Reviews (page 6 of 7)
Solid 70's. Not every song was great but a good listen.
I had lower expectations of a band I barely knew from this era, but it was a great Friday morning jam.
3.6
Leuk! Maar er zat niet echt iets bijzonders in. Teksten raken me niet, instrumentatie wel oké
Pretty decent proto pop rock
Boring. I like That 70s Show tho
WOW! Not a bad song on this album. However, I don’t quite understand why it is on the list. It doesn’t break any ground, I really enjoyed listening to it and will listen to it again. But it seems unremarkable, if that makes any sense. I give it 5 stars because it is a gem that fits in my wheelhouse of music.
That's just an album that someone mentions, and you are like oh yeah, I remember them after thinking for a while. just fine.
Really good (with a few exceptions), and I'd probably grow to love it.
Not a thiiiiing to doooooo
Solid rockplade, poppet, følsom, harmonisk
Not too exciting
Solid and chill. That 70s show song
Great album start to finish.
This was a favorite in my rotation for a while. I only came to this band later in life but wished I had learned about them way earlier in my classic rock days. Just good honest catchy power pop.
Yeah, I don’t know. This is good. Nothing really wrong with it. Just feels a little ordinary for this list. It’s fine. But not essential. 3/5
приятный и местами знакомый
Never heard of this band before today, they are not bad. Chilled out easy to listen to music. Great for listening at work or while hanging out. I'm sure that I will listen to this again although nothing really stood out for me.
Some really classic songs on here like In The Street and Thirteen. I prefer the covers though. Speaks to the quality of the bones on this record.
This is a good album. It's catchy pop-rock with jangly guitars and nice harmonies (and so much cowbell). The lyrics are often a little too simple and sometimes saccharine, but they're not bad songs. I hear a lot of people talk about how influential this album was on future artists like Tom Petty and R.E.M. My issue with it is that it sounds kind of derivative to me. It often sounds like they're trying to imitate someone else — The Byrds, The Beatles, George Harrison, The Monkees, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, etc. It never really feels like they're a uniquely identifiable band. Even the vocals sound pretty generic. There's nothing that announces that this is Big Star. 3.5/5 — I'd probably listen to it again, but it's not life changing.
Really enjoyed this album, can see how it’s influenced so many bands I love. A good mix of music, but doesn’t feel a perfect album but would influence as few, added To my frequent rotation, 4 stars for now, maybe bump up to 5 over time.
Never heard of them. Sounds like 1970s guitar rock without a lot to distinguish it.
This is crazy. Never have i ever heard of this band before. And yet listening to this album was....familiar somehow, beyond the obvious influence echoes. I couldn't put my finger on it. It was like....the *essence* of the 70s, or.maybe the essence of the 70s from a nostalgic point of view. The music doesn't foreground itself, and isn't all that memorable...but it just fits. I said to Jenn as I was listening to this: "this music sounds like the interludes they used to have in "That 70s Show" between scenes when the characters were dancing to some instrumental rock in front of a green screen where psychedelic stuff was projected...." .......and then I heard it: "In the Street" I knew it immediately.... The theme song for "That 70s Show"! 😄 I love it when music burbles to the surface of awareness even though it's always just been there, under the skin all along, echoing though cultural legacies... This is a good pack.of bubblegum cowbell throwback poprock to end my day and week with. (Weirdly too, the first few notes of the first song reminded me of the beginning of Jesus Jones' tune "Right Here, Right Now"!!)
I don’t think I’ve ever listen to this album before. It’s really good… although it does sound like so many other band of that time, they do it really well. No cheesiness. I’m Not bored! But the drums are so treble-ly though… the snare sounds like hitting a stack of wet paper… needs a lot more body… amazing how production styles have evolved over a few decades.
Always heard of this, never listened to it. Have to admit it grew on me over past 24 hours. This quote stuck with though: The problem with coming in late on an artwork lauded as 'influential' is that you've probably encountered the work it influenced first, so its truly innovative qualities are lost. Thus, if you are hearing Big Star's debut album for the first time decades after its release (as, inevitably, most people must), you may be reminded of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers or R.E.M., who came after—that is, if you don't think of The Byrds and The Beatles circa 1965. What was remarkable about #1 Record in 1972 was that nobody except Big Star (and maybe Badfinger and The Raspberries) wanted to sound like this—simple, light pop with sweet harmonies and jangly guitars." I didn’t find the album exciting but it was pleasant and some of the songs were great (but the India song reminded me of Cups and Cakes by spinal Tap). My big nitpick with this album is the production - it felt thin and tinny and I would have loved more warmth.
3.5 It’s nice! Sometimes it sounds like Wings, sometimes it sounds like Paul Williams, it’s got the theme song for That 70s Show and a song about going through puberty! Short and sweet and easy to listen to, doesn’t move me in any major way!
This was great. Never even heard of it before.
It's glam, but I was surprised that it was "more" than just glam. There's a clear indebtedness to 60s pop and psychedelia, mostly through ample use of a springy 12-string guitar and gorgeous, lush harmonies. I was caught off-guard at how much I ended up enjoying this one. It gets a little ballad heavy near the end, but it's not enough to dock it too much. Favorite tracks: "The Ballad Of El Goodo", "Thirteen", "The India Song"
It's an enjoyable listen, but didn't actually find myself connecting with any songs in particular. Kind of just enjoyed the pop 70's rock as a whole. Epitome of a 3/5.
Idk something about big star clicks for me more than other shit from this era. Same with the zombies. Hits different
Never heard of this band until the Replacements and REM cited them as influences back in the 80s. Shame on all '70s radio stations for ignoring them.
YEAHHHHHHH immediate 5/5 I love this album and “Thirteen” is one of my most favorite songs ever. I love this album because it has “Feel” and then a song like “Thirteen” on it. And the “Ballad of El Goodo” my favorite “Desperado” knock off. Or prequel. I forgot “when my baby’s beside Me” was on this album!
