Fri May 19 2023
3
It's like... They're almost good. The elements are there. There's egg, sugar, and flour, but it's not a cake. Close, but no cake.
This is a Random Album Generator.
One album a day.
From the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.
#1 Record
Big Star
1972
- Album Summary
#1 Record is the debut album by the American rock band Big Star. It was released on April 24, 1972 by Memphis-based Ardent Records. Many critics praised the album's vocal harmonies and songcraft but #1 Record suffered from poor distribution and sold fewer than 10,000 copies upon its initial release. However, #1 Record gained wider attention in the late 1970s in the UK when EMI reissued it with Radio City as a double LP package due to increasing demand. The same combination was used when the album was released on CD in 1992. It is now widely-regarded as a seminal work in pop rock and power pop. In 2020 it was ranked number 474 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. Rolling Stone also ranked the song "Thirteen" as number 406 on its 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. It was voted number 188 in the third edition of Colin Larkin's All Time Top 1000 Albums (2000).
Reviews
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Date
Wed May 31 2023
5
Wow, what a surprise this was. Didn't expect anything going in and was blown away by a great album. Every song is a jam and belongs on there, great runtime and an feel-good sound that is very reminiscent of CSNY, Eagles, Byrds and other greats
Tue Aug 22 2023
5
The most underrated overrated band of all time. The Velvet Underground of power pop. Call them whatever you want, this was lightening in a bottle that only found its way to the likes of R.E.M's Peter Buck and Mike Mills upon release. Who knew the singer of The Box Tops could pull off something as magical as this? Eventually, more of the world caught up to Peter Buck - or rather, R.E.M. hit it big and Buck and Mills praised Alex Chilton and Big Star in damn near every interview he sat down for. Those of us who knelt at the R.E.M. altar were all in. Big Star didn't stick around long enough to build any sort of following, but the three albums they left us are close to pop perfection. Every track here works, and truth be told, the album warrants a 5 for the timeless beauty of "Thirteen" alone. A halfway decent record label would have pushed at least two songs from this album into the Top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100. But at least we got R.E.M. from this, and we'll always have this music.
Thu Jul 27 2023
5
I love Big Star and I love this album. The songs where Alex Chilton sings lead are my favorites, but they’re all good. The standouts for me are “The Ballad of El Goodo,” “Thirteen,” and “Give Me Another Chance.”
Fri Jun 16 2023
4
This is like the textbook definition for a 7/10.
Tue May 23 2023
5
Amazing
Wed Jun 28 2023
5
Memphis magic, baby
Sat Aug 12 2023
5
perfection
Fri Aug 25 2023
5
Of the 3 original Big Star albums, this is actually my least favorite but it's still amazing. Great songs, great production, great energy, great variety. It's a classic. 5 stars.
Sat Aug 26 2023
5
Pop perfection
Sun Sep 10 2023
5
So good.
Sat May 20 2023
4
Chilled, upbeat, will listen again, a gateway album into 70s rock
Wed May 24 2023
4
Great album
Thu May 25 2023
4
Can't go wrong with 1970's classic rock
Tue May 30 2023
4
Jongens, wat een hippieplaat. Iedereen is 'my friend', slaggitaar en fluit, samenzang. Af en toe een pietsie steviger nummertje tussendoor. Een paar jaar later trokken ze allemaal een pak met stropdas aan en gingen ze geld verdienen, maar hier zaten ze nog rondom het kampvuur. Of een echtscheidings-LP maken. Al met al best een lekker lome plaat voor een zonnige donderdagochtend.
Thu Jun 01 2023
4
Just catchy and fun enough to nab 4 big stars; it really is ahead of it's time
Fri Jun 02 2023
4
thirteen is one of the most beautiful songs ever written. it perfectly captures the most pure, innocent, and true kind of love. in the street is perfect. its like these are great totems to remind one of how vital life can be. side 2 falls off but even in banality this record shines with simple but effective tunes, rhythms, production and alex chiltons beautiful voice. watch the sunrise is gorgeous, resplendant. i admit i am a card carrying member of the cult but despite the all the hagiographies and my personal bias it still just ever so slightly clinches a 4
Tue Jun 06 2023
4
Good album! And as far as power pop goes it is very tame and I really like that about it.
