Traffic

Solid record. Never heard this entire album until now.

Pretty good, has that 70s sound but well written. Can come back to it 4.3

Early Rock. Ok.

Pffff

Traffic is a great band, but this one falls somewhere in the middle of their discography for me. John Barleycorn and Low Spark are far better records, hopefully those are here too. Overall, it’s decent with some great songs, and a lot of filler.

It's definitely of its time. There's some good melodies and instrumentations, the sort you'd hear in a cafe scene in a Tarantino movie. The lyrics are a bit more of a mixed bag. There's a lot of the '60s cliches in there, that's for sure. It's good for what it is, but lets just be glad that Black Sabbath were only two years away. As for the album itself, it could've done with being one or two songs shorter.

Vandeweek had ik al Stef Winhout, waar ik nog nooit van had gehoord, solo en nu krijg ik hem dus met z'n ploeggenoten. En dan denk ik nog nooit van Traffic gehoord te hebben, maar die blijk ik dan al eens eerder te hebben gehad in deze lijst. Volgen jullie het nog? Verder kan ik hier niet teveel over zeuren. Ik vind dit gewoon lekkere muziek. Het is natuurlijk ontzettende ouwelullenmuziek, maar het is ook gewoon fijne rock met duidelijke blues invloeden, een goeie drummert, goed gitaarspel, een orgeltje en iets van een harmonica. Jimi Hendrix-achtige lickjes op de gitaar. Alles er op en er aan. Kwaliteitsmuziek. Een 4,5 afgerond naar 5 sterren. Lekkere muziek.

I enjoyed this album quite a bit, especially the first half. I haven't heard much Grateful Dead-esque soft rock before but it was so easy to listen to, not in a smarmy Everly Brothers sort of way either. The vocal embellishments on the opening track were surprisingly awesome. As you might expect from a band called Traffic, it was my jam!

I quite like this style of music - which is becoming blatantly obvious as go through the journey.

Feels like this would have been a blast to see live.

I think the only song I’d heard by them before was ‘Feelin’ Alright?’ Which has a great vibe to it. I really enjoyed this self titled album from Traffic with the 60s psychedelic and folk rock influences. I could definitely see myself listening to this album again in the future!

Never loved Traffic. These guys were huge in Canada but by the time I heard this record in full the mid-70s, the ship had sailed. Psychedelic folk rock was an anachronism. Feelin Alright was already on an oldies station. The band was so popular in Canada I actually thought Jim Capaldi was Canadian. Steve Winwood was not the new wave Steve at this point but it wasn’t the vocals that are the problem on this Traffic’s second LP. It’s just that it’s remarkably uninteresting both lyrically and musically. See Vagabond Virgin. Medicated Goo and all the other so called songs on the record. I will say that in order to end up with this pile of crap a massive amount of drugs had to have been consumed. No one gets laid. Seriously, this was a difficult listen. My dog enjoyed the record though. Licked his nuts for 57 minutes. He is old and slightly deaf. My take: This record was included in the list to show that when enough people do drugs they will create a work so intensely boring and unpleasant that some people will think it’s genius. … and in all likelihood vote Republican.

Pretty generic but has a very satisfying guitar sound.

you know what hell yeah

Cool but didn’t blow my mind.

Hadn't listened to this one. Winwood is very talented. Nice record

Huh I’ve never really listened to Traffic -> start album -> oh yeah this is Traffic they’re cool -> album ends -> not my favorite but pretty good -> X amount of time passes -> Huh I’ve never really listened to Traffic This cycle will continue until I die (3.5/5)

Pretty good, I think the Mr. Fantasy album is better.

I was very surprised by this album. I thought it was going to be just another generic 60s rocker and it was so much better. Great jams, sick organ, interesting lyrics.

I listened to this album and quite liked it but waited a day or two to write this review and sitting here now I'm having a hard time remembering a lot of it which says something. 3.5🌟

This is blandest distillation of late 60’s psych pop (low emphasis on the psych) imaginable. When I listen to this, I feel like I don’t know exactly who this is, but I know exactly when it was recorded. Any artistic endeavor that is more closely tied to the years it came from than the creators involved is pretty unremarkable. I read a bit about them and discovered Steve Winwood is the front man which makes a lot of sense. His work in the 80s sounds more like the 80s than a vision of an artist. I doubt I would ever listen to this again. I would rather listen to the better acts that they were copying.

Some cool country sounds, of course done much better by others. Still, i had fun. Maybe a little long for what it is, but I heard some much worse late 60s rock albums that are less interesting than this one.

Traffic was a supergroup formed in 1967 featuring Steve Winwood and Dave Mason. Winwood and Mason were the two who put the super in the group and wouldn’t you know, it seems they had trouble working together. One way you can tell is that this 10-track album includes five songs written and sung by Dave Mason and five songs written and sung by Steve Winwood. Also, this version of Traffic had broken up by 1969, though other versions would come together over the years to record and tour. Mason’s songs were more folky rock songs with pop sensibilities. Some of his songs sounded like lutes were being played on them. Winwood’s songs were jazzy, bluesy rock songs, and I liked his half better. Mason’s songs weren’t bad, in fact, Mason wrote the hit on the album, which you might have heard, it’s called Feelin’ Alright. With some of these albums on the 1,001 list, I have to figure out why they were included. I’m not saying this album is good, it is. But it just doesn’t blow me away. The musicianship is great, the songwriting is good. The lyrics are plain enough, save for a few songs that leave you to wonder what they’re singing about. At the end of the day, I enjoyed the album, but it’s not going in regular rotation. However, I think you'll be fine if you want to skip this, but if you like folky/bluesy/rock/pop music from the 1960s, this might be your jam.

Great band, good record

Yeah, this was excellent stuff in the main. It's probably a little bit situational - I was listening in a nice chair on the first morning of a holiday, looking out over the Welsh hills at the drizzle, so was already in an excellent mental space. This was a good accompaniment, it's quite groovy, with super guitar work and admirable vocals from Winwood. It's not the kind of thing that will stay with you for a hugely long time, but it is, nevertheless, a lovely record to listen to.

