467: Bruce Springsteen, "Tunnel of Love"

Before: Oh man. My parents adore Bruce. Adore adore ADORE, as in my dad has seen him in concert over SIXTY TIMES. I suppose my rebellious phase peaked early when I was little because I remember whenever a Bruce song snuck onto our oldies radio station (98.3: the one radio station I listened to for a solid 14+ years when driving with my dad), I'd kick the back of his seat until he changed it. What a little brat, I know! And the crazy thing is that I'm still trying to iron out the kink of being too proud to concede that Bruce is actually okay/enjoyable that I've upheld for so long. Here's hoping that this record can reform this one.
(This ethereal cover by The Staves came very close.)

After: Oh man. I'm hooked from the very first song. His unique voice: tremble/wavering, accent, bold delivery is infectious.
You can hear such passion in his voice. The chords, the lyrics, the intonation. It's impossible to not feel when you listen to him.
It feels very 80's, with those notoriously soft thunder claps and twangy beats.
SO MANY FEELINGS
So many tempos, sub-genres, styles... he does it all.

It's not my favorite album, but it has definitely whetted my appetite for more Bruce. Part of me can't believe I'm admitting that. The other half is shouting "get over your childhood ego already and soak up the greatness that's waiting!!"

After reading about it, I now understand that it's a concept album about the evolution of love. It was a stray away from Bruce's name-brand high energy music. I'd have to listen to this a few more times to really soak up the genius of it all, but for now, just one listen-- a little eavesdropping on a full conversation-- is enough to have hooked me. There you have it, parents. Well done.

468: The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, "The Paul Butterfield Blues Band"

Before: I've got nothing. Sort of dreading another blues album...

After: The first song, "Born in Chicago", has a good beat! Lively! The singer's voice is the distinct kind that doesn't have amazing vibrato but the range and tone, which sounds conversational, is glorious.
"Shake Your Moneymaker": What kind of blues is this?! These songs are 100% danceable!
"I Got My Mojo Working" is a joy. SUCH a good party song.
"Mystery Train" has some grand train sounds and rhythms that will transport you to a better mood :)

All in all, a quick album. Jovial, with touches of more somber feelings. It was like eating a salad with lots of piquant toppings that, while contrasting, blended into a superb meal. Light, fresh, enjoyable.

It seems like they're on the list because they had a greatly underestimated impact on musicians, both bluesy and non-bluesy. Rolling Stone says that this album inspired white kids to play the blues. All I know is that the harmonica was killer.

469: Fugees, "The Score"

Before: Aren't they funk? Or at least Motown? I like one of their songs but can't remember which!

After: Wow, this is not what I remember. I hear a lot of swearing and intense conversation at the beginning of the album. Oh wait (upon some googling, I found that) its members include Wyclef Jean and Lauryn Hill! Cool!
"Ready or Not" has an awesome hook.
Wow, I had no idea how amazing The Fugees are. Their funk sound, lyrics, tone of their voices, and how it all blends together... truly art. (The Mask is the track that inspired that realization.)
The conversation at the end of "The Beast" seems to walk the line between surreal and too real.
"No Woman, No Cry" is such a joy to just sit back and let swirl around my ears.
The conversation at the end of "Manifesto/Outro" is also of so much value. Plus I love how they vocalize the credits! "Get outta here! Get outta HEEEERE!"

I admit that I have very little knowledge of rappers. Having said that, this album truly seemed unique in that its lyrics were of such poetic value and its foundational funk was right on target. A spin of this album while relaxing would definitely put me in a relaxed state and fine mood.

Reading about its influence, I now understand that it highlighted political issues and showed off Lauryn Hill's incredible voice. Plus, it went platinum SIX times!