Dark Matter album reviews

pjl44

Karts said:

The name finally makes sense, as does the lead track and even Running, which sounded ridiculous in isolation but works brilliantly in the album flow.

Agree with this 100%

nicknyr15

evenflow82 said:

Songs are great. Production is compressed and brickwalled to the absolute max. Whew. 

Agreed. I hate the way it sounds but on my third listen I listened to the atmos mix and it was like a whole new experience. Sounded so good. 

jonbond1779

Listening on headphones was / is a MUCH better immersive experience than it was in the cinema (movie theatres for my US friends). Although we had ATMOS and the quality was great I feel I really 'experienced' the album through my headphones!

cincybearcat

I am really enjoying this album. No songs to skip yet but I feel a few will fall that way over time, but solid front to back and more high points than I even expected. And it seems there is something for everyone as so many different favorite songs. Amazing album 30+ years in. 

I try to do this on release day for PJ album and then check back later. It was interesting as I looked back on Gigaton this year and some decent shifts. But here is my rankings at this point.

1. Scared of Fear - 10/10
2. React, Respond - 10/10
3. Wreckage - 6/10
4. Dark Matter - 9/10
5. Won’t tell- 6/10
6. Upper Hand - 9/10
7. Waiting for Stevie - 9/10
8. Running - 8/10
9. Something Special - 5/10
10. Got to Give - 4/10
11. Setting Sun - 7/10

Album - 8.3

Rank:

1. React, Respond
2. Scared of Fear
3. Upper Hand
4. Dark Matter
5. Waiting for Stevie
6. Running
7. Setting Sun
8. Wreckage
9. Won’t tell
10. Something Special
11. Got to Give 

Lifted

This album gets better and better with every listen. I started at a 6/10, bumped it up to an 8/10, now I'm feeling at least a 9/10. I'm losing sleep over it. This might be the best pure rock album of the century. So many layers to it, and not a single dud in the batch. I am no longer confused by Ed suggesting it's the best album they've ever made. In a lot of ways, it might be. Im happy to say that I feel foolish for my initial hot takes on it. It's usually the best ones that take some time to click.
 

LBCeddie

Lifted said:

This album gets better and better with every listen. I started at a 6/10, bumped it up to an 8/10, now I'm feeling at least a 9/10. I'm losing sleep over it. This might be the best pure rock album of the century. So many layers to it, and not a single dud in the batch. I am no longer confused by Ed suggesting it's the best album they've ever made. In a lot of ways, it might be. Im happy to say that I feel foolish for my initial hot takes on it. It's usually the best ones that take some time to click.
 

You went from "worst album in their catalog", to "rock album of the century" practically overnight? 

cincybearcat

LBCeddie said:

Lifted said:

This album gets better and better with every listen. I started at a 6/10, bumped it up to an 8/10, now I'm feeling at least a 9/10. I'm losing sleep over it. This might be the best pure rock album of the century. So many layers to it, and not a single dud in the batch. I am no longer confused by Ed suggesting it's the best album they've ever made. In a lot of ways, it might be. Im happy to say that I feel foolish for my initial hot takes on it. It's usually the best ones that take some time to click.
 

You went from "worst album in their catalog", to "rock album of the century" practically overnight? 

apparently it’s don’t respond, react! 

Lifted

LBCeddie said:

Lifted said:

This album gets better and better with every listen. I started at a 6/10, bumped it up to an 8/10, now I'm feeling at least a 9/10. I'm losing sleep over it. This might be the best pure rock album of the century. So many layers to it, and not a single dud in the batch. I am no longer confused by Ed suggesting it's the best album they've ever made. In a lot of ways, it might be. Im happy to say that I feel foolish for my initial hot takes on it. It's usually the best ones that take some time to click.
 

You went from "worst album in their catalog", to "rock album of the century" practically overnight? 

Yes. I heard it first on Thursday, so it's been a few days. I had a very negative reaction to a few of the songs when I first heard it. I didn't get it, but now it all makes sense and feels right. I listened to it 6 times straight through with headphones and my mind has been blown. 

nicknyr15

LBCeddie said:

Lifted said:

This album gets better and better with every listen. I started at a 6/10, bumped it up to an 8/10, now I'm feeling at least a 9/10. I'm losing sleep over it. This might be the best pure rock album of the century. So many layers to it, and not a single dud in the batch. I am no longer confused by Ed suggesting it's the best album they've ever made. In a lot of ways, it might be. Im happy to say that I feel foolish for my initial hot takes on it. It's usually the best ones that take some time to click.
 