I liked this album though it is pretty tonally all over the place. I think it gets stronger as it goes and the only song I even kind of recognized was Feelin' Alright. The first peak for me was No Time to Live, and I also like Shanghai Noodle Factory a lot, some great prog jamming tucked at the end there. Good album.

Pretty ok.

Lovely.

Hoping this isn't the only Traffic album on the list.

A low 3. I like John Barleycorn Must Die. This... Is fine but doesn't do that much for me and little stood out. Also Vagabond Virgin sounded pretty dodgy.

I mean, it's ok. It's not inspiring. It's pretty forgettable. I wouldn't bother seeking it out again. You can tell it is the same era as cream but with none of the excitement. Meh.

awesome bass lines!

Better than some of their other albums, but not great by any means. plenty of good blues and jazz influence here. It's alright for an Austin Powers movie maybe.

I would definitely listen to this in my car.

3.5

Pretty middle of the road, but alright enough. Cool solos and instrumentation, although I didn't love any track in particular. 3

Honestly just a completely average run of the mill 60s album, I can't find anything to hate about it, nor can I find anything that even makes it remotely interesting or compelling.

Not my usual style but I can appreciate the vocal skills, complex arrangements, and awesome instrumentation!

Generic but decent

It’s ok.

Early rock and too country.

Traffic brings out another rock album, that I kind of like, but it doesn't sound super great, not too exciting.

Feelin’ Alright? is a rad song but Feelin’ Alright? does not a great album make.

I hadn’t heard this before and am pumped to know about it!

Some nice guitar solos. Blues/rock, laid back groovy bops. ended up just sampling the second half, medicated goo is one of the better ones but overall eh.

An album that sounds great but isnt very enjoyable. The instruments really pop - I love the thumping of the drums, and the addition of organ, harmonica, horns, and especially flute really gives this a lot of life. But the songwriting is full of moments where the pace of the song changes suddenly, which can be jarring. And then a harmonica or organ will be thrown in, but not in a way that really matches the rhythm. It reminds me a jazz album a bit. "Feelin' Alright?" avoids this and is the most immediately enjoyable song. Then again, it also sounds like a generic 60's rock song, so I guess you have to pick your poison there. The worst thing about this is the lyrics, they feel like they were written because they had to be and are full of forced rhymes and psychedelic rock cliches. Key examples are the goofy opener and the sun/fun rhyme on "Pearly Queen."

Not bad. Not great.

Just fine

Another album that I would have left out to make space for something else. I love Traffic, and this is a great album, but John Barleycorn Must Die or The Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys are a better representation. If a band’s sound only changes in tiny increments, one album is all you need to experience what they have to share. No complaint about the album at all - tight and loose at turns - you can feel the palpable joy of making good music together.

I like Traffic but prefer the jazz excursions of "Freedom Rider" and "Low Spark of High Heel Boys" and the traditional acoustic songs of "John Barleycorn Must Die" over this album. There's too much hippy-dippy filler and it goes on way too long (I guess I listened to the UK bonus track version). Still, there's great playing and singing here and they were an interesting band tha5 couldn't be labeled.

Some songs sound like if The Kinks went in a psychedelic direction, which is cool, but a lot of this is pretty generic 60s rock. It does improve in the second half. Not bad, but didnt move me, kinda doubting the essentiality of it

3/5

Really good almost all of the way thru. Better than expected

This was decent enough but I did not save any songs so unfortunately, 2/5.

It’s alright some songs better than others. Not my style though. Quality quite good for the year it came out

Lige min slags psykedelisk rock. Det er sådan noget, jeg burde have hørt for 30 år siden, men bedre sent end aldrig.

Love this chill late 60’s sound.

213/1089 - I'm feelin' alright about this one!

Nice rock album. Interesting theme for songs seemed like there was a deep meaning. Besides that not very unique.

01) You Can All Join In - 7,0 02) Pearly Queen - 6,5 03) Don't Be Sad - 6,5 04) Who Knows What Tomorrow May Bring - 6,5 05) Feelin' Alright? - 7,5 06) Vagabond Virgin - 6,5 07) Roamin' Thru' the Gloamin' with 40,000 Headmen - 7,0 08) Cryin' to Be Heard - 7,0 09) No Time to Live - 6,5 10) Means to an End - 6,0 TOTAL: 6,70 (67/100) Current ranking: 437/646

The problem with music streaming services is that you rarely get the original album as it was produced. I'd no idea I was wandering into bonus tracks territory as the album became non descript and dead pan. Wasn't really landing with me anyway to be honest. I enjoyed "who knows what tomorrow..."

Good album. It was nice to listen to, with generally a major vibe to it. Some songs stood out which i was happy about.

Yes, I knez the opening song, funny/childish, pleaseantly surpised with some "deep cut" tracks, I will give a 2,8 stars. Maybe will listen again, but not ming changing.

J'ai vraiment donné une chance à cet album, mais je ne parvenais pas à rester intéressée. Malgré plusieurs écoutes, je n'en ai qu'une vague idée parce que j'étais toujours dans la lune au lieu d'écouter. Oubliable.

Sucks.

Unfortunately, this album suffers from a complete lack of personality. I kept forgetting it was on, and not in a fun, purposeful ambient way. No Time to Live was pretty good, but other than that entirely forgettable. 2/5

This was quite similar from an enjoyment perspective to the previous album which came up called Aha Shake Heartbreak from Kings of Leon. I would have to say that this album started a little slower in terms of the stylistic match for me but the second half of the album definitely hit more of my preferences. As such this will get a slightly lower vote at 2.5/5 but still be bumped up.

Pearly Queen is a pretty sick song. Jimi Hendrix came to mind when listening. That was the only song I liked. The album is all over the place. It's not terrible but should this be on a list of albums to listen to before you die? No. 2/5.

Jesus, I can't. Some of it sounds like they're imitating the first Genesis, some just sound too much like 60s, lighthearted music, some of it just feels pretentious. This was tough to listen to.