Lovely bit of guitar playing here
This is a fun one! I haven't had many seminal "they sound like the Beatles" moments in my music listening, so I'm glad I got to finally experience that. And it's really good! Very, very cohesive project with cool sounds and feel switches throughout. Great new discovery. Favorite track: Feel
2.5
kinda gives early Bowie vibes but with a more folky base. enjoyable listen but nothing crazy good
3-4
Oh yay! This is such an underrated gem. Thirteen is such a sweet, wistful song. It gives me all the feels. This is a lovely album start to finish. It is quintessential 70s rock.
Just all really solid early glam rock, some really good songs on there especially 13 and the ballad of el goodo. Good listen from start to finish.
Don't understand the hype regarding this album. Seems like it's not much different than any other 70s obscure rock album. Critics must have been paid to back this record and that nonsense spread like wildfire. Kind of like Graham Parsons albums are really good😂💩👎🏻. 2.5, 3 is prob too generous, but the mathematician in me is rounding up.
Not sure how these cats got signed. They are ok, but not good. #1 sounds like it was recorded with a boom box off the radio while your mom did dishes.
Classic classic classic. Can’t go wrong with this one really
i've been watching that 70s show a lot this week, so like, of course it's THIS album
Favorite Tracks: In The Street Thirteen
It had potential, however I got tired of it by track 5
fun and simple, an ode to basic songwriting and simple themes. not many highlights, but not many lowlights either. Soft 3
I have to admit that I was a little disappointed in this one. After reading a handful of reviews on this site, I was hopeful that this would be one of the hitherto undiscovered (for me) amazing albums that I'd really love. Alas, not the case. It's pretty generic 60s/70s pop rock. A couple good songs here and there but nothing to really grab my attention. It is well played, well recorded, well produced, and fun to listen to but I can't see myself going back to it again. 2.5/5
This feels like a wannabe CSNY offering. If that was what the band was aspiring to, they missed the bar by a skosh.
This album brings the mid century rock and roll into the modern era. This is a quintessential 70's album but it makes strides to bring rock and roll into the 80's and beyond despite being released in 1972. The album isn't amazing by any stretch, but its influence on other artists can be seen. It is a decent album to listen to but I could not be bothered to really pay attention due to the slow pace. For an album that short, the pacing should be quicker in my opinion.
Interesting. Almost there for me. Decent but also forgettable.
Favorite Track: In The Street
Fantastic album!
I had heard of Big Star, but never had listened to them…this is one of those times that I’m glad for this project. Sweet, fun pop that’s catchy but not saccharine, sometimes CSNY, sometimes 90s Matthew Sweet. This is definitely on my playlist.
Better writers than me have rhapsodized for far longer than I have been aware, and I don't think I can add anything apart from deep appreciation. They got it right
What they do here is a fairly simple rock and roll, but they do it pretty damn well.
That 70s Show theme! That's fun. Otherwise, kind of a snoozefest. None of the haunting lyrics or melodies from the other album from them we heard.
Better than the other one, didn't need two from these guys
It was an ok.album
Magnificent and epic, capturing folk and classic rock sounds, excellent vocals and guitar sounds. Harmonies are incredible capturing something like the Eagles and CSNY without as much of a southern sound. Beautiful album.
Really enjoyed this one!
I enjoyed the first half more than the second. Overall pretty enjoyable.
Some bangers at the start bit of a lull at the end. Will revisit 7.5/10
Generally enjoyed this and was glad to discover it. It does seem interesting an innovative for the time, though perhaps doesn't stand so strongly on its own. Reminds me a bit of the Kinks, which I think of as praise.
Aight
vai a capire perchè, ma mi è piaciuto parecchio.
This honestly left absolutely 0 impression on me.
Only 2 years into the 70s you get all these suburban American kids raised on British Invasion, California Psych, and jangly country/folk rock forming their own bands to relive it all for themselves. Because it's a half generation later there's a degree of pastiche along with the bright earnest try hard optimism. You can hear the whole 60s thing refracted back through itself in this album full of hooks and harmonies and some really incredible crunchy guitar sound. Somehow this is both extremely derivative and foundational of its own style of unabashed song-oriented good vibes rock that would become power pop, college rock, indie pop whatever... I'm late to this band despite always knowing about them, and they endear themselves more with every listen. The acoustic final few songs let it down a bit though as the infectious energy dissipates.
It's a solid record but I don't exactly love it. I'd give it a 3 but I'm bumping it to a 4 for being so influential to Paul Westerberg
This is 1970s rock n roll at its most cliche, most bombastic, and frankly, its peak. Everything here is dialed up to 11, but it still feels authentic, which would unfortunately fade in the following years when other radio friendly bands attempted the same thing.
Jangly guitars and honey-sweet harmonies make this power pop gem shine, even if it doesn't always dazzle.
im losing tolerance for this type of album.. 3rd in a row. not into a man whining over the same riff for 40 mins.
I mean, yeah its a nice record, with pretty harmonies sometimes, but i don't get the hype behind this album. It's aight
OK
normalin 5/10
A banger of an album! Great guitars and vocals. Generally upbeat fun! Keeping in the library. High 4!!
Melodic but struggled to engage with it
Just didn't get this one. I tried to listen but it just kinda washed away.
This wasn’t really my thing. The sudden appearance of rocky Dont Lie to Me was very jarring, especially as the next song is almost Xmas folk music, then back to rock hooks after that. Then In The Street literally rocks up at the end.
Love this album.
Great sound for a first album
I like Big Star and some tunes here did immediately grab me, but by the end I was a bit bored of it. I think it possibly just needs some relistens, sometimes when I hear an album for the first time, it doesn't click - you need to get familiar with the songs. For now I give this a 2, but that would likely change in future!
early 70s pop/rock, decent effort
Solid 2. Not a single song will be remembered tomorrow.
