Reviews (page 7 of 7)
Reading the description of this album, I was prepared to be wowed. I wasn't immediately but by the time we got to When My Baby's Beside Me, I was into it. When it ended, I started it over and enjoyed the whole thing the second time. Rounding up from 4.5.
This is very much within the realm of what I would think of if you told me to think of early 70s rock. So even though I didn’t recognize anything on this album it felt familiar, although I feel like I have heard Thirteen maybe somewhere before? Big Star has great harmonies, some good rock, some moving ballads, and they feel like something I really should be more familiar with. I really enjoyed this album! Nice song variety, interesting performances, great lyrics. An excellent representative of its era for this list!
Great vocal harmony on this album. The lead singer sounds like Robert Plant. I was surprise to learn this is an American band from Memphis, too. There are some very "listenable" tracks on this album, and it was good overall. The theme from That 70s Show is on this one. Pretty good!
Sounds great, and stoked to find Thirteen original there, which I discovered via a cover by Garbage
Only heard of them because they were on this list before with a different album. That other one I remember really liking. This one, well, after a few listens it got better. Standouts: Thirteen, Don't Lie to Me, India Song, When My Baby's Beside Me, Try Again. 3.5 It's very nice...
Better than neutral, but feels a bit derivative.
really enjoyable pop rock album - car radio/cd type
This album starts off very strong. I really liked "The Ballad of El Goodo" and had no idea this was where the "That 70's Show" theme song came from (I wanted to yell "Hello, Wisconsin!"). It peters out pretty hard on the 2nd half though. The flipside drags it down a little to under 4 star territory. 3.5 stars
Ágætis 70s rokk með köntrí-ívafi við og við.
Never heard of them till today but enjoyed it!
I’ve heard Alex Chilton and Big Star mentioned as influences for years. Teenage Fanckub is one that springs to mind. Never listened before though. Shall be revisiting
Hmmmm some good stuff 3
Next 5 songs played by my Spotify Algorithm: REM - We walk Guided by Voices - As We Go Up, We Go Down Elvis Costello and the Attractions - Beyond Belief Big Star - September Girls Talking Heads - Thank You For Sending Me An Angel
3.7 + In my mind I had lumped this record together with T.Rex and other early-70’s glam acts. While there are whiffs of glam on here, it leans more in the realm of the Eagles and other sunny California guitar rock of the era. The songs are written and performed with conviction. Standouts: “Try Again” (gorgeous), “Thirteen.”
Fun listen. 70s show song lol
Power Pop innovators right here, Petty, Cheap Trick and others were listening and learning.
This album is a Rock'n'roll classic. Every song just bleeds heart and groove and energy. There isn't a lot more to say, because it should be heard and studied by anyone that likes rock music and is nearly perfect. I think there are a couple flubs in the flow of the album, but it doesn't take away from an overall 5 star score.
The only notable thing on this album is the theme song from that 70's show. A forgettable album from a forgettable band.
Disjointed and forgettable. Sounds like it was recorded by 3 different bands. Definitely not _bad_ musically.
Good old fashioned power pop. I knew Thirteen from Elliot Smith's version which I feel is a bit more haunting. Fave track on this album is When My Baby's Beside Me.
Rollicking pop rock - progenitor of the power pop sub genre! I was introduced to this album via a record club I used to attend. I gotta say "Thirteen" set some alarm bells off because a fair few entries on this list have had some very questionable songs lusting after the underage, but reading around, the consensus seems to be that it's a sweet and earnest tribute to adolescence, wholesome all round, so that was a relief! Fave tracks - "In the Street" for uptempo, "Give Me Another Chance" for the more ballady offerings...
Starts strong but quickly starts spiraling downwards, a shame really
Rating: 7/10 Best songs: The ballad of el goodo, When my baby’s beside me
I don’t think I’ve heard of Big Star before, but you have to admire the chutzpah of a band name long their album “#1 Record”. It’s just occurred to me… will some people read that in their heads as “hashtag one record”? I hope not. Oh god I feel old. Songs I already knew: none Favourites: The Ballad Of El Goodo, Give Me Another Chance This album was a pleasant listen, but I didn’t quite find it to live up to its #1 name. The music reminded me a little of Sweet. I don’t know if Big Star wore sparkles and big hair (I’ve just looked and slightly big hair, shockingly no sparkles) but they give off that 70s glam vibe. I don’t think any of their songs will stick with me from this, but I still had fun listening to it. Not great, but not bad.
