Music From Big Pink by The Band

Music From Big Pink

The Band

3.35
Rating
24526
Votes
1
3%
2
15%
3
39%
4
28%
5
14%
Distribution

Album Summary

Music from Big Pink is the debut studio album by the Band. Released in 1968, it employs a distinctive blend of country, rock, folk, classical, R&B, blues, and soul. The music was composed partly in "Big Pink", a house shared by bassist/singer Rick Danko, pianist/singer Richard Manuel and organist Garth Hudson in West Saugerties, New York. The album itself was recorded in studios in New York and Los Angeles in 1968, and followed the band's backing of Bob Dylan on his 1966 tour (as the Hawks) and time spent together in upstate New York recording material that was officially released in 1975 as The Basement Tapes, also with Dylan. The cover artwork is a painting by Dylan. In 2000 the album was rereleased with additional outtakes from the recording sessions, and in 2018 a "50th Anniversary Super Deluxe" edition was released with a new stereo mix by Bob Clearmountain.

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Reviews

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Rating: All 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1★
Length: All Short Long
Dec 16 2023 Author
2
more like the bland etc
Feb 09 2023 Author
2
Apparently some people like this. P.S. Natalie played me three covers of songs from this album. Each one was better than the original, and even these I wouldn’t play again.
Nov 15 2022 Author
5
An unparalleled fresh and original sound in 1968 with strong ties to the American song tradition, and which served as a huge inspiration for countless acts to follow. The ties to Bob Dylan are strong, but it's incredible for The Band to create a record which sounds wholeheartedly different than what they did while acting as Dylan's backing band. Music From Big Pink is charming with a production making it sound like it was actually recorded in a basement. The vocal harmonies are raw but authentic, and the highlights are plenty: 'Caledonia Mission', the swinging 'We Can Talk', 'Lonesome Suzie', 'This Wheel's On Fire' and of course 'The Weight'.
Feb 06 2021 Author
5
I've never been familiar with The Band but this really got me. Obviously 'The Weight' is a classic, but 'Tears of Rage' 'To Kingdom Come' and 'I Shall be Released' were also favorites for me. The whole album has an amazing feel, and it's wild to realize it was all recorded in just two weeks. || What really struck me with this album was the forging of rock, soul, and sorrowful old country western into an Americana Alloy. Its beautiful American wanderlust. I love it.
Apr 22 2021 Author
5
What a rich and earthy album from such a mythic era. So much soul it aches. This is the personification of musical brotherhood to me. I think that most all of them share on the vocals is part of this feeling. It's funny cause many times I tend to shy away from rootsy music but this is the genuine article and I can't help but be drawn in to it. "The Weight" is one for the ages. Always loved "Chest Fever" too.
Oct 24 2021 Author
3
40. Music from the Big Pink - The Band 20 tracks. This seems to be a collection of tracks rather than an album. There is no flow. Some amazing tracks surrounded by some real fillers that detract from the whole. 3/5
Oct 21 2021 Author
5
I love this album so much. I had this vinyl for so long and it broke in my move from UT to CA and broke my heart. Tears of Rage and The Weight are two of my favorite comfort songs. I can’t say anything about this album except to say it is sacred and lovely and you should listen to it often.
Jul 21 2021 Author
5
Classic album, warm and soulful and a delight to listen to. The Band makes it seem very effortless and laid back, like the album just emerged out of some jam session. This is part of their brilliance. This is a group of highly skilled musicians performing at their peak, clearly having a ball crafting music they love. 100 years from now people will still be drawn to these songs. Fave songs: Tears of Rage, The Weight, I Shall Be Released
Jan 07 2025 Author
5
Wasn't it the guy behind The Cleveland Show who once said that the Band's music was like listening to someone sitting on an accordion? Quite mean, and his dumbass cartoon sucks, but there's a kernel of truth. There's a pleasantly wheezy feel to proceedings that evokes an old timey sensibility, even if the music was (then) modern. What strikes me, especially in our age, is just how cohesive not just the separate songs are, but also the musicians themselves between each other. It's very comfy and organic, true, but there's also a generosity at its heart. No big stars, just a collective of lovely instrumentation knitted together to form the overall whole. Special stuff.
Aug 19 2021 Author
5
An amazing debut from the little band that could These guys combination of folk and excellent vocals caused the whole late 60’s rock scene turn their head and look at what these guys were doing. Hell the album make Cream break up due to it being that damn good.
Feb 06 2021 Author
5
I knew The Weight going into this. I really enjoyed it. I don't really have a track by track breakdown or anything specific to call out. It just felt like a really complete record where all the songs were evenly matched, with The Weight being a standout. Very happy I listened to this.
Jan 15 2024 Author
5
What’s left to say?..a critical moment in the evolution of rock, Americana, alt-country…take your pick…also a demonstration of what can happen when you allow a group of musicians to percolate and figure out what they want to play and how they want to play it…
Aug 12 2023 Author
5
Love this. Listened 2 times and coulda done more.
May 13 2021 Author
5
