ALBUM365

Hi, I'm Mena. I am an 18 year old looking to listen to a new, different album every day of the year. Follow me to read about my music journey and maybe find some new stuff for yourself. I write daily reviews of the albums I listen to.

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Hello, and welcome to my blog. As we start a new year, I've come up with a new goal: to listen to a new, different album every day of the year. It sounds simple in theory, but I feel like it's going to be harder to do as the year goes by (we all know those New Year's goals that start marvelously just to end up long forgotten halfway throughout the year).

In order to make this a bit more fun for me (and for you), I'm going to be writing about each of these albums on here, in a way, to learn more about them, but also to get some writing (which by the way, I love) done.

In the picture you can see the cover for my 2021 playlist: it has a single song for each of the albums I'll be listening to. The goal is, of course, to make it to 365 songs.

As a disclaimer, I'd like to address the fact that I am an 18 year old girl who absolutely adores music. I want to make this clear because I am by no means a music expert and this is simply my honest opinion about each of these songs and artists (please don't come at me!)

Feel free to follow my Spotify here and to share some of your favorite albums with me on the ask box! I'm going to need as many as possible to complete this quest haha.

Happy New Year :)

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Day 23: F♯ A♯ ∞, Godspeed You! Black Emperor (1997)

Another by GYBE; another amazing album. Yes, I am a big fan by now, even though I’ve only made it to two albums so far.

It would’ve been almost impossible for me to dislike this album. I’ve said it before; post-rock features many sounds and compositions that really vibe with me. This was no exception. 

I, however, listened to this before going sleeping, and I am  not so sure how wise that was from me, considering I read the entirety of the lyrics to the first track and listened to it with earphones in the dark. I was literally transported somewhere else; somewhere dark and scary and deep and chilling. Mentally, I was feeling very uneasy, but also very intrigued. Intrigued enough to keep listening no matter what. I think that’s the thing I am realizing about GYBE. You can’t help feeling intrigued. The loud sounds, the mosquito noise, the low spoken lyrics, the deep voices, the melodic and not so melodic songs... It’s as if it’s made to pull you in- which would also make absolute sense. 

Favorite track: East Hastings

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Day 22: Blue, Joni Mitchell (1971)

Okay, I am about to be highly controversial, and I am very, very sorry. I don’t like Joni Mitchell. I always assumed I didn’t like her. After listening to the entirety of this album I am certain I don’t. It’s simply not my vibe. I couldn’t relate, I didn’t get any feelings from this, which honestly sucks, because this made the list of greatest albums for both Rolling Stone and NME. 

I think she has a lovely voice, indeed, but I couldn’t really enjoy the tracks. They are not too similar one to the other, but they’re just not my thing. Which I think is also completely fair, so far I have liked everything I’ve come across, and it was certainly time for me to come across something not so enjoyable from my point of view. 

I, however, will be giving this another go, a much deeper and calmer in one in order to see if I’ve missed anything and why exactly I didn’t like it (because as of now, I can’t really point it out). 

Favorite tracks: This Flight Tonight

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Day 21: What’s Going On?, Marvin Gaye (1971) 

A classic! 

I like being completely honest on here. That being said, I am being 100% honest when saying I had never really listened to Marvin Gaye. I don’t think I can name any songs (could; I can now).

As I ran out of recommendations from friends, I chose to take on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list, starting with this masterpiece that is number one. 

It’s a gorgeous album. Amazing lyrics. Lots of stuff to be unwrapped here. Except one thing, and it is the fact that I still need to learn so much more about music in order to understand why this is the number one album in said list. I need to learn more about Marvin Gaye, more about the lyrics, the stories behind it... Everything. I need to know its complexity as a whole, really understand why this is the top pick over other albums. 

Favorite tracks: Right On, Inner City Blues

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Day 20: Different Trains, Steve Reich (1988)

After a solid two weeks away from this blog, I am finally trying to catch up with the albums I’ve heard (no, I haven’t given up!)