Don't really understand the hype of the album by some critics. It sounds a lot like many of the songs from the early-mid 70's.
With so many albums on this list I cannot figure out the need to listen to them before I die
3.5
Never heard of them but great album
Won't go out of my way to hear it again but not awful
Another middling one. 2.5, nothing wrong with it per se and maybe fifty years ago this was great but I'm not sure what has it on this list.
"#1 Record" is a classic album that deserves more recognition. The songs are both catchy and emotional, and the album's unique blend of power pop, folk rock, and hard rock influences is both innovative and timeless. "Feel" has a great groove that makes you want to dance. I love the catchy guitar riff and the way the vocals build up to the chorus. It's a fun song that puts me in a good mood. "The Ballad of El Goodo" is one of my favorite songs on the album. I love the way the song builds up from a simple acoustic guitar riff to a full-blown rock anthem. The lyrics are both poetic and emotional, and the harmonies are beautiful. "Thirteen" is another standout track on the album. I love the simplicity of the song and the way the lyrics capture the innocence and wonder of youth. The acoustic guitar and vocal harmonies are both beautiful and haunting.
OK, it's definitely music, but am I supposed to find this special in any way?
I did not know this band until now and I would have really enjoyed hearing this kind of music on the radio back in the day.
I really want to love it, but there's something missing. I like every single song, but nothing here ever hits me hard, nothing above an 8/10. Still v good, and one to look at again, but I wish I liked it more. 06/12/23
Wait a minute... Is that the That 70s Show song?
C'est du rock vraiment solide, des bonnes compositions, une bonne production, généralement un album vraiment très bien fait. Mais il n'y a aucune chanson qui se démarquait tellement du lot. Je n'ai pas tellement eu de moment mémorable. 7/10
10/10 men will hear this and say ‘hell yeah!’
A very vague sound of good 70s rock. Never turning this off, but I wouldn't turn it on, strangely.
Big Star fully deserve their reputation as a key progenitor of power pop. The first four tracks of this debut alone justify the inclusion of the whole album in such a list, from Alex Chilton's ballads "Thirteen" and "El Goodo", heartfelt and evocative, to Chris Bell's edgier "Feel" and livelier "In The Streets" -- of *That 70's Show* fame. So the songwriting is good, but one of the assets of this album, not praised enough in my sense, is its pristine, dynamic production, with a lot of sonic details that go over your head on first listens, but then shine on the next ones. John Fry (and Chris Bell) can be praised for that. The only (minor) issue I have with this record is that there are too many ballads on the second side. They're good, some of them are even excellent, but the succession of songs in a similar mode hurts the album's momentum. I would have taken one of those slower cuts out, and added one more straightforward rock number such as "When My Baby's Beside Me" to this second side. I guess I could even have taken out a point to this debut because of this, yet I didn't, because of the thematic cohesiveness of those songs. You really feel like this record is the soundtrack of a movie about teenagers living in "Smalltown, America" during the early seventies. That line about "Paint It Black" and how the father of the singer's girlfriend is always on his back cracks me up every time. Simple, at times almost *simplistic*, lyrics. Yet lyrics that are so effective in conveying the mood of a time and place. A dozen of albums released in 1973 were probably better than this one. Yet this debut was "#number 1" when it comes to how "evocative" a record can be. 4.5/5 for the purposes of this list of essential albums (rounded up to 5), which translates to a 9.5/10 grade for more general purposes. Number of albums left to review: less than 400 (I've temporarily lost count here) Number of albums I'll include in my own list: half so far, approximately (including this one) Number of albums I *might* include: a quarter, approximately Number of albums I'll never include: another quarter (many others are more important to me).
Meh
Ok. Solid craft.
Este disco representa como ninguno la razón de por qué quería escuchar esos 1001 discos. Para descubrir joyas como esta. Un absoluto diez de diez. ¿Dónde has estado toda mi puta vida?
#1 Record bursts in entirely in itself, and Big Star nearly perfect. If there's any distance, it's in the band lightly imitating, carving gracefully the walls of pop instead of taking a straight shave or brand new course.