Greatest Album of All Time? Country, Rock, Soul, R&B? It's got it all.
Oct 11 2022 Author
4
We should talk about the all-time best singing drummers. Any list worth a shit will have the following: Don Henley: He's mainly a lead singer who just happened to play drums. Henley will never be considered one of the best drummers, but we're not listing or ranking best drummers here, but singing drummers. Phil Collins: Similar to Henley in that he's a lead singer who played the drums, but Collins gets a little too much credit for his drumming because his drumming sound in the '80's was so distinct. There's also the whole "In The Air Tonight" drum moment people get a little too excited over. Shelia E.: The best drummer on this short list, and it's not even close. Apparently her career was cut shorter than it should have been because she preferred drumming while wearing high heels. Levon Helm: His drumming style is actually quite similar to Henley's, but he's thought of as a much better drummer than Henley. He didn't have Henley's vocal chops, but his voice was still incredibly distinct, and it's Levon's voice I think of the most when I think of The Band. It's Levon singing lead on my favorite Band songs (none of which are on this album, for what it's worth). Bonus points for being adept at playing the mandolin. These are really the best four, and your mileage may vary on where you rank them. Anyone who is just trying to be cute will include Karen Carpenter (she COULD drum, but sort of gave it up after a while, but she gets props every now and then for people discovering old videos of her playing drums well while wearing a T-Shirt that says "Lead Sister"), the dude from the Romantics (who lucked out by singing lead on their most beloved song), Peter Criss (only because he sang on a handful of songs, although I'd listen to an argument for him being the best lead singer of Kiss, which is sort of like claiming to be the world's tallest midget), Roger Taylor (disqualified for singing a song about being in love with his car), Mickey Dolenz (we're not even sure how much drumming he was truly responsible for), Ringo Starr (as John Lennon once famously noted, he wasn't even the best drummer in The Beatles), Dave Grohl (no, also gave up the drums once he became a lead singer), Kelly Keagy (from Night Ranger, but the only people bringing him up are relatives of Kelly Keagy).
Jun 04 2025 Author
3
Some obvious classics. But (unpopular opinion) The Band doesn't particularly stick out to me as a talented collective. I have heard covers of their hits that are better than the originals.
Jan 16 2025 Author
5
I love this album with my whole heart, though I always think about the look they must have had on their faces when Bob Dylan popped in saying "Hey I made this painting for the cover! You guys like it? You can be honest with me!"
Jun 04 2024 Author
5
5 stars for The Weight alone, but the rest is great too.
Apr 19 2024 Author
5
I hear every genre in this lp. I also hear the influence this album had on so many bands since 1968. Wonderful and inspiring music.
Apr 18 2024 Author
5
A masterpiece. Each song is great in its own right, and having multiple band members have lead vocals throughout the album adds to the overall greatness of this album. It’s just so good. 5/5 Listen often
Apr 16 2024 Author
5
Brilliant record. No notes.
Mar 01 2021 Author
5
Good Sunday listening. Went well with today's sunshine 🌞
Feb 09 2021 Author
5
Clasisc
Jan 17 2021 Author
5
This is a great album. The best by the band.
Jul 22 2021 Author
5
Pure songwriting and arranging magic. Love letting this album swarm all around me.
Feb 08 2021 Author
5
Iconic album, changed music forever
Mar 25 2025 Author
3
Just okay, nothing really special.
Feb 23 2024 Author
2
Sorry ‘Muricans but this is just tedious. Take A Load Off is decent and I recognise Wheels On Fre from Ab Fab (that version is more tuneful though. The rest just trundles along in a rather dull manner
Feb 26 2024 Author
1
I just can't care about this jangly ass jamming. Love chest fever though.
Mar 08 2025 Author
5
another album that i cannot be unbiased about. i adore this album. not only was it extremely groundbreaking at the time, the songwriting and the musicianship here is great. i don't expect everyone will like this. the vocals here are a bit rough around the edges, the sound is very laid back. but i love it. robbie robertson's songwriting is great, but also all of them are great and underrated musicians in their own right. it doesn't get much better than this!
Mar 31 2026 Author
3
I gave this proper attention, and.. eh. I'm taking a 'shrug' on this one. "The Weight" is doing a lot of lifting here, but the last few tracks salvage a weaker front end. Just some standard 'hippie' rock. It's not bad, but it didn't ignite me either. I knew and like (a lot) "The Weight" and "This Wheel's...", plus their version of Dylan's "I Shall Be Released" was... (hesitate)... fine, I guess. The only other standout was "Chest Fever". But, again, the front half of the album wasn't great. Just (3/5), but a pretty low '3'. Not sure it deserved entrance in this list, either. It's competent, just far from compelling and/or exciting.
Mar 31 2026 Author
3
It turns out that I really like the IDEA of The Band more than I actually like The Band, in the way that I think I like the pieces more than I like the sum. The bluesy guitars, the accompanying synth, and even the gospelly sounding white guy (I was embarrassingly old when I realized Levon Helm wasn't black) should add up to something that is right up my alley, but the slow, muddled tempo of most of this album leaves it a bit unremarkable and even forgettable. The weight of the album is really carried by that one track we all know and like, but the load is just a bit too much to bear (see what I did there?). It's still a 3/5, but give me Mountain or The Allman Brothers, who did the same thing better.