Yes the jangly guitars and harmonies are there, bridging the Byrds to REM, Teenage Fanclub etc - but there's also a glam rock touch that locates this in the early seventies. Not every track is flawless, but its heights are mighty indeed.
Pretty basic
Heard this album in my early 30's ... 20 years after it was released...still sticks with me into into my 60's ...
Not my favorite
This is a band I've been interested in listening to for a while. I know it has a huge cult following but never really pushed through into mainstream consciousness. I can see why people like it so much. The music is all well executed, the vocals are great, and the songs are varied enough. It definitely sounds like a 70s bluesy rock album, but it's pretty early in the 70s and feels like it influenced other bands 4/5
Didn’t give a dedicated listen, liked it in the background though
Fantastic power pop record!
I always meant to listen to Big Star. They were a big influence on the Replacements. It has a Raspberries feel to it. Power pop, but a little more serious and better harmonies than the Raspberries. One of those influential bands that never had great success. Alex Chilton was a very good songwriter.
So so
Started off strong but had a pretty serious St Peter-out toward the end. Extra star to me for recognising the That 70s show theme song but it not being called out on the Wikipedia page.
It's okay. Not really my jam
Nichtssagend.
Some fun tunes. But ultimately indistinct in its sound. Thirteen is a great song. I can't say the rest grabbed me much. I think given its release in 72, this must have been a pretty fresh album at the time.
This is a band that is probably more enjoyed by musicians than casual listeners. They have harmonious ballads that are reminiscent of Beatles music, they have rock music that has been covered by significantly more popular bands and they have tracks that are catchy and fun. All in 40 minutes. That’s a good collection of songs for a relatively now unknown group. Pretty good album. 6.8/10
Oh yeah. First thought was 'big 5 stars'. The opening 4 or 5 tracks are flawless. If there's a pair of better wistful ballads than 'thirteen' and 'el goodo', I can't think of them. Absolutely wonderful stuff. Sadly it does go off the boil a bit but tremendous record still.
Pretty good, I’ll have to revisit it for a deeper listen
June 10, 2024 HL: “Feel”, “El Goodo”, “Thirteen”, “The India Song”, “Try Again” A much sunnier counterpart to their Third album, a lot closer in sound to their British Invasion influences and further from the 80’s/90’s alt rockers that would follow in their footsteps.
They capture (created) perfectly that jangling power pop sound that would be copied starting in 80's and to this day really. Just a great record to actually sit and listen too. And if Thirteen doesn't somehow stir some emotion then you your soul is chunk of ash.
Excellent record all the way through and Thirteen is a highlight among the many great pop songs. This is one to go back to over and over that never gets old.
I found this band through the Replacements. You can hear the influence on a lot of 80s/90s bands. Even without that pedigree, this is a good listen. 13 is a great song.
This was an unknown to me album going into this and is the entire reason that I like doing this whole challenge. What a great record. So much heard here is present on other artists that I like, I'm a little surprised I hadn't listened to this before. It's great, and I can't wait to listen to it again.
Out of all records this is definitely one of them. HELLO WISCONSIN (2.5/5)
Big Star maybe, many stars ... No! Basically music I don't give a crap about so no more than 3 stars.
Pretty good. Some nice tunes
I'm aware of the influence this band has had on the alternative/indie music scene but never really fully listened to them. I wasn't expecting it to sound so Glam & Pop-like but the fact it was released in 1972 kinda explains why. It's a very good album with great production & well crafted songs. It definitely deserved more success at the time of it's release. Looking forward to hearing more from this band. 3+ stars.
Meh
hyihyihyi kuinka paskaa rokkia. en tiennyt että 70.luvulla näin hengetöntä, inspiraatiota vailla olevaa musiikkia oli edes olemassa.. kyllä, he soittavat rumpuja, kitaraa ja bassoa rytmissä sekä sen päälle sanoja... siinä onnistuivat, mutta eihelvetti ole mitään MITÄÄN kiinnostavaa missään aspektissa... oksennus.... laatta lentää!!!!!!!!!!! 2010-pop on parempaa kuin tämä... hyi vittu!!!1 laulaja on mahdottoman paska, mahdottoman tylsä, käsittämätöntä, aivoni hukkuvat ,ak,akfas, akf, sj , miten tätä voi kukaan kuunnella rekreaatio aktiviteettina??????????? laitaka ne instrumentit alas ja ottakaa tietokonetta syliin, tehkää vähän sillä ääniä, ehkä eu tarvusu raiskata korvia tällä paskalla.. hyihyihyi kuinka paskaa rokkia. in the street
There's seemingly lots of big fans on here. Either I don't get it, or maybe it's a cultural thing, or perhaps it plays hard into nostalgia for some? For me it's just quite easy-going, generic rock 'n' roll. Heavy emphasis on 'generic'. I mean, it's fine. The first half was better. There's some Led-Zep sounding moments, just without the Led-Zep ooomph. And there's some nice enough ballads that aren't offensive. The second half, slower acoustic stuff, again, is nice enough to listen to, but it's all a bit bland and ponderous. A generous 3 out of 5
Very nice summer album. Didn’t change my world but I liked it.
Power pop. Ni fu ni fa.
Feels like a great classic rock album, but totally new to me. Great Led Zeppelin vibes.
A bit cringe ngl
This had a definite 70s vibe which I didn’t mind at all. 3*
Marginally OK.
Twee bollocks
I liked the first track but the album soon lost my interest. I love me some 70s dad rock but this was pretty forgettable. I won't be listening to it again.
I dunno who these guys are. Sounds a little familiar, but are they one hit wonders? Sounds like Saturday night feel good music to listen to when you go out cruising with your friends. I'll give 2 stars.
