Reviews (page 3 of 8)
What the h*ck is even this?
Fuck sake.
whatever
Interesting stuff
Haven't listened yet but I took one look at the album art and I'm ready to give this guy a full fiver. Update: I listened to it and didn't like it that much.
Beautiful, weird and beautiful. It made me remember Solid Air, that I used to listen to regularly a couple of years ago, so apparently I seem to really like John Martyn.
growing on me a little
Nope, chaotic
Banger
Anna really liked this one but I find it hard to get into. Nice and funky, but ultimately background noise.
It was ok but that description saying this helped to develop trip hop left me confused, as I didn’t hear that at all.
Not my thing at all. Annoying vocals, slow, ponderous music with very little of note. The last track in particular drags on far too long. Big Muff (lol) was alright, as well as some of the more experimental sounding stuff.
Reasonable. Interesting in places, but not massively memorable.
I find this album difficult to rate. My sons like this chap and have this album. I don't hate it, however, I don't like much either. I quite like "Dancer". I know it's got interesting recording techniques, but the music doesn't generally grab me. This is a 2.5 to 3 rating.
That last track saved this for me. 6.3/10
Not a patch on solid air
Découverte de l'artiste. Pas mon style, album plat, laisse peu de souvenirs.
Bof. Sans relief, rien de bien exceptionnel. Ce sera un 2 bien mérité.
Steve Winwood meets Dub?! After listening to the first three songs, I was ready to move on from Martyn, but then I realized (via the last half of the record) that he can write some tuneful and textured folk-pop. Vocally, I prefer when he sounds more like Nick Drake than (a more strangled) Joe Cocker, but overall, his guitar work and artsy hooks are pretty enjoyable.
I had never heard him before. Very cool and funky at times. Chill 70s. A little ahead of his time
03/10 Did not like this guys voice at all. Absolutely horrendous album
Some of the songs were decent, but most were not great.
78/100. A really cozy record. The whole album feels warm and spacious, with a relaxed, late night atmosphere running through it.
Запись осталась загадкой, нужно еще послушать.
Album generator is doing it’s best to prove to mw that 77 was a high water mark for music. The lesser known Wilson’s album followed straight up by this. As an aside Steve Winwood was busy in the 70’s. As an electronica fan i gotta give this album props. Some quite interesting ideas on the is album and not laborious but i get through like some experimental stuff can be. A couple of aings also have a laid back acidy/trip hop type feel - Big Muff. In all a nice surprise this album.
Jazzy blues guitar. Listenable but boring.
I took a break because it was so boring. After taking a break this album felt much better to listen to. I wonder how many other albums I need to just give a little time to.
Pretty good.
There was a part of me that thought that I would be giving this a higher rating due to the overwhelming negative reviews, but I don't think I like this. I also don't get the experimental genre on here unless you're talking about using a pedal.
Full sound, really interesting stuff, never heard of this guy
On the previous album he sings "can't get enough of sweet cocaine", and I don't know what else he's had in the four years between the albums but he sounds rough from the first beat. This is like a drunk man singing over lift music. The last track is interesting, playing with tape looped guitar and birdsong, but that's about it.
Not my favourite..
No, I did not need to hear this uninspired album before I died. Why is this on here?
Album #79 John Martyn: One World This album has the misfortune of breaking my 10 album 4-star minimum streak. I've never heard of Joh Martyn so I wasn't sure what to expect, and after listening to this album I still feel like I've never heard of John Martyn. This album left no real impression on me, some decent instrumentals, but I wasn't huge on his voice. Maybe it just seems extra mediocre because it followed non-stop peak, but either way not an album I'm interested in returning to. Best Songs: Couldn't Love You More, Dancing, Small Hours Worst Song: Big Muff Score out of 10: 5
It didn’t blow me away, but it was enjoyable. It reminds me of Bonnie Prince Billy.
Good instruments but the singing really starts to annoy by the end. What is he doing with his voice?
Solo artist, with no unique sound. All songs sound the same.
Sounds like someone trying to sound like Steely Dan, and failign badly
Just. So. Dull.
I do like John Martyn, just not this album. The production is too dated. It aged poorly. Give me 'Solid Air' over this one. But the last song is fantastic, though. Too bad the rest of the album does not keep up.
Me sorprendió este álbum. Experimental pero también jazzero y melancólico. Muy buena guitarra
oooh, i kinda dig this, it wasn't a fan of his voice in the beginning, but now I feel like I'm getting used to it. Also, because it was written in a time where people valued quality over quantity of tracks, the tracks are pretty long, which is a bit of the refreshment.
Not a bad listen.
Would be a 4 without the vocals
Если не обращать внимание на голос, то вполне неплохая музыка для лёгкого непринуждённого настроения.
Just there. Nothing memorable.
Good use of echoplex...and Small Hours is a favorite.
Calling a song " Big Muff" is a choice...
Hadn't heard this one. Interesting, but the singing style... Not to big a fan of that.
i could not love you more
I don’t think this album should be on this list, but I think I’ve enjoyed it more than albums that probably do deserve to be on the list. Who knows what that means.