Sat Jun 10 2023
4
Very good surprise
Wed Jun 14 2023
4
A solid album and still leagues better than the vast majority of radio-friendly rock that followed it. More of a 3.5 but rounded up partially due to the strength of Thirteen.
Fri Jun 16 2023
4
8/10. Pretty good, reminded me a bit of Todd Rundgren. Not sure these guys needed two whole albums on this list, but I've liked them both so I'm not too upset.
Wed Jun 21 2023
4
El naixement del power pop, un génere tan maleït com la pròpia banda que el va inaugurar. El disc és excel.lent, però. Tota una lliçó de melodies, guitarres, composicions que s'adhereixen a qui les escolta, i el carisma sense comparació d'Alex Chilton
Thu Jun 22 2023
4
(4+) Отличный рок-альбом, который очень приятно слушать. Мне кажется, что акустическая гитара придаёт этому альбому больше шарма, чем другим альбомам. Единственная проблема у меня была с вокалом на некоторых песнях. Хочу ли я вернуться к этому альбому? Да.
Fri Jun 23 2023
4
Super band
Wed Jun 28 2023
4
This is an early power pop record characterized by emphasis on vocal melody and harmony. There are elements of glam rock in places and folk rock. The influence of the Beatles and the Byrds are obvious but this music sounds a lot like what would come later in the form of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and even college rock with their emphasis on vocals and jangly guitars. It's a shame this album wasn't promoted the way it should have been.
Thu Jul 06 2023
4
I've never heard of Big Star and #1 Record was all new music except that I've heard a cover of "In the Street". This album had a mix of styles. There were tracks using electric intruments that that reminded me of the retro sound that Space Hog has used and tracks that sounded like a pre-cursor to glam-rock. There were acoustic tracks that reminded me of Fleet Foxes, or the vocal delivery and overall tone of Elliot Smith. The middle zone between the more electrified and more acoustic tracks reminded me of the Bay City Rollers, and I could hear the influence of the Beatles. There was a lot of variety in the tracks from the start. My favorite track was "Feel" which drew me in with the the overlap of horns, guitar and keys. "The India Song" and "My Life Is Right" were also good tracks. I could come back to this album again to find out what I missed the first time.
Fri Jul 07 2023
4
Had listened the first part or so before, neat chance to listen it fully, and thankfully so, really cool album, great songs and a nice and calma finisher
Fri Jul 14 2023
4
Thirteen
Wed Jul 19 2023
4
It feels like so much was shaped by this album that on its own it sounds a little like a wild collection of 70s music sounds, for better or worse. 3.5, rounded up. BT - Feel - The Ballad of El Gordo - The India Song - St 100/6
Thu Jul 20 2023
4
Great album.
Thu Jul 20 2023
4
This almost rocked my socks off. It came really close at times, but it never just hit cruising altitude and stayed there. It threw some cool Zeppelinisms at at me then descended into Beatlesy wuss-rock, or even a more folky US flavour kinda thing... but you know what? I'll give it a 4/5 anyway. plus it has a song called "the India song" and as it happens, I'm in the middle of a 5-week work trip... in India! Shame it isn't a total banger or I'd make it the theme song to my SLIDESHOW NIGHT when I get home lol.
Tue Jul 25 2023
4
I don't have the reverence for this album that many others have. It's a very good pop album with some excellent songs. I don't particularly like , I guess it is Chris Bell's voice, which is one thing that keeps me from loving the album rather than just respecting it. Anyway a solid album that was basically ignored for 25 years. 4 stars
Thu Jul 27 2023
4
It's interesting to have this juxtaposed with my album of yesterday, the Stooges' Raw Power. Same era, but although this arguably comes off as pushing a more conventional rock sound, I think it's the more innovative album.