This is your perfect “70’s summer rock” album. No-Skips, All-Bangers.
How does this simultaneously sound like it came out in the 1960s, 1970s and 1990s at the same time. Stays constantly good throughout and never dips into "bad" or rises into "amazing" territories. I'm surprised at how much I enjoyed, because I remember that I could barely stand that "Third/Sister Lovers" album I had like two years ago. I like the vocals. Sounds a bit like Led Zeppelin at times.
good shit 4.2/5
Big Star is interesting. I think they are pretty good songwriters, but I’m not sure I always love the finished tracks. I wonder how different these songs could be with a different approach in the studio. I’m aware I’m in the minority on this though.
Als ik de baas was had ik deze band 'The Falcons' genoemd, want ze klinken een beetje als huismerk Eagles. Niet dat dat heel erg is: Liever huismerk Eagles dan A-merk Fiona Apple. De enige track van dit album die ik ken is het 70's Show intro op track 3, waarbij ze overigens ook niet te beroerd waren om de cowbell er even bij te pakken. De rest van de tracks zijn niet slecht, maar wat is het uiteindelijk een, mag ik dat zeggon ja dat mag ik zeggon, oersaai geheel. Ontzettend vergeetbaar. 3 sterren omdat het niet irriteert.
Nothing fantastic, but solid. I like listening to it.... 4/5
I was not previously familiar with this artist or album before listening. However, I recognized In The Street as being the theme from That 70's Show. The whole album is pretty good, it's pretty straightforward pop/rock. It reminded me a little bit of Badfinger and Cheap Trick. I enjoyed the album, and would listen to it again.
I was not familiar with Big Star before this assignment and really enjoyed the album. Would love to hear more.
background music
I had heard of Big Star but I don't think I had ever really listened to them -- definitely didn't know they were Tom Petty and the Replacements mixed together! Struggled not giving this one 4, especially with Thirteen and Try Again. I'll go with 3.5 but also put it on my shopping list
i've never listened to kiss, but i imagine it sounds like this 👎
jovisst
nice album but maybe a bit inconsistent. 7/10
In the Street
нормально рубят пацаны, вопросов к ним нет отличный альбом для жанра, мб и 5 заслуживают
Нормальный приятный поп рок. Чувствуется что для своего года это было новое и потом его переосмысли REM. Сказать что-то плохое тяжело но и восторгаться можно только тем, что это 1972 а не 1985 условно Алкоальбом: секс на пляже
I can see myself checking out more from them in the future. I like this
My first thoughts while listening to this: "Smokie - or what?" Just ok. But nothing special or remarkable for me. 2,5
I enjoyed this overall, sort of classic rock, had a bit of an AC/DC sound to them. Nothing really caught my ear so I doubt Ill be seeking out more.
30 seconds in and this is somewhere between Led Zeppelin and Cheap Trick soundwise. Now at track 3, In the Street, I didn't realize this wasn't written by Cheap Trick which is amusing considering my first comment. The India Song was nice, reminded me of the band America. The ballads are kind of dull and there's a few of them.
Simply ok! 3/5
Perfection. Songs, performance, sound - just a truly wonderful album.
Strong in the ways of power pop, not a perfect record, but a great one.
On first listen, I didn't think much. 6 out of 10 tops. Maybe 4 or 5. But on second listen, well, it's still not going to make it past the "7 out of 10" hump where so many good, but not great albums wind up, but "The Ballad of El Goodo" and "Thirteen", in particular, are quite good. It's good, not great, and given the awful initial sales (10,000 copies), it clearly wasn't terribly influential (though I suppose there are some exceptions to cases like that, e.g., the infamous Velvet Underground -- not popular, but very influential. Big Star is no VU.) I know it's random, but I got this recommendation right after a Thin Lizzy recommendation. These both have too much "white boy rock" (e.g., "Dont Lie to Me") for my tastes (and I'm a "white boy".) 3 stars
Best song: Feel Vibes: saccharine pop rock Themes: love, relationship issues
No.
Overall, just an ok album. It does have the original "That 70s Show" theme on it! Also, the song, "Thirteen" is fantastic. Most of the other songs are like a poor man's Led Zeppelin.
Boring album, nothing really original or captivating. If you've heard the Beatles or the Stones you aren't going to find anything new here.
I knew I'd eventually get to an album where my gut reaction was, "I need this on CD, and I need to be stuck in a situation where it's the only CD I have on hand because it's in my Walkman, and then, and only then, would I like it." Unfortunately, those days are long gone, and I somehow missed Big Star back when those days were very real, even though I knew they were important and influential and a point of reference for so many bands. A part of me wants to say this is two records. The first part belongs to Bell, who I don't really see as an "forefather of alternative rock," but rather a fairly mediocre mimic of CCR and other one-hit-wonder rootsy blues-based hard rock groups like Kansas from that era. I don't particularly like that sound, really at all, but I especially don't get this version as an alternative to mainstream rock. I find most of these songs to be filled with too many bells and whistles, and I also find Bell's singing to be annoying. But, then again, sometimes, the Bell songs are very tight and the guitar fucks, and I'm sold. Obviously there's a bit of nostalgia for the That 70s Show theme song "In the Street," an obvious lightbulb moment, sure, but I think my favorite Bell song is "My Life is Right." Then, of course, there's the Chilton songs. Recently, my Spotify has been suggesting "September Gurls" as an autoplay song, and I do like that song, so I'm not surprised that of the two, I like Chilton's songs more. "Thirteen" is obviously a standout, not only for this half of the record, but for the album in general. But at the same time, some of the Chilton songs on this half are wayyy too drab, way too quaint, and felt like Paul McCartney pastiche, and I mean that as an insult. And here's the thing, I want to say it's 2 records from two different solo projects, but I can't. "The India Song" ruins that, not just because it's bad, but because it's by neither of the band leaders. And then the closer is a duel-song of nothingness. But even when I want to make this clear distinction, I can't, because I can hear Bell and Chilton cross-pollinating, especially on Side B. And that cross-pollination? It's not for me, but sometimes, it's almost for me. If I'm generous and say this is a 10-song record, I like more than half of it, and I like 3/5 songs each songwriter brings to the table. But do I *love* them? Ehhhh, not really. I get how this is cool, but I don't find it particularly interesting for its time. On top of that, I can see the seeds of a great band, but they're also not ✨there✨ yet, not just because they're allowing shit like "The India Song" to slide into the track list to appease their poor bassist – they're still learning from each other as collaborative songwriters, and they're not done learning, and it shows. Still, I like enough material here to be intrigued. I wouldn't buy this on vinyl today, but I could imagine revisit it and liking it more. Honestly, the hype may have fucked with my brain chemistry, but while I don't get it, I at least get its allure now, which is enough to justify a relisten once I'm further on with this list.