Struggling with this one. I like Traffic alright, and I enjoy Steve Winwood a lot solo, but this was very hit or miss. "No Time To Live" and "Shanghai Noodle Factory" were amazing songs that left a big impact, and I put them on repeat immediately after. But the rest was very... mid (as the youth say). And what the fuck was "Vagabond Virgin?" I realize I'm listening to this with a 2025 perspective, but singing a song like that about a 13 year old? So gross. Actually makes me want to rate it lower because of that song. This is really a 3.5 for me, but I'm rounding up only because of "No Time To Live" and "Shanghai Noodle Factory," which to me were brilliant songs. I wish there had been more like that.

Just another 60s rock band no one ever talks about anymore.

Nice, bluesy

The good songs are REALLY good. The rest are just ok.

Bad and boring

5/10 This feels like a bit of a mixed bag of an album. Background reading suggests that there was a bit of a divide between Dave Mason (who wrote half of the songs) and the rest of the band, and it feels very much like that, in that it’s a bit of a jumble of styles from track to track, rather than a smooth blend that one would hope for. There are some really nice bits and pieces across the album, and a few of the tracks are very good, but it struggled to maintain momentum for me and there was a bit of a lack of anything vastly memorable. Having listened through a couple of times, I can’t particularly recall any standout melodies, for example, as I often do with other albums that I listen to. I also found that, in places, the mix became quite cluttered and it felt a bit like some of the instruments were fighting for space with each other, rather than working sympathetically with one another. They are obviously talented musicians, and when they left themselves space to breathe and everything connected well, you could really see the potential, but unfortunately, there wasn’t really enough there to grab me and, alongside the uneven flow of the record I found it a bit of an disjointed experience over all. You Can All Join In - This is a chirpy little number. It’s nice enough, but it’s a bit lightweight. Sounds like they’re having great fun, but there’s just not enough to grab onto for me. And there’s not much in the way of variation either. Can’t fault the mix or the playing though. It’s tight and well produced. Pearly Green - There’s a bit more grit to this one. There’s a touch of the Hendrix of it, without the level of virtuosity. The playing is still great, of course. But it never develops too much and the vocal sections are a bit too limited by on the lead guitar and vocal playing the same notes, which swamps the rest of the music too much for my taste. There’s a bit more interest to the instrumental sections though. Don’t Be Sad - This is a decent song. It feels a bit cluttered in places, which isn’t helped by the mix, where a lot of the mid range in particular feels crowded. But when it brings everything together it’s very satisfying. There are some really nice little movements in the music that tie all of the parts together nicely, and it’s probably the best overall track so far. Who Knows What Tomorrow May Bring - There’s a great groove to this one, and I feel like we’re getting into the swing of things now. The organ in particular is great in this track. This is a really solid composition and all of the instruments get their own space, so the mix feels really clean. Great track. Feelin’ Alright? - I’ve heard this before. It’s got another nice groove and some of the percussion is great. It feels a little busy in places, but this does open back out in cleaner sections, which works as a juxtaposition. There’s a bit more of a jazzy blues edge to this, which is nice. It’s got a good toe-tapping quality to it too. Vagabond Virgin - This is closest to the quirky tone of the intro song. Some of the timing on the vocal is loose in a way that just rubs me the wrong way. Some of the instrumental bits are quite nice, but it’s a bit of a mixed bag for me, which feels fairly disorganised and just doesn’t quite connect. (Roamin' Thro' The Gloamin' With) 40.000 Headman - Bit of a change in pace now. There’s something of The Eagles about sections of it. It’s decent, and even some of the slower bits have a nice psychedelic edge to them too, with that little twist of folksiness. But it never really landed on anything with much of a hook that grabbed hold of me, which was a bit of a shame. Cryin’ To Be Heard - This is a bit of a meandering one through the verses, but it does come back together a bit during the choruses, although they’re a bit brash and don’t last that long. Again, I’m not finding too much to grab on to here. There are bits that I like, but it does feel a bit disorganised in general. No Time To Live - I feel like Phil Collins may have been a fan of this. There are echoes of this in some of his stuff that would follow. It’s more of an organised piece than some of the others, and it really allows space for everything to move and weave around. It feels like there’s something a bit more to get my teeth into on this track and a really good balance between light and shade too. It’s a patient composition, without getting boring, which is a decent achievement. Means To An End - A complete change in tone now. It’s a good song, despite the fact that it doesn’t really run on that well from the last one. Sounds like they’re having great fun and there’s a solid pace to it with a decent groove. There’s more here that grabs me and I found myself bobbing my head more than I did with much of the rest of the album, and it felt like it had much better hooks to it, especially in the lead vocal. Nice change of tempo at the end too. A good finisher.

Maybe just because I have a headache but I didn't enjoy this at all

I liked it! No song necessarily stood out on my first listen, but I could tell that there was some interesting production that I liked and would like to hear more of. If be especially interested to compare it to contemporary Beatles albums to compare

It was fine- I was entertained but it didn't "wow" me by any means. Easy listening though! Probably wouldnt seek it out.

Head tuned this one out, so I'm guessing it must be between a 2 and a 3.

Sidste album med dem var lidt bedre, men stadig godt

Mindede mig lidt om en slut 60er Rolling Stones plade, men de bedste sange var ikke lige så gode og de værste sange var klart bedre. Ret fed!

Pretty good folk!

This was a shrug album. Not bad but rather forgettable. Medicated Goo was the one standout track for me. Also definitely not a fan of naming your SECOND album after your band? I get the self-titled debut in a pinch, but this just screams a lack of creativity

It was an ok ‘60s rock album but not anything to write home about. The standouts were "Feelin' Alright?" And "Medicated Goo" but the last one wasn’t even on the original release so I think I’m being generous with 3 stars on this one!

Groovy

Huge respect for these guys, but his one just didn't move me. Not by any means bad, just alright.

I think the only full Traffic album I have listened to is John Barleycorn Must Die, due to it being one of the early works of Progressive Rock. So I am intrigued by the early works of the late 60s. Dave Mason and Steve Winwood, are names that have been well known throughout my entire musical life. I am also a fan of rock bands that utilize multiple singers and songwriters. Favorites, Pearly Queen, Feeling Alright, is definitely one of those tracks that makes any Classic Rock greatest hits. Side two of the album becomes a little more experimental with the longer pieces. Note: I listened to the Original 10-track album.

a couple of really good sons but nothing amazing

Holy shit! Who was in charge of telling me about this album, because they messed up! Truly resonated with me. Just clean songwriting, production, and instrumentation. A delight. Will need to dig into their other work.