You went from "worst album in their catalog", to "rock album of the century" practically overnight? 

So? I love seeing opinions shift and evolve. 

cincybearcat

nicknyr15 said:

LBCeddie said:

Lifted said:

This album gets better and better with every listen. I started at a 6/10, bumped it up to an 8/10, now I'm feeling at least a 9/10. I'm losing sleep over it. This might be the best pure rock album of the century. So many layers to it, and not a single dud in the batch. I am no longer confused by Ed suggesting it's the best album they've ever made. In a lot of ways, it might be. Im happy to say that I feel foolish for my initial hot takes on it. It's usually the best ones that take some time to click.
 

You went from "worst album in their catalog", to "rock album of the century" practically overnight? 

So? I love seeing opinions shift and evolve. 

and it’s still funny…but we all do it from time to time. 

LBCeddie

Lifted said:

vedpunk said:

Lifted said:

PJammin' said:

bicyclejoe said:

PJammin' said:

nicknyr15 said:

PJammin' said:

Lifted said:

My initial reaction is that this album is all over the place and has no flow. A lot of styles going on, and too many for it's own good. It definitely has it's moments, but the lows are very low. I'll give it more time, but if this isnt the worst PJ album in the catalog, it's probably only better than lightning bolt which isn't saying much.

For me wreckage, won't tell and something special were the lows. Upper hand, setting sun, scared of fear and running were my initial highlights. Waiting for Stevie has some great moments, and also some parts I'm not really fond of.

This album is a lot to digest....but for now I'm feeling a 6/10

And yes, I know my review sucks.

6/10? Now I feel like you’re trolling. 

Why? Is it crazy to think someone may not enjoy it as much as you? 

That’s not the issue. The issue is giving it a 6. NO WAY is it a 6. That’s B.S.

So, your issue IS that someone has a different opinion than you. It happens. It’s all part of being in a community. We are one, but different in our own ways, which contributes to the tapestry of our fandom.

You can have a different opinion. 6/10 ranking comes from the trolls. That’s it.  6/10 isn’t accurate at all. 

I'm definitely not a troll. I'm a paying member of the ten club and I love this band. Honestly, 6/10 might be generous now that I've played it through a few more times. Even one of my highlights, setting sun, I'm not feeling as much as I had originally thought. At this point I think the first to singles and scared of fear are probably my favorite tracks if had to pick.

I thought gigaton was a return to form of sorts, particularly the first half of the album. This one is 10 steps back.

On a side note, react, respond sounds just like can't stop by the chili peppers.

Wow, I’m open to all viewpoints but you just lost all credibility after stating that Chilli Peppers comparison.  Are you sure you’re listening to the right album?

Listen to the instrumentation, it's eerily similar. Once you hear it, you can't unhear it. It's not a knock on the song....I actually don't hate it.

Looking forward to everyone revisiting their opinions of this one 5 years down the road. I'm sure some will still love it...but I suspect this will be another forgettable album to most, much like the majority of their output from the past 20 years. 

5 years???

PJammin'

jonbond1779 said:

Listening on headphones was / is a MUCH better immersive experience than it was in the cinema (movie theatres for my US friends). Although we had ATMOS and the quality was great I feel I really 'experienced' the album through my headphones!

Headphones is definitely the way to go. Awesome experience. 🔥 

PJammin'

LBCeddie said:

Lifted said:

This album gets better and better with every listen. I started at a 6/10, bumped it up to an 8/10, now I'm feeling at least a 9/10. I'm losing sleep over it. This might be the best pure rock album of the century. So many layers to it, and not a single dud in the batch. I am no longer confused by Ed suggesting it's the best album they've ever made. In a lot of ways, it might be. Im happy to say that I feel foolish for my initial hot takes on it. It's usually the best ones that take some time to click.
 

You went from "worst album in their catalog", to "rock album of the century" practically overnight? 

Yeah, and I was getting 💩 for saying this album is no 6/10. NO WAY this album is a 6. All five of those guys can get a 6 just by rolling out of bed. They are so freaking talented. 