Wed Aug 02 2023
4
At first I used to think it's fine. They're fine. Ever since I first heard* of this band I thought "I should love them." So many of the bands they influenced is music I either really like or love; e.g. the so-called "power-pop" groups like Jellyfish, Cheap Trick, etc. I just never heard the killer single to draw me in. *which - I'm of the age, so I guess I probably *should* have heard of them yet nobody I knew had their albums in the 80s as far as I knew... but it was The Replacements' song "Alex Chilton" of course that brought them into focus for me which is a fantastic cut and an obviously direct homage to AC/Big Star and in fact is one that I like better than any actual Big Star song... This album? It's ... yeah it's pretty good. And yet I couldn't ever get these songs to sink in until today... I played it 3x until the melodies, great harmonies, accessible hooks... they finally started to hit. "Thirteen" is probably the closest (and obviously a big Replacements/Westerburg influence) to a quick hit - capturing a simple chord progression with nice harmonies and is just really sweet. I think I'd just always rooted for more - I wanted to be a fan of Big Star and i think it took me a while because they don't have The Big Song™ (or Songs) but it's such a listenable album from start to finish with more melodic twists than I'd initially given it credit for (it also sounds so clean for 1972). The fact that you can put this on many times in a row - as I just did - and it's not only not tiring but starts to reveal more is what puts it in keeper category. I'll keep listening. 7/10 4 stars.
Wed Aug 02 2023
4
The first time I listened I think I just let it play in the background but I actually listened again which is something I never do, and that’s when I real ex I really liked it. There’s a strong rock vibe in it that’s exactly what I like. Just a good good album.
Thu Aug 03 2023
4
Infinitely listenable - power pop at its finest!
Sun Aug 13 2023
4
This is a very respectable early-to-mid-70s rock album. It sounds exactly like I imagine it was supposed to: somewhere between the Beatles and the Stones. Unfortunately, they got lost somewhere in the middle and the result is a mostly middling album. It never pushes any boundaries. It's totally serviceable but, ultimately, just... alright. Upgraded a star because the production is truly fantastic for an album from '72. Just really great. Chris Bell knew what he was doing in a studio.
Sun Aug 13 2023
4
The rock songs are perhaps mediocre Attempts considering what it felt this album should have aspired to. This recording is regarded so highly that it’s hard to approach with an open mind. I came thinking the rock would pull me in, but I was more surprised by the slower, acoustic tracks. This is where the magic lives. These guys just spread themselves too wide, re-envisioned as a folk album this thing really shines.
Sun Aug 13 2023
4
rock and roll with lots of pop hooks.
Wed Aug 16 2023
4
7.5, not bad not earth shattering
Wed Aug 16 2023
4
4.25
Sun Aug 20 2023
4
While listening this record I went all Leonardo DiCaprio when In The Street came on. I never knew it came from here. I’ve seen the cover countless times but never really listened to it. And it’s a shame, it’s a power pop great record filled with lots of beautiful harmonisation and hooks that make you hum along. I learned that the band did not live on much longer and that is too bad. I think these guys really had something special here. 8,5 out of 10
Mon Aug 21 2023
4
#1 record gets a lot of hate for being one those albums people over-list as being “sooo good” which sucks because it is to me “pretty good”
Wed Aug 23 2023
4
Familiar sounds, chill album and even includes some noisier rock songs!
Fri Aug 25 2023
4
Appreciate that this album is incredibly influential to a lot of the music that i like. I like this album, but for whatever reason it doesnt click with me. It's very good, but not one I come back too.
Wed Sep 06 2023
4
Classic rock, forgettable but pleasant, feels like perfect road album
Thu Sep 21 2023
4
Lindo, soft y oldie
Thu May 18 2023
3
It sucks ass.
Fri May 19 2023
3
It was fine... even good. But most definitely not great. They hit a lot of the same elements as their great contemporaries but missed that magic that pulled it all together.
Fri May 19 2023
3
Pretty good, and of course the That 70's Show theme is in there.
Fri May 19 2023
3
fun vibe!
Sun May 21 2023
3
Thirteen was really good. The rest was alright.
