"The Black Album" is the stuff of legend...and rightfully so
341961
No one calls this Metallica's "self-titled album"...this is the Black Album! There are some albums that simply live on forever and bridge generations of music lovers. "The White Album"..."Pet Sounds"..."Hotel California"...this is another one. There are so many great songs on this CD, songs that even casual Metallica fans can recite on cue: Enter Sandman, Nothing Else Matters, Sad But True, The Unforgiven, Wherever I May Roam...does it get better? Earlier albums were harder and the later albums were perceived as "softer", but this was the album where it all came together and took Metallica from underground to full-on mainstream.

To those who think Metallica "sold out" by making videos and cutting their hair: shut up. If you were an artist and had that much cash thrown at you to do videos and huge tours, you'd do it. Get over it.
2282025
One of the best records you never heard... if you haven't that is and you really should. Some records are maybe just a little too good to be a massive success but this deserves your undivided attention.

The Family Stand was one mighty talented collective, in each and every department (as singers, writers, musicians, producers...) This is like a soul map of musical possibilities within so-called 'black music'. I mean it pretty much touches on every pre-dominantly black form of music, be it blues, jazz, soul, funk, gospel... (even some rap) ofcourse it also totally rocks and I guess being white, listening to this makes me feel SO white but hey I still want to listen to this more & more & more please, it just feels so damn good. Not that it's strictly feel-good music, in fact a lot of these songs deal with very serious matters, so worth paying attention to the lyrics as well.

If you see this baby somewhere don't hesitate to snap it up.
3772929
This album is an incredible piece of work; it's on a whole different level of music and artistry. Kendrick Lamar will be cemented not only as a hip-hop legend with this album, but also a literary master. This is a track-by-track definition of how you create a revolutionary product that's able to change the course of history. Comparing "To Pimp a Butterfly" to other albums - even "Good Kid, m. A.A.D. City" - shortchanges it. If you were a fan of "GKmC," you may or may not like this album just for the simple fact that it sounds so different sonically. But if you are a fan of music - meaning you listen to every genre - you NEED to buy this album. There will be a lot of people who will listen to this and miss the entire point, and that is such a shame. Kendrick says a lot about himself, society, women, his friends, but the most prevalent on this album by far; black culture. This album was specifically made for the black man to listen to; it's a love letter, a wake-up call, a revolution, and by the end of the last track "Mortal Man," I guarantee you will be left speechless just as I was.