LBCeddie

Lifted said:

vedpunk said:

Lifted said:

PJammin' said:

bicyclejoe said:

PJammin' said:

nicknyr15 said:

PJammin' said:

Lifted said:

My initial reaction is that this album is all over the place and has no flow. A lot of styles going on, and too many for it's own good. It definitely has it's moments, but the lows are very low. I'll give it more time, but if this isnt the worst PJ album in the catalog, it's probably only better than lightning bolt which isn't saying much.

For me wreckage, won't tell and something special were the lows. Upper hand, setting sun, scared of fear and running were my initial highlights. Waiting for Stevie has some great moments, and also some parts I'm not really fond of.

This album is a lot to digest....but for now I'm feeling a 6/10

And yes, I know my review sucks.

6/10? Now I feel like you’re trolling. 

Why? Is it crazy to think someone may not enjoy it as much as you? 

That’s not the issue. The issue is giving it a 6. NO WAY is it a 6. That’s B.S.

So, your issue IS that someone has a different opinion than you. It happens. It’s all part of being in a community. We are one, but different in our own ways, which contributes to the tapestry of our fandom.

You can have a different opinion. 6/10 ranking comes from the trolls. That’s it.  6/10 isn’t accurate at all. 

I'm definitely not a troll. I'm a paying member of the ten club and I love this band. Honestly, 6/10 might be generous now that I've played it through a few more times. Even one of my highlights, setting sun, I'm not feeling as much as I had originally thought. At this point I think the first to singles and scared of fear are probably my favorite tracks if had to pick.

I thought gigaton was a return to form of sorts, particularly the first half of the album. This one is 10 steps back.

On a side note, react, respond sounds just like can't stop by the chili peppers.

Wow, I’m open to all viewpoints but you just lost all credibility after stating that Chilli Peppers comparison.  Are you sure you’re listening to the right album?

Listen to the instrumentation, it's eerily similar. Once you hear it, you can't unhear it. It's not a knock on the song....I actually don't hate it.

Looking forward to everyone revisiting their opinions of this one 5 years down the road. I'm sure some will still love it...but I suspect this will be another forgettable album to most, much like the majority of their output from the past 20 years. 

Priceless...

Lifted

cincybearcat said:

nicknyr15 said:

LBCeddie said:

Lifted said:

This album gets better and better with every listen. I started at a 6/10, bumped it up to an 8/10, now I'm feeling at least a 9/10. I'm losing sleep over it. This might be the best pure rock album of the century. So many layers to it, and not a single dud in the batch. I am no longer confused by Ed suggesting it's the best album they've ever made. In a lot of ways, it might be. Im happy to say that I feel foolish for my initial hot takes on it. It's usually the best ones that take some time to click.
 

You went from "worst album in their catalog", to "rock album of the century" practically overnight? 

So? I love seeing opinions shift and evolve. 

and it’s still funny…but we all do it from time to time. 

I'm glad it amuses you, but I think it's a pretty common characteristic among great albums that my initial perception is negative. When you hear something you're not expecting, it can be a bit jarring. Here are a few examples of other great albums I can recall hating when I first heard them...

Neutral milk hotel - in the aeroplane over the sea
of Montreal - skeletal lamping
Wilco - Yankee hotel foxtrot, cruel country
Radiohead - Kid a, moon shaped pool
Sun kil moon - benji
Father john misty - pure comedy

Lifted

LBCeddie said:

Lifted said:

vedpunk said:

Lifted said:

PJammin' said:

bicyclejoe said:

PJammin' said:

nicknyr15 said:

PJammin' said:

Lifted said:

My initial reaction is that this album is all over the place and has no flow. A lot of styles going on, and too many for it's own good. It definitely has it's moments, but the lows are very low. I'll give it more time, but if this isnt the worst PJ album in the catalog, it's probably only better than lightning bolt which isn't saying much.

For me wreckage, won't tell and something special were the lows. Upper hand, setting sun, scared of fear and running were my initial highlights. Waiting for Stevie has some great moments, and also some parts I'm not really fond of.

This album is a lot to digest....but for now I'm feeling a 6/10

And yes, I know my review sucks.

6/10? Now I feel like you’re trolling. 

Why? Is it crazy to think someone may not enjoy it as much as you? 

That’s not the issue. The issue is giving it a 6. NO WAY is it a 6. That’s B.S.

