When I first heard this album, I didn't believe it was Metallica. It sounded like Hetfield singing for some "alternative rock" band. I was like "what the hell is this?"... had Metallica sold out? It's a matter of opinion; I think they just changed (for the worse). Bottom line is I might have liked this album if it wasn't Metallica, but I expected more from these Bay City Rockers. These guys were once the world's heaviest band, but now they're nothing more than "alternative rock".
GRADE D
Fav. Track - "House That Jack Built"
There's not enough nice things I can say about this album. It's good old "American" rock n roll music. As "American" as apple pie. As "American" as Marilyn Manson himself. This album is so much better than the 2 which followed, Smells Like Children and Antichrist Superstar. Back then, Manson wasn't about being the Antichrist. Don't get me wrong, I still like some of the tracks on AS, but I find it reminds me too much of NIN. PoaAF is about killing your parents, molesting kids, and eating candy, just like the "American way".
GRADE B+
Fav. Tracks - "Sweet Tooth", "Get Your Gunn"
Will these dreams still follow me Out of dark obscurity Can't you see up in the sky As it kicks you in the face and sucks you dry
With lyrics like this, who wouldn't love Ministry? These guys rock. This was the first album I heard by Jorgenson and Barker (the Dynamic Duo). It's a good album, and it's amazing how these 2 could write such a fantastic industrial album after With Sympathy (Ministry's first album... they were brit pop) If you've heard and enjoyed Land of Rape and Honey or Psalm 69, you need to check this one out, too.
GRADE B
Fav. Track - "Burning Inside"
This is one heavy fucking album, although I find it gets boring quick. I love Pantera, but this is far from my favorite album. It just doesn't have the same kick as Far Beyond Driven, Vulgar Display of Power or Pantera Official Live. Mind you, I do like it a lot better than Cowboys from Hell (can you say 'glamrock'? i knew you could - ed.). With Rex's bass, Vinnie's drums, Dimebag's guitar and Phil's voice, it's still wicked Pantera, it just doesn't match up with what I'm used to hearing from them.
GRADE C+
Fav. Track "Floods"
As a general rule, I hate sappy top40 love ballads, and I usually find it hard to tolerate modern jazz for any longer than 20 minutes, but I find this collection irresistable. Krall’s sultry croon will melt your heart on this 13-page songbook of suberb jazz ballads. Sticking to the trio format perfected on the Nat King Cole tribute All For You (Krall’s previous album), there’s an intimacy that can be very visual at times. You may picture yourself in a smoky bar sipping on a martini, while the blond at the piano spins a few with her pals. And no matter how tough or cold you may try to be, that voice makes you think of nothing but love. Trust me, if you only listen to one jazz album this decade, make it this one.