Mon May 22 2023
3
Gay
Thu May 25 2023
3
I would really like to like this album but it’s a bit too much bloated 70s rock for my liking. It sounds epic but the songs aren’t really great…it was a pleasant surprise finding ‘In the Street’ though.
Fri May 26 2023
3
Meh, fine but a bit dull. I found the vocals a bit whiny, but not so much that I wanted to turn it off.
Fri May 26 2023
3
I liked them
Tue May 30 2023
3
De mannen zijn lekker pretentieus in hun bandnaam en titel van hun debuutalbum. Aan zelfvertrouwen geen gebrek. De ene zanger (overigens de minste van de twee, beetje fout Brits geschreeuw, die andere zingt veel mooier) is zowaar lid van de fameuze 27 club. En desondanks hebben we hier in NL nog amper van deze gasten gehoord. Prima rock albumpje, ik hoor er wat Beatles in, Elton John, Eagles. Pluspunten voor de koebellen die er af en toe in zitten. "I gotta have more cowbell!". Leuk om te luisteren, maar hierna zal het voor ons weer in de vergetelheid raken.
Tue May 30 2023
3
Dit album springt van iets te veel bijna-Beatles naar bijna AC-DC. Nou ja, dat laatste één keer, maar het blijft dan wel lekker hangen: het nummer Don't Lie To Me heeft een rock-classic geluid en springt er gewoon bovenuit. Bonuspunten daarvoor.
Wed May 31 2023
3
Not a bad rock album. Good songwriting but is missing something to make it more memorable.
Thu Jun 01 2023
3
Never heard of this band or album before. I enjoyed it.
Thu Jun 01 2023
3
A good fun time with little substance.
Fri Jun 02 2023
3
Enjoyed this for the most part. It has the problem that other 70s albums are so much better that the sound that comes through for me is just okay. That said it does give me guardians of the galaxy vibes which does boost it a bit for me. Would be 3.5 but no half stars, booooo
Mon Jun 05 2023
3
Rakkausbiisejä... Jahas... Paskaa on... Jahas............ marjatta tuu takas.. TUU VITTU TAKAS MARJATTA!!! HUORA!!!
Tue Jun 06 2023
3
This didn't really make a big impression on me, between 2 and 3 stars.
Sun Jun 11 2023
3
Top 3 Songs: 1 - Thirteen (4) 2 - Don't Lie To Me (5) 3 - In the Street (3)
Tue Jun 13 2023
3
Always a cult band for the indie community. Its ok guitar rock.
Thu Jun 15 2023
3
Nice! Fun.
Thu Jun 22 2023
3
starts off pretty strong but the second half of the album is kinda of weak still decent enough
Thu Jun 22 2023
3
Okay
Mon Jun 26 2023
3
Ahhh I get it. This is the proto-group that inspired a host of pop-rock glam bands in the 70s that were responsible for awful clips on Top of the Pops with fans dancing in flares and horrible knitware cardigans. The tunes are eerie- a cross between folk and pop. Well played but without a semblance of personality. It's kind of addictive and I feel it drawing me in. I feel myself reaching for the knitware catalogue.....
Sun Jul 02 2023
3
I mean it alright
Mon Jul 03 2023
3
Pretty standard kinda rock/power pop, but it's fun. 3.5
Tue Jul 04 2023
3
First time hearing this one. I've heard other Big Star albums and this one doesn't see quite as good. I'll give it more listens - maybe i'll come around. 3/5
Mon Jul 10 2023
3
It's just alright. Some of the songs could be on a soft-rock playlist, but this isn't anyone's favorite band.
Fri Jul 14 2023
3
This was fine! It felt like a generic album by a band that heard that Beatles and said “I can do that” and they kind of could but not really
Fri Jul 14 2023
3
Basic pop rock album, its not great, its not bad. Plain good for me
Fri Jul 14 2023
3
Power pop. Ni fu ni fa.
