can appreciate. So, if you can look past all the complaints you will discover a great album that is well worth it's price tag. Here's to 11 years of 311, and hopefully 11+ years to come.

Best Songs=Homebrew, Do You Right, First Straw, All Mixed Up, Love Song, Creatures(For Awhile), Beyond the Gray Sky

Damn Good Songs=Down, How Do You Feel, Beautiful Disaster, Flowing, Don't Stay Home, Amber, You Wouldn't Believe,

Okay Songs=Come Original, I'll Be Here Awhile, Transisitor

Greatest Hits, NOT Greatest Songs
If you are a die hard 311 fan, there is no point in buying this album. We all know theyre best songs do not become hits because theyre not poppy. This CD however does capture all the great songs that casual 311 listers would enjoy. I still love all the songs to death, but I prefer throwing all the 311 CDs in a disk changer and pressing shuffle. You can run that all day. My only true complaint about the CD is their single "First Straw" I gotta say, it sucks. My friends and I coulda sworn we heard it before, not a cover, just so formulated and poppy. I hope its not a sign of whats to come because I know theyre producer sucks and tried to mellow them out, look what hes doing to Pepper as well.

the best of the best
I just got back from an awesome concert put on by 311 today here in there hometown of omaha nebraska. it was a free concert for the city of omaha s 150th bithday. well they played a lot of the songs of this album, and in my opinion all their songs on all their albums are really good. Every album they have made is good, this is a good compilation for those who maybe havent heard the songs off of some of the earlier albums as well as their latest. Must have album the 311 live is another awesome compilation from them.

on the verge
The greatest hits of the greastest band? Yeah, true, but as a true fan I prefer the length albums better. This collection is good but I'm a bigger fan of some of their songs that weren't singles (ie Uncalm, Jack'o'lantern's Weather, Eons, etc.) . This is a good collection though for those of us who don't want to or are too lazy to constantly switch albums to hear one particular song. I wish the remix album would have been included, but that is just wishful thinking on my part. Anyway, as most 311 is one of the most original and diverse bands out there and they are only getting better so check this out if you have the chance. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

With valuable assistance from producer Rick Rubin, the Peppers find just the right blend of punk, funk, and hip-hop. Even with a running time of 74 minutes, this 1991 breakthrough has continuity and cohesion both within and across the 17 cuts. Riding Flea's surging bass, Anthony Kiedis delivers his explicit lyrics with a rapper's flair, extolling the virtues (and outlining the dangers) of sex and drugs. Plaintive ballads such as "Breaking the Girl," "I Could Have Lied," and the hit "Under the Bridge" give the album depth and provide contrast to the raw energy of "Mellowship Slinky in B Major," "Funky Monks," and "Give It Away." Rubin masterfully fuses John Frusciante's raunchy guitar with the irresistible grooves. --Marc Greilsamer ... Read more

Reviews (262)

The Epitomy of the Red Hot Chili Pepper's Career
This is definately one of the best records of all time. Flea's one of the most innovative and funky bassists of the last 10 years, and John Frusciante's solos are sure to blow your mind. Flea and CHad Smith make up what is possibly the best rythym section ever. And Anthony Kiedis's lyrics are random yet beautiful and humorous. But despite all the bands individual talent (which is elite), what shines here is the band's incredible chemistry. The whole album is recorded live, with hardly any dubs. They blend together so amazingly into 17 rocking songs. THere's raw funky songs like Apache Rose Peacock, Sir Psycho Sexy, If you Have to Ask, Mellowship Slinky in B Major and The RIghteous and the Wicked. All driven by infectious funky grooves, supplied by FLea's bass. To hard agressive rocking songs like Power of Equality, The Greeting Song, and Funky Monks. Many people think of Under the Bridge when they hear Blood Sugar Sex Magik, but I Could Have Lied may well be one of the saddest songs you'll hear. Driven by intense passion and somewhat dark lyrics, the guitar is just beautiful. So if you haven't a clue what Red Hot Chili Pepper's albums to get, screw By the Way or Californication, go for the classic Blood Sugar Sex Magik.

A funky classic, though not quite perfect.
Although Mother's Milk and the later Californication were both good albums, Blood Sugar Sex Magik is the album that revealed the full extent of the Red Hot Chili Peppers' talent. It's their longest album (18 songs) and by far their most diverse.

With heartfelt acoustic ballads (Breaking The Girl, Under The Bridge, I Could Have Lied), raunchy funk scorchers (Funky Monks, Suck My Kiss, Fellowship Slinky In B-Major), political commentary (The Power Of Equality, The Righteous And The Wicked), hard rock (the title track) and even some rapping (If You Have To Ask, Give It Away) this album has a bit of everything. And most of it is classic.

Anthony Kledis is a great vocalist with outstanding range--he handles raunchy funk, adrenaline-fueled raps, and soulful crooning with equal ablomb. Flea is one of the best bass players ever, ranking right up there with Roger Waters and John Entswistle (though with an entirely different style)--his funky playing is given free reign in this album. Guitarist John Fruciante is somewhat Hendrix-esque in his style, and Chad Smith's drumming is excellent, especially in the steel drum solo of Breaking The Girl.

Now for the reason I give it four instead of five: The first 11 songs are A-list material without question. However, like most Red Hot Chili Peppers albums, Blood Sugar Sex Magik starts to unravel toward the end. Naked In The Rain and Apache Rose Peacock suffer from poor lyrics. Sir Psycho Sexy ends in one of the most glorious jams ever, but the horrible lyrics in the first 3 minutes ruin the song. And the closer They're Red Hot is incredibly annoying. Fortunately it's short, just over a minute long.

Despite these gaffes, Blood Sugar Sex Magik easily ranked as one of the best albums of '91. And deservedly so. If you want a funky, energetic, and sometimes deeply moving album (Under The Bridge is dedicated to their former guitarist, a victim of heroin overdose) run out and get this one.

The Best Album of All Time, PERIOD
I have to say, I have a collection of over 600 CD's - and this would be in my top 3 of the all time greatest albums ive ever had the pleasure of listening to. Hardly ever do I "wear out" a CD - this one would have to be an exception. It was pure genious when it came out, and still is today. I think I can honestly say the Red Hot Chilli Peppers have to be one of the greatest collections of the most talented musicians to ever come together. Many people focus on Flea's outrageous and funked up bass playing, but the fact is Chad Smith is an amazing drummer, and John Fruisciante - is near godlike to anyone who knows anything about playing Guitar. If you are younger and want to know what the REAL chilli peppers are like - get this album!!

One of the top 20 albums of all time
Play through every song on this cd..you'll find nothing wrong with it whatsoever. Youll love every track almost the same. A few stand even better than the rest. Highlights on this album incl. If You Have To Ask, Breaking The Girl, Suck My Kiss, I Could Have Lied, Slinky In B Major, Give It Away, Under The Bridge, Apache Rose Peacock, My Lovely Man, and Sir Psycho Sexy. That's just about everyone on there lol. Buy it..youll enjoy it, and treasure it for years. (...)

Spicey.
Easily the best Chile Peppers Album. Which is saying a lot, since everything they do is gold. The Best-of album is close, but 2/3 of it were from this. Every song is full of soul, passion, and skill. My least favorite song on the album is "suck my kiss" and I still don't skip it. Even the worst songs on this CD, and worth listening to repeatedly. Rock on Chile Peppers. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

After laboring in Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Neil Young finally hit perfect pitch--if his endearing off-center whine can be called "perfect"--with his third album. He's equally passionate with trippy riddles (has anybody figured out what "We've got mother nature on the run" means in the title track?) and pointed protest (after 30 years of rock-radio overplay, "Southern Man" still rings with truth about redneck racism). His creaky ensemble, including pianist Jack Nitzsche and rotating members of Crazy Horse, transforms ramshackle country and folk songs into soulful hippie hymns. --Steve Knopper ... Read more

Reviews (78)

A PERIOD PIECE BUT ALSO A GREAT SINGER SONGWRITER ALBUM!
I'm gonna get this off my chest first. To be honest I have never been a huge Neil Young fan. Don't get wrong he has done some great stuff throughout his musical career but so have his peers like Stephen Stills and Graham Nash etc; (sometimes they've done better things) and for whatever reason they do not get as much recognition. However I felt I hadn't really given Neil a chance. So I decided to pick up two of Neil's most critically acclaimed albums: 'Harvest' and of course 'After The Gold Rush'.

Fresh of the success of Deja Vu, Neil Young decide to conquer more ground in 1970 on his own. 'After The Goldrush' was recorded and released to a 'any type of material from CSN&Y' hungry public. The album was a monster sky rocketing Neil into new levels of super stardom.