Some decent moments
Bored
It's a shame that these guys didn't stand the test of time they same way the bands they obviously influenced did because I don't recognize anything other than the That 70s Show theme song (which I didn't realize was a cover). A few too many ballads even though they're all perfectly good but Feel is going in the rotation
Nice album - can't see the uniqueness to be placed in the 1001 list
Excellent
You know how The Beatles are attributed to the creation of over a dozen subgenres? One of those is power pop. Alex Chilton was a huge fan of The Beatles. And in this debut, he really captures what made The Beatles' songwriting really shine. You can hear Lennon in songs like "Try Again" and "Don't Lie To Me", Harrison in "The India Song" and "Try Again", and McCartney in "Thirteen". With catchy pop hooks and hard melodies, it's an irresistible listen with energy to keep you going the whole way through. Their debut is the most influential, kicking of waves of power pop artists, including the likes of The Ramones and REM which kicked off their own genres. Highly accessible, anyone can get into this with hit after hit. The 2nd side, although very pleasant, doesn't match the momentum of the 1st side. Less power pop and more acoustic-drive folk tunes. The 1st side is one of the strongest runs in power pop. And although it achieves classic status, it could be so much more if the 2nd side were as strong and memorable. They have their merits, but it does drag a bit.
This stuck with me better than Third. I think it's the influence of Bell. Still not quite feeling Big Star though. Much better listen at work than in the car - perhaps too trebley?
Good rock. Not special.
A cool record with a lot of great harmonies. But I missed the punch a bit so it’s only 4 stars.
Not too long, nothing bad, a lot that is good, not enough for a 5.
I know absolutely nothing of these lads, but this slapped. It was right in my wheelhouse. I was umming and ahing about whether to give a 4 or 5, as I’ve yet to give a 5 to something unknown, most of my 5s are things I’ve heard before. But this was tasty stuff, and I’ll be listening to a lot more. Simpsons: No
Very pleasant music. Solid 4 stars.
Calling this a number one record was probably a bit overzealous. It's an alright record, but definitely not in the top 250 of this list.
It was fun, didn’t massively blow me away though
I’ve tried multiple times. I just can’t get past the straight up wuss rock. I get the influential nature but no thanks.
Really wasn’t a great record.
#1 Record is a bit of a stretch. It’s very poppy, in more modern way than you’d think for 1972. It was probably ahead of its time. Big Star seems like a bit of a poor man’s Boston. Radio friendly rock but without the absolute bangers. Or really any bangers. 5.8/10
Nice vibe.
Was always super into Chilton's solo album bobbing for sherbet or whatever, so was weird hearing something so polished from him
First time giving a 5 to a group I never heard before. I loved this album! Reminded me of all my favorite music from that time.
Pretty standard pop rock. Just ok
Meh
Its fine
Beautiful powerpop record of Big Star containing one of of my favorite songs of all time (Thirteen). It's hard to understand (apart from luck and label issues) that most of the world missed this release at the time.
I enjoyed finding the theme song to That 70s Show on this album, but I don’t think I found much else to write home about. Forgive me - I think I like my Alex Chilton a bit more aged.
Not bad for what it is (70s pop/rock) but not at all memorable.
Strong 4
Pretty solid. I hear how they influenced 80’s indie bands like: the replacements and guided by voices and REM.
I like to go into these albums fresh and not look up any information about the artist or music beforehand, so I knew absolutely zero about Big Star and #1 Record. And after listening, I am extremely baffled as to why this exceedingly average sounding early '70s rock album needs to be listened to before I die. Are there member(s) of this band that go on to create a much more famous band later on? Did this album inspire the Eagles to start making music? No clue, but after clicking the Vote button, I'm going to Wikipedia to do some research on this. Best track: "Feel" maybe? It had horns in it, which made it sound a bit different. "When My Baby's Beside Me" sounded like pure bubblegum Partridge Family stuff.
A seriously great mix of relaxed and, well, powerful power pop. This really is another somewhat obscure 70s rock-and-roll album, but its conformity doesn’t mean it isn't enjoyable, and in fact this album was seminal to its sound. It might have been done better since, but that does not distract from this album’s enjoyability.
This sounds like a great driving album. Didn’t know the theme song for That 70’s Show was a cover. Pretty cool
This album reminded me of something that I don’t think this list does or will do. I’m wondering if at the end we are able to provide feedback because what I’d say is that so many albums on here had descriptions or sound that told me why it shouldn’t be on this list. This list should be telling us each time why the albums SHOULD be on the list. Whatever the reason. This album didn’t really standout to me but this is on here because this is an early rock album that influenced a lot of other American bands. That’s pretty cool. But based on the above description I’d guess it’s on here because he had a second life in the UK more so than The Rolling Stones accolades.