The best part? I am an eighteen year-old white hispanic male. I am literally the opposite of who should be praising this. I plead and I beg, PLEASE listen to this. You will not be disappointed!
931138
Ive been listening to DAngelos BLACK MESSIAH for the last few days and pretty much nothing else. The music. The poetry. Lyrics for soul searching. Rhythms for toe tapping and head nodding. Politics to pillow talk. Love and war. Protest and peace. Before you know it, you're not even listening to the album anymore. Youre participating. Humming, possibly, and singing along with the dope harmonies. Imitating the rugged guitar riffs. Wiggling your fingers to the crisp piano chords and runs. Youre in it nowjust part of the band and in a sensea part of history.
Theres a line in AINT THAT EASY that I think Uncle Snoop would be proud of: Take a toke of smoke from me as you dream inside/ Let your days slip away come with me and ride. I could see him dancing to this, holding up a bag of kush perhaps.  1000 DEATHS starts with this agitated guitar 16th notes that just beat your ears with no rhyme or reason. And I don't know, man, it just works! The lyrics to this joint are so profound, though. Mixed with the beat, it makes a potent potion that stirs youstrengthens the soldier in you. SUGAR DADDY is just plain, ole fun music. That piano riff? Come on, doc! GENIUS!!! I could go on and on about every track. But for brevity, Ill end with the final track: ANOTHER LIFE (which is my favorite on the album). The lyrics on this joint? Im feeling this one. To me, its about a woman youve always been with, even before you knew her, even before you were you and she was she. Your atoms and her atoms were destined to come together and nothing in the universe could prevent it. Because, in fact, the universe was rooting for the union. It needed it just as bad as you.
Its safe to say that BLACK MESSIAH is the work of collective geniuses with lyrics by DAngelo, Kendra Foster, Kamaal Fareed and music by DAngelo, Questlove, Pino Pallidino (A BEAST on Bass) and James Gadson. But please, please, please don't take my word for it. Buy it today and see for yourself. You won't be disappointed.
1987656
Before I got this album, I had heard that it was one of the best black metal albums ever. When I finally did get this one, I quickly realized why. Everything about this album is great. Even the synth was done good considering synthesizers have actually ruined some albums. This is one of those albums that put you in a great mood. Also, I like it because you can put into your cd player and listen to every song on it since they're all good. Obviously those of you who say this album isn't good at all should go back to your Korn or rap section and leave the real albums alone. It makes me mad considering most of us don't go and make the ratings lower for your talentless music. But for those of you who have a real appreciation for music, be it classical or brutal death metal, you should definately give this one a try. And no, its not their image I'm praising, since this band doesn't even need to do that to be well respected.
1367690
I bought this CD after I heard Compton. The album is great and being from the Westcoast its one of the best albums I've heard in a longggggggggggg time! Every rapper is doing the same thing and Black brought a different flava even though he gets in touch with his softer side. I know everyone immediately thinks he's trying to be B.I.G.(RIP) but he's not. His flow is completely different from Biggie. Biggie had catchy phrazes that were intelligent and creative. Black has a dope flow but he keeps it simple. I am not knockin Black because he's bringin something to the table that most rappers aren't....originality. He talks about everyday life and in a way this album kind of reminds me of Illmatic from Nas...its unforgetable and it doesn't feature too many other artists. This album features Black and that's something that rappers need to get back to.....getting to see their style and who they really are on a record. The only way most rappers now adays blow up is if they have a collaboration with a big name rapper already in the game.....also another one gonna bring heat this January is the Game...like em or hate em...he's gonna bring heat, and that's what the west needs. Heavy hitters like Black and Game. Its gonna be a new era everyone!!!!!
2909105
After releasing 2 straight classic albums in "Blackstreet" and "Another Level" this "Finally" album might seem like a dissapointment but really there's still a lot of great music here that shouldn't be slept on the way it is. My favorite songs are "Hustler's Prayer", "In A Rush", "Black & White", "Take Me There", and "Yo Love", while it's not Blackstreet's best, it's probably better than 90% of what's been out there recently, definately worth checking.
380104
Since I cant do halves, I thought the album was more deserving of 5 than 4, but my real rating would be 4.5...