I tried to get into the historical context of the album, but man the songs are really boring and drag for too long. I mean, they are not repulsive, but wouldn't want it for anything else than background music. 5/10
I have dabbled in John Martyn discography just a little bit without even really ever realizing it, but now that I have been assigned his 1977 album One World to listen in full for the 1001 albums to hear before you die queue. Looking at the genres I was quite intrigued to see Singer-Songwriter, Prog Folk, and Post-Rock all in the same category together and yet I have to say I was quite impressed with how well structured this project turned out to be. This project doesn't feel as adventurous as most Progressive projects I am familiar with yet does tie itself together in some very beautiful ways throughout the entire 37 minute runtime. Even when this album rolls an Ambient track seemingly out of nowhere to close out this album it somehow really fits the overall narrative John crafted the entire time. All in all the production on this project is extremely impressive and the way John miraculously fits himself into the music further helps cement this as quite a sleeper hit in my eyes. Really happy this turned out to be a decent bit better than I expected and hopefully I will continue to find these hidden gems across the entire list because I am quite impressed.
John Martyn un desconocido para la gran mayoría, aquí presente cojn nada menos que dos álbumes, más que el propio Macca... La pregunta es ¿Dan para tanto? Difícil responder. Dealer es Moog, sonidos electrónicos con guitarra y una voz que no es gran cosa. El resto del disco sigue estos parámetros. Sonidos y estilo afines a Kevin Ayers o Wyatt. One world, es un viaje. Lo citan como precursor del Trip-Hop... no sé, yo no lo veo para tanto. Smiling Stranger sí está bien, suena a Lee Perry con mucho soul y mucho estilo. Más aún en Big Muff. Certain surprise es un relajado tema con base casi bossa-nova. De Dancing me esperaba más. Small Hours es un vaije onírico de más de 8 minutos. El disco, bien, pero tampoco es imprescindible.
Ha. Big Muff.
In common with other John Martyn albums I quite like the dreamy instrumental stuff but find his voice annoying. Bearing in mind his best album Solid Air is also on the list don’t think this album should have made the cut. 2/5 16/2/26
Idk
I can't believe this album came out in the 70's. Aside from some production issues, this really feels a decade or two ahead of its time. That being said, I couldn't care less for John Martyn's vocals, and a lot of ambient sounds are a bit too snoozy for me. I've got a lot of respect for some of the less mainstream stuff here, even if I probably won't listen to them again. Highlight: Certain Surprise Lowlight: Smiling Stranger
Never really listened to John Martin and after this won’t be rushing to listen to more. Found it really uninspiring and struggled to get through the whole album.
Maybe this is harsh. Maybe I was in a bad mood or something. But I didn't like this. I thought his voice was irritating and the music was boring
It was okay. I thought I would enjoy a 70s singer songwriter style a bit more but the voice style was tough for me to get into
I didnt enjoy it at all.
Pretty dull. I could maybe stick it on for a nap. I was getting dressed to it this morning and it just turned into background sounds. Nothing of note here.
like a really laid back dire straights
Can't tell if he had to be closer or further from the microphone
when i first heard his mumbly old man voice i was really ready to hate this album. but it was actually really beautiful and a weird folksy jazz rock fusion. i still can only pick out one word every hundred. and i don't feel like i will actually be listening to this album anytime soon. but if it were to come on at jazz @ lincoln center i would be happy enough
I’ve always felt I should listen to John Martyn as he lived in the town I now call home. Well now I have, it’s pleasant. Meandering, but pleasant. His voice is at turns gruff and sweet with some nice jazzy acoustic guitar. Plenty to like but not life changing
8/10 Favorite: Dancing
+Couldn't Love You More +Small Hours
This one grew on me and quickly. Varied sound and well balanced.
An echoing, often slow soundscape, evoking images of the outdoors where nothing really happens. It is an album essentially driven by its ambient sound and Martyn's slurring, whispering voice. "Couldn't Love You More" and "Small Hours" are the standout tracks here, although the album is fairly consistent throughout.
I bloody love John martyn ….. got most of his albums … solid air is amazing
Boring. But not bad.
ממש הופתעתי לטובה. אולי האלבום הכי טוב שגיליתי פה עד עכשיו
This guy's voice is awful, but even if it wasn't the music would still be joyless
A bit uneven, and I don't like his voice, but it has interesting moments. I like experimentation, especially in "Small Hours". 2.5/5
I felt gross listening to this.
I'm not sure how to feel about this album. Sometimes I think I'm liking it and sometimes I think it's boring or unpleasant to my ears. I doubt I would listen to the whole album again. Maybe a song here and there. But you have to get used to the voice and that's easier on some songs than others. Unfortunately, I think there's barely any songs that I would call good. Honestly, the more you get into the album, the more awful it gets.
Meh. Nice for an easy listen.
I had never heard of John Martyn before this. Wow! What a talent. The album was funky, cool, bluesy, and soulful. There were a few times I caught myself daydreaming about dancing to a few of these tunes at an outdoor fest in my flowiest skirt and flower crown on with my danciest friends.
Not sure what I was expecting, it reads as trip hop influences on wiki, but the art gives me prog rock vibes. I think what's really curious here is the Jamaican influence, and on more than just the track with Scratch. I appreciate taking it in and turning it into something unique, it stands that way still today. I don't think this influence was eagerly mass produced later on, just part of an attractive niche. His voice grew on me. I'm more used to this vocal playfulness from female singers. It was a bit of a shock initially, got past it quick, it's a little different but it's talented. I don't feel I've ever heard any of this before, not even the single. I can see why, it's a lot of well pulled off production that doesn't really stick to the back of the mind. I'd buy the record at a decent price, and I'd be happy to hear other projects. This one was fun for work-day-background-music. 3.3/5
not really my thing
Klinkt prima, net even anders dan ik gewend ben van deze 1001 albums
This was another cool discovery from an artist I had never heard of before. Music was smooth and complex, and the voice grabbed me throughout. Strong listen and curious to check out more of the works from what appears to be a 40 years career!