I really liked this one! For some reason I thought we just had an album from this group, but I'm thinking of T. Rex. Not even sure how similar they are, it's just a similar category for me in mind. But this was nice, a rock album to be sure but with a few pleasant sonic departures into acoustic territory. Really not much to say about it, but I had a great time. Favorite tracks: The Ballad of El Goodo, Thirteen, Don't Lie to Me, Try Again, Watch the Sunrise. Album art: In more ways than one, a big star. Neon lights shaping the star and the word "BIG" inside. I also like that they called it "#1 Record" though I doubt it actually went number one, sounds like they had some release issues. 4/5
Honestly this was a really solid album. It's really clear how much this group pulled inspiration from British rock groups like the Beatles, but also how their unique sounds went out to inspire classic rock groups like Boston and the future alternative rock genre itself.
It is likely that music historians are the ones looking at this album with any fondness to make this list. The album itself is good, but not remarkable, it is a generally good experience in listening that begs why Big Star was never as prominent as their contemporaries. There is probably a way to blame Neil Young for this.
Ain’t no one going to turn me round
My first listen to a Big Star album. The album title sorta sums up what this album is to me, every song here sounds like it could've been a number-one hit back in its time, for better or worse. Like many pop-rock albums around the time, this album sounds pretty derivative to me. There aren't many new ideas or interesting instrumental bits, aside from the hypnotic backing flute instrumentation to the serene "The India Song". With that said, I think there are quite a few solid songs here, as well as a few great ones. I loved "The Ballad of El Goodo", it's such a powerful little ballad that warms my heart. The chorus here is uplifting and the backing harmonization and lead vocals are great. I honestly think lead vocalist Chris Bell sounds way better on these slower and more intimate tracks. Like on Big Star's hit "Thirteen", which is a cute ballad detailing tweenage love. I think his vocals on the opener for example, which are louder and higher pitched, come off as derivative and grating. Songs like "Watch the Sunrise", another one of my favorites, have the band filling up the space with gorgeous sounds that come off as simplistic but wholistic at the same time. I also just really like the singing, harmonies, and writing of these slower songs. The instrumentation and playing here are generally pretty good, even on the louder songs. I like the blaring sax on the opener "Feel". The entire instrumental, and subtle instrumental switch-up of "In the Street" was very great too. It's one of the better hard tracks here. The acoustic guitar on "Watch the Sunrise" is warm and soft and nicely captures the song's mood. I did enjoy this album, even though there wasn't much that "wowed" me. It's just solid oldies pop music that sounds like it would pop off in the time in which it was released. Sorta still pops off.
Thought it sounded dull on the first lesson. Read up on the album on wiki and thought I must have not being attention given what was written about it. Second listen, still dull. Third listen, still dull. It's not bad, there's just nothing particularly good about it. 2.5*.
I liked how earnest this album was! Kind of a mix between the Beatles, Tom Petty, the Beach Boys -- I had never heard of this group and I enjoyed this album.
I'm enjoying this album, it's not trying to hard to be something other than the pop rock it is. Hearing the original version of the "That 70s Show" theme was pretty cool, too ("In The Street")
porque me hacen escucharlos de nuevo
This record is so beautiful. It's almost perfect for me.
The 70's Show theme! You can hear how this influenced future artists...Kiss formed a year later. Aerosmith's debut was also a year later. I hear White Stripes in there too. Also some dumb stuff I never need to hear again.
TIL the That 70s Show theme was a cover. Love the album art and on the nose title, and the album’s sound is just as smile-inducing. While the song structures are simple, they’re executed well with beautiful harmonies and a cozy sound mix. Plenty of tracks going in to the rotation from this one. Favorite tracks: Try Again, Thirteen, In the Street
Hey, that’s the theme song from “That 70’s Show!” Only not quite? I wonder how much Big Star gets from their song being covered for the intro of one of the most syndicated sitcoms of the last couple decades? It’s not even their version used, but it’s still their most lasting legacy. Which is a bit sad and underwhelming. It might be their “#1 Record,” but it’s not a #1 record.
I was yesterday years old when I learned that the opening song from That 70s Show was an actual song.
This album was a wild ride. Don’t Lie To Me rocked hard. And then it was followed up by the sounds of frolicking through a dewy meadow. I don’t think the band knew what their identity was for this debut album.
This passed me by a little. Generic album for me but didn't hate it!
Not bad, but nothing special for me
Calling youself Big Star and being bang on average is pretty tragic.
Great band, forgotten by many
#1 Record, Radio City and Third should all 3 be in the 1001.
Sounded okay, but nothing more.
After a couple of spins this albums starts blossoming. It is a collection of wonderful melodies, without a single weak point.
Amazing - I hated the Third/Sister Lovers album (1* rating!) but absolutely loved this! What happened in the meantime?
No idea that In the Street was their song. Always remember that it was Cheap Trick. Overall pretty interesting. Probably wouldn't listen to it much again, however.
Serviceable pop-rock from the early 70's. Has the occasional Byrds feel with nice vocal harmonies. The repetitiveness of the lyrics (it feels in some cases that the whole song is just the title repeated over and over) is annoying once you notice it.... and not sure i have an explanation for a song titled "Thirteen" that talks about outlaw love.
Great power pop record. Really love the different sound of the vocalists, the jangly guitars, and heavenly harmonies. Side 2 is slightly worse than side 1 which is why I’m going with a 4.
A charming record full of engaging tunes, perhaps not quite distinctive enough for the band to be bigger than they were.
I am the cosmos.
Just plain good music
This is pretty good. A good mix of rock and roll, some folk rock, and certain something else I can’t place. The voice is interesting, I’m torn between liking it and it getting annoying after a while. A worthwhile use of my time. Gives me very classic rock vibes. 3.5
This one was good. Yes, it is dad rock (kinda), but that’s not necessarily a bad thing there. There’s plenty of things to appreciate here, the acoustic songs / bits (Thirteen is great), instrumentation on most tracks, some lyrics, and vocal harmonies were great. It was good, but not like one of the BEST things I’ve heard. There’s some good hits on this!
