Up next on the chopping block is the band The Cult. I must admit that the only songs I had really heard are the ones they always play on the radio and then mostly the album Sonic Temple. So here we go….
Dreamtime- well this album was a little surprising. If you are in fact looking for a powerhouse or hard rock album, then look elsewhere. That’s not to,say that this album doesn’t rock but it’s just a different record of what would come later on. I would actually say that this is more of a goth record and less of a hard rock record. Anyway, as far as a debut album goes, it’s not bad just not what I was expecting. I give it 6/10
Standouts: A Flower in the Desert, Spiritwalker, Dreamtime
Love- this one continues with the goth rock music except I feel like this one is a bit more accessible than the previous album. I think I had only really heard one song off this one and that’s the song She Sells Sanctuary. Again, it’s not a bad album it’s just not a hard rock album. Me personally I am not a fan of goth rock yet this album is actually a really good album. I’m sure that I will need to listen to this a few times to appreciate it more but for now (and I’m sure I’ll get shit for this) I give this 8/10
Standouts- Phoenix, Love, Hollow Man
Electric- ok now we’re getting into hard rock territory. All I can say is thank god for Rick Rubin because he helped move them from the goth rock sound and into the hard rock sound they have today. There’s actually some riffage on here and there are solos as well. Now there are traces of goth but as a whole, the album is a hard rock album. There is even a cover of Born To Be Wild. Definitely a step up and a very strong 9/10
Standouts: Lil’ Devil, King Contrary Man, Outlaw
Sonic Temple- so this was my introduction to The Cult and I can’t say enough about this album. I mean if you’re going to start listening to this band, then I’d say start here or even their last record Electric. Not that the other albums aren’t great but this is their most popular album and the fact that Bob Rock didn’t ruin them says volumes. Definitely check this one out. I give it 10/10
Standouts: Sun King, Sweet Soul Sister, New York City
Ceremony- this one is mostly a concept record about Native American Indians. I guess during the recording of the album, there was tensions between singer Ian Astbury and guitarist Billy Duffy as they disagreed on everything and would rarely appear in studio together. While I don’t think this one is as strong as Sonic Temple or Electric, it’s still not a bad album. I give it 7/10
Standouts: Wild Hearted Son, Earth Mofo, Full Tilt
The Cult- if you’re looking for a Cult album that has elements of grunge, noise rock, and alternative then you’d definitely enjoy this one. I feel with this album, they were trying to fit in or appeal to a different audience while trying to appease their main fan base. Personally I think this album is ok. I found myself getting kind of bored with this one. The songs on it are good not great although I do appreciate the fact that they were trying something different. I give this 6/10
Standouts: Coming Down (Drug Tongue), Gone, Universal You
Beyond Good And Evil- so far out of all The Cult albums, this is probably the heaviest. So before this record, The Cult actually broke up so this is their new album in 7 years. This would also be the first album to actually feature Matt Sorum and even though he toured with them during the Sonic Temple tour. I actually really like this record and love the fact that it’s a heavy rock record. The biggest standout is Billy Duffy’s guitar work. I mean this is some of his best work and I wish some of their previous records sounded like this. Anyway, I give this 10/10
Standouts: Take The Power, War (the process), American Gothic
Born Into This- so after the last record, The Cult broke up again. This time they came back with John Tempesta (White Zombie) on drums. I gues according to Ian Asterbury, this was supposed to be The Cult’s last album although that would be untrue. The reviews I had read about this album were saying that this album wasn’t very good. No they don’t break any new ground here but overall, it’s a pretty good record. I mean they stick to what they know and even add some electronic elements to one or two of the songs. All in all, a good straightforward rock record and I give it 8/10.
Standouts: Diamonds, Dirty Little Rock Star, Savages
Choice of Weapon- so I guess after stating that The Cult weren’t going to make anymore albums, they went ahead and made this. There’s a sort of Zeppelin meets The Stooges kind of vibe going on here. I feel like there is a cohesiveness to this record where it seemed like everyone had input and the end result is a very well balanced record. Definitely one of their better records I give this 9/10
Standouts: The Wolf, Honey From a Knife, Lucifer
Hidden City- well after hearing this one, I’m kind of sorry I wasn’t listening to this band earlier. This record definitely has elements/highlights of almost their entire career. There is definitely something for everyone on this record. I mean it’s got your slower songs, mid paced songs, and faster songs. It’s a well rounded record and overall, a very good record. I give it 8.5/10
Standouts: G O A T, Avalanche of Light, Heathens
This is a band where I’m kind of sorry I didn’t listen to sooner or see live. I think at one point they toured with Bush and Stone Temple which would’ve been a great tour to see. I’m also actually surprised that since they’ve worked with Bob Rock as their producer so many times that he didn’t ruin their sound like he has other bands. Regardless, if you are looking for a great straightforward rock band, then definitely check these guys out.
Album Rankings:
- Sonic Temple
- Beyond Good And Evil
- Electric
- Choice of Weapon
- Love
- Born Into This
- Hidden City
- The Cult
- Ceremony
- Dreamtime
Sinister Reviews 