I got the album having heard praises spoken about the lyrical content, the musical diversity, and the sheer beauty of Hi Tek's beats intermixed with Kweli's poetics.  When I first popped in the disc, I was greeted with one of the more talked about items of the album, the intro by "Nelson Mandela".  Humorous, I thought to myself, but I skipped it, moving onto "Move Something".  Now, I had heard this track before, but the beat (which has horns and timpanis to punctuate the effect) still got me moving.  and Kweli's lyrics, while on a lighter note, still educated.  I continued on through, but I noticed that some of the beats began to run into each other, sounding similar to the next.  Then came track 9 (Down For the Count).  This is the "hypest" track, and might appeal to the more mainstream audience, since it features Xzibit and Rah Digga.  Energizing beat, but it almost drowns out Talib's voice, which, as some of you know, isn't the most forceful.
After having listened to the album 10 or 12 times, I'd say that, overall, the best hip hop album of the year.  Some tracks sound like others, but what keeps me coming back are the lyrics of Talib.  On "For Women"(the best on the album, IMO), a tale of four different women, he showcases his storytelling abilities.  He shows a good deal of diversity, with topics ranging from love, to hip hop, to women (In the aforementioned "For Women"), to memories.  Kool G Rap even shows up on "Ghetto Afterlife", something I wouldn't have expected to hear.
Coming into the album, part of me was expecting another Blackstar record, or another 20 tracks of Talib saying how great he is and whats wrong with hip hop, but I got more than that.  If you liked Black star, Mos Def, Common, or the Roots, you'll most likely enjoy this album.  If not, there still might be something in it for you.  Most definitely worth the $11.88.  and for those that can't keep up with his flow, the lyrics are printed in the booklet, but you'll need to look verryy hard, as the words are printed small.
1168216
Everyone calls it the best album of 1997. Many people and critics consider it to be the best album of the 90's. Some even call it the best album in the history of music, amongst strong competition by The Beatles' Revolver, Rolling Stones' Exile On Main Street and Marvin Gaye's What's Going On?
Why, you might ask? Is OK Computer really that good? Damn straight it is! This, ladies and gentlemen, is top of the bill... an instant classic. I must have listened to it hundreds of times, yet still it doesn't seem to bore me. Why? This is pure magic. Every single song is mind-blowing all the way. Singles Lucky, Paranoid Android, Karma Police and No Surprises prove this. Yet, songs like Airbag, Exit Music [For A Film], Let Down, Electioneering, Climbing Up The Walls and The Tourist are just as stunning. OK Computer deserves every single inch of attention it gets. It's a one way ticket to one of the highlights in one's life. This is what music should be all about... addictive, hauntingly beautiful, yet powerful electronic pop music. I can't say a bad thing about this album. There is no possible way anyone can. All of my friends agree with me,... this is a `must-have' album. Surely I'm not expecting for everyone to love this album as much as I do, but this is great music nonetheless. Anyone who dares to disagree, either has a very bad taste of music or no taste at all. I can imagine it's hard for music lovers to pick an all-time favorite album, but thanks to OK Computer it's easier to make the right choice. I must confess that I became a die-hard Radiohead fan thanks to this album, and I love every album they released so far. But OK Computer definitely hits the spot. Change your life forever. Buy this album now! If you already have it, buy another copy. Thanks for reading.
2282101
Awesome all the way through!!! seriously.. enough said! get this album!
4101364
Smashing the opponent is the ultimate song seeing from the perspective of how the band has evolve since 1996, One of the top electronic bands around the globe I M always demonstrating what are made of, and this particular song included in the album The legend of the black......... which is for me the best album ever! the inclusion of heavy metals guitars and not forgetting their electronic roots is just amazing! This is a ***** song of a ***** album.
3766050
Listen up guys- Pay close attention; This album KILLS! Seriously- I love Christian Black metal- Not only do I love the music, I love the extreme dichotomy of Christ having his fingerprints on what many call "satanic music". This album is a new landmark on extreme christian music. We all Know and love the Leading Lords of Unblack Metal: ANTESTOR, VARDOGER, EXTOL, FROSTHARDR, AHTDU, DALIT, CRIMSON MOONLIGHT, PANTOKRATOR... the list goes on and is growing. Well THOR (ex-Antestor guitarist) is NO JOKE! The music on this cd is extremley well written and performed. The guitar riffs are amazing and aplenty- TONS of great hooks- just when you think thats got to be all, theres MORE! Blast beats galore, but pulled back enough to keep the entire album rythmic; The drums are darn near perfect throughout the whole project. The symphonic attributes are beatuful to say the least- and not over powering- they balance out in the recording perfectly! The vocals are spot on Black-Metal-Mayhem!!! Not only are they exellent in both production and performance, but even the lyrics of this album are blatant worship of the one and only Messiah! This is truly a worship album. I cant say enough good about this release; It truly is an amazing black metal album that even secular music fans would have to tip their "horns" too- its THAT GOOD. If you liked ANTESTOR's last couple of albums, this CD will BLOW you away bro! BUY IT.
1902630
This album is a true 5 star album,it is easily the best of any other black metal album and probably even Venoms best.