It wasn't just hype either. 'After The Goldrush' has some great music on it.The first four tracks are truly gold. Opening with TELL ME WHY; a nice charming acoustic piece. The title track AFTER THE GOLDRUSH has some awesome lyrics. ONLY LOVE CAN BREAK YOUR HEART is beautiful and of course everyone knows the classic rocker SOUTHERN MAN which rocketed up the charts that year. TILL THE MORNING COMES is a short ditty that is pleasing but could have made way for an actual song. OH, LONESOME ME is a slow paced country piece. It's beautful but a tad depressing for me. DON'T LET IT BRING YOU DOWN is another classic here. BIRDS is another beautiful piano piece with excellent vocals. WHEN YOU DANCE YOU CAN REALLY LOVE is another great rocker. While I BELIEVE IN YOU is a laid back country rocker with some good guitar and lyrics. The final track CRIPPLE CREEK FERRY is another short yet pleasing ditty. However like I said with TILL THE MORNING COMES, it could have made way for actual songs.

Overall 'After The Goldrush' is a classic. If you want to go back to 1970 this is a good CD to take you there. At first I didn't really like this album. However after a few more listens I realized the excellence this album possessed. The lyrics are wonderful. Neil Young could really write some good music! He knew how to do a beautiful country ballad and he defiently knew how to rock! Highly recommend!

Striking Gold
Neil Young had recently had scored a number one hit as part of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young with Deja Vu when he released After The Gold Rush. The album is a brilliant collection of songs that have a strong sense of social commentary as well of heartbreak. "Southern Man" is a strong condemnation of the redneck ideals of the South. The song has a stinging guitar that perfectly complements the angry lyrics that are dripping with venom. Songs like "Tell Me Why", "Only Love Can Break Your Heart", the sprightly "Til The Morning Comes" and the Don Gibson cover "Oh, Lonesome Me" deal with longing, loss and heartache. The title track is a hauntingly, beautiful yet cautionary tale. Mr. Young, singing over just a piano, lays out a song that turned out to eerily prophetic in the wake of what would occur in the 1970's. The album was a triumph on every level and became his first solo top ten hit peaking at number 8 in late 1970.

Truly one of Neil Young's classics
I don't exactly consider myself a big Neil Young fan, I'm not the kind of person who would buy every album with his name on it (especially many of the albums he done in the 1980s, such as Landing on Water), but After the Gold Rush, his third album (second with Crazy Horse) is truly deserving of classic status. This album has been with me most of my life, thanks to my parents owning a copy. This album also premiered a certain 17 year old by the name of Nils Lofgren, on piano. This album has many different styles from acoustic ballads, to rockers, to short singalongs. The album starts off with "Tell Me Why", which is a truly great acoustic piece. The title track is a piano-oriented ballad with an enviromental theme concerning the new decade (the 1970s, that is). "Only Love Can Break Your Heat" is not a cover of the Gene Pitney song, but another Neil Young original, in this case, a piano-oriented ballad. I don't think I need to mention the epic "Southern Man" as it's the song that receives plenty of FM radio airplay. The song obviously gave Lynyrd Skynyrd their response song four years later (1974) with "Sweet Home Alabama". Side one of the old vinyl ends with a nice, short, singalong cut called "Till the Morning Comes". Side two (of the LP) features a cover of Don Gibson's "Oh Lonesome Me", plus another nice ballad with "Don't Let It Bring You Down", plus a totally overlooked, but great rocker with "When You Dance You Can Really Love". There are two songs that don't seem to do a lot for me, that is "Birds" and "I Believe in You". The album closes off with another great singalong with "Cripple Creek Ferry", which is very much in the vein of "Till the Morning Comes". This album really takes me back to that bygone era of 1970 (even though I wasn't alive then). This album is a no brainer, if you're a Neil Young fan, get this album.

neil's best album
This is one of the best albums in the rock history.
It contains some "normal" songs and some masterworks
"Southern man" is among the ten best songs of rock and contains one of the five best riffs, such as "fire" of Hendrix or "brown sugar" of the stones.

Nothing tops this
The song "After the Goldrush" was 1st introduced to my ears while listening to the radio in my dad's pickup truck when I was 9 years old. Twelve years later my feelings for that album have not wavered. I have seen reviews by Rolling Stone magazine that say that this album was released prematurely. Upon reading Neil Young's biography and listening to many of his other albums, you will discover that whatever Neil releases is EXACTLY what he wants people to hear.
After the Goldrush is an album with mixed emotions. I am not a professional reviewer, but I know that the album brings out emotions of both reflection and love. It's an album of great contrast as well. Some songs like "Tell Me Why" and "Cripple Creek Ferry" are sort of light hearted and uplifting while the songs "Don't Let It Bring You Down" and "Oh Lonesome Me"...I think the names speak for themselves.
Do yourself a favor and get this album. You will never forget it. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Electrifying performers and pure-pop songwriters of the highest order, Toronto's Barenaked Ladies have emerged over a decade as that strangest of beasts. They'll never land a dishy cover story in Mojo Magazine, but as they reflect on those ribald years between 1991 and 2001, the five can allow themselves wry smiles, knowing that sometimes, just sometimes, the cream rises to the top. In addition to familiar radio staples such as "Pinch Me," "The Old Apartment," "Jane," "Alternative Girlfriend," and the ubiquitous "One Week," there's a trump card on All Their Greatest Hits that will prove irresistible to completists: the Ladies' buttery, acoustic version of Bruce Cockburn's "Lovers in a Dangerous Time." Recorded eons ago for a Cockburn tribute disc that almost immediately went out of print, the song has until now been a rare and highly coveted collector's item. Two news songs--"Thanks That Was Fun" and "It's Only Me (The Wizard of Magicland)"--were recorded specifically for this collection, while two others ("Brian Wilson" and "What a Good Boy") are captured live. But what really brings this album home is, ironically, "If I Had $1,000,000." One of their very first hits cut as the Ladies were learning to dovetail their so-called "acoustic hip-hop" into slicker pop sensibilities, "$1,000,000"--a simple knock-kneed love song with harmonies so tight they're practically braided--is a snapshot of a band with all the pieces in place just as the planets were about to align. --Kim Hughes ... Read more

Reviews (74)

BNL comes full circle...
...from fringe-dwellers mocking 'Greatest Hits' collections on their first album ('Disc One, it's where we've begun/It's all our greatest hits/And if you are a fan then you know that you've already got 'em' from 'Box Set') to Big Stars putting out a collection of their own. As the title indicates, they're well aware of the irony; what this traditional-style CD really celebrates is success for a band that has never sold out.
The lush (19-song!) selection is excellent, covering the obvious highlights ('Brian Wilson', 'If I Had $1 000 000', and, yep, 'One Week' - be prepared to be driven crazy all over again) as well as less successful or harder-to-find treats ('Call and Answer', 'Shoe Box', 'Lovers in a Dangerous Time'). The only track I'd disagree with is a live version of 'What a Good Boy', an essentially intimate ballad that isn't at it's best with several thousand people singing along.
The two new tracks are a toss-up; 'It's Only Me' is frenetic New Wave stuff, funny but maybe a bit too busy, and 'Thanks That Was Fun' is the gentle, nicely rueful story of a break-up that (in patented BNL fashion) isn't proving nearly as satisfying as the narrator had hoped.
The liner notes include two admiring (but thankfully not gushy) 'how-they-dunnit' essays and track-by-track annotations from Steven Page. In other words, everything you wanted to know and some stuff you maybe could have lived without but will enjoy anyway.
All told, a hugely satisfying Barenaked Ladies experience. (Although they'll hopefully drop the 'Box Set' references while they're ahead. Otherwise...'Disc Three/Well this is really me/In a grade school play' and 'Disc Six/A dance remix/to catch the latest trend...')

Disc one...it's where we've begun...
I am probably one of the biggest BNL fans out there. I've seen them live too many times to count and I have all of their earlier CDs, yet I still had to have this Greatest Hits compilation. For older fans, it's totally worth it for the amazing version of the previously rare cover of Lovers. *This* is the song that should have Steve Page writing Jim is a bass god on random walls. Wizard (or It's Only Me) is an excellent upbeat, fun song, particularly once you realize what it's all about. Great fun to sing along to. Thanks That Was Fun is quite possibly the greatest Ed song ever. This song owns me. The bridge is fantastic, and his voice on this song gives me chills every single time. I can't get enough. And if that's not enough to sell an older fan of the band, it's worth it just to have Steve's commentary in the liner notes.

For the rest of you, this is an excellent introduction to the wonder that is Barenaked Ladies. Be warned, however, because once you hear the gems What a Good Boy, Brian Wilson, and Too Little, Too Late, just to name a few, you will be hooked.

A Great Introduction/Compilation To A Great Group
When I heard this for the first time, I noticed there's something both modern and Beatlesque about the music. For me, it's refreshing to buy something I can listen to all the way through and enjoy every song. It's now one of a handful of albums I play regularly.

To all BNL fans who haven't bought this yet: You already know great these songs are. It's worth buying because Lovers In A Dangerous Time, It's Only Me, and Thanks That Was Fun don't appear on any of the other albums. This Old Apartment and Shoe Box sound remarkably better than the versions on Born On A Pirate Ship.

To everyone who doesn't listen to top40 radio: If there's one modern group to buy music from, it's BNL. Start with this album and then check out their studio albums. You will discover, as I did, that this album is a brilliant introduction and will have you wanting more.