I liked "feeling alright". This was fine.

2/5

Rock n roll clásico. Me recuerda mucho a Creedence. Guitarras poderosas y un bajo que se vuelve loco (para bien) en muchos momentos. 7/10

Aha. Late Sixties, British Band headed by a guitar genius. Rhythm and Blues and Rock n Roll inspired. Good tunes, excellent musicianship. There's a lot of it about to be honest, Today it's Traffic by Traffic, but (alas) not featuring a track called Traffic. It's good, it ticks all the boxes, but .... there's nothing that really marked it it as special. Solid 3.5 on the Biggie scale.

I didn’t enjoy this album much at all.

Generic late 60's rock, I'll pass. "Melody Maker enthused that the album showed tremendous pace and originality" Nothing original about this album in the context of the era.

Pretty standard for this genre and nothing really stuck out. Skippable

Hasn't dated well for me.

fine

Not a bad album. Typical of this genera in that era.

Decent 60's rock. Nothing that really grabbed me, but pleasant all the same.

honestly enjoyed this much more than i thought some great classic rock with other things mixed in

There is more than 1 music type. Some music consumes you and grabs your attention full force and fury. Some music is gentle and sweet and sleepy. Traffic is another type. You can hear and recognize it in the background. It stays and you feel the ambition and confidence. Comforting. 5 stars!

Wasn’t loving it

I love a good classic rock album, but this one would not make my Top 100 in this genre.

Middle of the road late-1960s classic rock, with a bit of prog rock and notes of folk. This was alright, but not necessarily worth revisiting again any time soon.

I listen to this entire album yesterday and I don't remember a thing about it. That must mean it was just nothing

Pretty meh. Some classic sounds of the era. “Feelin Alright” is a standout but not a lot to get excited about here.

It’s not bad—there are some nice catchy tunes but also some boring blues rockers. It’s a pleasant enough listen overall, but it’s probably on this list mainly because Steve Winwood was a key member of the band, and for the song ‘Feelin’ Alright?”—written by guitarist (and vocalist) Dave Mason but made more famous by Joe Cocker’s popular cover.

really solid and fun rock music! a little basic and it hasn’t aged well relative to its contemporaries

jorå

It's fine. Not great

Me gusta

Within the ranges of "not at all bad" and "very good - but not amazing"and the ranges of "folk rock" and "early progressive rock", this album is wildly inconsistent. It's not so much a blend of different styles, as that it sounds like two different bands, depending on who wrote the track. An enjoyable, albeit somewhat weird album. Not convinced that it really belongs on this list, but well.

Just kind of washed over me, nothing special.

Traffic has some solid songs. I font seek them out, but I also don't get rubbed the wrong way by those songs that don't hold my interest.

A bit more folksy than their signature sound but good nonetheless.

* Steve Winwoods band before Steve Winwood was being brought higher love * I saw this and for a first album I’m kind of glad we’re getting the late 60s done with one out at a time not a huge 60s rock guy * Guitar in this era is so self-indulgent most of the time * Also, a lot of electric piano not my favorite * Pearly queen is repetitive and it goes on for an eternity. I had more fun listening to “Are you waiting for the street car” that song rules even though it it’s incredibly repetitive by nature because it’s can * Feelin’ all right - I definitely hear some inspiration for ramble on actually just in general in Winwood’s stylings I I hear a lot of Led Zeppelin * Hell yeah, the wood block on Vagabond Virgin almost disguises the fucked up lyrics * Fighting impatience halfway through * 40,000 headman good narration likely very high * So much flute in the 60s! * Led Zeppelin + horse tranquilizers * Reminded I can’t stand harpsichord something about that Tinny twang * Pair that with the E piano and wow! I’m in sonic hell! * I get why this was a hit in its time, but it meanders so much (“no time to live”) * “means to an end” it’s currently playing in an 18 wheeler making good time on I 80 eastbound I guarantee it * Damn, I really was hoping that here we go round the Mulberry bush was just the nursery rhyme. the volume and mixing fucked on this track * GOOOO!!! Favorite song.

Джо Кокер сделал хороший кавер

It was quite good and live band jammy and pleasant. I would listen again.

I've never listened to a full Traffic album before and was pleased when hearing this album for the first time. Traffic always came off as a rock supergroup but I'm getting a lot of prog and jam type music here. 3.5/5

My god it's tedious. So, so tedious. I feel like I've heard this album dozens of times already. If there's a template of 60s/70s rock, this follows it perfectly. I wouldn't say it's a *bad* album, but it's not good, and it's exhausting in its sameness. 2.5 stars, but I'm docking it half a star because my mood noticeably improved when I started listening to something else.

Cool 60s rock album that reminds me of some of the tunes on Led Zeppelin I and III regarding its use of electric guitars.

It feels, like many rock albums in the 60s, cursed by the fact that the Beatles were as huge as they were. A lot of songs on here would stand out, if it wasn't for the fact that I feel the Beatles are just better at everything they do. It makes it harder to appreciate the album for what it is. To me it seemed like a reasonable album, some good songs but nothing outstanding

Started out very promisingly though I was starting to get a bit bored by the end. Nice clean production sound. I'll need to check these guys out again sometime.

One of those so so albums which may have been a moment or fill a timeline but given Winwood’s career before and after doesn’t feel particularly remarkable.

Rock music with wind instruments? Sign me up 😂 Favorite track: feeling alright? Other picks: who knows what tomorrow may bring, 40000 headman, means to an end

I wasn't really familiar with Traffic before the 1001 and this is the second of their albums I've now listened to and really enjoyed. I feel they maybe deserved a bit more success but the late 60s were so packed with good classic rock, clearly some things just got lost in the noise. There are a number of songs I liked enough to add to my playlist and as an album it just continued to deliver satisfying hooks and a decent quantity of swagger.

I’d actually put this at a 3.5 if I could

This was pretty clearly a group that was losing its direction by this time. Some decent track, but no real coherence to the music or approach here.