I remember the day i bought it because when i put it on it was an experience i had never had before then and have never had since.

When the first song came on i was already thinking it was worth the money.

The riffs on this album are good although its a simple made album it is truly a master piece.

I personaly think the lyrics are some of the best but alot of people i know weren't as keen on them. If you like black metal or Venom then you cannot resist this album.

It may not have the sound quality of the newer stuff but it has more class and darkness to it then any of the newer stuff.

Im not gonna beg you to buy it because if your smart youll go buy it right now wether i say so or not

because pretty much every review about this album is a 4/5 star.

Well worth the money.
4952283
Now, I know what you all may be thinking, but before you pass judgement please hear what I have to say. Most people might say that Metallica culminated their career with "Master" or "Justice" and haven't returned to the good ole days in more then a decade, but in my opinion, the "Black" album was the pinnacle of creativity for Metallica (listen to "The Struggle Within" for pointers). From Kirk's soaring solos, to Hetfield's destructive rhythm guitars right down to Newsted's rumbling bass lines, the Black Album had everything that we Metallica fans longed for for 3 long years.

All this to say that what was started on "Steelbath Suicide" has now culminated on "Stabbing the Drama". The boys in Soilwork have matured to the point that it is no longer about playing the fastest riff or double bassing your songs to death, it's about the song itself. Soilwork have taken the best of all five albums and assorted "B-Sides" to create their defining album. This album challenges the ears, catching you off guard one minute and then dropping you right back into a thundering breakdown, before plunging you right into the chorus with Bjorn singing three vocals lines intertwining with one another as the guitars fill the left over space (not much) with soaring melodies. It's the kind of album you want everyone to hear, including your grandmother....it's that GOOD!

Ever since "Natural Born Chaos", these boys have restored my faith in "Metal" and "Stabbing" has continued that trend. This guys seem to have no sense of letting up at all and I hope and pray that they continue to challenge the music scene and continually keep raising the bar, because there is a reason why bands like "In Flames" and "Soilwork" are so popular...it's because they rip and shred and people recognize it and acknowledge it.

I used to buy every Metallica album sight unseen (or unheard for that matter) and as tough as it is to admit this, that stopped happening after St. Anger and when I look back on it, should have stopped happening after the Load/Reload days. It's with heartache that I say that, were it not for Soilwork. I dedicate this review to you guys, thanks for keeping the heart of metal alive. With Respect from a devoted Soilworker!
1766905
I am a Black Guy who grew up listening to the Supreme's, James Brown and the Temptations mixed with the Stones and the Beatles and I am saying that this album is among the best I have ever heard.  If you don't like Dylan,  You should own this album.  It is unlike all his other albums and better than all of his other albums and that is saying something. From "Hurricane" to "One More Cup of Coffee", it is a journey through different parts of a world that sort of actually exists, but never could.  Or shouldn't. Every sing is heart felt.  But not just by the artist.  You will hold this one forever as a personal item.  I do.  I have bought it three times. Never loan it out.  It never comes back and the friend/perp always says thank you over and over, but never parts with it.
3679964
THIS IS THE BEGINNING!
The hardcore groundbreaking album by BDP is definitely up there with the greatest rap albums of all time.
Key cuts:  Poetry, the debut single with a trademark James Brown scream;
9mm goes  Bang, a reggae-driven tale of street revenge;
South Bronx, the tale of  where HIP HOP STARTED!
The Bridge is Over, a classic "diss"  record aimed at then-rival MC Shan.  They're pals now, though...
Dope  Beat, the most hard-rocking track which samples AC/DC's "Back In  Black", making an influential rap/metal combo.
ANYBODY who is  interested in hip hop MUST have this album.  THERE SIMPLY ISN'T ANY WAY  AROUND IT!!!
4265362
STILLMatic is the closest thing to illmatic I have ever heard. I was tempted to give it four stars when I had to remember, THIS is the same cat!!!  To be able to make an album this great, after making a verifiable classic (as a debut no less), after becoming a multi-millionare, after becoming a legend, after becoming famous is even harder to maitain focus than it was making the first album, and for this he gets 5 stars.
I have read some of the reviews and while most of them are on the money, those that say this album is anything less than amazing perhaps don't understand the history of rap music (Prior to the 11th hour MTV endorsement), or are too young or new to the game to enjoy proper perspective. Raping began with, and was advanced by lyrical skills. Period.  THEN came the different forms of rap. (i.e. Gangsta, Political, Commercial, Dirty South, etc) NAS is the best Lyricist Ever, because he places lyrical quality as his highest value. Illmatic is a classic because it was the truest representation of the essence of what rap is, spoken by someone who loved the art form.  Real hip hop heads recognized it, at a time when my coast was holdin' it down with Dre's Cronic, and Snoops Doggystyle.  Those who know can remember the when Illmatic dropped, it didn't take the Source to tell how dope this is - we knew; instantly that from now on things are different.  Illmatic is the best record in the history of rap, not because the magazines say so, but because the streets EVERYWHERE said so.