I think this one could grow on my with a few more listens. Not outstanding. But I enjoyed my second run through and could listen again.
Most of this was pretty good. A few songs were not exactly what I wanted from the album, but the others songs were strong. Thirteen is, like, a perfect song, so I definitely appreciate the album more because of that one song. I'm excited to listen to their other albums! My favourite song was Thirteen.
Rock
Not heard of the group but decent album.
Doesn't sound very special to me, but I don't mind listening to it. Favorite song: The India Song
A lot of noise and none of it good.
Hey, this has the song from "That '70s Show." I knew Cheap Trick performed it for the show, so I'd always assumed it was one of their songs. Finding it here was a pleasant surprise. The rest of the album was...interesting. 2.5 stars.
This album is a mix of classic rock with hints of glam. I liked it. 3.5 stars
Middle of the road soft rock
The timeline where The Beatles went to Rehab rather than Rishikesh in 68. But do we want more Helps or do we want more Revolvers?
I liked it a lot The first half was much better than the second half though
Between songwriting, performance and production, #1 Record should be considered among the greatest debut albums of all time. Sadly, Big Star didn’t see much success in their time, but their influence can’t be understated. This is truly a record you need to hear before you die and while you’re at it, give Radio City a listen - It should really be on this list.
Jeg ved godt vi kun er 4% igennem, men det er vist ikke for tidligt at sige at 70’er-, 80’er- og 90’errock er overrepræsenteret på denne liste. Det er lidt ærgerligt for mon ikke der er meget jazz/hiphop/metal/r&b der så bliver forbigået Når det så er sagt kunne jeg vildt godt lide denne her og er glad for at jeg hørte den inden jeg dør så det er vel i orden den var med
Super fed lyd, super gode sange. Jeg er ked af at måtte melde ud af den her plade faktisk ikke var #1 men solgte rigtig dårligt.
Fin rockplade fra 70'erne. Kunne lide den mere end jeg havde troet, fordi jeg ikke kendte kunstneren. Det hele virkede bare lidt for generisk.
Can't believe I've never heard of these guys. Nice amalgamation of the 70s style. And...that 70s show theme song?!
Jangle pop is not really my thing but there were some nice songs on this. Now I know where they got the theme for That 70s Show.
Solid
3.5
Dangerously close to being a full 5 stars.
Si même mon père n'a jamais entendu parler de ces tocards, c'est qu'ils n'ont vraiment rien à foutre ici.
J'ai déjà oublié de quoi il en retournait, merci de farie cesser au plus vite cette horrible aventure.
Pop, y algo de rock, de comienzos de los 70, con canciones con buen estilo y estilo incipiente de lo que más adelante sería. Buenas canciones, aunque no me han terminado de enganchar
Really Like this, takes me back to high school! Love it 4 stars!
pretty good pop rock album, doesn't massively stand out in any area
So cool hear famous songs that I didn't know the origin. Good power pop
A few good songs, but kinda boring
Standard British rock/pop without anything standing out. 2/5
I'm sorry, this isn't great. Good but not great. Solid but not special, if you know what I mean. Best song: In The Street
Meeeh
It was fine. Kinda like led zepplin but less bluesey.
Miksi osaan Thriteenin sanat? Onko Big star isompi bändi kuin osaan olettaa? Aika plääh mutta tyylipuhdas.
Kunnioitettava tai sekopäinen yritys valjastaa selittämätöntä neroutta, jota ei välttämättä tosiasiassa olekaan. Vain Thirteen onnistuu täysin. Toisaalta levy pursuaa vähintään miellyttäviä melodioita, ja on sillä hyviä biisejäkin. Lisäksi sen sointi ja rytminen ilme on aidosti outo, muttei luotaantyöntävällä tavalla. Voin kuvitella levyn muotoutuvan neloseksi jossain vaiheessa - jokin syvä koukku tässä piilee.
This album influenced many bands that I love, REM, Guided By Voices, Wilco, etc, but it’s just never clicked with me. The songs are too spare, too mid-tempo — all just a bit short of hitting critical mass. Radio City is much stronger to these ears.
There are better Big Star albums
Onbekende artiest met karakteristieke jaren 70 sound, heel erg prettig om naar te luisteren, maar geen blijvende topper.