I had no idea that Steve Winwood was in any band other than his solo stuff. And by solo stuff, I mean, just Valerie and Higher Love. Band and selection of songs is not anything groundbreaking, but nothing horrible either. Like some unknown 60s-70s rock that your uncle listens to while he drinks beers in his basement.

nah

Wasn’t really my thing, no standout tracks for me

Not sure about this. It's the kind of thing I should like - it's all well played and kind of groovy, but I don't think it's dated very well. Also, I can't remember any of it.

Boiler plate late 60s blues rock. It’s fine, but nothing mind blowing.

Inoffensive blues rock blended with some fun Folky (maybe even proto-prog?) flourishes. Is Vagabond Virgin about shagging a teenager? 1960s were a time. This was pretty good but dragged a bit

Many other bands do everything here much much better. Really bizarre mix on some of these tracks.

I listened to the original release (10 tracks). This is one of those albums that exceeded my expectations. Traffic is one of those bands that I always rated as average, but this album was a bit better than average. Seven out of ten on a different scale, three out of five on this one.

I imagine these guys on the cover are reacting to me saying "I hate old albums". "Oh you do, do you? Ha ha! How about this!" Touché, band I never heard of. This was actually more fun than I expected; the Dave Mason tracks reminded me of my beloved Disney's Children's Favorites* tape with Larry Groce. The Steve Winwood tracks reminded me of the old albums I hate. So it goes. But it's a good instantiation of the genre. Fun instrumentation. *Shockingly I had this thought even before the songs 'Roamin' Thru' the Gloamin' with 40,000 Headmen' (which naturally evokes Dr. Seuss's "Yeoman of the Bowmen") and 'Here We Go 'Round the Mulberry Bush' (self-explanatory)

Decent one.

Thought that this was ok for the most part. I had only heard Traffic’s hits in the past. I liked the album, but didn’t love it. Three stars.

Easy listening

It is a pleasure every time I listen to Traffic. I've owned a few of their records going back to the late 80's. I could go to the swap meet with $5 and come home with five albums. The collection grew considerably. Lying on the floor with headphones plugged in, looking at the cover, reading line notes and lyrics. I read a lot of great books back then too. A real bright spot in a low point. But anyway, this album is just exactly perfect. Musically these four guys were magic.

I went into this completely blind. I didn’t know the band or have any idea what kind of genre to expect (but somehow from the name I had this premonition that it’d be a UK band, go figure). The negatives are pretty simple, alittle dated (no shit it’s from ‘68) and it’s got a lot of filler. And the second one is the most the bigger problem. Out of the fifteen tracks on the album, I’d say I could remember 6 of them but only saved 4 of them. So make of that what you will. But this album is impressive. It has a massive hit song that went on to be timeless and a commercial hit ( literally it's in a TON of commercials). It has a bunch of other tracks I saved cause they are just classic blues rock, and they have this nostalgia to them even though I’ve never heard them before. And I think that’s a symptom of growing up when blues rock was still everywhere. This album is seriously a classic blues rock. I only wish I liked the bulk of the album but I do think a lot of it is filler.

I don't really know what to say about this album. I only listened to it once, and I left as almost nothing happened. Production-wise, it sound really good and pleasent. Music-wise, they sing and play nice. And that's it. There's nothing more. No emotion, nothing really interesting but at least good enough to not being boring or painful. Just some ordinary folk rock.

Fun and funky, sounded a little basic but easy to see how it made the list, feels like a grandfather of an album

Some good tunes.

Alright

That was pretty cool, a few songs I recognised.

I have a much more recent Traffic album, but nothing from their earlier catalog, so I was interested to explore this record. The main thing that stood out to me was Steve Winwood's amazing voice. Dave Mason is a decent singer too, and a pretty good writer, but his voice pales in comparison to Winwood's, though most do if we are being honest. Still, having both of them on this album makes for an interesting contrast. Beyond this, throughout this album, I enjoyed the lead guitar work and the keyboards. And then there's that flute! Ok, seriously, you don’t often hear flute on a lot of songs (unless you are a Jethro Tull fan), so that was unique. A few songs which were highlights: I loved the way guitar bounced back and forth in Pearly Queen, great listen with headphones on. Who Knows What Tomorrow May Bring almost had a bit of a Motown feel to it, though this really soars because of Winwood's distinctive voice. Feelin' Alright? is a great song. No surprise it is one of their most recongizable, even if it was really made popular via the objectively better Joe Cocker version (speaking of distinctive voices). I thought 40.000 Headman was a great, great song, again carried by Winwood. Medicated Goo gives me an Almann Brothers kind of vibe. Very cool tune. Not everything on this album is great - You Can All Join In is a strange opener - but there's a lot to like. This is an excellent album.

Stevie Winwood

Feeling alright - Steve Winwood

When I first started this project I read many reviews by people who complained about the amount of middle-of-the-road British rock/pop in this list. I scoffed at their moans. Of course there's a lot of British music here! Britain made loads of good music! Stop complaining about being made to listen to nice things! But that was then, and this is now. I've now trudged through Faces, Yes, Fairport Convention, the Stones, Elvis Costello... And I've had enough. Traffic by Traffic is just more of the same. I can't give this a high score as it is just a set of ditto marks, an endless legacy of a time where, it seemed, anyone with a guitar and a quirky hat could squeeze out a mediocre record and hit the big time.

are they good? Yes. I like a lot of their stuff, this one didn’t do it for me. I think traffic is a great “greatest hits” band, but so many album tracks i just wasn’t into.

Meh

Haven’t listened to this in 30 years. I dig it way more as a 43 year old than as a 13 year old.

Interesting album - some wonky lyrics but a good listen

5.5/10 Highlights: No Time to Live You Can All Join In

Feelin' Alright?

1/1001 albums here we go

Bonbon

Kinda enjoyable but generally pretty middle of the road bluesy rock.

This album is really up and down like a rollercoaster, one track will be really good. You'll find yourself nodding along absent-mindedly, then the very next song will sound like an awful Blues Brothers cover. It was a coulpe tracks where I had to sit up in my seat and lock in, but not many. "Shanghai Noodle Factory" was definitely one of them. That flute? Are you kidding me?