Excellent power pop record.
Mid southern 70s rock
Liked the first half more but second half was still enjoyable. I’ve already gotten their third album and didn’t like it as much as this one but might be worth revisiting now. Rating: 3.8
I got bored
I enjoyed this so much, I especially loved the vocals.
NO MORE ROCK
The Best album of a great band!
Enjoyed the 70s sound. Great vocals and strong guitar
This record is pretty fun. I didn't think I was going to like it based off of the opening track, but over the course of the album I actually enjoyed it. Cool to hear the original version of That 70's Show's theme song. 3/5
Decent album. Didn't leave a big impact though. I'd listen to it again 3/5
A classic to end all classics, how do I not already own this? B+
Fun
Jangly guitar led power pop with nice harmonies. Nice is the word. Rating: 2.5/5 Playlist track: Thirteen Date listened: 02/03/24
Very enjoyable album, good time listening.
Happy classic rock. Good mix of instrumentation (electric guitar, acoustic 12 string, some orchestral)
Best album I have on this site yet!
Had no idea that 70's show theme was a Big Star cover. Feels started out amazing and then got boring the second they left that incredible opening harmonic structure. Thirteen was good the recognize. The rest just wasn't that interesting.
An easy album that can sneak through and get forgotten by all of the genres because it covers them all. This easy-listening album from the 70s is definitely not in the easy listening genre. 3/5
4 great songs to start then the quality falls off a cliff.
Great rock pop album. Great find.
This was fine. I remember two songs. Plus Eric Foreman jumpscare.
Will listen again
I love unexpectedly good albums, always a treat.
2/5 We have Led Zeppelin at home
Nr. 139/1001 Feel 3/5 The Ballade Of El Goodo 5/5 In the Street 4/5 Thirteen 5/5 Don't Lie To Me 4/5 The India Song 4/5 When My Baby's Beside Me 4/5 Ma Life Is Right 4/5 Give Me Another Chance 4/5 Try Again 4/5 Watch The Sunrise 3/5 St 110/6 NR Average: 4,0 This was an unexpected surprise. Really, really liked this album from start to finsih.
it takes a certain kind of man to drink the big star kool aid and it seems, after many tries, that i am not that kind
Love the Beatlesque “Ballad of El Goodo” – has one’s favorite feel of balanced/slightly bittersweet, inspiration-adjacent, vaguely salvific pop-rock. There is a bubble gum factor. “Thirteen” is terrific and lovely; all other covers suck in comparison. The exact midpoint from the Beatles to REM, from the Byrds to the Replacements. Their more accessible/achievable template, with a slightly darker/offbeat feel, inspired lots of great bands – including quite a few one’s tempted to rate more highly than BS (on a straight-up basis). Could they be a viewed as a poor man’s VU? Or is that yet another insult of underappreciation for a band that had far too many of those? Trigger warning: “India Song” is awful colonial.
Oh this was great. This is always an album I had been recommended but never checked out. Right up my power pop alley.
An ok album
Alex Chilton may be one of the greatest songwriters to ever live. Big Star's power pop sound was (and still is) unmatched. 80's alternative college rock acts such as the Replacements and REM would find inspiration in these songs, and would even reverberate into the 90's to influence Primal Scream and Teenage Fanclub. Needless to say, Big Star's legacy is cemented in the history of pop music. #1 Record, as cheeky as the title is, contains a fantastic selection of songs that I find only gets better the more I listen. The simple things, from the warm production to the beautiful melodies, the upbeat singalong In The Street to the tender love song Give Me Another Chance, give this record it's personality and praise.
This is a good one I've thought about buying.
A masterpiece. A band and album too few people know about.
Hatte nicht das Bedürfnis, es zu Ende anzuhören
Dug this rock album - solid!
Nice! 13 är bra och kul att Håkan översatte!
A smorgasbord of musical ideas from the late 60's and early 70's, good, but not original. Really just aping what a bunch of the big groups were doing at the time, but even cover bands choose one artist to emulate, not all of them. 🐒🐒
Solid. Feel good. Chill. Fav songs in the street, thirteen, the ballad
3.5
не са лоши
The ‘That 70s Show’ theme song was a shock for me …. Sorry, but the cover was better. I really liked the song “Thirteen” the rest was meh
Habe ich so nebenbei weggehört. Ist OK. Two Stars.
Great record. Probably a solid 4/5 for me, but not 5 material for me... it's just missing something for that. Some solid jams though. Really like Thirteen.
Not my #1 record but an alright background listen
Big
I'm sure that this was well-received in 1972. And maybe they were inspirational to many bands, but to me, in 2024, it sounded like a parody band - a "Spinal Tap" of what a pop-rock band should sound like. Read up a bit on them, and it truly sounds like a Netflix show about a struggling rock band. (Inspiration???)
Excellent early rock album
Nice. Basic British Rock with familiar rock elements.
This one is a great 70s radio rock album - some great ballads and anthems.
Wasn't bad.
The Ballad of El Goodo // Thirteen // 3.5/5
Good album
Not that great. 2 stars.
Bit all over the place. Has a random bardcore track in the middle.
8/10
Good, classic rock. I was surprised to recognize the theme song to "That 70's Show!"
Not bad.
Alright....
I was surprised to hear the That 70's Show theme here. Really good alternative album from a band I had never heard of before this.
A good-sounding album but nothing really stood out as exceptional.
0 stars for nominative determinism, as this was emphatically not a #1 record, and the band did not become big stars. 3 big stars for the music, which is consistently tuneful and pleasant on the ear. I’m not sure how much we can credit these guys as being trailblazers, given the clear nods to 60s bands, but it’s testament to the strength of the songs that I reckon this album deserves to be on the list regardless.