Really boring.
Credit where credit is due, this album has got a pretty sweet cover. And it was cool to hear the original version of the That 70's Show theme. But aside from a few of the slower hits. Most of the tunes here seem fairly run-of-the-mill for 70s rock. Not the worst listen, but nothing I'd come back to as a whole. (Also I would like to retroactively grade yesterday's album as a 2, this was better than that.) Highlight: In The Street Lowlight: ST 100/6 Surprise Hit: Thirteen
Light Zeppelin
I hadn't heard of them and I enjoyed most of the songs on this record. I had to remind myself a few times that they preceded other bands and musicians I like that sound a bit like this, although I can also hear the strong influence of bands that came before them. (None of that is meant as a criticism; I think it's fair to say we can make the same observations of just about any band at any point in time.)
Nice 70s rock. Kind of a hidden gem for enthusiasts because the sound is nice for some songs
Singer sounds like Pink Floyd Kinda funky and banjoish and old sounding? Thirteen was my favorite The India Song sounded like a Christmas song Overall sounds like it'd be played in a Logan's, 3/10 on the listen again scale
Solid classic rock album. Good for what it is. Laid back clean riffs. Not my usual but enjoyable regardless.
Nice easy listening. Great melodies and harmonies.
Nice finding, even my dad didn't know this band... Or he forgot about it... It's hard to remember stuff when you've been partying since the 70s
not bad too
Surprised That 70s Show song was a good one.
Wasn't in the right frame to listen to this today. From what I sampled it seems like something I could get into. Will give it a placeholder three
Really like the crisp, muscular guitar-driven sound. Even though they wear their influences on their sleeve (Beatles, Stones, etc) they definitely bring their own unique thing to the table. Sad to hear that label incompetence may have contributed to their demise after just a few years. I was caught by surprise to hear the original version of "That 70's Show" theme with "In the Street." Also noteworthy, a funny and bizarre choice to name themselves after a grocery store chain.
All the Big Star albums were a big part of the soundtrack to my college years, but this one in particular is their best. The dynamic between Bell and Chilton had a certain irreplaceable magic. They capture beautifully what it feels like to be young.
Totally competent pop-rock but it just feels a bit all too polished for my tastes. I know Big Star are kind of a cult band but right now I'm not seeing it.
I may have to listen again to see why Scott loves this so much.
Enjoyable album with some great songs.
This is near perfect. One of the greatest albums of all time by one of the greatest bands of all time, which most people will never know.
It was okay. Very generic.
First time listener. Excellent!
Average 70s soft rock, not bad, not memorable.
Got to admire the confidence in the band name and album title. Doesn't quite live up to it really though, it's a decent enough listen but very generic 70s rock, not enough oomph behind it to give it a good score. 2/5.
Ok
it is absolutely no surprise that punk happened in the 70s. i would have lost my mind when access to music was way harder than it is today and the world was awash with this type of wank.
Fun fact: Robert Plant's favourite from this album is When My Baby's Beside me. He's a big baby noncer.
Nothing remarkable.
I think this album starts strong, but by the second half the jangly guitar sound started to get to me and the songs weren't holding my interest.
Beetje standaard poprock uit de 70s. Liep er niet persé warm van
I didn't go into this album with any expectations, which thankfully meant that I was pleasantly surprised by yet another 70s rock album and wasn't holding it in total contempt. This sounds like every single pop rock band of the 70s from steely dan to tom petty to the eagles but still delivers enough fun songs to be worth the listen despite falling off somewhat in the second half. I really liked feel, in the street, and thirteen. I'm assuming that this is the unknown progenitor of the entire pop/power rock movement in the 70s and 80s which would make a lot of sense just based on the music. Another surprise was hearing the origin of the That 70s Show theme song, and they were smart to cover a song from the most 70s-sounding album ever.
Not bad but didn't do much for me
Ok
Imagine my surprise when i hear 70’s show theme music lol. Banger album
Fun hearing the original "That 70's Show" song!