Erster Gedanke: Niee gehört, Cover noch nie gesehen.

2.9 It's ok. A lot of 60s rock/pop/psychadelica on this list tbh, I've lost track of where this ranks amongst them. If it was 20 mins shorter and shed the fat it might creep up into mid-3's, but there just wasn't enough going for it to make it really good.

***A good album

Didn't like 1*

60’er rock, et par ok numre, lidt intetsigende

I liked this way more than I expected, will probably revisit a few of the songs too. I liked the variety of instruments they used and how cohesive the album felt considering how different each song was. My favourite was “Crying to be Heard”.

I think I've only heard one of these songs before. Very middle of the road. Didn't dislike it. Wasn't blown away by anything. 3/5.

Good tunes, good sounds, but some of it leans into jazz a bit much for me.

Was a good listen. Some of the songs had great jam sessions

3.5 - Good

Dear Mr. Fantasy is a song that grabbed me when I heard it in a commercial like 20 years ago as a teenager. That song isn’t featured here, but it gave me an interest in Traffic from an early age. This is a very solid offering from Winwood and team. Its variety is probably its biggest strength, and arguably weakness. It’s not the most cohesive album ever, but it’s a fantastic collection of well performed songs.

Honestly, I'm starting to understand why people in the '60s found hippies annoying

Play that funky music, white boys.

Not bad actuallym, expected much worse. Liked Cryin' to be Heard

emptied my bowels to this

No

Maybe two three ok songs, the rest is quite boring. I can listen to this but it will probably not something I remember when I end this list. Three stars.

I guess I really like Traffic. Not traffic, Traffic

It's ok, quite like the guitar but too many tracks succumb to noodling. Doesn't quite escape the late sixties hippie ghetto.

Quelques temps morts mais une sacré découverte sinon.

oof. too 70s.

Oh this was pretty good

I don't really have any thoughts

i guess its fine ? i didnt really know steve winwood was in bands

Classic

this was awesome

Shitty

Fairly standard late 60s rock fare - reminded me in places of the sort of thing Bowie was doing before he got his act together. Nothing really jumped out here, but pleasant enough.

I was left a little disappointed with this. I had high hopes after listening - and buying - John Barleycorn, as recommended by the 1,001 albums list. This sounds as though it can't escape the heavy blues of the late 60's, despite the band clearly wanting to break through with something different.

Great 'dad rock' with a bit of funky vibes

Feeling alright is great Most of this is fine, but you gotta be in the mood for it

Didn't hate it, didn't love it.

Pleasant listen but a bit too aged. Feels like music I'd listen at a generic burger joint

A pretty good album from a band I haven't listened to much (surprisingly as it's a genre/time period I enjoy). Enjoyable all the way through but by the back half everything did start to sound a bit similar. 6.25/10 (3.125/5)

generic and uninspired. it was a tough listen.

Felt like watching an old movie that might have been revolutionary when it came out, but it felt done as I was listening to it in 2025. If I knew more about the history and timing, maybe I would have felt different.

Can hear the influence on later bands. 3/5

Very meh

Released and sounding like that transition point between whimsical psychedelia - pink Floyd and the progression into harder and heavier rock music. It does sound a little dated but Steve winwood on guitar demonstrated why he is held in such high esteem.

Really solid band but there is no reason this album should be so long. It gets cheesy and takes away from the first half.

It’s certainly reflective of that time period, some of the songs have that 60s sound that is a real time-stamp. But still, Feelin’ Alright? C’mon.

Not good not bad.

This was another I had never heard of, but I enjoy it. Good vibes for having it on in the background.

Pretty sure I'm going to be an outlier, but there was a lot to like for me here. I'm partial to the folk/blues elements and I'm all for quirky, adventurous instrumentation. That being said, this feels like a case of too many ideas creating a disjointed listening experience. You can really feel some sort of tension between different creative visions or directions. The lyrics are also...yeah... Overall, nostalgia bumps this up for me a bit - a lot of these guitar riffs sound like home. Highlights: - Feelin’ Alright?: Ultra nostalgia blast - the most commercial song on this album. Reminds me of riding in my dad’s truck with all the windows rolled down on a summer night. This was the first time the vocal style really connected with me and who doesn't love a saxophone? - No Time to Live: Ultra moody with a heavy dose of weird soul - this was right up my alley, even with the quasi-whale noises. - Means to an End: Hell of a gear shift, but that guitar and blues grit really worked for me. - Medicated Goo: Feels the most emblematic of the whole album. Slick guitar, some really solid harmonies, but weird-ass lyrics. Lowlights: - Vagabond Virgin: What…? Okay, the flute can stay, maybe. - 40.000 Headman: Someone had fun in toddler percussion class… - Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush: :/

2.5 stars. Some songs were pleasant but overall the album tipped into cheesy territory for me. Feeling’ Alright was nice in a movie montage/end credits sort of way.

I swear I listened to this album once. I swear I did... but it already has been deleted from my memory. Or perhaps all 15 tracks just congealed into one beige smear of sound. I can't believe this band is came out of Birmingham at the same time as Sabbath. I can't understand how these 2 bands can coexist in the same time and place. It feels like faux-American music... like a novelty diner but instead of a 50s setting, it's woodstock themed and there are AI pictures of hendrix on the walls holding cheeseburgers and advertising the daily specials. It's cringey CCR. It's bad CSNY. It's "soul"-ish. It's Jethro Tull... but blander? The only thing that rescued my attention from the flavourless muck of the track list were the hippy dippy cringe-ass "peace and love" lyrics. I won't quote them here. I don't want to. This album made me question the validity of this 1001 album list. How can this be a significant album in the history of humanity? I call bullshit. And you may be wondering, why after that scathing review did I give it 2 stars? The answer is... 1 star albums are bad. This album is not interesting enough to be truly bad. It's boring. It's elevator muzak genetically engineered in a lab to soundtrack a walmart commercial set in the 60s. It's audio wallpaper for fake hippies. It doesn't deserve a 1... in a bad way. Normally I listen to every album at least twice and I couldn't do it this time. I got bored during my second play-through and turned it off so I could do my taxes in peace. Also...how dare they reference Shanghai noodles. In the words of Will Smith: Keep the name of my favourite noodles out of your fucking mouth. Highlights: None that I can think of.

