Alright for this review, I thought I’d go hip hop. The band up on the chopping block is The Beastie Boys and they are a band that I grew up listening to. I don’t plan on reviewing many other hip hop bands but anyway, let’s take a look……
Licensed to Ill- ah yes the debut album. Now this one definitely has an 80’s hip hop sound to it. One thing I do like about Beastie Boys is that they have a rock edge to their music. Like when I listen to this album, I definitely think of that old school rap/hip hop. Anyway, this is a must listen for anyone who is a fan of this music. And I would definitely recommend this album over pretty much any hip hop artist today. This is definitely a classic. I mean this is the album that has the song No Sleep ‘til Brooklyn and Fight For Your Right To Party (which also have guitar solos from Kerry King on them) on it. I will say that I am not a fan of the songs Girls or Brass Monkey. I give this album 10/10
Standouts: The New Style, Time To Get Ill, Slow Ride
Paul’s Boutique- a lot of the songs on here are mostly composed of samples which makes this a unique album. I know this is considered a classic but it’s not as strong as the last album. Not bad overall I give this 9/10
Standouts: Johnny Ryall, Hey Ladies, What Comes Around
Check Your Head- I will say the one thing I like about his album is that the guys play their instruments more on here and there aren’t as many samples on here (not that I minded them as much on the last album). I don’t know I found this one to be just ok. There are some great songs on here but some are kind of boring. It’s not a bad album but I just wasn’t into it as much as their other records. What I do like about this album is that some songs have a punk rock feel to them. So for that I give this album 8/10
Standouts: Time For Livin’, Jimmy James, The Maestro
Ill Communication- I’m pretty sure this is the first album I heard from these guys. I remember listening to the song Sabotage on 96.7 The Buss when I got my first radio. Anyway, the rest of the album has something for everyone. It’s got hip hop, some instrumental, a little bit of punk, and even some funky elements. I’d say that if you are going to start with this band, listen to this one and the first one. You really can’t go wrong. I give this album 10/10
Standouts: Root Down, Tough Guy, Futterman’s Rule
Aglio E Olio- so this is an EP and it goes back to their punk roots. Like seriously there is no hip hop on this. If you ever wanted to know what these guys sound like as a punk band, then definitely check this out. I give this 10/10
Standouts: You Catch a Bad One, Believe Me, I Can’t Think Straight
Hello Nasty- the best way that I can describe this album is that it’s a fun album. What I really like about this album is that again, they actually play instruments and don’t just sample stuff like so many hip hop artists are known for. I will say that some of the songs on here are kind of weird but that’s what makes this one good. Overall, this is a great album and again I’m giving this a 10/10.
Standouts: Super Disco Breakin’, Body Movin’, Unite
To The 5 Boroughs- when this album came out, is the same year I bought my first car. How does this tie in to that? Well, it was the first car that I had that could actually pick up KROQ and they were constantly playing the opening song Ch-Check It Out. I remover thinking it wasn’t bad but I’ve heard better. After finally listening to the rest of the album, I still have that same opinion. To me it’s not their best. They are missing their rock/punk edge which made them unique. Like it still sounds like Beastie Boys but it just doesn’t measure up to previous albums. I don’t know this one is just so-so. I give this 6/10
Standouts: Right Right Now Now, Shazam!, We Got The-with Skit
The Mix-Up/ ok so this is an all instrumental album. Aside from hearing some people talking after a song is done, it’s all instrumental. This is probably the first album that I’ve had to review that’s like this but it’s a good album. Like if I was doing stuff around the house, I’d probably throw this on. I mean there isn’t a ton to say about this record. Overall, not bad and I give this 8/10
Standouts: Electric Worm, B For My Name, The Melee
Hot Sauce Committee (Pt. 2)- the backstory to this is kinda sad. MCA was diagnosed with cancer and therefore this took a long time to record and was going to be released in two parts but sadly, he died and only one collection of songs was released. I think there was going to be a Hot Sauce Committee Part 1 but they decided to release this as Part 2. How is the album? Well it’s definitely their most experimental album but for me personally, I just think it’s ok. It’s not a bad album but I kinda wish they would’ve stuck with their rock with rap formula. That being said, I’ll still take this album over most mainstream hip hop artists any day. I give this 6/10
Standouts: Make Some Noise, Long Burn The Fire, Funky Donkey
If you are wanting to listen to a good hip hop band with a rock and punk edge, listen to Beastie Boys. Like seriously they are so much better than what is considered hip hop these days. For one thing, they actually play instruments and can rap and play punk. It really is too bad that MCA died but I have a feeling that if he were still alive, they might be making more albums like 5 Boroughs. I do wish I had seen them live because they seem like a fun band to see.
Album Rankings:
- Ill Communication
- Licensed To Ill
- Aglio E Olio
- Hello Nasty
- Paul’s Boutique
- Check Your Head
- The Mix-Up
- To The 5 Boroughs
- Hot Sauce Committee (Pt. 2)
Sinister Reviews 