Man, this album is so close to a five star that it hurts, as the first four tracks and final four tracks are all fantastic pieces of folk-y power pop that scratches that itch the way a calmer Led Zeppelin song does. My issue is that three of the four middle tracks lean a little too heavy into the rock part, and feel bland due to it, as it sounds like a poor imitation of admittedly acts that would come after this, but I still don't enjoy the style. However, none of that should detract from the fact that I think this is an excellent record. This is a glorious debut where you can see inspirations like George Harrison, T. Rex, and as mentioned before, Led Zeppelin, yet this is definitively all Big Star's, with tracks like Thirteen and the Ballad of El Goodo being master class power pop pieces that I will never forget. It is a shame this group didn't take off, because I think they really could've blown the music world open. I suppose they did inspire R.E.M., but I'll just say this is better than anything that group put out by a mile. Just an awesome album, wish I could give it that five, but I gotta be fair to my system. Perhaps one day it'll get there.
A great record. I enjoyed the well written songs and easy going nature of it all. The one famous song caught me by surprise, as I thought I'd never heard a Big Star song before.
There are some lovely Beatlesque moments on this album, sweet harmonies and lush chords. A kind of missing link between the Fab Four and Fleetwood Mac.
+1 for the 70s show intro
I had never heard of this band but I quite enjoyed it,
Nearly every indie rock hipster and fan of The Posies or The Replacements knows what is expected of them when it comes to Big Star. And yet, as someone who has been tagged with at least two if not all three of those labels at times, I've always thought Big Star was just okay. Decent records with some great singles, but they never floored me. The review of "the band" overall matches #1 Record.
I quite liked this one, but I didn't really LOVE it the way I love a lot of artists that are similar.
Good ole fashioned Americana 9/10
A bit boring Rock Album, nothing special imo
this album bored me to tears. i am crying right now and i blame big star. damn you, big star. damn you.
This was nice. I liked this. I'd never heard of the band really, but have heard one of the songs.
Was ok. Was expecting more after hearing great things over the years.
Lindo, soft y oldie
Not bad but pretty generic
Nice and un-assuming.
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.
Mediocre not sure why this is on the list Edit: I was too harsh on this and amend my 1 star to 3 after another listen.
Seventies rock - not really my thing. First track sounded okay - if a bit Who-ish. But it didn't really progress from there or get more interesting. went by in a MOR blur. Can't hear the alleged influence on 90s indie bands, but maybe that's why I don't really listen to 90s indie bands!
Not quite the blueprint for Teenage Fanclub that I was led to believe. This is more like a US version of The Sweet. It's good, honest rock 'n' roll. Nothing wrong with that. But nothing to offer much hope with, either.
Some positive moments but almost copies other artists.
Neat sounding, but I agree with another review that says all the ingredients are there but they are missing something.
#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.
Noisy shit kinda like a Boeing 737-800 flying over my house: I just don't notice anymore
Listened, but it didn't register, who or why are Big Star? Should I listen, should I pray, pray for what, stardom? Peculiar act praying particurally when you ain't religious. Is it like holy wishing? When does a wish become a prayer is there a scale, an electrointention scale? Don't know!
Not sure what to make of this. It wasn't bad, it's just that I can't really remember much of it. Made me want to listen to Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young and this doesn't stand up well in comparison
Superficial bollocks.
Hadn't heard of before, doubt I'll hear of again.
So good.
Classic rock, forgettable but pleasant, feels like perfect road album
3.5
Nice oldschool
Sounds of the radio of my youth…
Pop perfection
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.
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.
This album kinda reminded me of Boston. I quite liked Boston on release but its shine was gone when 1001 slipped it in my inbox. I didn’t know Big Star but might have liked them back in the day. Who knows? They do nothing for me now.
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.
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.
Familiar sounds, chill album and even includes some noisier rock songs!
Not bad, but probably wouldn't listen to it again
Nice Rock album but not really specia
What's up wisconsin?? Solid album, almost good enough for 4 stars
Nice, very 70s.
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.
#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”
I asked ChatGPT to write me the number 1 record of 1972 and this is what came out. Pretty good!
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
som massa, das antiga 72 o rockzao mais palatável bem bom de se curtir
Off the bat I recognised the opening instrumental to 'Feel'. I have heard it somewhere else and the song was vaguely familiar. There is something about these songs that seem so familiar to me. I might have heard them in movies. I found thirteen to be very reminiscent of the beginning of my relationship. I'm about half way and this album is okay but I don't really see why it is so special. It sounds like your typical 70's generic rock. Some of the instrumentals are pretty good but mothers than that it all seems very standard. I do like it, but it doesn't really stand out when placed next to similar albums.