Where would indie rock be without their #1 Record?
Música divertida
Its funny, I was kimd if surprised to see this described as "pop" since its not what I think of as pop. I'd call it rock. But then I thought, was pop a fully distinct genre from rock in 1972? I don't think I know the answer... Was also fun to hear the studio version of the 70s show theme song. I liked it!
Cool
Nice rock folk music
feel - mix is grating when my baby's beside me - that chorus aint no way good enough to be repeated 20 times give me another chance - makes me wanna sleep try again - wow slow song into another slow song, genuine lullaby watch the sunrise - cute riff
Power pop is a really fun genre that definitely owes a lot to this album. I do think that it has since been largely surpassed by others in the genre, but you can't deny its influence there and it still contains a lot of catchy as hell bangers.
Generic feel IMO, nothing amazing
I love the top review that says this record is missing an ingredient because that’s exactly how I felt. Elements here are far ahead of their time, great sound that took the Glam movement that was growing and whipped it up into a Powerpop forerunner long before that was a thing…but it’s not quite there. The ideas aren’t fully realized yet, I can hear the influence it had on the famous example of R.E.M. but it’s lacking that next step to really grab me. Top tracks: In The Street, Thirteen, Don’t Lie To Me, When My Baby’s Beside Me
Not bad, but not really good either. Boring and missing that big single
Better than I thought. Ahead of their time
Pretty good pop rock 3/5
lol that 70’s show
• Not owned: Streaming. • Solid pop tunes with licks that range from honky-tonk to glam, all with well-used Beatle influence. "Thirteen" and "Don't Lie to Me" stand out. • 3/5
This is an incredible album of not-so-popular pop music. Reminiscent of the Beatles and the Byrds, this is a collection of great pop songs, that was very influential on pop music for decades after its release. The band was short lived, and the marketing and distribution of the album was a failure, so the band was far less known that it might have been (perhaps, should have been). One track, "In the Street," became the theme song for "That 70s Show," which helped revive interest in Big Star.
This was a bit of a slog. It just doesn’t speak to me. Can see it’s value but I liked maybe one song?
Enjoyable album Favourite Track: 13
The guitar work was pretty good, but I found the vocals to be inconsistent.
It was a pretty good album. I think had heard most of it before. There were not any hits on it. I wouldn't complain if I heard it again. I will round up
It takes a certain confidence to name your unknown band Big Star. It takes some next level audacity to then call your debut album "#1 Record." These are guys who know they're good. Sadly, the band's star would crash rather inauspiciously in the end, but what they left behind was nothing short of a musical treasure. You can hear echoes of Big Star in all kinds of bands that came after them - in power pop, alternative, jangle pop, Indie. For an album that came out over 50 years ago, this album sounds as fresh and vital as the day it was made. #1 Record is an album full of hooky, bittersweet melodies and masterful guitar work that can turn from jangly and ethereal to muscular and hard rocking on a dime. Lyrically, the songs range from the easygoing slacker anthem "In the Street" to the sweetly intimate "Thirteen." For every moment of raw and earnest vulnerability, there are nearly as many full-tilt, cruising with the windows down rockers, and somehow the band makes this all work. Essentially this is an album that speaks to the essence of being young - innocent but headstrong, freewheeling but frustrated, awash with feelings you don't quite understand. I can't really think of another album that captures that feeling better and it's a true joy to listen to. If you enjoyed this, I strongly recommend taking the time to listen to the albums Radio City and (Complete) Third. Also, the documentary Nothing Can Hurt Me is a must see. Fave Songs (All songs, from most to least favorite): Thirteen, The Ballad of El Goodo, Try Again, Watch the Sunrise, Give Me Another Chance, In the Street, My Life Is Right, Feel, Don't Lie to Me, When My Baby's Beside Me, ST 100/6, The India Song
1972 - Rock; Power pop; Pop rock; Hard rock; Folk rock; Jangle
Fantastic album, highly recommend. Beetly mixed with zepp.
Album Nr. 15 Guter 70's Rock.
Not too shabby
There is something missing from #1 Record and I can’t put my finger on it. It has the markings of the “your favourite indie rock band’s favourite album”. Pleasant listening though. Overall: 5/10
I’ve never heard an album that better encapsulates an entire decade like how this album does with the 70’s. This is a time capsule for an era. Not just the music, but life in that time period. This album really was a lightning caught in a bottle moment in music history. Screw genre defining, although this is very much a defining power pop album, this is an era defining record. And aside from a couple of songs, this is mostly positive and fun music. I always talk about how good simple music can be. Simple doesn’t have to mean dumb and watered down. But at the same time, this album is deceivingly simple. There is far more going on here than they initially let on. The best example is the vocal harmonies. They are absolutely gorgeous, and there were many moments that surprised me with how synchronized this band really was. Aside from all of the feel good upbeat songs with heavier hard rock guitars, there is a good chunk of deep cuts that are entirely acoustic. And I think they provide this record with a well balanced mix of sounds. The real highlight of these is Thirteen, which happens to be the biggest song from this band, and it has this great moment part way through where this guitar comes in, and since I don’t know much about music, the only way I can describe it is sharp if that makes any sense. You kind of have to listen to it yourself to hear what I’m talking about. Rating: 8/10
This was not love at first sight, but then "Thirteen" came on, and I was so happy. I couldn't have told you song's title or who sang it beforehand, but it turns out I had enjoyed it on the Gilmore Girls soundtrack album quite a lot 20 or so years ago. And somehow I missed that "In the Street" was used as the theme to "That '70s Show" but I appreciated it more when I made that connection. And then I found more to like. This is mostly pretty good stuff!
I very much enjoyed this album. The groove of the 70s felt extremely satisfying today.