I had heard some of Reich’s work through my brother, but never took the time to sit for an entire album. Although at first I was a bit skeptical because this is definitely out of my comfort zone, I decided to give it a try and once again were pleasantly surprised. 

As the album began, I heard one of Reich’s iconic beats (yes, that one we know from his Clapping Music).Having heard this multiple times before, a smile formed on my face and I felt excited for what came next. 

The first two tracks were very nice, setting the tone for the work. I, however, am a fan of Metheny and the tracks featuring him were far more exciting for me, definitely my favorites. 

I am looking to listen to more minimalist albums, specially since I’m into Glass and some other composers of similar compositions. 

Favorite track: Different Trains: After the War

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Day 19: Laughing Stock, Talk Talk (1991)

Yes, another Talk Talk album. I was really curious, so I had to listen both albums. This was their last, and apparently it received mixed reviews, but overall, they’re all really good. Once again, I can see why. 

I think Laughing Stock is the previous continuation of what Talk Talk started with Spirit of Eden. It is not the same. It’s simply a continuation, a road they chose to follow quite greatly. I also feel like this album has a bit more “happy” tracks, which was really nice. It added to some nostalgia. 

There’s not much more for me to say about it because I think I’ve covered my overall opinion on Talk Talk in the last post. If you’ve never listened to them, I recommend you do! Don’t just think of them as the 80s band who sang It’s My Life like I did (which by the way, is a great song too). 

Favorite track: Ascension Day

Rating: 5/5

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Day 18: Spirit of Eden, Talk Talk (1988)

To me, Talk Talk is just a new wave band I happen to know because they have this really popular song in every 80s music compilation called It’s My Life. They are much more than that. 

You may remember I listened to a few post-rock albums my friend had recommended to me. I think it was while I listened to the one by Slint that I came across a bit of information that mentioned two Talk Talk albums as the bases for post-rock. Of course I was intrigued. To me, they were 80s music and that’s it. Spirit of Eden proofed me wrong.

From the very first track I could see what they had meant when they said they were the beginning of post rock. I was captivated. I loved it. I didn’t know they made this kind of sound. I didn’t know NME had ranked it somewhere into the 500 greatest albums of all time. I didn’t know the ratings for it were so high. But man, it really is a good album! 

Apparently a great part of it is made out of recordings from some improvs, which ended up featuring a variety of genres. It was then edited and finally turned into this masterpiece. Yes, I am now a Talk Talk fan. Not only did they make it into the 80s new wave scene, but every album they made came along with change, which is something I strongly like about musicians (hence my love for Taylor Swift, alright?). 

Favorite track: The Rainbow (what better way to start an album than this?)

Rating: 5/5 (So far, top of my list)

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Day 17: Citizen of Glass, Agnes Obel (2016)

Yes, I am one of those people who watched Dark. And yes, that is how I came across Agnes Obel. Ever since I watched the first season of the German series, I saved Familiar on my playlist. It’s a great song, what can I say. I had never heard to something like it. It was dark, nostalgic and somehow, hopeful. I loved it. 

As I was preparing the list of albums I would be checking out this year, I remembered this song and decided to add Obel’s album to it. I was curious, and I also needed more albums to complete my list. It worked out just fine, as the decision is one of the best I’ve made. 

Out of all the 17 albums I’ve listened this year, this one scores high. Really high. This woman is indeed genius, and I am a stan. 

So yes, the album kept that dark vibe I had first liked about her songs, but it also has a really nostalgic sound to it. It’s almost as if you were listening to the ghost of people singing in church. It’s haunting. 

I don’t know what Obel’s previous discography sounds like, but I do know this is something that deserves so much more recognition. It’s amazing. The production is one of the best I’ve heard in the past years. What are you doing reading this? I highly recommend you go listen to it, you won’t regret it. 

Favorite track: Stretch Your Eyes, Golden Green

Rating: 5/5  

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Day 16: Head Hunters, Herbie Hancock (1973)

I know, I know. How come I hadn’t listened to Herbie Hancock? I don’t know, I am just... No idea. But it was a big mistake. How did I go all that time without doing it? 