I didn't mind this! It was pretty inoffensive, it just didn't really grab me at any point, except for the song "Who Knows What Tomorrow Will Bring". Rounding down from 2.5 stars. Listening notes: - reaction upon hearing vocals... "Oh! Okay...." - instruments remind me of early Sheepdogs - More of "Who Knows What Tomorrow Will Bring" please - long album! Hard to fully pin it down on first listen

the band who invented getting it all together in the country - hippiedom incarnate

Pleasant and well-crafted, but never truly commanding. It’s a gentle, drifting listen ; more background breeze than bonfire.

Rarely does 40 minute feel so long, no idea what is so essential about bland classic rock.

Your dad was on drugs, bro. Liked it! Will for sure pick up a copy if I see one.

Traffic is a pleasant surprise. Easy on the ear and I actually knew one of their songs: Feelin' Alright?

Rock. Muy bueno para su tiempo, muy completo, apasionado.

333/1001 🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑

Was really diggin' the album and then CRYIN' TO BE HEARD really took it up a notch. Strangely enough, I hadn't listened to the entire album, but absolutely adore 'John Barleycorn Must Die.' Another startlingly groovy song, AM WHAT WAS OR AM I WHAT I AM. Super freaking catchy!!

Some of the tracks I enjoyed, some of them I very much did not. Averaged to a 3

Didn’t get to where I needed it to

Hardcore dad music, I enjoyed

Fine enough boomer rock

Absolute chill vibes great campfire music. Was working with this in the background

Almost impressive how average this one is, it's like stock 60s rock

The first song I really liked, it was very Beatles-esque, after that it was decent blues rock throughout, nothing amazing but there were a few other highlights like here we go round the mulberry bush which was a fun one and medicated goo. The guitar work through was really good and the organ obviously by Steve Winwood. Overral a solid 6/10.

That was a great folk rock album with catchy tunes.

Partially listened before Fav tracks: Roamin'..., Am I What Was..., Shanghai Noodle Factory

I’m hard pressed to understand why this is here.

Solid if unspectacular; plenty of good and some meh. Nothing that I'd say stood out as great. Overall: 2.75/5

Sounds like all the other American ‘Nam music of the time. And that’s a good thing.

Kaipasin enemmän meininkiä, on liian letkeää (ja blues-progehkoa fiilistelyä).

Kuuntelukokemus ei ole varsinaisesti epämukava (eikä huilu tunnu kovinkaan häröltä), mutta bändin yksitoikkoinen taitavuus ja sen nörtihtävä heiveröisyys tekevät urakasta itselleni vähintäänkin epäkiinnostavan. 1,5

this was not my vibe today. to be fair i split the listening into 3 sessions, so it wasn't one playthru... i guess that kinda shows how uninterested i was. Notes: i am bored i want it to be over is this beatles? i guess this could be my mood, on another day 1 (my first low rating!). :)

It was kinda like if you asked AI to make a Beatles song

I remembered this album fondly from my first listen, but I'm glad I listened again to remember how mid it is apart from some good songs

UK rock band, late 60s. Really cookie cutter, but not bad. Blues and jazz influences. Psych rock just does nothing for me.

The blues numbers had me worried but they ended up closer to Hendrix territory than Clapton Hell. I also enjoy the vocals a lot more than similar albums by Rod Stewart. The production is much better than Zeppelin's albums from the same era.

Ég skammast mín næstum því yfir að elska svona tónlist en ekki þekkja bandið. Þetta er mjög góð plata og alveg pottþétt eitthvað sem ég mun setja aftur í spilun. Mér finnst ég hafa misst af svo miklu um ævina.

just another psych rock record, it's fine. there's a couple great tracks near the end though

It’s good but I also found it a bit samey after a while

begon zeer goed... daarna puddinggewijs wat in elkaar gezakt... toch goed voor 4 sterren

This was a decent album. I can tell they were starting to head in a more prog rock direction. It’s still psychedelic, but there’s also a good mix of jazz, blues, and folk rock. Like always, the organ was one of my favorite parts.

It's called Traffic because every song is a jam. Just super tight playing and writing.

4/5

Pretty good but pretty unremarkable. Somewhere between 2 or 3.

The definition of 'meh'

It's too bad that the other Traffic album on this list was one of the early albums that I got, while this one is among the last. I feel like I like this album better than the John Barleycorn album, but it would be better if I could compare them more directly in my head. Regardless, this album is cool overall. It feels like part of that transition from the 60s to the 70s in rock and roll. This album also does a lot to showcase Steve Winwood's songwriting ability 4/5

I was jamming my head in literal traffic

Decent album. I have a couple of their songs already liked on Spotify, but not from this album. I expected a little more because of them songs. I’d give a 3.5 if I could so I’ll err high.

Okay listen.

eh not rly my vibe but not bad

Another reviewer very accurately said that this is what Grateful Dead fans think this is what the Grateful Dead sounds like. Couldn’t be more true. This is nice for what it is. Well played, well balanced. But it’s heavy on the pre-prog psychedelia. When they just play music, it’s actually pretty good.

A nice discovery and the album improved with each track.

Late sixties was dreary

-i thought this was cool. classic 60s folk rock music with some interesting effects, especially in the second half of the album -though I certainly wouldn’t say I “loved” it, I think this is a record I would like to listen to it again. there was a lot of complexity and interesting bits I think I didn’t fully register the first time -Favorites are Pearly Queen, 40.000 Headman, and Cryin’ To Be Heard

3/10, 30%

Not bad, wasn't particularly annoying, good 60's vibes..

3.3 - Good, average, forgotten it already

Some nice bluesy rock, some weird stuff about 13 year old girls. Fave Tracks: Pearly Queen, (Roamin' Thro' the Gloamin' With) 40,000 Headman 3.4/5

It's ok

LIke this one.. Hammond organ by Steve Winwood always does it for me

Black Sabbath energy, men tröttnade mot slutet.

