ThunderCurl wrote:should the number reflect the opinion of the reviewer or how the album might sit with the public?
Tyler brings up a really good point here. It's really interesting choice to ponder, and something that I know a lot of writers wrestle with. There are plenty of albums that I've had to write about (beyond RARB! just so you guys don't go back and re-read my archives ;) that I've given a positive review to because I can find in it (and describe) the qualities that I know a lot of people will like, even if it's not something that i necessarily like or would listen to myself. I'd be interested in other thoughts on this from other readers' perspectives-- how do you use music reviews, here on RARB or elsewhere? do you read reviews as buyers' guides or as opinion pieces? &c.