A jazz-funk fusion is everything I need in my live from now on to be happy. Once again I felt at ease, and I definitely found one of my new favorite artists. I think so far I’ve found a whole bunch of new favorite artists, which is exactly what I was looking for when I started this. 

I don’t know what I can say about this album. I’ve said before that I am no music expert. I know basically nothing. Yes, I have listened to quite some stuff in my life, but I am no critic. I, however, do understand how and why this album has pretty much a perfect rating everywhere. What else do you need me to say? It’s simply too good. Another win for my catalog. 

Favorite track: Chameleon 

Rating: 5/5

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Day 15: The Colours of Chloë, Eberhard Weber (1974)

Symphonic jazz! Something I had no idea I liked.

This album is really good, and my love for jazz has been growing. The homonymous track is one I have heard before, and one I truly enjoy. While I listened to it I assumed that was gonna be my favorite. There’s a reason the album’s named that too, right? The best track? NO. The whole album has so much to offer, but An Evening With Vincent Van Ritz is hands down the best track. It’s SO GOOD. 

I listen to jazz while I do my homework. It makes me feel at ease, makes me feel happy, and it adds something to the environment, I’m not certain what. This album makes me feel all that. I don’t know what else to say, it’s really good, and I can see why it is Weber’s most influential work. 

Favorite track: An Evening With Vincent Van Ritz

Rating: 5/5

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Day 14: Pollution, Franco Battiato (1972) 

I am well aware Franco Battiato is a pretty famous musician. And no, I had never listened to him. I have a bit to say about it. 

First of all, yes, I did like this album. I think that from the very beginning it draws your attention in and makes you feel interested on what’s to come. The first track also made me smile, somehow. It was interesting. 

Second, I really like the way the album starts with a few tracks that will then take place in the main event, and how the main event connects them. That’s something from progressive rock that I really like. 

Third: I will be listening to it again before I tell you more about it, because as it turns out, I actually listened to it late at night while working on my final project and I think it is unfair to judge the album entirely by that quick listen at 3a.m. 

For the time being, my opinions are the following: 

Favorite track: Plancton* 

Rating: 4/5

* I am well aware every track makes a later appearance in the main track, but this one was my favorite part, so that’s why I chose it. 

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Day 13: Allegory & Self, Psychic TV (1988)

This I listened because my brother claimed it was my style and that I would love it. I’m honestly not sure how true that it. 

The genre falls into my radar, absolutely, and some songs are what I would listen to on a daily basis. However, I am not sure if this is the reason why I didn’t really enjoy it that much or if it’s something else. 

I’ve said before that I am looking to expand my horizons, and the last time i listened to something that was too normal for me, I didn’t really enjoy it. I am not certain if this is what happened with this album. 

It’s good, I don’t deny that, but it’s not the great album I was expecting. Maybe my brother hyped it up a bit too much for me. It wasn’t all that memorable for me, and I did listen to some of the songs more than once. 

A few songs are good and catchy pop songs, but it’s kind of contrasting. I do understand Psychic TV has some sort of cult following thing, but I can’t really relate to it... I don’t know. The tracks I did like were really good, I just wish it hadn’t been too hyped up for me before listening to it, because that led to a bit of disappointment afterwards. 

Favorite track: We Kiss

Rating: 3/5

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Day 12: Manfred Mann Chapter Three, Manfred Mann Chapter Three (1969)

Finally going to talk about this album, which personally I think is I LOVE IT. Simple as that. It’s really good! My favorite so far. 

Once again I had no idea what genre it fell into, and I am certain it is something I wouldn’t usually listen to. There’s no way I could’ve come across it on my own, and I am glad my brother shows it to me. 

I think this album is nice to groove to, it is nice to listen when you are just trying to enjoy the music and... I don’t know. It gave me a feeling of satisfaction and happiness. You know when music gives you chills? Yeah, that. 