So, your issue IS that someone has a different opinion than you. It happens. It’s all part of being in a community. We are one, but different in our own ways, which contributes to the tapestry of our fandom.

You can have a different opinion. 6/10 ranking comes from the trolls. That’s it.  6/10 isn’t accurate at all. 

I'm definitely not a troll. I'm a paying member of the ten club and I love this band. Honestly, 6/10 might be generous now that I've played it through a few more times. Even one of my highlights, setting sun, I'm not feeling as much as I had originally thought. At this point I think the first to singles and scared of fear are probably my favorite tracks if had to pick.

I thought gigaton was a return to form of sorts, particularly the first half of the album. This one is 10 steps back.

On a side note, react, respond sounds just like can't stop by the chili peppers.

Wow, I’m open to all viewpoints but you just lost all credibility after stating that Chilli Peppers comparison.  Are you sure you’re listening to the right album?

Listen to the instrumentation, it's eerily similar. Once you hear it, you can't unhear it. It's not a knock on the song....I actually don't hate it.

Looking forward to everyone revisiting their opinions of this one 5 years down the road. I'm sure some will still love it...but I suspect this will be another forgettable album to most, much like the majority of their output from the past 20 years. 

5 years???

I hope I don't change my current mind. Lol....this album is really special.

Whatever guys...I came back it and updated my opinion! I could've tucked my tail and stuck with my this album is shite assessment.

Lifted

PJammin' said:

LBCeddie said:

Lifted said:

This album gets better and better with every listen. I started at a 6/10, bumped it up to an 8/10, now I'm feeling at least a 9/10. I'm losing sleep over it. This might be the best pure rock album of the century. So many layers to it, and not a single dud in the batch. I am no longer confused by Ed suggesting it's the best album they've ever made. In a lot of ways, it might be. Im happy to say that I feel foolish for my initial hot takes on it. It's usually the best ones that take some time to click.
 

You went from "worst album in their catalog", to "rock album of the century" practically overnight? 

Yeah, and I was getting 💩 for saying this album is no 6/10. NO WAY this album is a 6. All five of those guys can get a 6 just by rolling out of bed. They are so freaking talented. 

It could still be a 6 for some people...and I wouldn't argue with it.

Lightning bolt was a 5 at best.

PJammin'

Lifted said:

PJammin' said:

LBCeddie said:

Lifted said:

This album gets better and better with every listen. I started at a 6/10, bumped it up to an 8/10, now I'm feeling at least a 9/10. I'm losing sleep over it. This might be the best pure rock album of the century. So many layers to it, and not a single dud in the batch. I am no longer confused by Ed suggesting it's the best album they've ever made. In a lot of ways, it might be. Im happy to say that I feel foolish for my initial hot takes on it. It's usually the best ones that take some time to click.
 

You went from "worst album in their catalog", to "rock album of the century" practically overnight? 

Yeah, and I was getting 💩 for saying this album is no 6/10. NO WAY this album is a 6. All five of those guys can get a 6 just by rolling out of bed. They are so freaking talented. 

It could still be a 6 for some people...and I wouldn't argue with it.

Lightning bolt was a 5 at best.

Spartanacus

LBCeddie said:

Lifted said:

This album gets better and better with every listen. I started at a 6/10, bumped it up to an 8/10, now I'm feeling at least a 9/10. I'm losing sleep over it. This might be the best pure rock album of the century. So many layers to it, and not a single dud in the batch. I am no longer confused by Ed suggesting it's the best album they've ever made. In a lot of ways, it might be. Im happy to say that I feel foolish for my initial hot takes on it. It's usually the best ones that take some time to click.
 

You went from "worst album in their catalog", to "rock album of the century" practically overnight? 

LOL

Spartanacus

After my third listen and the need to revisit some snippets of some of them to rank in order, I went to playing my Pearl Jam shuffle (all studio albums plus Lost Dogs, and my top Ten Misc. Covers and my Misc. Originals albums) the rest of the weekend...FAN FUCKING TASTIC!

A listening project like this has made me re-rank Pearl Jam my #1 (Queens of the Stone age has held it basically since I got into them in 2013).  There is no better music catalog than Pearl Jam's.  Even Something Special (currently my least favorite on DM) came up and sounded great.  I love these album release weekends.