Great Introduction to Barenaked Ladies for newcomers
If you do not own a Barenaked Ladies CD this is a good selection for you. I suspect those new to the Ladies will find tracks on thsi CD they are familiar with but did not know the artist.

My favorites on this disc include, "Jane", "Lovers in a dangerous Time", and a very nice live recording of "What a good boy".

vintage Barenaked Ladies
This is easy-listening rock that does not suck. Barenaked Ladies basically sound like the Beach Boys but better, more depth and talent. This is a great collection of their best songs, new and old. they also have the best name of any band

David Rehak
author of "A Young Girl's Crimes" ... Read more

Amazon.com

One of the many Nashville-based singer-songwriters whose respected stature among critics and fellow artists stands in stark contrast to his rather meager commercial acclaim, Greg Trooper has quietly built a catalog of superbly crafted albums. On his second release for the Sugar Hill label (his eighth overall), Trooper teams up with legendary songwriter/producer Dan Penn for a collaboration so natural, it's a wonder it hadn't happened before.

Trooper's music already combines strains of R&B, country, and folk, which Penn acknowledges by infusing a subtle yet palpable tenderness into these songs. Sung in a honeyed, gritty voice that combines the tough, yet resigned style of Guy Clark and longtime friend Buddy Miller with the vulnerability of Paul Simon, Trooper's songs straddle the dusty roads between Austin soul and Nashville twang--both of which cities he has called home. The lyrically provocative "When I Think of You My Friends" is one example of a typical Trooper setup where the protagonists are "out of luck, out of work, never out of dreams." Yet he won't settle for weepy sentimentality in either his words or stirring melodies. These twelve tracks flaunt the soul in the singer's emotionally rousing tunes and show him as one of the most talented contemporary acts on the roots scene. Credit also goes to Penn, whose warm, sympathetic production allows Trooper the room he needs to shine. --Hal Horowitz ... Read more

Amazon.com

More than a mere rap album, Mos Def's long-awaited The New Danger combines hip-hop, blues, soul, and rock in an 18-track package that seeks to transcend convention. In that sense, it shares a similar spirit with Andre 3000's The Love Below or Common's Electric Circus, with mixed results. Mos's reputation has been built on the strength of his lyrical charisma, and songs like "Close Edge," "Grown Man Business," and "Sunshine" show that his skills haven't faded just because he's Emmy-nominated. He's already proven that he can cut more than just street heat--best evinced on the soulful, poetic "Umi Says," a surprise hit from his previous release, 1999's Black on Both Sides. Yet, the rock- and blues-inspired songs here, while by no means poor, are acquired tastes, given their tendency to noodle--they simply can't compare with Mos's cutting verbal displays. The album's length and sometimes clunky sequencing can make for challenging listening, especially when so many of his more experimental cuts come early on. New fans might find the album's eclecticism intriguing, although older fans will likely be a bit perplexed. --Oliver Wang ... Read more

Amazon.com

Whether recording under his own name, collaborating with wife Julie, or contributing guitar work for a range of other artists, Buddy Miller has always put forth a resonant, earthy, even spiritual bearing. So it seems only natural that Miller would turn his focus to the gospel tradition. The songs here celebrate the innate goodness in even the most lost and perplexed among us, keeping sights on the unblinking light of hope at the end of the tunnel. This is still a rootsy affair, though the set is imbued with the social concerns that unite us all. Nondenominational in terms of religious affiliation, this album uses our common language of honest singing and playing, soulful grooves, and top-flight songs to make its points. --David Greenberger ... Read more

Amazon.com

Their remake of "Killing Me Softly" was the hit, but that's only the beginning of the story. A hip-hop trio whose talents reach out into the world of the pop song (Wyclef Jean is a fine guitar player, and Lauryn Hill's a heck of a singer), the Fugees are also all distinctive, inventive rappers--you find yourself waiting for each of them to take the next verse in turn. The beats are the familiar crossed-armed boom-bip, but the group's understated grooves and subtle effects lie low in the mix. Aside from two kicky covers of classics (the other is Marley's "No Woman, No Cry"), The Score'sfocus is on the stars' rhyming with the free-form grace of performance poets and showing that they've thought deeply about the issues they raise. --Douglas Wolk ... Read more

Reviews (60)

"It's Time To Settle The Score!"
What can I say? The Score by the Fugees was definitely their best effort. While the group soon split up and the members, with the exception of Lauryn, tried to capture the Fugees' formula with less success, The Score still stands the test of time. On this release, the Fugees matured from Blunted On Reality and became much more focused. The beats are interesting relying on nice drum and bass lines mixed with reggae, soul, and lots of hip-hop flavor. The lyrics are very good, and the group seems very confident and relaxed when it comes to the delivery. Check out the classic "Fu-Gee-La," the Diamond produced title track, and the posse cut "Cowboys" featuring members of the Outsidaz. And of course, the two cover tunes work. Lauryn proves she is a great singer on "Killing Me Softly" while the "No Woman, No Cry" cover adds a new twist to the classic Bob Marley song. The only low points with this album might be the skits which can get monotonous and stupid after a while. Otherwise, The Score definitely deserves a listen.

A 5 Mic classic according to the Source and Me
This one was a massive comercial sucess in 1996 here is the song
by song review of the Fugees score album.
2.How many Mics-Classic freestyle joint like for Supernat this is not as good as those versions but it is very tight 10/10
3.Ready are Not-One of my favorite rap songs 10/10
4.Zealots-Early 60s 10/10
5.The Beast-Great Produced Album this is tight 10/10
6.Fu Gee La-I was always a fan of the Fugees this tight 10/10
7.Family-They did great on this album 10/10
8.Killing me Softly-Hip Hop Soul classic 10/10
9.The Score-Carribean feel I did not no Pras was this tight 10
10.The Mask-This albums got it all rap-hip hop-raggae not his usual stuff and also Soul 10/10
11.Cowboys-this is pretty raw all of it MCs 10/10
12.No Women Cry-I guess a cover 10/10
13.Manifest-I love the Carribean feel to this album 10/10
16.Mista Mista-Accoustic Guitar pretty tight 10/10
This Album sounds great I have been sleeping.
Lyrics 10/10 Production 10/10 X Factor 10/10 Style 10/10 Voice10

Music 10/10 Innovative 10/10 Classic 10/10 Guest 10/10 Blends 10
Overall 100 This album sounds completely Masterpiece the Source
was good for giving the Fugees there respect they deserve this is a 5 Mic Classic wich is *****Classic

This Is Hip-Hop
"The Score" is one of those unique albums that can never be outdone. Wyclef Jean, Pras, and Lauryn Hill all work together in giving us this classic sophmore album. Guest appearences by John Forte(a member of the Refugee Family), Tha Outsidaz(Rah Digga, Young Zee, Pacewon), Diamond-D, and Omega all do well, but it's really the main trio that make this album great. Wyclef's crazy flow, Pras' laidback rhyming, and Lauryn's angellic voice bring a beautiful flava to this LP that no one else could've done. "How Many Mics" is an example of all three members rhyme skills, especially Pras' who spits, ("too many MC's not enough mics, exit your show like I exit the turnpike"). "Ready or Not" is one of my all time favorite songs, because of the cool beat and the memorable last lines of Wyclef Jean("I think not I'll send a letter to my friends, a born again hooligan only to be king again") and Lauryn's opening line("I play my enemies like a game of chess") and lastly Pras' opening("ready or not refugees taking over"). "Zealots" is a well made song in which Wyclef sings the hook and Lauryn teaches Hip-Hop physics over an amazing beat. But it is Pras who delivers the best lyrical verse("I compress sound sets with my rap DBX, then drop vocals on my 456MPEX, bring terror to the shop of horror, as you cry meamore, the phantom dies in the opera"). "The Beast" is a weirder song and not one of my favorites, though it is not to be skipped. "Fu-Gee-La" is another favorite of mine because of its Caribbean lyrics and beat, and amazing chrorus by Lauryn. "Family Business" is a sad song but another great one with guest rappers Omega and John Forte, rhyming over a frantic beat with a verse surprisingly by Pras(it's the only chorus he does on the whole album). "Killing Me Softly" is a solo song by Lauryn Hill who remakes the song with a Hip-Hop groove. "The Score" is quite simply a lyrical song, produced and guest featuring Diamond-D, the trio drop some of their best rhymes in between a scratched hook. "The Mask" is another good song, with a great chorus and verses. "Cowboys" is the gangsta western song featuring Tha Outsidaz. The mix of Carribean rhymes and hardcore rap is amazing and turns out good, even with the oh-lae-he chorus by Wyclef. "No Woman, No Cry" is another remake, this time of Bob Marley's classic song(Wyclef solo). "Outro(Manifest)" isn't an outro but another real lyrical song where you can actually hear the anger in the trio's voices. The first and best remix of "Fu-Gee-La" is the last great song on the album. The final remix of the song isn't very memorable and not one of my favorites. The final song "Mista, Mista" is very confusing. It's a sad song but you can't help laughing at the constant cussing through the whole song.

