We are aligned! Yeah that 1975 album does an incredible job of chunking into three sections, with the instrumentals shifting you from one to the next in ways that feel like EPs over an album. It’s interesting because based on the pressing for this Beyoncé album, she seems to also be thinking in terms of movements to help the flow. The sections aren’t distinct enough though, and it still comes off as one big run instead.
The 1975 album is really a master class in how to put an album together -- period, but especially a lengthy, ambitious, musically diverse album. It just glides. There are songs on every 1975 album I like more than any single song on that album, but it's still handily their best overall, IMO.
Finally finished my first listen. I really hate how long this is lol. Cut out the interludes, the Beatles cover (was fine but just unnecessary) and a couple songs from the middle, and this thing is pretty great. Thoughts may change with future listens, but I really thought the best stuff from the album didnt start until like track 20. The run of YA YA to AMEN is gold.
Blackbird > Jolene Very much enjoyed the intro, the song with Miley and RIIVERDANCE and DAUGHTER. Imma put this album in the same category as Renaissance for me.
This thing is massive. I think it hits its stride in the second suite - but YA YA is just....unfucking real how good that song is.
Nearly done with it, some stuff like Oh Louisiana isn't really needed however I'm kinda fine with the length so far. Jolene cover bangs, also didn't expect having the Post Malone song as a highlight (although I do like some songs from him but I'm definitely a very casual listener of his)
I just learned my town got a shout out in the album just because one of the song writers is from Clovis SHOUT OUT FR RYAN BEATTY
Her take on "Blackbird" is inspired. Her re-imagining of "Jolene" stinks. Other than the utter dud of "American Requiem" I really like most of this.
You’re all going on about Blackbird and Jolene but no one has mentioned the use of I Fall to Pieces??
I like that throughout the album it’s almost a meme of: No One: Beyonce: My father was a coldhearted piece of shit.
I enjoy the album a lot so far. Definitely not Album of the Year territory, but in the Grammys world next February, wouldn't shock me if they give it to Beyonce since she's long deserved of AOTY.