Wed Jul 19 2023
3
Listened Before? N Ah mid 70s US rock. I haven't heard of these guys before (and with good reason). I liked this okay. It was kinda bowie-ish at times, and kinda deep-purplish at times. Honesly, kinda generic for 70s rock. I didn't know this was where the song for "That 70s Show" came from until now, so that's kinda neat. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: In the Street (single mix)
Wed Jul 19 2023
3
A reasonable collection of songs. Nothing very standout, the lightest of threes
Wed Jul 19 2023
3
Very Beatles sounding after the initial Robert Plant/glam rock wailing. I enjoyed this much more than the third album. Thirteen was a standout song.
Thu Jul 20 2023
3
Not unpleasant. Some quite enjoyable noises on this album.
Sun Jul 23 2023
3
un bon album rock # pop des années 70. Je comprend les commentaires des utilisateurs. Ca cruisetout le long autour du 3.75 et peut-etre 4 pour une chansons ou deux. Mais ca ne dépasse pas vraiment ca. 3.75
Fri Jul 28 2023
3
Meh. The only Big Star song I knew was Jeff Buckley's cover of Kangaroo - a beautiful, wistful lullaby of a song. Wasn't sure what to expect of this album and...it's fine? I guess? There's elements of Bowie, Folk, AC/DC style rock and some pleasant guitar parts, but it doesn't really add up to much. It may well have been a great example of the style at the time, but other than a pleasant melody on Give Me Another Chance, nothing really sticks with me.
Thu Aug 03 2023
3
This was fine, pretty average in my opinion. I would have no issue hearing this again, but I don't think I'd seek it out.
Thu Aug 03 2023
3
Hey, daar zijn ze alweer, de heren van Big Star. Nog altijd kan het me heel aardig bekoren, al vond ik hun album wat we laatst hadden veel beter. Thirteen is een prachtig nummer 👌 (bij mij bekend geworden in een uitvoering van dEUS!)
Thu Aug 03 2023
3
Dit klonk al een stuk beter en veel duidelijker de referentie met Posies en REM.
Thu Aug 03 2023
3
I've listened to Third/Sister Lovers a couple of times since scoring it a 3, and I almost want to go back and bump up the grade on the strength of a couple of their better songs, but the fact remains that listening to a whole album of Big Star is a bit of a slog. Same story here. Best track: Thirteen
Mon Aug 21 2023
3
I asked ChatGPT to write me the number 1 record of 1972 and this is what came out. Pretty good!
Wed Aug 23 2023
3
Nice, very 70s.
Wed Aug 23 2023
3
What's up wisconsin?? Solid album, almost good enough for 4 stars
Wed Aug 23 2023
3
Nice Rock album but not really specia
Wed Aug 23 2023
3
Not bad, but probably wouldn't listen to it again
Thu Aug 24 2023
3
This album has me split down the middle, I really don't like the songs that feature Chris Bell, they sound like a typical 70s hair band. Like really, yuck! OTOH the songs featuring Alex Chilton are quite nice and 13 is simply gorgeous. So I'll split the difference and give it 2.5, grudgingly rounded up to a 3.
Thu Aug 24 2023
3
I don’t know that I’d recognize Power Pop if I heard it – or at least be able to distinguish it from early 70s rock, like the James Gang, for example. Big Star is often referred to as a prototype Power Pop band, though much of the LP is acoustic. All the cool guys at CKCU raved about Big Star and Alex Chilton. I’m not as impressed, but looking at the other releases of 1972, I'd say they definitely have their own sound.
Fri Sep 01 2023
3
Sounds of the radio of my youth…
Fri Sep 01 2023
3
Nice oldschool
Wed Sep 06 2023
3
3.5
Mon Sep 11 2023
3
#1 Record is the debut album by the American rock band Big Star. This is an important album within the power pop genre - since it's one of the first that was produced well, but it sold poorly at release due to distribution issues. Sales picked up after the album was reissued in the late 70's. Critically, the album was lauded by critics at release, but the record label could not provide enough albums to stores for their sales. This was a great feel-good album containing sweet harmonies along with strong guitar playing. I liked this album, and I think most people would too.
Fri Sep 15 2023
3
Solid rock album. I've listened to this one before. Very Zeppelin. If it wasn't for that 70's show theme these guys would be lost in history.
Mon Sep 18 2023
3
Nice and un-assuming.