1. Beyoncé – RENAISSANCE This is an instant classic. I loved it from the very first listen and couldn’t wait to play it over and over. This is by far the best dance album of the year. Beyoncé is a masterful curator of sounds. I love that she features Grace Jones and samples Donna Summer.…
1. serpentwithfeet – DEACON This is by far my most played album of 2021. Simply put, it makes me happy. It is rare to hear an entire album of love songs from a queer black perspective. It is soulful, it is catchy, it is wonderful. It will have you singing “Me and my boo wear…
1. Fiona Apple – Fetch the Bolt Cutters This was my most exciting first listen of the year by far. I waited up until it was released at midnight on April 17th (my birthday!) and then listened to it several times in a row. It was worth the 8 year wait. So many quotable lyrics…
Released May 15, 1956. The idea behind this album was to transition Fitzgerald from a jazz singer with a cult following to a recognized popular singer. This kicked off her popular Great American Songbook series (eight albums total).
Jason: You have been to a lot of concerts but never one in prison, thankfully. What do you think of this? Brad: I think it is brilliant for someone like Johnny Cash with his outlaw image to record a live album at a prison. I appreciate this album more than I actually enjoy it. Jason:…
Released September 19, 1996, it is considered to be the album that brought teen pop back and introduced a new wave of teen artists. The hype around the band and album was comparable to Beatlemania. The album went to #1 in 17 countries. Is certified multi-platinum in 27 countries. The lead single “Wannabe” is one of the best-selling singles of all time. Two other singles went to #1 in 53 countries.
Jason: Before we review the album itself can we talk about the album cover? I like the US version (above) but the reason for the change is soooo ridiculous. Brad: I agree. I don’t think the original album cover was explicit at all. Jason: It’s basically a black gloved hand on a latex hip. I…
Jason: People LOOOOOOOVE The Notorious B.I.G. Brad: They do and I’m slightly afraid to say…I think he’s just meh. Jason: There are about 2 maybe 3 tolerable songs on this album. Brad: I always liked his big singles but listening to a full album is a bit much. This album feels so long! Jason: Soooo…
Jason: I listened to this a few times last week and then today I was relistening I kept hearing all these unfamiliar songs and I realized that I spent 2 hours with it on shuffle and it was their whole catalog. Brad: Hmmm… so are you prepared to talk about this album or are you…
Jason S Steele 
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