Some really pretty songs, but some of the experimental stuff was not very engaging for me
Favorite Track: Small Hours
Aight
soothing
Досить дивний альбом з дивним вокалом, ніби Стінг палив по 3 упаковки махорки на день. Музично досить непогано, але цілісно на мее не дуже працює
Solid Air це прям топ альбом, я був у захваті. Але я послухав його випадково, бо переплутав. А потім включив оцей і мені зовсім не сподобалось, причому як саунд, так і композиції, вокал ітд ітп.
This was a good listen! I really liked the last track.
Ingen ny favoritt
I've somehow reached my mid-50s as a British music fan without ever having heard of John Martyn. I liked this, I loved the way he was playing around with 70s grooves and tech, whilst keeping an older blues/rock sensibility. His singing style sounded heartfelt. Some of it lacks a bit of "cool" perhaps, as smooth 70s rock can do. I found the last track quite emotional and haunting. I enjoyed it, but am unsure whether I'll seek it out again.
Totally loved this and will be seeking more
I listened to this album in the background, and wasn't as focused on taking note of each individual song. For the first seven tracks, I thought this was a fine album. I liked a lot of the instrumentals and the vocals were good. But Small Hours really took me by surprise. It's a beautiful song, and it's mostly instrumental. I wouldn't listen to a whole album of it, but as a way to close a very stylistically different album, it works perfectly. Favourite song: Small Hours
Another album I tired really hard to enjoy, but could not. This album actually sucked.
да откуда они откапывают все эти альбомы мама упаси
Might have been good if it wasn't simply boring.
Funky yet easy listening. Feels very anchored in time. I liked it more than I thought I would.
Good album but not paticulaily amazing. I didn't love it, didn't hate it
This was ok. Never heard it before. Not something I’d go back to likely.
Too mystic for me
Did not really listen.
Favourites: One World Couldn't Love You More
I wasn’t excited for the album after hearing the first song, but I think the album steadily got better!
there's a lot to like here, but unfortunately i would rather chew my own arm off before listening again to John Martyn doing whatever faux blues bullshit he thinks he's doing with his voice
1/10 Tldr; at its worst this album grates like nails on a chalkboard, at its best it's inoffensive but dull. I really, really don't like his voice - in some points it's too husky and rough, obvious that he's forcing it; at other times he's so restrained that it just doesn't sound good. I understand what he's going for - that Martin Gaye satiny "makin' love" kind of music - but I just don't really like it, but man, at times his voice is like nails on a chalkboard. Also, "Big Muff"? Ugh.
Meh.
It was alright I guess. Of little note. Extra point for the big muff
His voice sounded like he had a big muff over his mouth. Not bad however, enjoyed the album.
I prematurely came for the Big Muff but was left disappointed. Inoffensive album but didn't do much for me.
I've always enjoyed John Martyn in moderation, though I've heard less of his 'experimental' stuff. This is nice but so laid back it kind of fades into the background.
Chill
Generally liked this one, my favourite by FAR is Small Hours - love all the weird little noises - electro prototype!
Not did-not-listen, but could-not-listen. I don’t want to be rude but I didn’t like it.
Eh? "Chewbacca sings to a vaguely pornographic 80s soundtrack"
John Martyn? More like John Fartyn because he STINKS. Jesus fucking christ. I couldn't stop cry-laugjing during track 2. 0 Stars. Please for the love of God give me an actual essential album I need to hear before I die. I am begging.
Gorgeous good studying or reading music
made my skin crawl
I enjoyed the music - a quirky mix off weird and funky - but the vocals, not so much. Martyn seems to like singing through his nose and not fully pronouncing words. Maybe that was his style, but it did nothing for me. Shame because like I said I liked the music.
It was early days in the list the last time we had John Martyn. Forgot all about him, didn't think to see him again. I was young and naive at that point in the list. This album will be forgotten like the last.
One of those rates finds that you are rare to come cross on this journey. I would not ca it "pop", more of a .... ... well, not sure. But is is nice and smooth.
last song was cool but overall it really did not blow me away
I had never heard of John Martyn or any songs on this album before, so I went in blind. I listened to it a couple times, and it grew on me as I listened more. Love the grooviness of most of the album, great instrumentation. The vocalist grew on me. I heard some resemblance between the lead singer and Joe Cocker and Nina Simone at times lol. The standout track for me was Small Hours. Kinda gave me whiplash because it was SO different from the rest of the album. Small Hours is BEAUTIFUL!!! Honestly brought this album up a whole half point for that song alone. 4/5.
Another average white boomer playing vaguely prog doodling. I do appreciate the brevity and recognize that the production was innovative at the time.
Enjoyed very much.
i find his voice annoying and the music cheesy; my first one star? we'll see
Elements of Dub, Ambient and Trip Hop surface in this 1977 folk rock classic from John Martyn. Loving the echoplex guitar and the way his lyrics almost lazily slur into each other. The instrumentation definitely sound a bit dated but still fantastic. I reccomend people seal out some live sets. Johns 1985 set at Glastonbury for example is available on streaming services (yes I was there)
Jazzy folk world fusion kinda thing with some experimental leanings. Martyn’s voice and playing gets some peculiar, textured sounds with the use of echo and reverb. Some pleasant rhythms to be found. It’s overall a unique sounding record with some interesting bits and parts that lose my attention. While I found myself occasionally grooving or thinking “that’s interesting”, the highs weren’t that high for me and the lows weren’t unpleasant, but forgettable. I certainly haven’t heard much like it, but I doubt I’ll revisit it.