The main point is that "The Score" is one of the many classic rap albums of the 90's and was very groundbreaking, because it brought Hip-Hop to the entire world. If you like this album go pick up the trio's solo albums:

*Wyclef Jean- "The Carnival"
*Lauryn Hill- "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill"
*Pras- "Ghetto Supastar"
*Wyclef Jean- "Ecleftic: 2 Sides 2 A Book"
*Wyclef Jean- "Masquerade"
*Wyclef Jean- "The Preacher's Son"

The Fugees are broken up now, but they will always be remembered as one of the greatest and most creative rap group of all time.

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ONE OF THE BEST !
The Fugees are definitely the most complete group of all times. TLC, WuTang, etc all are real good groups, however The Fugees integrated every form of music into rap and made hiphop globally respected. Their themes and videos were the best of all times. The Score is really a street classic. From " Ready or not", cowboys, "the beast". Everything is tight. Lauryn is fascinating though. She really makes fugees what it all is. their breakup is a great loss to the enrichment of hiphop.

The Score [EXPLICIT LYRICS]
The Score [EXPLICIT LYRICS]~ The Fugees is avery good album with great fun and good lyrics. Hill is a good singer and the other guys prevent her from getting to cynical and boring which is her tendency otherwise. A very good album and one should buy it ... Read more

Amazon.com

Most artists who appeal to adult listeners tend to settle into a comfortable niche, but Lucinda Williams refuses to play it safe. Instead, her music stings like an open wound, as she continues to strip away the protective layers from her art's emotional core. Though Williams has long been prized for the naked honesty of her music, this collection is even rawer than its predecessors. From the down-and-dirty bar-band blues of "Atonement" to the Rolling Stones-style swagger of "Bleeding Fingers" to the tricky balance of debasement and transcendence in "Ventura," Williams leaves the nerve endings of her music exposed. With the band opting for first-take immediacy rather than polish, some of the most powerful material is also the neediest, as the singer addresses lovers who have disrespected her ("Righteously") or abandoned her ("Those Three Days," "Minneapolis"). Though her attempts at rap on "Sweet Side" and "American Dream" might cause diehard fans to wince, her willingness to take creative chances reaffirms her position at the vanguard of a rootsy progressivism that transcends musical category. Simply put, there's more Patti Smith in her than there is Patsy Cline. --Don McLeese ... Read more

Reviews (130)

Maybe a bit too honest for some¿
Yikes! Lucinda really split herself wide open on this one. As a huge fan of her self-titled and "Car Wheels..." releases, I struggled with the nakedness of "Essence" and grew to love it. Again, with this release, I had a hard time getting through it the first time, but it gets easier with each listen. The lyrics are sheer poetry, albeit dark, painful, poetry. And Lucinda's delivery makes them darker and even more painful. I think a first-time listener might be turned off if this were their first Lucinda Williams experience.

My favorite song on this release is "Righteously". As I've played it, several people have stopped by my cubicle and asked, "What are you listening to? That song rocks!" Almost stripped down musically, it has a wailing guitar and strong bass line that moves the song along. The last line is my favorite - - "Be my lover don't play no game, Just play me John Coltrane".

"Ventura" has a beautiful steel-guitar, wavy-feeling kind of sound. "Real Live Bleeding Fingers and Broken Guitar Strings" (great title!) sounds very Neil Young-ish to me. "Overtime" is classic heartbreak, almost Patsy Cline-ish...the simple drum work and the verby guitar along with the simple lyrics work beautifully well together.

In most of her songs, Lucinda doesn't subscribe to the pop structure of songwriting - - stanza, chorus, stanza, repeat chorus, etc. Instead the songs are more like poems with wonderful music accentuating them. I can never decide if Lucinda's vocals are a strength or a weakness...they are often rough and "hick-ish", but they do add a substantial amount of depth to the words. While I can imagine a "better" singer singing them, I realize the song would lose so much of its impact if it were slick and smooth.

I think Lucinda has come to terms with never hearing her music played on commercial radio stations across the country. Still, and admirably so, she refuses to sell out her themes and her musical style for the spoon-fed masses, and instead brings out a different kind of honesty, a different kind of love, a different kind of relationship, those not usually revealed or acknowledged in the mainstream. We're talking about abusive and drug-addicted, twisted and unhealthy relationships here. There's not very much warm and fuzzy going on. Proof that angst is a wonderful catalyst for art.

Damn Baby! - A True Cajun Angel
There's a reason why Time Magazine called Lucinda "America's Best Songwriter". She's honest,tortured and their is something sexy and dark about her voice and song writing. She's the girl your mom warned you about - but you couldn't help but following her down the road to ruin (then she'd write a song about you!). This album is not filled with the sugarcoated things on a Phil Collins or Micheal Bolton record. She talks about herion addiction, poverty, child abuse and love lost.

After the first cut, "Fruits of my Labor", I thought this is pretty good. Then, when Rightously kicked in, I said "Damn Baby!!". It's an incredible song, you feel jealous for the person it's written to! You gotta love a song that talks about John Coltrane. Real live Bleeding Fingers is another great track - the guitar work is very reminisant of Kieth Richards on "Exile on Mainstreet". "Those Three Days" is perfectly phrased. One of my favorite cuts is "Minneapolis", you can hear her pain. Lucinda maybe an acquired taste, like scotch, but pour me a glass - straight - and leave me the bottle. She's a poet, writing about real life. Like Dylan or Springsteen, just more honest and a sweet Lake Charles drawl. Buy the albums and don't miss her live!

Another TOP notch CD
Lucinda can do no wrong. With each album, Lucinda gets better and better. It makes my heart warm to see how wide Lucinda's following continues to grow. I miss you Lucy :) Remember B.Dalton in L.A.? LOL

Lucinda's great style mixed with a new sound
Everyone like to try new things, explore new interests and get out of the rut sometimes. Lucinda does that a bit on this CD. There are some Williams fans who may enjoy hearing her explore a new sound. I did not think it was "her". Like Johnny Cash singing Rap or Gene Simmons trying Gospel.

This music deals with anger, disallusionment, heartbreak and disappointment. I like that, oddly enough. What did not appeal to me was the style change for four songs - Righteously, Atonement , Sweet Side, American Dream. Just not the Lucinda Williams I have come to enjoy.

Still, she is free to try new things. If you want to see Lucinda explore new areas, you may like this work. I have always liked her more for her twangy blues sound and wish she had put forth her songs in that style.

I did enjoy the remaining songs.

This is still a good CD, just not her best.

Not her best
When they collect Lucinda's best work, there will be a few songs from this album. "Righteously," "Those Three Days," and "Real Live Bleeding Fingers and Broken Guitar Strings" all belong on a compilation. But Williams overreaches, and it can be painful at times. "Atonement" can be kindly called ill-advised, and many other tracks aren't up to her very high Car Wheels on a Gravel Road and self-titled standards. Maybe she really does need six years to make an album. ... Read more

Amazon.com

While Blink-182's pop-punk has given more than its share of entertaining moments over their career, "sonic experimentation" is hardly what you'd expect from their sixth studio album. Within their guitar-bass-drums template, however, they offer moments of playfulness and lyricism that stretch their definition of sound. The tempo changes and uses of (relative) silence in "Violence" and "Stockholm Syndrome" borrow post-punk conventions, and lend a new feel to the band's trademark cranked-upness. (The use of treated piano on the latter song also suggests that they’ve bent an ear to a few psychedelic-pop classics in their time.) As with 2001's Take Off Your Pants and Jacket, a theme of loneliness emerges upon the first couple of listens, but this time it feels as if Blink wants to connect it to something larger than before. Growth from the guys who once jokingly celebrated man-on-dog intercourse? Yeah. And best of all, it's worth hearing. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (1257)

The BEST Blink
I will start off this review by stating that I am a recent Blink-182 fan, and this was the first album by them that I bought and heard. From there I worked backwards, and I can honestly say that these guys only get better with age.

