Having never listened to this album in its entirety before, and knowing how influential it is in shaping modern music, I have to admit that I was a little underwhelmed. Going into it, I expected something much faster and more energetic, especially considering the lead singles like "Rockstar" and "Lapdance." Instead, I found the album to be slower and more groove-oriented than I anticipated. While this shift initially threw me off, I now understand why it has resonated with so many people over the years.
The album stands out because of its incredible sonic diversity. It blends a wide range of genres, from punk to funk to hip-hop, creating a unique sound that pushes boundaries. The record feels like a melting pot of musical ideas, bringing together elements that, at the time, weren't typically fused in mainstream music. This variety is one of the reasons the album has remained so influential. It shows that music doesn't have to be confined to just one genre to be great—it can be experimental, and it can cross boundaries. Even though the album is slower and more groove-driven than I initially expected, I can now see how its experimental nature helped break down barriers and opened doors for more genre-blending artists.
What I struggled with, though, was the contrast between the high-energy, catchy singles that had me pumped up and the rest of the album, which, while still enjoyable, didn’t quite have the same immediate impact. The singles are undeniably memorable, but most of the other tracks, while fun, didn't have the same lasting effect. They were good, but they didn’t stick with me in the same way. Still, I can appreciate how the album as a whole contributes to the larger cultural conversation around genre-melding music.
The production on this album is one of its strongest points, and it has really held up over the years. Every track sounds fantastic, and the clarity and polish of the sound still feel fresh today. It's clear that a lot of attention was given to the sound engineering, and that’s something that remains timeless.
In today’s musical landscape, where genre-blurring is the norm and listeners freely hop between styles, this album was ahead of its time. It played a key role in showing people that it’s okay to enjoy a mix of different genres, and it helped pave the way for modern artists who embrace a more fluid approach to music. For that reason alone, this album deserves its place in music history. While I didn’t connect with it as deeply as I expected, I still have a newfound appreciation for its role in shaping the future of music.
RATING: 7.5/10
NOTIABLE TRACKS:
Lapdance
Things Are Getting Better
Tape You
Rockstar