Never heard of this guy before. A smooth, jazzy, funky rock-pop sound. Not a particular fan of the singers voice.
This was just straight boring. Its at the level of i could listen to TV static for 40 minutes and get the same amount out of it. Just literally nothing. After a handful of hours the only thing that stuck in my head was that the closing track had geese samples in it. Thats all I can tell you about this one. Nothing but a time waster of an album. Easy listening bullshit. If this is what your into then more power to you but for me this is almost torture.
Reminded me of the soundtrack of every 70s TV show or movie. I quite liked a few.
This album is a great example of high highs and low lows. Unfortunately, I heard more lows than highs. Six of eight songs were forgettable for me. The other two hit me right in the feels. One World is a beautiful song about finding purpose. Small Hours is a ethereal experience centered around loving as fully as possible. I didn't want that song to be over. I can certainly hear the effort in this album. However, John's vocals just do not do it for me at ALL. I do not like the raspiness nor do I enjoy not understanding a word he's saying. Nothing super memorable in the instrumentals. I thought it was well produced, but I also really got thrown off by the trombone solo tossed in there. Did not fit the vibe of the album for me. The closing track really was something special, but I don't feel like it redeemed what kinda felt like a waste of time. I kinda want my 25 minutes that weren't the two tracks I named back. 2.3/5.
Definitely see the influence it had on a bunch of later genres. Only problem is I don’t care for any of those genres in the least. But this is still pretty decent.
Solid stuff.
Eh
His voice in the first song made me scared about what I was in for. And that fear continued at moments throughout the album. However, I appreciated the back half of the album, especially the final ambient instrumental track, Small Hours. It gave War on Drugs vibes. A varied and searching album, but not one I needed to listen to before I died. 4/10,
He has an Intresting voice but good vibe
Good melody and vocals. Calming.
Boring
3,4*
2.5 Title track was great. Rest was not
está bien, tiene temas muy bueno tanto como unos que no van pero en general bacano
Rlly rlly boring
Pas mal ça s'écoute!
Its inoffensive and interesting but don't think id listen again
It's ok
Oh hey, I remember this - "Big Muff" and "Smiling Stranger" got a lot of airplay on certain stations at the time. On this record he has some dub influences that add interest, but it's overall pretty mellow. The final track "Small Hours" is a nice 8+-minute guitar bit with swoopy effects that approaches new-ageyness but doesn't quite get there. Good piece to use as bed music to back-announce a radio set or play in the waiting room of an acupuncture studio or something. 3/5 because it's too sleepy for my current preferences, but well done for what it is.
Fine, not good, not bad, a bit boring.
เป็นแนวเน้นดนตรีอะ เครื่องดนตรีเพราะดีนะ แต่ไม่ใช่สไตล์ certain surprise - ได้อยู่
Very chill and cool.
Never heard of John Martyn before. There's some interesting and unique sounds on this album, and a bunch of weirdness, too. What the heck is Big Muff!? Honestly though this is a pretty good chillout album. My picks: Couldn't love you more, Certain Surprise
enjoyed some of the instrumentals, love the album cover, vocals were a hard listen. not for me
Preferred solid air
I didnt finish it, but its not really something Ill listen to often. Its solid though.
Really drags in the middle
Mixing drugs and alcohol… the album! (2.5)
Yacht rock funk. A voice that sounds ragged, but in an enticingly wonderful kind of way. The closer SMALL HOURS is enchanting. May change score higher, because I feel like this will receive another listen.
Listenable and saveable even but not really turning my head
Not as soothing as Solid Air but an enjoyable listen
I kind of liked the ambient folk jazz and dub sound. Big Muff was kinda fun and Small Hours was a chill listen.
it is oke
Сочетание поздних 70-х, специфического голоса и эстетики воды – откровенно на любителя. Не смотря на то, что альбому явно не хватает динамики, слушается он вполне приятно. Особенно хороша последняя композиция, в которой практически нет вокала, а только эмбиент в самом раннем его виде. Лучшая песня: Small Hours
The music on here is pretty good for most of the album. The lyrics and vocal delivery leave something to be desired. It could be better. 2.5/5 Probably won't listen again
Favorite songs: Dealer, Couldn't Love You More, Small Hours
Not too bad. Kind of interesting. If I was 40 when this was released and owned a nice turntable/hi-fi setup, then I’d probably be really into this album.
This was very interesting. I know just a little John Martyn, and this felt like the usual 70s English folk with like dub elements. Not sure I love it, but I could see it getting a higher rating after more listens.
I liked it. From what I’ve read, I’d be interested in listening to another album or two of his.
Tan sin mas, alguna cancion si que me ha aportado algo y la he bailado, pero no vivira en exceso en mi memoria este album
Decent but didn't leave a strong impression, other than one shouldn't go straight from the dentist's office to the recording studio. 3.1
I wasn't wild about this one, but I appreciated it as an album to "live in" rather than an album to listen to. Immersive soundscapes (apparently pretty revolutionary for their time) make for a very pleasant 45 minutes, and the last track is basically straight off of Brian Eno's "Music For Airports" (another album that I reserve for only my most stoned or my most stressed out moments). I'd be interested to hear more albums from different points in Martyn's discography, because it's extensive and this sounds like an album full of sonic experiments to me. Wonder what he wound up sounding like in subsequent decades.