If I want to hear a big multi-instrument band of white musicians play various genres, I'll listen to Chicago. If I want to hear the whitest vocalist on Earth, I'll listen to Rush (I won't listen to Rush). If I want to hear unmemorable and dated songs that pass serenely through my ears for an hour, I'll give this a spin.

The best thing I can say about this Traffic record is that it put Jimi Hendrix's Crosstown Traffic in my head. The music is dull in the way only an English psychedelic rock in 1968 can be. For some reason I thought the Traffic guy was in Traveling Wilburys. He's not — he's actually in Blind Faith. Traffic is even in the B-tier of supergroups!! Two stars instead of one star because there's nothing to dislike here, on account of there being nothing here period.

First time.

Solid album. It's more like a 4.5 for me, but I bet if I re-listened I would get even more out of it, so I'll round up.

Very well produced and varied bluesy inspired rock album, with some jazz, folk & experimental influences. Opening stretch of the album is the best part full of highlights, mostly great bluesy rock tracks. Songs such as “You can all join in” and “Pearly Queen” help the album start with great energy. The biggest hit & catchiest song from the album “Feelin’ Alright?” ends the opening part of the album on a good run. The middle third of the album calms things down a bit and is generally hit and miss, with some standout tracks like “vagabond virgin”, “cryin to be heard” and “means to an end” but placed with weaker tracks like “…40.000 headman” which is probably the weakest track on the album. The final stretch on the album is similar in quality, but the album ends well with the infectious “medicated goo” which injects a nice bit of energy before ending on the decent but unremarkable “Shanghai noodle factory”. Overall, this was a decent listen. The production was great throughout and there were some really nice blues tracks. I can’t help but feel that the album could’ve benefited from being cut down to 10/11 tracks rather than the 15 song album that it is, but I respect the variety on the album. There is some great musicianship and vocal displays but it’s missing *something* to be considered an all time great album for me. Still, a good listen. 3/5.

fun as hell. I love quirked up white british boy blues

Wilde Mischung 😄

This feels like it was performed fairly well, and I didn't dislike it, but I didn't love it. It somehow sounds simultaneously like something from 1968 and 1980, with the organ reminding me of Boston or Kansas. 3.2

I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this record from a band I am ignorant of. It is possible that I feel this way because of how dang much the faces in that photo are flirting with me.

Not their best work, hopefully that means Mr. Fantasy is on here as well

Enjoyable listen if not a bit long.

Just fine.

Very very meh. 4/10

Never heard this album or band before. Pretty good. Vagabond virgin is kinda questionable politically

OK, first one put me to sleep, not the best opener. But Pearly Queen kinda slaps with jamming instrumental sections grounded by a simple refrain and don't get me started on the Hammond organ. I kinda dig this energy of pop and unusual sounds. Album progresses very nicely, maybe my fav moment right at the middle with No time to live, some great piano and organ work. I would see myself listening to this album again.

really enjoyed this one but couldn’t help but think how i would’ve enjoyed this waaaay more if it had more psychedelic elements. 3.5/5

👍🏼

Enjoyed it but nothing very special...

Idk, it can be kinda nice at the psych thing but it barely makes an impression on me, especially when it goes more folky or soulful which I don't find as interesting or engaging. So like, meh?

It were alright

Mostly fine, but I did nearly fall asleep at my desk. Possibly not the album’s fault, but life’s not always fair.

I really enjoyed this! Some really good classic stuff. Well written and fun. Would listen again

This was pretty good. I do think that the mixing sounded a bit flat though, it didn't really pop.

Early Steve Winwood and you can already hear that he is a production nerd. This sounds incredibly clean for early 70s rock. It is also apparent that he loves jazz which makes for an interesting rock album. The result is a little bit cold, but overall this is interesting and inoffensive.

I've decided to take a break from reviewing albums, which will end on Monday. I can't think about what to write. Sometimes, I have nothing to say. "Self Titled" is a good album, in my opinion. Not the best, though. 3 stars for "Self Titled".

This was interesting one, covers a lot of different musical territory while still being pretty poppy and accessible. Not sure how much I actually enjoyed it though, some of it just feels... Basic. Like background music from the early 70s kinda. It's not bad though, I was definitely tapping my foot for some of it, just not sure if it'll have staying power for me. 🤷

Ok I guess

I went into Traffic not knowing a single thing about the band, but this one really caught me off guard — in a good way. It’s a solid psychedelic rock album from start to finish. Trippy melodies, some jazzy touches, and that late '60s vibe that never gets old. Nothing felt too overdone, and even the weirder moments worked within the overall sound. Definitely one of those albums that makes you wonder why the band isn’t mentioned more in classic rock convos. Favorite track: Pearly Queen

I really enjoyed this album. It was a feelgood collection of chill songs that felt timeless despite the warm analog softness of the recording. Also never knew Steve Winwood started off here, very interesting.

OK, background music

Like a Splitting image the 60‘s.

Groovy 60s Brit rock band. Before listening to this album, only knew their song, “Dear Mr. Fantasy.” Recognized “Feelin’ Alright?” And really enjoyed “Don’t Be Sad”

I find it incredible that this album came out in 1968. Traffic seemed to be a good few years ahead of the 70s rock scene. Already they were taking psychedelic rock and blending it with complex structures, jazz, and a diverse range of instruments. What's impressive is how accessible it all is. How does an album with so many layers manage to include such a good single as "Feeling Alright?" There are hints of Steve Winwood's synth-layered jazz that would come later as well. I've been pleasantly surprised by how much I've come to enjoy Traffic, though I liked "John Barleycorn Must Die" a bit more.

A very pleasant sound universe.

It’s not bad. Nothing I would write home about. But it wasn’t like I was wishing it was over 1001 album worthy: No - 39/69

un po' pasticciato, You can all join in mi aveva gasato però

carino nulla di più

Traffic is a great band and this is one of their best albums. Perfect balance between their psychedelic rock leanings with the interplay of guitars and reeds and drums around suitably ethereal lyrics and their folk rock compositions which are catchy and fun, Feeling Alright being the best known of the latter. A consistently satisfying listen. 4.5 stars

Not my jams. Good though.