Blink-182 goes in a new direction with their latest release. Their lyrics are more mature and the themes very serious compared to sarcastic and dirty stuff on earlier albums. Each track is a standout, but here are my top 5:

1. Feeling This
A very fast-paced opener, awesome vocals and fantastic drumming.

3. I Miss You
The second single is a very catchy hit with great basslines and very different from typical Blink style.

4. Violence
Uses of relative silence and cool sound effects make this an instant favorite

6. Down
The third single is pretty much a stand-alone track in terms of style and themes.

10. Always
Tom's best vocals, pretty simple lyrics about love and missing the one you long for.

While this is a serious album, especially considering Blink182's past work, it is a fantastic piece of experimental music and really rocks. Never gets old.

blink-182 with a new sound
Feeling This: Great song, good lyrics with a great chorus. Tom Delonge has a great guitar part in this. 8/10

Obvious: Dark song. Probably trhe darkest on the album. Really reflected off Boxcar Racer. Probably my favorite tarck on the album 10/10

I Miss You: Good song. I love Mark using a stand up jazz style bass. The lyrics are great.8/10

Violence: Awesome chorus. Maybe one of the best Blink-182 chorus's ever. I love the synthesizer in the begging of the song. Totally out there. The bridge really gets you thinking. A great song.
10/10

Stockholm Syndrome:Awesome. I love songs where Tom and Mark share lyrics. This is a really good one. 9/10

Down: I love the guitar intro. The lyrics are also great. Very good song. 8/10

The Fallen Interlude: Weird song. I like the whole jazz feel to it. Not Blink at all but it's good. 7/10

Go: Tom's right, this song should be played really loud. Its a short song but is a great one. 9/10

Asthenia: Excellent guitar intro. Tom has some great guitar lines of the cd and this definatly has one of the better ones. Awesome lyrics. 10/10

Always: Great lyrics. I love the verses in the song. 8/10

Easy Target: This song reminds me a lot of The Offspring. It's a great song. 9/10

All of This: I love the Cure. Robert Smith is amazing. This is a great track and is definatly something different from regular Blink-182

Heres Your Letter: Good song. This sounds like other songs Mark has sung in past albums. 8/10

I'm Lost without you: Awesome. Definatly a sad song. The drum solo at the end with Travis playing two drum sets and recording them over eachother is amazing. The lyrics are outstanding. 10/10

This is my review on the new Blink-182 self titled album. Tom Delonge displays his best performance on both guitar and vocals. He really did a great job. It is definatly something you should look into. By the way you should also check out their new song entitled "Not Now." It's my new favorite song. There is a great drum line and excellent guitar and lyrics. This song is an instant 10/10.

Decent at best...
This CD doesn't click immediately like Blink's other CD's do. It takes awhile to get into it, and some of the songs aren't as infectious. The person below said try to play "Feeling This" with Tom Delonge's talent... umm no offense but that song isn't that difficult, my 10 year old cousin can play the lead riff with ease. The drumming is excellent- Travis is the best drummer out there. But I do have a slight problem with the band themselves- they DO claim to be punk rock, I've read interviews where they say they think their punk, when really their not. Another thing that makes me mad is that when asked what he would think if this album wasn't successful Tom said "I wouldn't be able to beleive that so many people wouldn't know good music" HA! Some people dont realize that everybody has their own opinions, eh Tom? Anyways, this is a decent CD, with some standout tracks like Feeling This, I Miss You (which is VERY overplayed and overrated, yet still good), Stockholm Syndrome, and Always. Lastly, stop comparing Blink to Green Day and The Offspring! So what if they used to tour with them and Blink was inspired by them? They dont sound anything alike!

Feelin this
There so called experiementation turned out to be a perfect cd. there songs are really good and can be crazy at times. this cd is more mature then there previous ones and people are seeing that. all praises to blink182 for such a great cd. my particular favorite songs where, feeling this,down, and i miss you. this was a work of some genuises even though it may not seems that way from there other cds. i suggest u buy!

This Album is not for simple minded people.
Okay, first things, first. I would like to announce something. How can blink-182 be punk? They are punk-pop people, get over it. For some of you they say they were a disgrace. Come on now, I would like to see you get up and start playing "Feeling this" with such talent as Tom DeLonge.

Anyway, on with the review!

Blink really showed that a band can really change and mature, not to mention make a greater album. The songs main feature is "Feeling This" which is a great introduction to the cd. The darker,angst, feel really gave this band a 1 up, their immature stuff has gotten reapeative over the past years. Each track was carefully produced in different locations to give each track a "different" feel to each song. Such a good idea!

All in all, blink-182 has matured, greatly and fluently, not to mention create a wonderful, tasteful, album that anybody can enjoy ... Read more

Album Description

From their arrival in 1992 with the 8x-platinum "CORE," Stone Temple Pilots have consistently been among the forefront of modern rock ‘n’ roll artists. With each album, the California-based quartet - Scott Weiland, Dean DeLeo, Robert DeLeo, and Eric Kretz - has pursued their own unique musical vision, an inspired sonic approach merging metallic riffs and baroque pop melodies with a punk-fuelled energy and a gift for psychedelic experimentation.As a result, Stone Temple Pilots have sold more than 20 million albums worldwide, and they rank among the top three most successful bands to emerge in the 1990s (along with Nirvana and Pearl Jam). Among their many accolades, Stone Temple Pilots received a "Best Hard Rock Performance with Vocal" Grammy Award for their #1 rock smash, "Plush."Other honors bestowed upon the band over the years include two American Music Awards, one Billboard Music Award, two Billboard Video Awards, and an MTV Video Music Award.In 2001, the band received a Grammy Award nomination in the "Best Hard Rock Performance" category for "Down" (from "No. 4"). ... Read more

Reviews (42)

A great wrap up of the band's last five albums
In the early 90s the grunge-rock scene was alive with bands such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Sound Garden. Among these great bands included the Stone Temples Pilots. Although they may have been called Nirvana poseurs, they developed a truly great sound. From their debut allbum Core to the 2001 release of Shangri-la-di-da, Thank You collects all the hits singles and includes the new song "All in the suit that you where." A great buy for new time listeners who are getting their first taste of the band. If you already have all the other STP albums it probably isn't worth it for only 1 new song which isn't even up too classic STP quality. Its a shame that lead singer Scott Weiland has so many drug problems. Hopefully we'll hear some new stuff from them soon.

Excellent Compliation for Casual Fans
This new greatest hits collection from the Stone Temple Pilots is excellent. You get all of their biggest songs (Big Bang Baby, Plush, Creep, Interstate Love Song etc.) plus a new track (All in the Suit That You Wear) and an Acoustic version of Plush (which is excellent). If you are just a casual fan of STP, then I urge you to buy this album right now. I can assure you that you will not be disapointed. For hardcore STP fans who have all of STP's albums, you might want to pick this up for the Acoustic Plush and the new track. All in All, an excellent hits collection that really shows how great STP is.

Note: If you can pick up the version with the DVD, then I would get that. For 12 bucks more you get a lot of their great music videos and some other footage.

Best STP Album
The reason that I first bought Thank You is because I had heard "All in the Suit That You Wear" on the radio. I had never been a fan of Stone Temple Pilots before and I was not familiar with any of their songs. I knew that Core had sold over 8 million copies and thought this would be a good place to start. STP made many good songs over their career and they are all included here. "Vasoline" is short but great and "Plush" is the song that put them in the spotlight (and fortunately this includes the unedited version). "Interstate Love Song" is possibly the best single released by any band formed in the 90's and shows how amazing Weiland is (Don't forget "Sex Type Thing" and "Down"). After this I bought each of the rest of their albums over a span of four months and found that, apart from the songs that were included on Thank You, it was all weak material. Stone Temple Pilots is best described as a singles band, which is what makes Thank You so great. The album is not perfect, however. "All in the Suit that You Wear" is a good song but doesn't rank in their top five of all time. Songs like "Days of the Week" are terrible and have no place on a disc that also has "Big Empty" on it. An acoustic "Plush" seems unneccessary to all but acoustic fans and diehards.

Weiland is an amazing vocalist and songwriter and has been an easy target for critics who call him a rip-off of Eddie from Pearl Jam or make fun of him for his drug problems. It is terrible that they do this for drug addiction is a disease and all those stupid people who ask him to his face pointless and (in some cases) hypocritical questions like "What is it like to ride in the back of a policecar?" should beat themselves, because Weiland is now refusing to speak to the media. I want everyone who listens to Weiland sing to not judge him nor his songs as no good just because of his drug past.

I would strongly recommend people to just buy Thank You and save their money. If you have bought and enjoyed STP albums then I would recommend Contraband by Velvet Revolver because, like Stevem Tyler of Aerosmith, Weiland is at his peak when he is off of the drugs.

Not the best, but not bad
I had already had Core about a year before Thank You came out, but I didn't really give it any time. I had downloaded "All In the Suit that You Wear" and thought it was pretty cool. And being anal like I am, I had to have the CD because it's more 'official' to me. After I got Thank You, I slowly got the other 4 STP CDs I didn't have. After hearing those other CDs, I can say that Thank You left out a lot of good songs. Some of them are probably just favorites of mine, but I was really suprised "Dead & Bloated" was omitted. Some of these songs are really good, like "Down", "Wicked Garden", "Plush", "Creep", "Trippin' On A Hole In A Paper Heart", "Sex Type Thing", and "Sour Girl", but like I said, it's not perfect. Greatest Hits albums are always risky because it's impossible to please everyone. Songs I would liked to have seen were "Dead & Bloated", "Still Remains", "Kitchenware & Candybars", "No Way Out", "Atlanta", "Coma", and "Wonderful". That's how it goes though, so in short, if you're new to STP, this is a good introduction, if you've got all of their CDs, it's a matter of liking all of these songs on one CD enough to buy it.

stp rocks
The selection is almost too predictable for any fan, b/c it puts almost every single they had on it. Some loyal fans might wanted a few of the lesser known songs on the album, but then would it really be a "greatest hits" album?? Personally, I wish they could have added another song, if not two, from Shangri-la Dee Da. Even though most agree its the weakest album, I absolutely love it. It's cool to show everyone that they wearn't just some washed up band who only had 2 good albums.