That is some grade-A mumbling! I liked this less than Solid Air, but the stories about how it was recorded are interesting and overall it was pleasant
Enjoyed it. Liked some of the prog-y stuff.
The guy sings in a funny way, as if he's in a bathroom. The music is okay in places, in places it really does sound like a porn soundtrack. Anyway, at least it was fun to listen to.
1/1/26. Happy new year! Definitely a unique album on this album ride, not sure about the vocals, but it fits right in with the music. A lot of layers in the arrangement and enjoyed the cool progression choices. Will need another listen.
Not too bad imo
Zuhause, Gerstetten, Deutschland. Gar nicht meins.
A beautiful album to end off the year with. This touched my heart with its simplicity and meaningful vocals; it doesn't quite get up there with the best of the best of what I've heard but it's unabashedly beautiful in how straight to the point it is and I really respect it for that. Also, very fitting for the last album of the year!
A surprise for sure. Boppy.
An artist I never heard of, clearly a guitarist as his voice is not great. Couple interesting tracks but won't revisit.
Really liked some of this. Never heard of him and haven’t liked any trip hop too much, but need to listen again.
“Dancing” and “Dealer” saved it from a 1
Poco para decir. No me generó nada. 3/10
Meh
4/10
Compared to the previous John martyn album it was pretty mid
not as good as the other album of his
If you described this album to me, I would have bet it wouldn't be my thing, but I actually enjoyed it. John Martyn is an "experimental" guitarist in that he ran his guitar through the early iteration of an effects pedal. I don't know what his earlier stuff sounded like (I'll investigate at some point) but he had the equivalent of musical midlife crisis and took a year off, going to Jamaica for an indeterminate amount of time and meeting Lee "Scratch" Perry (famous producer who pioneered the development of dub music), and his enthusiasm was rekindled. Martyn gathered together at his producer's farm with an army of other musicians (including, prominently, Steve Winwood) and recorded songs featuring his trippy, spatial, ethereal guitar. And I don't hate it! This album is frequently cited as a progenitor to trip-hop, and I hear that, and Martyn was reportedly blissed out on opium the whole time, and I hear that as well. Honestly, I would rather someone else sang on these songs, but the vocals are just dressing for the music underneath. The songs are at the very least interesting to listen to, and there's some nice melodies scattered here and there. This isn't something I think I would return to often, but I certainly don't mind it at all, and will probably investigate Martyn further.
The John Martyn I know is the Stormbringer! folky-bluesy John Martyn. One World is something else entirely. This is jazz-dub Martyn: echo, delay, and space doing most of the talking. Where folk, jazz and dub meet is in atmosphere rather than structure. Songs hover instead of progressing. "Big Muff" is a nutty oddball. I don't think anyone expected that putting Lee Scratch Perry and John Martyn in a room together would result in lyrics inspired by teacups shaped like animals, but here we are. The real centrepiece, though, is the absolutely gorgeous "Small Hours". The guitar barely sounds like a guitar at all, instead turning almost synth-like, endlessly delayed. Minimalist, refined, and perfect. One World is ambitious and fascinating, but for every moment that works, there are also moments that drift without really justifying themselves. Interesting, brave, and uneven. 3.5 stars.
6/10 - too experimental
Really odd voice, low in the mix and lacking in substance. Some good technical playing, but not really for me.
Pretty good stuff. Not quite Solid Air but good stuff.
I've just pressed play and man oh man does he need some cough syrup? Oh god I kinda hate this a lot. Why does he make that voice sometimes? It takes me out of it. Not a fan at all of whatever this is, but I actually enjoyed "Certain Surprise" so I guess he can produce stuff someone like me would enjoy but this IS NOT IT.
What an unfortunate singing voice Nice calm atmosphere
Almost a four, to be desu ne with you
I like John Martyn. He's got a brilliant voice and beautiful guitar playing. I did quite like this album, his oddly breathless singing on Dealer was great. The album did have some parts that were a bit more "pretty" that I found boring but a very solid album.
I've heard Martyn's more acoustic based music (older?). This adds some funk/disco/horn sounds. Good ole smooth 70s stuff. Pretty nice.
An enjoyable listen overall, but it doesn’t leave a lasting impression. A few tracks lean too far into soft jazz territory for my taste, which dulled the experience a bit. While the album has its moments, it lacks the depth and warmth that made Solid Air so compelling. For me, Solid Air remains the stronger and more memorable record.
Sounds ahead of its time: I initially assumed this was a mid-80s album, not mid-70s, so I presume the effects and production on it were fairly pioneering and influential. The result is a very mixed bag, however: while there are a couple of standout tracks, particularly the dreamy closer Small Hours, far too much of it is inflated with that puffy self-importance that boring jazz assumes when it thinks it's being all cool and experimental.
One of my favourite voices ever. Possibly in his noodling phase, playing with eco boxes and synthesisers. Dealer is great and big muff is good. Some other songs a bit monotonous. And please no saxophone
Oh, this sucks.