I’ve talked about the good, but there’s also the bad, or maybe the not-so-good, and it’s that this album did have quite a few not so memorable tracks (I don’t even remember them right now). It is quickly compensated with the fact that the memorable ones are really strong and good. 

Another amazing find in the experimental jazz genre. 

Favorite track: One Way Glass

Rating: 5/5 

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Day 11: Ad Gloriam, Le Orme (1969) 

This was another surprise I deeply enjoyed. Of course it was recommended to me by my brother, and I think it was a good choice. 

It’s been a while since I have listened to prog rock (not because I lost interest or anything similar, but due to personal reasons and bad memories), but this was a nice way to fall back into it for a little while, specially since the sounds of it are much more similar to the psychedelic genre. 

I had never heard about Le Orme, and I wasn’t sure what kind of album this was going to be, but it was good, specially since I had no idea it would be in Italian, and listening to music in other languages is always a nice thing to do. 

Although I really enjoyed listening to it, I think I need to check out some more of Le Orme’s work to really judge it. At the moment, some of the songs don’t really interest me, but the ones I liked I really liked. 

Favorite track: Milano 1968

Rating: 3.5/5

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Day 10: Spagat der Liebe, Klaus Johann Grobe (2016) 

Another stellar recommendation by my brother! I adored this. It had me grooving, it had me dancing, moving, it made me happy, and I am thankful for that! Of course I have no idea of what this guy is talking about on his music, but I love the retro feel it has, definitely something that falls into my radar. 

I don’t know what else to say... Maybe that some of the songs did sound a bit too similar to the previous one, but I get that this is the general feel of the album (not sure if the artist too, haven’t listened to anything else by them yet). 

Favorite track: Liebe am Strand

Rating: 5/5

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Day 9: Agar, The Mattson 2 (2014)

Ah! My introduction to The Mattson 2! I don’t think I have to say much about this album: I love it. I have been listening to more of these guys’ stuff and I think I am slowly becoming a fan. 

Peaks of Yew? Such an amazing way to start an album. I think the choice was flawless. Truly smart. I don’t know much more about them, haven’t taken the time to learn more about their careers or what the critics think about their work, but I, personally, have really liked it so far. I feel like this album is a proof that jazz lives, that it’s still strong. Seeing young people create music such as this, turning it into something more modern, something us young adults can relate to really made me smile.

I know a lot of people who say they don’t like jazz. I don’t think they have ever listened to it, I don’t think they know much about it (I myself don’t know much!), but I think that artists like The Mattson 2 are creating music that gives a chance to jazz to survive and to reach much more modern generations in the way of alternative music, and I am all for that. 

Favorite track: Peaks of Yew, Agar

Rating: 5/5 

And before you say anything. Yes, I know. I have pretty much given ever album a 5/5 rating, but I am simply someone really open to new stuff and I also believe I am really positive.... Hence the frequent 5 stars. 

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Day 8: Moondawn, Klaus Schulze (1976)

It’s been almost a week since I last wrote anything on here, but I want to make it clear that I have indeed been saving the albums I’ve listened to in the time I was gone. 

The couple following albums were recommendations from my younger brother (who also has a similar taste to my best friend; many of the albums they send me are actually the same ones). 

I don’t think I knew much about Klaus Schulze. I do know about Tangerine Dream, but that was probably about it. I didn’t know he went on to a solo career and released about sixty albums. Taylor Swift works fast, but this Schulze guy worked faster (and yes, I am a big Swiftie, not at all ashamed! She’s my queen). 

I liked this album. As I’ve said several times before, I know absolutely nothing about electronic music, and all I know I’ve learned slowly through my brother and best friend. This album in particular was one I enjoyed a lot. It’s something I can listen to when I am alone and looking to enjoy music much more, but also something I have been listening to while doing homework. It’s versatile, and I am definitely going to be exploring Schulze’s gigantic discography throughout this year (it’s only January right now!). 

This album consists of two 30 minute tracks, so I don’t really see the point on pointing which was my favorite. I, however, will write my picked track for the playlist. 

Picked track: Mindphaser

Rating: 5/5