4 from Core, 3 from Purple, 3 from Tiny Music..., 2 from No. 4, and 1 from Shangri-la, plus a new song and the acoustic plush. I'd have added Hollywood Bitch or Wonderful, and Heaven and Hot Rods to the album to give it a better career spanning hit list. However, they put the appropriate songs for fan base.

What pains me more than anything is that they needed to release another album to end their contract w/ Atlantic. All in the Suit That You Wear is a kick ass song, and just disappoints me to see that it might be the last song by the group w/ Scott going to Velvet Revolver. Hopefully they can get back together and make some music. No offense to VR, b/c I own that album and it rocks, but w/o the DeLeos and Kretz, it just isn't the same. If Maynard Keenan can have two bands w/ Tool and A Perfect Circle, then maybe Scott can. Unfortunately Scott is probably the most unpredictable frontman of any great rock band.

If the last ever STP album is Thank You, then it should go as one of the best greatest hits album of all time. STP may fade, but the music will be here forever. Thank you STP for making music that didn't suck! ... Read more

Amazon.com

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Nirvana should've been quite flattered by Sixteen Stone. The English quartet perfectly mimics the early '90s grunge sound with this '94 release. As for Kurt Cobain comparisons, singer Gavin Rossdale has a captivating voice, but lyrics are not his forte, as the splintered ramblings of "Everything Zen" indicates. (Gotta do better than "There's no sex in your violence.") The players meanwhile produce a perfectly competent approximation of their Northwestern heroes. "Little Things" is a successful rewrite of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" while "Machinehead" crunches like Pearl Jam and Soundgarden. In fact, the whole album feels like a throwback to 1992. Sixteen Stone may be derivative, but it's catchy as hell, too. --Rob O'Connor ... Read more

Reviews (189)

Original And Ear-Catching.
Many have pointed out Bush as a Nirvana rip-off. To be honest, they don't really sound much like Nirvana and the only comparison is that they're both in the grunge genre. But grunge is dead and Bush feels more like a rich European group with some catchy licks, weird but interesting lyrics and overall just a band that delivers some good rock songs. "Everything Zen" is the best song in the album, the most enthralling song and it calls you back for repetitive listens. The slide guitar is mind-blowing and the lyrics which at first sound strange do have some meaning to them, if you're one for interesting words you'll get the brilliant phrase "everything zen, everything zen, I don't think so." "Swim" has a rich, almost Eastern feel to it in the instrumentals. Frontman Gavin Rossdale is one of those singers who has a voice for this kind of edgy, strangely elegant rock. "Sixteen Stone" is Bush's best album, probably always will be if they can surpass this or deliver something better than "Golden State" (although "Superman" was a great song). What we have here is a band that knows how to play. Some may complain about the lack of clear meaning in the lyrics, but you have to admit, listening to Bush and the lyrics is a guilty pleasure as was Rossdale's duet with girlfriend Gwen Stefani in "Spacetravel" from "The Science Of Things." Compare "Sixteen Stone" with Nirvana's "Nevermind" and you'll see that if Bush is grunge, they're more the European taste of it than a Nirvana knock-off. Lately they don't even sound grunge mind you. "Sixteen Stone" is an enjoyable album and maybe even, contains one or two timeless pieces.

Absolutely Awesome
This is an absolutely awesome CD by an awesome band. Probably one of the best bands to come out of England in the past 10 years. It's very hard to understand why this album wasn't an instant hit when it came out. I remember it became a huge success when the Machinehead video started to get airplay on MTV in 1996.

1. Everything Zen: Very good song, one of my favorites, and a good way to start off the CD. Very contagious chorus. It also has a very cool guitar intro. (5/5)

2. Swim: A much darker song, it maintains a slow pace throughout the whole song. Similar in some ways to Greedy Fly. It blows up at the ending. (4.5/5)

3. Bomb: It begins pretty much like a Nirvana song, I see some resemblance to Something in the Way in the slow parts. (4/5)

4. Little Things: Very good and very catchy song. Probably my favorite song on this CD. Can't get tired of listening to it. There is some strong resemblance to Smells Like Teen Spirit. A homage perhaps. You can notice it more in the beginning (just when he starts to sing) and at the chorus. (5/5)

5. Comedown: A very, very good song. It's slow but it rocks. It's one of the best songs on the CD. (5/5)

6. Body: Another great song. The guitar intro is very cool. The chorus is really cool as well. Another one of my favorites.

7. Machinehead: Everybody knows this one, so I don't think I need to say anything. Kick ass song. (5/5)

8. Testosterone: Probably not a bad song, but after listening to Machinehead, it sends it to a lower level. "Got a big old gun" (4/5)

9. Monkey: Another one of those Bush songs that starts slow and gains pace as the song develops. (4/5)

10. Glycerine: Another one of the singles and big hits. I absolutely love this one for it's simplicity. The guitar sounds perfect and the string arrangements make it a real masterpiece. (5/5)

11. Alien: Yet another progressive song. It starts really slow, almost acoustic, and at parts it rocks, and then mellow again. Then it rocks, and gets mellow again. The acoustic guitar that sounds during the slow parts is really cool. (5/5)

12. X-Girlfriend: This song is nothing like the rest of the songs on the CD. It feels like Green Day. It only lasts 45 seconds.

Boycott Bush (take that anyway you want)!
Why did a band with so any decent singles yet so many pathetic non-singles have to name itself after such an incompetent president? Maybe because Gavin is such an incopetent guitarist. Boycott Bush (take that anyway you want to)!

Great CD from a good band
Great CD! Everything Zen, Comedown, Machinehead, and Glycerine are all great songs..

lots of singles
Let's see, there's "Glycerine", "Everything Zen", "Machinehead", "Little Things", and "Comedown" all which still have rotation spots in many rock stations today. Something you don't see very often. Without a doubt, the best commercial album Bush made. I'm still partial to Science of Things as a better overall record, but there's no doubt to anyone this is a rock classic.

Those five songs automattically give the album 4 stars, but it's the rest that leaves room to argue.

"Swim" although, a nice start eventually turns into repeating cycle of generic lyrics. It's not a bad song, just not a good Bush song.

Now, "Bomb" does show promise of not being a filler. I'd have picked this to be a single rather than Machinehead, b/c I think it's better. But yeah, "Bomb" is a great song, an excuse from the other fillers.

There's just something I dont really see in "Body." Reminds me of "Swim" for which both do sound similar in some parts. I think this could be better if more guitars were used to de-silence the awkwardness of each verse. However, there is a good solo somewhere in there.

"Testosterone" is just yapping how a gun makes someone a badass. Not bad if you like songs like that.

"Monkey" is a fast hard hitting song, but again, the lyrics don't really grab your attention. A monkey? Could have used something more scarier.

The last song, "Alien" follows up "Glycerine" nicely. It's the only other slow song. Somewhat sappy, but can't really expect perfection from a debut.

"X-girlfriend" finishes the album off w/ a short 40 second "You are coming down" repeat fest of a pretty good guitar tune. Maybe could have been made in a good song, but we'll never know.

Great rock anthems and great hard pounding music, but only four stars for the weak lyrics. Gavin gets better later on, which is a good thing. However, this album is a must have. A perfect fit for the 90's grunge movement. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Watch out, mom and dad. If you don't treat your kids right, they're gonna up and start an alt-metal band to share the angst you've brought on them with the world. After all, who needs therapy when you've got a million kids hearing your pain on MTV? Staind has never been a band to gloss over personal issues. They've given their albums names like Torment and Dysfunction, and their lyrics delve deep into singer Aaron Lewis' difficult past. Contrary to the title, Staind's third release, Break the Cycle, sticks with the tormented cycle, covering the same themes of heartbreak, self-doubt, and broken homes.

Lewis has almost three decades of personal material to mine, and as familiar as his issues are, Break the Cycle still feels like a new, honest look into difficulties that can hit people across the board. "Waste," a song written to a fan who committed suicide, is particularly poignant as it grabbles with Lewis's empathy and anger for a boy he's never met. "Outside" is another album standout. It's a slower, partially acoustic number that builds on its own emotion. The songs on Break the Cycle are drenched in melancholy melodies and slow, heavy riffs typical of the sensitive side of the alt-rock genre. Lewis sometimes breaks out into either a hearty yell or a throaty gurgle that sounds like the devil vomiting ("Can't Believe"), but the best songs keep his passion a little more controlled. You've probably heard rock like Break the Cycle piping from mainstream radio stations already, but Lewis's ability to turn his breakdowns into his art should capture a new round of fans happy to find kindred spirits in the band. --Jennifer Maerz ... Read more

Reviews (565)

A Decent Effort
I could not wait for Stainds new album to come out and after getting it Im a little dissapointed. On their first cd Tormented they were a loud angry band and it was still a good disc. On Dysfuntion they had grown some but were still relatively heavy. But on Break the Cycle their success with Outside influenced the disc too heavily. A majority of the disc is softer music with the exception of songs such as Waste and Suffer which still show their ability to rock hard. Despite the softer side of Staind being shown, this is a very good album. They are, in my opinion, by far the best band to come out within the past couple years. Its refreshing to see a band that has talent recieve any radioplay these days with bands such as Limp and Linkin Park dominating the airwaves. Epiphany is a wonderfully written song and is perhaps the best song on the album. Aaron Lewis shows his voice off in this cd masterfully and even plays more guitar on this album. Hes the best singer for a rock band since Maynard and this album shows why. He blends intensity, heart and talent all into one and the listener benefits. I believe this is the album that will break Staind into the mainstream completly but I hope fans dont go to a concert and expect all songs like Outside because the band can still play hard.