It reminded me of early Police if Sting had chronic bronchitis
7.6/10 good but the vocals are throwing me off
- Ik heb het niet afgeluisterd, heb De vaagte™ opgezet. - 0 nummers toegevoegd aan MMMM - 0 nummer al toegevoegd aan MMMM
Positiv overraskelse
Sgu en lidt underlig stilblanding, meget mere funky end jeg lige havde regnet med.
Yacht prog? With a a voice like Lemmy.. Weird ass combo.
Two John Martyns in a week. Not bad! Less acoustic guitar here, more... fusion? Opener 'Dealer' is jazzy with a bit of funk and sounds decidedly modern for 1977. It's a great multilayered piece of pop rock, gravelly vocals over synth bass. The title track is much more laid back, but the synths come back in Smiling Stranger. Still slow, but cinematic and quite weird and rambling (which continues in the lengthier Big Muff). Then on the second side, Couldn't Love You More sounds like the previous Martyn I listened to with distinctive slapped acoustic guitar and music box-like keyboards. The tempo is ramped up again for the next couple tracks - I especially liked the catchy 'Dancing', bass intertwining with heavily processed guitar. Small Hours is the closer and it's almost ambient, or maybe new age, with reverb laden synths before the vocals come in for a bit. Almost no drums and it's quite beautiful. Not perfect as an album, but overall very interesting & I'm happy to have learned about Martyn.
Not for me.
This was ok. Not sure about his voice. Worth the listen.
Interesting artist. I enjoyed some of this but his voice is weird.
3.5
Pretty interesting album cover, though it kind of becomes increasingly horrifying the longer I stare at it. I'm locking in progressive rock for my genre prediction. There aren't many non-rock albums with this kind of illustrative style on the cover. Man, those vocals really are something else. You mean to tell me that this guy was 29 when the album released? Anyways, this is pretty interesting. A lot of differing styles and influences contained within its short runime. It captures the feel of a summer vacation pretty well while also having an unusual and lingering atmosphere which makes it unique. I can't help but view this album through a sci-fi lens because of how different it is (plus the alien-looking album cover, of course). Desert planets are my favourite worldbuilding trope in science fiction, so I can't help but imagine that I'm vacationing in another world while listening to this. While the instrumentals are pretty great across the board, I must admit that I'm not sold on the aforementioned vocals. They're too gruff and detached from the music for my liking. Hopefully I'll come around to them on future relistens as I do want to bump this album to a 4. "Certain Surprise" is pretty good. I dig the bossa nova sound in the instrumental, as well the backing instruments that carry it. Very appropriately summery for this time of year, too. It makes me want to float around in a lagoon. "Dancing" is a good follow-up. The warm sound on the guitars works pretty well, and I'm a fan of the songwriting. It's pretty dynamic and energetic. "Small Hours" has a fantastic atmosphere. Those reverberating, distant guitars are pretty great. The mundane, lethargic performance creates the mental image of an endless desert, whereas the actual sound has a tropical, lively feel to it. Everything in-between is pretty good, too. I'm normally pedantic when it comes to tracklist, though I was able to set aside my eccentricities on this occasion and just relax. Book time. Came from a period of hardship. Nothing much in there beyond that. Wikipedia says that this album is experimental, charted okay, is widely considered one of Martyn's best albums and has a decent critical reception. I liked this album, so I can accept its presence here. I cosign this inclusion.
Vibey, for a quiet night or a sleep sesh.
Very 70's album this, from the Prog-like album cover to the Progressive, Folky Pop music inside. I really liked Martyn's guitar playing on this record and he manages to blend some fun musical styles together in an overall pleasant album. The Guitar Playing and Trip Hop tinges have this really hypnotic charm to them. His voice was very soft but it suited the album well.
Some real moments of beauty. Very effects-heavy/atmosheric. Guy's got a weird voice (not in a bad way). Love the ambient background in Small Hours.
Very dull, but chill. 2.75
Så lett forglemmelig at jeg glemte at jeg hørte på dette rælet forrige uke. Usedvanlig kjedelig stemme.
A lame Nick Drake? Slightly too wafty, not as intense, far too repetitive.
Never heard about this guy before, in theory I should really like it but it's kind of boring, some nice moments maybe and music is not horrible but I don't really care for it, can not see more than 3 stars, but will probably give 2
4.5 - fantastic album
Not my thing at all
I enjoyed this record, the end was a really good ambient track, just some good music
Great!
The conversation that should have happened but never did. Record Company, 'John, find someone else to sing on your album'. 'OK', John replied. 2/5.
John Martyn’s Solid Air was the first album i gave 5 stars to on this list so i’m glad to get another one of his in my last couple albums. super cool as expected, lower energy than Solid Air but not necessarily a bad thing. some cool almost ambient stuff going on, especially in that last track
Better than I expected. Never heard of John before, but I was impressed. Raw unique vocals. Not my favorite album but I can appreciate what it was trying to do.
Like so many albums I've listened to through this project, I really like the musical style of this one, but am not especially keen on the sound of the vocalist. If it was possible to give 3.5 stars for this album, I would. However, in line with what the project summary describes as my generous rating style, I will round up to four.
Never heard this album before and it was a little light for my preference but actually didn't suck.
Album No. 0082 on my list. Eh, I don’t really know what to make of this album. It’s kinda groovy, but I didn’t like the songs themselves for the most part and didn’t enjoy John Martyn’s singing in particular. I guess I’ll add only “One World” (the title track) to my playlist. The rest was not necessarily bad, but rather a bit… well… forgettable. Sorry to say that, I guess this one is just not for me. A narrow 2/5 stars.
