RE: Album Review #137: The Doors (The Doors)
I've written reviews for 10 years approximately, but on a whole other subject: PC vodeo games. I've freelanced for PC Zone, PC Gamer, Computer ID and some other Dutch publications (although the magazines operated under their English mother companies). Now I wonder if there are somewhat "objective" measures by which you can grade music? Isn't that extremely difficult? For example, when I reviewed a game that wasn't up my alley, like a mech- or flight-simulator, there were still things like graphics and sound-quality, story-originality, use of available technology I could grade a game by. Even if I personally don't like the genre or gameplay mechanics, it doesn't mean that the game is bad... Do you feel what I mean?
With what you do, reviewing music albums and music artists, I have no clue how I would review an album that I personally don't like; I wouldn't know what else to "measure" music with, other than my personal taste... This is part of why I admire what you do with these posts, next to your incredible consitency, something I'm trying to copy from you ;-)
But I'm really curious how, and even if you would go about reviewing music that's popular, but not your personal cup of tea. Or are you one of those rare persons that can see the beauty in everything? That wouldn't surprise me either 😍
I used to be a huge music snob. I hated so much more music than I allowed myself to enjoy. But over the years, I've allowed myself to become more and more open. And while there is still music out there that I don't particularly enjoy, and while there are albums that are poorly made or planned, I have learned to find something in everything. A thing that I find very helpful...especially with people. There's something in everything. And in everybody.
I have found that I can write reviews for albums that are not in my wheelhouse...things that are not what I would choose to play for pleasure. I can still listen to them, and I can still find what's good in them. And I'm not afraid to give something a failing grade either. But I guess it just comes down to treating the album as fairly as possible, and while remembering past impressions you may have had, also remembering to take your personal rating back to zero and reviewing with as open a mind as you can.
Hope that makes sense!