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August and Everything After marked the true beginning of my fascination with (and addiction to) music. Hearing it for the
first time, it was almost hypnotic to me. I think that it was Adam Duritz' subdued yet sincere vocals and lyrics that immediately
grabbed me. Counting Crows' sound on this album transitions from hooky and lively melodies ("Mr. Jones", "Rain
King") to some of the most eloquent and introspective songs I have ever heard ("Anna Begins", "Sullivan
Street"). Duritz' soulful vocals are perfectly complemented by a mix of guitars, keyboard, percussion, and accordion.
Every element of this album is so authentic that it makes it almost impossible not to become wholeheartedly enveloped in its
beauty. The album begins with about 10 seconds of silence, then a simple guitar riff that leads us into the musical gem that
is "Round Here". The album's excellence carries through every one of these songs, all the way to the revelatory
and climactic "A Murder of One". This album is largely responsible for beginning my love for music, and for that,
I owe it a lot of gratitude.
Key Tracks:
Round Here
Anna Begins
Sullivan Street
Final Verdict: 10.0
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