I heard it through and through- from the first to the last song. I did not like it. I will still give it a 2.
I listened to this twice and nothing really sticks in my mind a few hours later as I go to rate it. There's some quite interesting and textured sounds here but overall I just found it a bit flat
It's a pretty okay album, nothing incredible. The song 'Small Hours' has some interesting ideas, just a shame that wasn't extended to the rest of the songs.
Liked this a lot more than I thought I would. Really chilled
01) Dealer - 6,5 02) One World - 5,5 03) Smiling Stranger - 5,5 04) Big Muff - 6,5 05) Couldn't Love You More - 6,0 06) Certain Surprise - 5,5 07) Dancing - 6,0 08) Small Hours - 5,0 TOTAL: 5,81 (58/100) Current ranking: 620/749
Trippy yet mostly boring
Extra star for Couldn't Love You More the rest of this sucked ass
Couldn't Love You More - 3/5 Certain Surprise - 2/5 Dancing - 4/5 Small Hours - 2/5 Dealer - 4/5 One World - 3/5 Smiling Stranger - 4/5 Big Muff - 3/5 Average score: 3.1/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ it's quite the step down from Solid Air
Not my thing; dig the album art
Quietly gorgeous and atmospheric experimental music with elements of dub. I miss his gorgeous vocals and melodies, but I still found this dreamy and beautiful.
I was surprised to see that I had scrobbled 3 other John Martyn tunes in my music library, so I searched through it, and couldn't find anything. So I'm guessing I had one of his tunes pop up on Apple Music shuffle or something. In any case, I have not formally listened to anything by this artist. For me, this album is a mixed bag. I absolutely hated the first song "Dealer" where he's just repeating let me in over and over. The next few songs were interesting. It ended with a couple of decent songs, but at the end of the day, I was glad I listened to it, but doubt I would ever listen to it again formally. Maybe in a shuffle somewhere. 2.5 / 5 stars
Not a terrible album for a lazy, fall Sunday.
El álbum de John Martin lo tiene todo para haberme emocionado. He tenido ocasión de escucharlo tres veces seguidas (dura escasos 38 minutos), tiene un sonido poco convencional, intimista, atmosférico, una voz llena de matices que recuerda a la de Anhoni, un sinfín de aspectos positivos. ¿Necesito una cuarta vez para que me penetre las entrañas? Posiblemente.
4 stars
Really boring electronica.
Easily among the worst vocals I have had to endure on this list. It’s pretty much unlistenable. Musically, it’s not that great. “Okay” albums get an 3. Boring, but inoffensive albums get a 2. This was actively annoying, so it earns the lowest rating. Awful. I never want to hear this again.
Although I liked most of the musical bed on this album I found his vocals in entirely boring and cumbersome. I was listening to it on my way home from Clarksville last night and probably was not the best choice to be driving on the road at 11:00 p.m.. But it's not a bad album at all and I think that if it had more interesting vocals I would have liked it better 6.6
I really don't like his voice, and find the music, apart from "Small Hours" to be quite bland. 2.5 stars
This was just okay. I liked "Couldn't Love You More". "Dancing" and "Small Hours" were also alright. The rest not really my cup of tea. Steve Winwood plays on it, and it kind of reminds be of his early solo stuff at times. Light 3 stars.
John Martyn and Echoplex go for a big long bender in Jamaica and to great results. A very chill, spacey, folky, poppy, dubby blend with not so much Super Fuzz but certainly some excellent Big Muff and a startlingly supreme serene highlight at the end with Small Hours.
I can’t decide if I like this guy’s sound or if it a bit too off for me. Wondering why I’ve never heard of him.
Funky but chill. I liked that one song.
Loved Decatur
Change the vocals and this could be something special. Like a lot of the ideas and music, but just cannot stand that voice.
Great listen. Liked it.
I very much enjoyed this, in a same universe of Van Morrison and Nick Drake we have an outlier planet of John Martyn.
Nope. Hard pass.
Occasional interesting parts but didnt enjoy it overall. Standout song: Dancing Small Hours
An interesting album, I get some serious DMB vibes from this and I've never been the biggest fan of DMB or Pearljam but it's not bad.
This album and John Martyn as an artist has definitely got personal vibe goin' on. Not bad stuff, but the songs them selves are not that good. I would rate this as 2,5 stars, but since it's not possible, i'll give it...
One of the proggier, but more pop oriented albums I've bumped into during this project. It also feels more like lots of efforts in studio with experimental equipment and using unorthodox methods than music. What I mean with that is that it's lacking "drive" and "enthusiasm" in the music, it feels very performative, clean and overly polished in a way that I don't personally enjoy. I can appreciate the engineering skill, level of craftsmanship and musicianship, but the actual music they are performing is not interesting as such.
Good
For most of the albums on this list I do not like, I at least understand why some may find it earth shattering. This was fine, but not sure why some people think this stands out. Pretty middle of the road.
I am shocked. This album was really, really, really good. I’m a really big fan of ambient tracks mixed with other genres, and for a project from almost 50 years ago, I am impressed by how modern this sounds. The album itself is just mind blowing, with a gentle ambient soundscape accompanied by electronic synths, jazz saxophones, and rock melodies. The ending track, ‘Small Hours’, is an almost 9 minute long journey that genuinely left me speechless.
2.5
Eh, this was fine. It was music. It was boring. It had no energy. He mumbled the entire time. It wasn't bad, but it just was.
