Some records I've been loving recently.
The Isley Brothers,
Go For Your Guns I love this record soooo much. I have put it on so many times since I got it last month. It's just so awesome! Hard grooving tracks with amazing drums and bass. It's so well produced and recorded! This album is all about the powerful rhythms.
Every song has an awesome groove, and they are so catchy! Nothing gets in the way of these awesome songs, the band never over does it. They play just enough to make you get down and dirty to the rhythm. The album ends with "Livin' In The Life" and "Go For Your Guns" which is basically one awesome beat for 6 minutes. The groove is so good, it could of gone on for 6 more minutes! I love when it speeds up and Ernie Isley comes in with an awesome solo. "Footsteps in the Dark" is the song we all know from Ice Cube's "It Was A Good Day". Man it's one Hell of a track, such a heavenly guitar & vocal sound and the most perfect drums and bass. There is so much space in the music and oh my God, it's just such an incredible record.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gtKfDESlSI Prince,
Dirty Mind I've had this one on a lot lately. I love the DIY style of this album and the urgent catchy songs. The music is great and there is no bs here. It's a short and to the point album that gives you the goods. "Do It All Night" has to be one of my favorite Prince songs. That opening keyboard bit is so great. Every track is great here.
I really enjoy 1999 and Controversy, but Dirty Mind has them beat because it doesn't have long songs with little skits. There are no time wasters with this record, every song is on point and awesome. It has a raw quality, especially how Prince clips the mic on songs like "When U Were Mine". I love the vibe of this record, it's so fun! I was so happy to finally get the record, I've wanted it real bad ever since I first heard this album a few years ago. Some of Prince's albums don't hit me right away and take a few listens, but this one was great from the first time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwklCBKfPKM Janet Jackson,
Control Janet is one of my favorite artists but I had underrated this record! I had only listened to it once when I got it a few years ago. Now, I've had it on twice in the last two weeks and I really like it! This is just a fun youthful album with a lot of life. The production is absolutely amazing and I can't get over how amazing it pairs with Sonic. Seriously, the basslines are like the entire foundation of Sega Genesis music. I had such an amazing time listening to this record and playing Sonic Mania.
"The Pleasure Principal" is such an amazing song! That bassline, oh my God, but also the vocal melody! "He Doesn't Know I'm Alive" is like a City Pop song, so good. 'When I Think Of You" is also amazing. Of course the album's two big hits "Nasty" and "What Have You Done For Me Lately" are also awesome, with really interesting production. Janet presents such a great spirit with her vocals here and songs like "Control" and "Let's Wait Awhile" could only come from someone with that youthful naivety. This is such an enjoyable record that makes me so happy to listen to. Janet's music is so full of genuine emotions!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXInTVW5h4Y Pete Townshend,
All The Best Cowboys Have Chinese Eyes Such a gem! I love the style of this record and the little look into Pete's world that it presents. The songs are not always clear in their meanings, but I like the expression. The production is the perfect merger of electronic and organic music. The drums and bass are full of life. Pete doesn't bring out the firepower on guitar too much, but he has some nice bits that provide texture to the songs.
"Face Dances Pt. II" is my obsession of late. I cannot get over how deeply I love this song, it is something that inspires me so much! I wish I could make something just like it because wow, I can't stop listening to it. Easily my favorite Pete solo song, even one of my favorite songs he ever wrote. "Slit Skirts" is also incredible with one Hell of a standout chorus. I sing along so passionately everytime. The whole record is great, it might not be amazing song to song but as a whole it's very strong. I got this one on a whim without expecting much, I didn't think it would become such a favorite with me!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiQI2x7RKYM