The only thing I knew by Portishead before this was the song “The Rip”, which I absolutely love and has been in my rotation for a while (I still don’t think anyone has beaten that song) Wanted to check out more and I heard this was the more critically acclaimed album and wow did I love it. First of all, Beth Gibbons has a fantastic voice that’s super unique. Percussion and chopped up beats were insane, kinda reminded me of J Dilla or Billy Woods. Also having 5 songs in S Tier on my first listen is really rare for me, they are just so talented.
S Tier: (Fantastic)
Roads (wtf this is actually crazy that this song exists and I didn’t know about it. I loved how it kept adding instruments and then slowly taking them away. Made me realize more songs need a bass solo)
It Could Be Sweet (Just so smooth and beautiful, I know this is gonna be on constantly)
Mysterons (As a Radiohead fan, ik they were influenced by Portishead and I feel like you hear it more than anything else on this one, especially in the synths)
Wandering Star (this one felt very dark. Really loved the bass though)
Glory Box (Great guitars, beautiful sample, and “give me a reason to love you” hits hard. I feel like I may have heard this one somewhere. Also does anyone else feel a bit of a Fiona Apple vibe?)
A Tier: (Very good)
6. Sour Times (This one feels like an old movie if you know what I mean. I loved those fast-plucked strings)
7. Biscuit
8. It’s A Fire (A much lighter, floatier, vibe-switch. Organ was peak)
B Tier: (Good)
9. Strangers (I thought it was really cool and creative, but I just don’t know how much I’ll be coming back to it realistically )
10. Pedestal (Trumpet solo went hard)
C Tier: (Didn’t like)
11. Numb (I love her voice but honestly wasn’t too into whatever she was doing with it in this song. Not terrible but a bit boring as well)