Cover?
Generally a psychedelic soul funk sound, with some deviations into mellow rock. Surprisingly, not something I would voluntarily listen to… Again, a solid 2.5, but rated up to 3 b/c I didn’t hate it.
Muffled noise, not for me.
That was considerably less annoying than his first album, which I listened to as part of this project. The music is great, but still he hadn't conquered the mumbling!
A little bit of blues, a little bit of psychodelic... certainly didn't expect it, I guess I need some hooks
Not bad.
Great guitarist, singing would be better with a Lemsip. Interesting mix of genres but a nice change
get this guy some water
Quite like jazz fusion guitar sounds. Feel like John Martyn is more the guitarists guitarist. Still wonderful player. Enjoyable album.
I started the first song and thought it was woke rubbish. Then I was pleasantly surprised
*Dealer: absolutely crazy singing voice. it's dope though, reminds me of the dude from YHWH Nailgun. smooth and psychedelic One World: title track. like a professional singer doing drunk karaoke. not mad at it Smiling Stranger: it's an interesting little diddy but the entire song feels like a build-up and the payoff never comes *Big Muff: your mom. groove in the chorus is out of control. song actually has a lot of energy for how restrained it stays. great vocals, love that blown-out reverb Couldn't Love You More: it's cute. the refrain got a little grating by the end Certain Surprise: zon't zew it. zon't...zon't zew it... Dancing: it's fine Small Hours: 9 minute song, locking in. beautiful guitar effects at the start. I guess not just the start, it's still happening. most unjustified guitar solo of all time. it's not bad but I wish the instrumentation were fuller or that the song went somewhere, something to justify not only being nine minutes long but also the closer. it should feel special but it feels sparse cool album with some cool experimentation. a lot of it doesn't quite land, but at least it all sounds great. I wish the songs were more fleshed out? not sure if that's the right way to describe it, but some of the tracks feel like one idea getting milked for all it's worth instead of being expanded upon. __ SCORE: 6/10 ADDED TO PLAYLIST: Dealer, Big Muff
Interesting and enjoyable
I respect the guy, obviously talented but his voice makes me physically sick. 38 minutes lost. I would’ve happily died before hearing this
Folkie gone quirky. Good album with his original song that became one of my favorites of Clapton.
Let's be honest, no one has ever heard of this guy and this album really has no business being on this list. First off, I cannot stand his voice, there are some okay instrumentals but this guy cannot sing. Also I have no idea what they are talking about with the trip hop comparison, I don't see it at all. High 2.
Some cool guitar work. A bit Mahavishnu Orchestra at times. Interesting. Not crazy about his voice though.
Quite liked this. Easy to listen to. Some songs would not have been out of place in the modern era. Aged well for 47 years.
Every time there’s a British band 99% it’s going to be dogshit. ENOUGH.
Inoffensive but not interesting either
Pretty groovy and jazzy and chill, easy to listen to in the background.
Just because you're British doesn't mean you belong on this list
Blending Celtic folk with smooth jazz, dub and electronics then adding in a distinctly pop sensibility is the name of the game here. One World sounds ten years ahead of its time and still sounds fresh and interesting. The Trip-Hop/Illbient bands of the 90's owe John Martyn some royalties because the formula for both genres sits here, 15 years before either hit the mainsteam.
so meh
Decent music but the muzzy vocal recording really got under my skin for some reason?
Wasn’t feeling this one at all. There’s some interesting musicianship, but the singing takes me out of it.
nahhhh.... this is definitely not my bag. That said... I can't help but wonder if John Martyn's music and singing style has influenced Cameron Winter of Geese fame. I'm hearing some similarities. Anyways, I can't rate this higher than a 2.
Very breathy...
ooh this was quite good actually
I know nothing of John Martyn, so this was an enjoyable surprise. "Dealer" had me expecting British yacht rock—and it's not NOT that—but that's a lazy descriptor. I'm not sure how to classify this, which seems to be a common thing for Martyn's music. I wouldn't have expected to like this, much less save a couple tracks on playlists, but here we are. I'm gonna check out some of his other stuff too.
I was familiar with John Martyn only through the song Sweet Little Mystery which is an amazing underappreciated gem. This is really great, kind of a dark, slightly trippy yacht rock. I feel like on repeat listenings this could go up to 5 stars.
Totally fine to listen though, but it made no lasting impression. A day later I could not identify any of those songs as familiar
Just kind of there album. Not bad but just not great for me.
if you were casting for an animated musical and needed someone to voice an anthropomorphic vintage car, seems like John Martyn would work. his character could be named "Big Muff." highlight here: definitely the serene, beautiful closer "Small Hours." minimal lyrics but plenty of geese - it's just on a separate level from the rest of the album.
I’m 400 and change albums into the list, not even halfway, but I’d been feeling real music burnout. The generator is also giving me a lot of middling albums I’ve never heard about or care to hear lately. When I saw this bullshit 70’s album cover pop up, I threw my hands in the air and took a two week long break from this. Coming back this morning, I did so mostly because I was super hungover and didn’t have to energy to listen to a podcast while also compiling a report for work. What I discovered is that One World is super chill, and great when you feel like shit. It wasn’t anything like I expected it’d be, when reading about it prior. Dude sounds as sick and exhausted as I feel, so it really was well placed for me on this journey here. That being said, t’was pretty forgettable too. Now, on to the real stuff!