4.25
7.5, not bad not earth shattering
rock and roll with lots of pop hooks.
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.
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.
perfection
Not as bad as the other album on this list but begs the question, how this band has not one but two albums on this list?
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
Niet helemaal mijn jam, maar echt slecht was het ook niet.
Dit klonk al een stuk beter en veel duidelijker de referentie met Posies en REM.
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!)
Gezapig.
Infinitely listenable - power pop at its finest!
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.
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.
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.
2/5 Best: Don't Lie To Me Worst: St 100/6
Best Song: Feel. I liked the brass, even if it gave a false impression of what to expect on the rest of the album. Worst Song: In The Street. Perhaps unfair, but after hearing the cover version that's used as the theme song for That 70s Show, this version just feels weak and wilted. Overall: Music that sounds old. Like the Eagles but worse? Without That 70s Show, would likely have faded into oblivion.
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.
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.
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.”
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
Underwhelming lyrically. Some nice riffs.
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
Only mediocre.
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.
Not unpleasant. Some quite enjoyable noises on this album.
Great album.
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
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.
A reasonable collection of songs. Nothing very standout, the lightest of threes
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)
Power pop. Ni fu ni fa.
Thirteen
Basic pop rock album, its not great, its not bad. Plain good for me
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
It's just alright. Some of the songs could be on a soft-rock playlist, but this isn't anyone's favorite band.
generick rock, nothing to remember it by
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
Jag vet inte...
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.
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
Pretty standard kinda rock/power pop, but it's fun. 3.5
I mean it alright
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.
Memphis magic, baby
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.....
Super band
(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.
I now know why I never heard of them.
Okay
starts off pretty strong but the second half of the album is kinda of weak still decent enough
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
This album is the audio equivalent of going to a restaurant named "Top Chef Fine Dining" and ordering a meal called "Taste Bud Explosion" and then being served boxed spaghetti with Ragu from the jar.
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.
This is like the textbook definition for a 7/10.
Nice! Fun.
Had high hopes for this one but it didn't leave me with much – started off strong with some great guitar work and songwriting, but just kind of puttered into mediocrity as time went on. May need to revisit later, but for now I'm feeling pretty meh.
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.
Always a cult band for the indie community. Its ok guitar rock.
Top 3 Songs: 1 - Thirteen (4) 2 - Don't Lie To Me (5) 3 - In the Street (3)
Very good surprise
Good album! And as far as power pop goes it is very tame and I really like that about it.
This didn't really make a big impression on me, between 2 and 3 stars.
Rakkausbiisejä... Jahas... Paskaa on... Jahas............ marjatta tuu takas.. TUU VITTU TAKAS MARJATTA!!! HUORA!!!
Sounded like a cross between The Who and Status Quo... but not as good as either of them
didn't get into it
Generic
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
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
Tragically boring
Just catchy and fun enough to nab 4 big stars; it really is ahead of it's time
A good fun time with little substance.
Never heard of this band or album before. I enjoyed it.
Not a bad rock album. Good songwriting but is missing something to make it more memorable.
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
meh, imagine this was better at the time
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.
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.
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.
I liked them
Meh, fine but a bit dull. I found the vocals a bit whiny, but not so much that I wanted to turn it off.
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.
Can't go wrong with 1970's classic rock
Meh.
Great album
Amazing
Dated. Does not really stand out
Gay
Thirteen was really good. The rest was alright.
Chilled, upbeat, will listen again, a gateway album into 70s rock
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.
Not a band I've ever been inclined to check out. Feel feels like Zep without hooks. Longer than it's 4 minute runtime suggests. By the Ballad of El Good, I see the huge love of Zep. But in the same way ELO loved the Beatles. It's that concept, but with all the exciting rough edges sanded off to ensure radio play. Still carrying on on the hope this album has it's equivalent of Mr Blue Sky or Horace Wimp! Thirteen is the nearest I have come to this. It has an earnestness and sadness that elevates it.
fun vibe!
Pretty good, and of course the That 70's Show theme is in there.
Close to something here, but no.
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.
It sucks ass.