277 - Janet Jackson - Rhythm Nation 1814

I came to this album recalling my feelings upon the release of Rhythm Nation 1814 a couple of decades ago. Control was a great album and I was put off a bit by the over-the-top marketing and the Rhythm Nation Army with uniforms. When I looked through the track listing, I recognized several songs. Most of them I had positive feelings about. As I listened to the album, found the music more enjoyable than I was expecting.

My feelings are still rather split on this album after listening to it several times. There are songs that scream THIS IS THE PRINCE SONG, THIS IS THE MADONNA SONG, and THIS IS THE ENIGMA SONG...oh, wait. This album predates Enigma hitting big with "Sadeness Pt1" but seems to have sampled the "horn" sound that is on numerous Enigma songs. So, while the album seems to be more of a snapshot of pop sounds at the time, there are also innovative, neat sounds - often when layering electric and acoustic bits.

My complete apathy for lyrics completely removes the concept of this album. I pick up on some of the social commentary, but those three or four songs with eight interludes don't really qualify this as a concept album for me.

Songs I knew I liked: "Miss You Much," "Love Will Never Do," "Alright," and "Escapade"

Songs I didn't know but now like: "Lonely"

Songs I can go the rest of my life without hearing again: None I would actively avoid.

276 - Parliament - Mothership Connection

I tend to focus on how funky the band is and how they can drive a groove. One aspect that I don't give Parliament enough credit for is how smooth they can be, too. There are a few moments where things get so smooth and soft that the band flirts with quiet storm territory.

Mothership Connection packs in enough smooth grooves and driving funk that it certainly is well served as an album to get for those interested in learning more about Parliament/Funkadelic/George Clinton. Although I've been previously content with the singles I have on compilation discs, I'm adding this album to my BUY list.

Songs I knew I liked: "P. Funk (Wants to Get Funked Up)," "Mothership Connection (Star Child)," and "Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof Off the Sucker)"

Songs I didn't know but now like: "Handcuffs" and "Night of the Thumpasorus Peoples"

Songs I can go the rest of my life without hearing again: None