One of my favourite ever albums.
I think Staind is a great band. I love depressing rock music, and their lyrics are deep, soulful and enthralling. There is always a story behind their songs. I just love them!

Here is your track-by-track guide to BREAK THE CYCLE...

TRACK 1 - OPEN YOUR EYES
Rock track but very soulful song about societies outcasts and how they're viewed by the public.

TRACK 2 - PRESSURE
Great song with excellent lyrics about pressure of drugs (I think). Brilliant singing.

TRACK 3 - FADE
The music is brilliantly intertwined with the amazing vocals. A great song.

TRACK 4 - ITS BEEN AWHILE
Absolutely moving music. Incredibly honest lyrics that speak volumes to the listener. This is the reason I bought the album - one of my all-time favourite songs.

TRACK 5 - CHANGE
The song seems spoken to me - very real. Emotions are relased here - anger, and shame. Great guitar work.

TRACK 6 - CAN'T BELIEVE
The music is great, the vocals and lyric seem a bit muddled.

TRACK 7 - EPIPHANY

Beautiful music and vocals. The lyrics are beautiful. This is definitely one of the most affecting, strongest and depressing songs on Break the Cycle.

TRACK 8 - SUFFER
This song's chorus sounds a lot like Fade's (track 3) chorus. However it has great singing and drums.

TRACK 9 - SAFE PLACE
Like the above song, it doesn't have a brilliant and refreshing sound but I like the vocals and the way the song has a mood.

TRACK 10 - FOR YOU
The great guitar and lyrics make this complicated song worth a listen.

TRACK 11 - OUTSIDE
Amazingly beautiful song told from a stunning perspective. Great singing - this is just an incredible song.

TRACK 12 - WASTE
Disturbing and multi-layered song. I wasn't crazy about the pace and sound of the chrous though. Very true-to-life and haunting song nonetheless.

TRACK 13 - TAKE IT
Excellent singing, some of the sounds don't really work in that nicely with the song. Very short but still leaves a mark.

TRACK 14 - INSIDE (LIVE VERSION)
Well it's not much surprise that the live version is just as brilliant as the recorded version. And Fred Durst is the cherry on top of the ice-cream.

**

TOP 5 SONGS

1. It's Been AWhile
2. Epiphany
3. Outside
4. Fade
5. Change

**

I love this album. It has so many layers and is one of the most haunting, brilliantly performed albums of the new decade. Staind are my favourite new band, they bring so much to the music industry. Their songs have many qualities that leave me hanging on the edge of my seat for their next album. Please buy this album, it's a great purchase and you'll be mesmerized by the brilliant lyrics and amazing musical talents of the band.

Staind - Break the Cycle
Staind is the best rock band. I think Break the Cycle is their best album so far. My favorite song is "Outside" but they don't play that song on the radio much anymore. I like the new music by staind from their album 14 Shades of Grey but I think their old songs are even better. No matter what, Staind is alot better than the pop crap on the radio these days.

i love staind!!
Open Your Eyes - 10/10

Pressure - 10/10

Fade - 10/10

It's Been Awhile - 9/10

Change - 10/10

Can't Believe - 10/10

Epiphany - 9.5/10

Suffer - 10/10

Safe Place - 9.5/10

For You - 10/10

Outside - 9/10

Waste - 10/10

Take It - 9/10

Staind perfection from start to finish.
Back when Break the Cycle was released, I had only heard Mudshovel from their first album and I didn't even own that album. I knew Staind was a really good band though, so I got this album right away. After all, It's Been A While was and still is a great song, and even though it was played out on radio it was enough for me to get the album. It turns out that this album is one of the best I own, and to this day has not gotten old to me. I would say this was th best cd release of that year and it is Staind's most balanced and well-rounded album of them all, not to say their othr albums are bad. Slower songs like Outside and Epiphany are amazing just as much as the others, but personal favorites of mine are Pressure, Fade, Change, Cant Believe and Waste. Waste is a powerful, yet equally disturbing song about suicide and is one of the darkest from the band in my opinion. Overall this is an album with great instrumentals, amazing vocals/screaming from Aaron Lewis and meaningful lyrics. This is a masterpiece of an album, both beautiful and disturbing at times, and the most thought out work Staind has released the way I see it. Any fan of modern rock should own this album as well as the other great albums from Staind. ... Read more

Amazon.com's Best of 1998

A ghost, a band, a troubadour. Easily the strangest co-op project ever, and easily one of the finest and most evocative albums of the year. British socialist and folkie Billy Bragg was given unprecedented access to Woody Guthrie's unrecorded lyrics. Teaming up with alt-country band Wilco and quoting from more than 50 years of country, folk, and rock music, Billy and company bring Guthrie's politics, poetry, and morality to the end of the century and prove he's as necessary now as ever. --Tod Nelson ... Read more

Reviews (119)

I'd buy 10 cds to find this one.
I'd buy 10 cds to find this one! Billy Bragg and Wilco have created the feeling that Woody Guthrie is alive and well and enjoying a little rock and roll. Their use of Woody's lyrics with original music is still true to an evolving Woody if there could be one. The music grabs you emotionally, hard and holds you through each cut. It's riveting. The range is amazing from Woody in love with living cuts such as "Walt Whitman's Niece" to serious political tunes like "Eisler on the Go" that focus on the witch hunts of the '40s and '50s in a very human way. And then there's what could have been a children's song--"Hoodoo Voodoo." Who else but Billy Bragg with help from Nora Guthrie could have done this? The album is a real album. It's all there. You can feel Guthrie writing 1000 songs in twenty years and then spending the next twenty years trapped in a deteriorating body in a state hospital. Sadness but not desperation, Guthrie never gives! up. Bragg extends Woody's contribution by pulling music from the lyrics, many of them written after Woody realized he faced a horrifying disease. Whatever else you do, listen to Mermaid Avenue and love it!

Do you know how hard it is to JUST ADD LYRICS to music?
Especially if those lyrics are over 50 years old, practically poetry, and created by a master songwriter? Or put another way, imagine someone handing you the lyrics to a tune from "Nebraska" and saying, "OK, now just sing it real good." JESIS, I don't think so. And if that doesn't put this stellar effort by Bragg and Wilco into perspective, what more can I tell ya? [Eh, keep yer shorts on, there'll be another 3rd Blind Biscuit Korn Hole album out 'terrectly.] So i'm amazed they pulled it off? And with such interesting results -- there really is something here for all kinds of tastes: from the breadth of musical influences displayed [a bit of Dylan, Lennon, Garcia, the Band, it could on and on] to the lyrical content [from the personal to the political].

Essential? You'd have to agree.

Remember; this is not Woody's music.
This cd at least makes me wonder how Woody would've done it. I think the vocals would be edgier, and clearer,easier to understand and remember, even after one listening, as I can when listening to actual Guthrie recordings. Perhaps some of the sappier melodies here might have been a little harder, a little more manly, for lack of a better term. As for the choice of Bragg; I'd sooner have some digitalizing freak collect all of the appropriate Woody syllables, and put them back together into the 'new' material. Second choice, Dylan. Third choice, somebody who's not Billy Bragg.

4.5 Stars.... Masterful Mix of Guthrie Lyrics and New Music
Nora Guthrie, Woody's daughter, thought it might be fun to have new music set to Woody's "lost songs" (lyrics to which Woody had music set in his head, but he never published the music). Billy Bragg and Wilco may make a curious, or at least not a very obvious, choice for the task, but boy, are they up for it!

"Mermaid Avenue" (15 tracks, 49 min.) is a true collaboration between the artists. Some songs find Wilco's Jeff Tweedy at lead vocal, Bragg on others. Music on some tracks is written by Bragg, others by Tweedy/Bennett, yet others by Bragg/Wilco. While I'm a huge Wilco fan, I must admit that the Bragg-written songs are more coherent within the Guthrie legacy. Check out for example the sparse "Eisler On the Go", and "Another Man's Done Done" (with Tweedy on lead vocal). The best is "Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key" (with Natalie Merchant on back vocals). Natalie also sings lead on "Birds and Ships". (So you really shouldn't be surprised by Natalie's fab collection of folk tunes "The House Carpenter's Daugther", issued independently last year).

In all, this is a terrific collection, which deservedly received a second volume as well. Recommended for fans of Billy Bragg, Wilco, Woddy Guthrie, and of course Bob Dylan.

