Artist: Dinosaur Jr. Album: Beyond

Year: 2007
Duration: 52:34

Beyond - A Critical Review of Dinosaur Jr.'s Album

If there is one rock album that has the power to take you on a ride through the golden era of alternative music, then it has to be Dinosaur Jr.'s Beyond. Released in 2007, Beyond marked their return to the studio after a long hiatus. Being a fan of the band, I couldn't wait to get my hands on the album, and it certainly did not disappoint. Beyond is an intense, soulful, and hard-hitting album that showed Dinosaur Jr. at their best. In this blog post, we'll explore the history of the band, the music genre of the album, the best songs of the album, the most innovative parts, and a critic to the album.

Dinosaur Jr. is an American rock band primarily known for their avant-garde sound, noisy guitar feedback, and alternative rock music. Forming in the early '80s, the band's original lineup comprised J Mascis (guitar/vocals), Lou Barlow (bass/vocals), and Murph (drums). The band's music has been categorized under various genres, including punk, indie rock, and alternative rock. However, it was their unique sound that made them stand out and have a significant impact on the alternative music scene of the '80s.

The music genre for Beyond is undoubtedly alternative rock. However, the album also features elements of punk, grunge, and sludge metal. The album's sound has a raw, rugged, and garage-like feel, thanks to the distorted guitar sounds, fast-paced drum kits, and intense basslines. Beyond shows Dinosaur Jr. at their heaviest, featuring a fearless and powerful sound that's hard to ignore.

The best and most memorable song on Beyond has to be Almost Ready. The song starts with a fast, brash riff, punctuated by J Mascis' screeching vocals. The guitar solo is nothing short of electrifying, and the drumming is impressive too. Other notable songs include Crumble, Pick Me Up, This Is All I Came To Do, and Back to Your Heart. Each song showcases Dinosaur Jr. at their best, with the band's chemistry giving each song its unique flavor.

The most innovative part of the album would have to be the guitar solo on Back to Your Heart. The solo is almost four minutes long and showcases J Mascis' guitar prowess with the fuzz pedals and excessive feedback. The solo is both captivating and thrilling, pushing the limits of what's possible with a guitar.

My critic of Beyond is that while the album is impressive, it features a sound that's a bit of a throwback to the '80s alternative music scene. This sound may not appeal to everyone and is an acquired taste. Additionally, some people may accuse the band of being predictable with their sound. In other words, the album lacks innovation and takes the band's sound to a broader spectrum, although there are certainly moments of brilliance.

In conclusion, Beyond is an album that's worth listening to for any alternative rock or Dinosaur Jr. fans. The album's sound is raw, powerful and features some of the band's best work. While it may not be a groundbreaking album in the traditional sense, it showcases Dinosaur Jr.'s ability to continue to make significant music more than 30 years into their career. Indeed, as the name suggests, Beyond shows the band pushing the limits of their creativity, taking listeners on a sonic journey that's thrilling and awe-inspiring.

In conclusion, Beyond is an album that's worth listening to for any alternative rock or Dinosaur Jr. fans. The album's sound is raw, powerful and features some of the band's best work. While it may not be a groundbreaking album in the traditional sense, it showcases Dinosaur Jr.'s ability to continue to make significant music more than 30 years into their career. Indeed, as the name suggests, Beyond shows the band pushing the limits of their creativity, taking listeners on a sonic journey that's thrilling and awe-inspiring.