I'll try to be brief, for a change
. . . If you are a Wilco fan and you don't have this album (and Vol. II), you should feel very silly, and buy this right now. It is absolutely sublime. ... Read more

Album Description

Damien Rice has quite simply taken the music world by storm.From ecstatic reviews to winning the third annual Shortlist Music Prize honoring the most adventurous and creative albums by emerging artists, Damien offers his new legion of admirers and friends in the States an EP of B-sides previously released outside the U.S. These seven stunning tracks will undoubtedly whet the appetite while fans await his forthcoming record. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Reunited with producer Rick Rubin and guitarist John Frusciante (both of whom were on board for the 1991's breakthrough Blood Sugar Sex Magik), the Chili Peppers waste no time in burying their last effort, the so-so One Hot Minute. Californication's kickoff cut, "Around the World," swaggers around the room, reacquainting itself with old fans and welcoming new ones. Fuzzy Hendrix vibes and popcorn bass lines still rule the roost, along with a heaping helping of disco magic and some unexpected twists. Ten years ago, Anthony Kiedis and company wouldn't have been comfortable doing revamped new wave ("Parallel Universe") or unpretentious ballads (the acoustic "Road Trippin'"), but such material fits Californication's extra-wide canvas. Except for a few meandering numbers that could have been excised, the Red Hot Chili Peppers succeed and regain their footing on the mountain of adrenalized funk. --Jason Josephes ... Read more

Reviews (779)

an excellent album
This is an excellent peppers' album. John Frusciante is amazing. Flea too. Anthony Kiedis' voice is not so soft here yet. Like it is in By The Way. But the drums are bothering me. They really picked the wrong drums.

Around the world ***** . One of the best songs on the album. It's still a funky song.

Paralell Universe *** . A little harder.

Scar Tissue **** . An excellent ballad.

Otherside *** . Also a good song.

Get on top ** . If I would be the producer, I wouldn't put this song on the album. It's just hard, loud & noisy.

Californication ***** . Probably the best song on the album. A cool melody. Good vocals. And a fine guitar solo. And a good video. (I guess you saw the video for this song.)

Easily ** . A little harder. But listenable.

Porcelain *** . A good song to sleep to.

Emmitremus **** . Cool. The guitar is heavy here.

I like dirt ***** . A very good guitar solo. And the song is also good.

This velvet glove ** . I don't listen to this song a lot of times.

Savior *** . Weird & Strange.

Purple stain *** . Stupid lyrics & and a ok song.

Right on time *** . OK.

Road Trippin' ***** . A cool ballad. Without drums. I can play it with my guitar.

BEST ALBUM OF THE DECADE?
id say with alice in chains's 'dirt', we are looking at the best album of the decade. lets take a better look...
stars next to the songs mean how good they are out of 5.
1)Around The World **** - verse IS FUNK. lovley, with a sweet melodic chorus.
2)Parallel Universe ** - dosen't stand out much. your average track.
3)Scar Tissue ***** - beautiful song. lifting guitar riff and perfect vocals, very nice.
4)Otherside ***** - bettter than scar tissue marginally. this is nothing short of magic, i leave you to find out the rest.
5)Get on Top *** - Psychaedlic funk, just letting you know where you are.
6)Calafornication ***** - a fragile guitar and bass riff with refreshing chorus.
7)Easily ***** - chilis show that in true style, that they are still a flawless rock band.
8)Porcelain **** - slowest song to date, nice tranquil stuff.
9)Emit Remmus * - 'ive heard it all before' youll be muttering to yourself, oh well.
10)I Like Dirt * - oh dear.
11)This Velvet Glove **** - excellent piece of music, to the point yet subtle, at the same time.
12)Saviour *** - accepteble, not their best.
13)Purple Stain ***** - #FUNK#FUNK#FUNK#FUNK#FUNK#FUNK#FUNK#
14)Right On Time *** - chorus: i smell pop. nevertheless a good song.
15)Road Trippin' ***** - beautiful brisk acoustic number reflecting on america.

ok thats it. you have got to check out 'by the way' ITS AMAZING!
billycorgan266@yahoo.co.uk

1)

Top heavy, good stuff nevertheless...
"Californication" is top notch Chili Peppers, but the best tracks on the album are definitely in the beginning. 'Around the World' is one of the best openers ever, and it rocks hard. 'Scartissue' is a radio hit and so is 'Otherside', and 'Easily' is easily (sorry) one of the best tracks on the album. The title track is the best track and speaks of West Coast superficiality. The rest of the album is scattered and not very cohesive, but it includes a variety of different songs and some sound a little experimental. "Californication" was one of the most successful rock albums of the 90's and rightfully so. Highly recommended.

California Kings
I am not a Chili Peppers fan but this is one great album! I love the simple melodies and the powerful bass. My favorite song would have to be around the world but all are high quality. RHCP combine funk with rock and some aspects of rap, a very interesting blend. This album's only weakness is that the first six or seven songs are the best and the rest of the album does not support the firsat few songs. I find myself skipping some of the later tracks. This album is fun and interesting and I think it is a great introduction to RHCP's more recent sound.

A much-needed kick in the pants for modern rock
No matter what anyone does or says about this album, you can't change the fact that it was significant. After the prolific Blood Sugar Sex Magik record, John Frusciante left the band and became lost in the hard drug scene. When the Chilis recruited Dave Navarro for One Hot Minute, it just wasn't the same, and it didn't do as well as Blood Sugar Sex Magik commercially or critically. When John Frusciante rejoined the band for the recording of Californication, alternative rock fans knew they were in for another chart topper. And that's exactly what it was. With three #1 modern rock hits, ("Scar Tissue," "Californication," and "Otherside") this record was surely the first to do so. The only other album I can remember with three or more #1 modern rock hits was Linkin Park's Meteora, but then again, that's probably based on popularity.

But as successful as this album was, some might think all it has are the singles to achieve commercial success - but that's not the case at all. Take one listen to this album, and you'll see that Frusciante had the Chilis back in full swing in no time.

The album opens with Around The World, one of the four singles released from the album. It sounds very frenetic in the beginning, with a fuzzy bass intro, and a wild scream from Anthony Kiedis, but when it settles into the verse, and Kiedis begins to rap, you're reassured. After he namedrops a few states and countries, you're introduced to the song's soaring chorus. That's when you decide what place it should have in the band's top ten songs ever. It's that good! After it's over and done with, the song leads into my personal favorite on the album, Parallel Universe. A bit different from what the Chilis have done in the past, this one is rhythmically outstanding. Flea, the bassist (I hope you knew that), maintains a steady beat throughout the song that ensures the fact that he is indeed one of the greatest bassists of all time. The chorus is definitely a highlight of the song. From there, it flows right into Frusciante's magnificent comeback, Scar Tissue. Although this is a ballad, there are no elements within the song that will bore you. There are several small guitar solos in the song that showcase Frusciante's talent that we knew he had all along. This was the first single, and rightfully so. Next comes one of my favorite songs on the disc, called Otherside. It begins with a catchy riff that leads into a quiet version of the chorus. By the end, it's just so epic you'll want to listen to it on repeat. Another one of the Chilis' masterpieces.

I'm not going to describe every one of the songs on the disc in depth, but I'll have you know that other great tracks include Get On Top, Californication, Easily, Emit Remmus, I Like Dirt, and This Velvet Glove. The other five songs, which are entirely the last four songs on the album I haven't totally gotten into yet, but what I can tell you that the slow and short ballad Porcelain does not fit well into Chili Peppers repertoire. It just doesn't seem to sit right with the band. Aside from that one song, this album is packed to the top with musical gems.

I would without a doubt recommend it to any rock fan. One of my favorite bands is 311, so if you're a 311 fan, I can guarantee that you'll like this release from the Chilis. In my honest opinion, this is a record one could use to portray the meaning of alternative rock.

Keep it up, Red Hot Chili Peppers. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Ol' Willie has made records like this before, but the highpoints of It Always Will Be rank with some of his most realized, subtle, and sublime work. You'd have turn to the timeless "Always on My Mind" for a Nelson ballad as moving as the title track. When he surrenders the songwriting chores to Lucinda Williams, Tom Waits, and even Toby Keith (whose working-class ballad "Tired" devastates), he sings with his unmistakable, harrowing vibrato and arranges with his gift for down-to-earth, acoustic-based country majesty. The cameos from Norah Jones and Williams feel relaxed and unaffected, and the band--hired guns from Nashville plus Nelson's longtime harmonica player Mickey Raphael--swings hard, adding a bit of richness to his tried-and-true Texas sound. Few artists in their twilight have lived up to, if not extended, their legacy like Willie Nelson has. --Roy Kasten ... Read more

Album Description

Formed in NYC in the mid-'70s by David Byrne, Chris Franz, Tina Weymouth, and ex-Modern Lover Jerry Harrison, Talking Heads soared out of their humble CBGB's beginnings to become Rock and Roll Hall of Famers and one of the most adventurous and influential bands ever. The onstage energy that propelled their rise to fame was documented in the 1982 double-LP set THE NAME OF THIS BAND IS TALKING HEADS, now available on CD for the first time. Following them through several early evolutions from '77-'81, this live gem - a 1982 Top 40 Billboard Album- is a riveting portrait of a stellar band on the rise. For its CD debut it's been expanded with over 30 minutes of rare and mostly previously unreleased bonus material. ... Read more