Apr 16 2025 Author
3
This album is not quite my style but I honestly enjoyed it a lot. Their voices are nice and I think each song has a great flow and rhythm. I like "chest fever" a lot the vocals really stick out to me. I think overall this is a great album but not something I usually listen to
Jan 14 2026 Author
5
Three unconventionally brilliant singers. Manuel fragile, ethereal, beautiful; Danko almost as brittle, on the verge of cracking; Helm, deeper, whiskey soaked, limited range: combining to deliver some of the strongest vocal performances ever recorded. I have loved this album, as I do pretty much all The Band’s output, for years; but this is the one for me. The vocals express pain and anger, helplessness, and joy. “Tears of Rage”, “The Weight”, “This Wheel’s On Fire”, “I Shall Be Released” (perhaps the best version of a Dylan song I have ever heard). The songwriting, from Robbie Robertson and Richard Manuel, is excellent, the musicianship is first class. Garth Hudson’s Hammond Organ on “Chest Fever” is as heavy as anything this side of Jon Lord. There isn’t a weak moment on this album.
Nov 24 2025 Author
5
The Band is everything and now there are no more members remaining. Even if every song isn't a 5/5, this album is a 5/5. I can't in good conscience give anything released before Moondog Matinee less than a 5. It's quite a feat to have a band where technical vocal power isn't really the point, and yet have three great singers (Levon Helm, Rick Danko, Richard Manuel) each bringing something different to the table. Took me way too long to learn that it's Richard Manuel's voice (a rare falsetto turn from him) on I Shall Be Released, as opposed to Rick Danko, who just sounded like that normally. Tears of Rage has that Danko ache and is the perfect opener. Other highlights are We Can Talk, Chest Fever (Garth Hudson's playing!), This Wheel's on Fire, and of course The Weight and I Shall Be Released. I Shall Be Released is a religious experience and I've turned to it in difficult times before, and will probably do so again.
Nov 08 2025 Author
5
I am not Nigel.
Mar 21 2025 Author
5
Really enjoyed this, will be listening again! Manages to be chill background music while also being interesting to listen to.
Mar 21 2025 Author
5
Banging album, could see this being played at a sad afters back in the 70s - fav song the weight - least fav this wheel’s on fire
Mar 01 2025 Author
5
9/10
Feb 25 2025 Author
5
Folk rock with a really rootsy feeling to it, wonderful song writing, love the live feel and raw vocals and harmonies.
Feb 22 2025 Author
5
this album is stunning front to back, and i really think The Band deserves the level of notoriety given to The Beatles. such a defining and influential band.
Feb 18 2025 Author
5
A really good album without The Weight , but definitely 5 stars or A with it.
Feb 12 2025 Author
5
One of the few albums that changed the course of rock history. It made eight-minute blues-rock solos and french horn sections suddenly seem passé.
Feb 12 2025 Author
5
An absolute classic, and very soulful. Five stars and an addition to my Tidal library.
Feb 08 2025 Author
5
I will be forever grateful that Bob Dylan chose not to sing on this record. The Band is such an incredible band, and the fact that they were able to develop their own style and share vocal duties amongst themselves really led to something special. As someone who has always loved The Band, and watched the Last Waltz multiple times, I’m really glad this record came up. It’s this wonderful combination of blues, folk, and rock n roll. There’s so many other influences sprinkled throughout, but it’s really hard to describe as anything other than just “The Band”. In my opinion Robbie Robertson is incredibly underrated as a guitar player, and I think this album is a really good example of how talented he was. The solo on “To Kingdom Come” alone is enough to push him into the upper echelons of 60’s and 70’s guitarists. I’m really happy to have listened to this album again, and I’m also very happy that it exists. 5*
Jan 27 2025 Author
5
Woah. Just, great shit, truly. This album is just like, pure concentrated Americana right into the veins that scratches your soul juuust right. The Weight is obviously the creme de la creme, but We Can Talk and Chest Fever just fucking rock, man. Hell, they're all great! Can't pick just one. I know a lot of people think that the Band doesn't stand out much in this day and age, but that's because they did it first, who the hell wasn't inspired by their music? That's why its everywhere. Listening to this album start to finish, I can't help but here all of the great songs that came after as well, from all the people who heard this album, and loved it, too. Beautiful stuff.
Mar 31 2026 Author
4
Variety: 3 Adequacy: 5 Listenability: 5 Uniqueness: 3 Emotionality: 2 = 3.6 rounded up to a 4 "I’m a little bit country/ And I’m a little bit rock 'n roll/ I’m a little bit of Memphis and Nashville/ With a little bit of Motown in my soul" While I like a lot of work that could be considered such, I've never been that into Americana/ Roots stuff. It feels too much of a non-genre like Post-punk, where there are so many bands doing such vastly different things it seems like an unwieldy and ultimately meaningless label. I've tried this album before a few times and it hasn't stuck. Yet. Maybe this is lucky number three... four? THE TRACKS Side One "Tears of Rage" - I find Richard Manuel to be the most soulful of the singers in this group, and this holds up really well. A shambling and slow motion, but ill-defined lament. Dylan co-writes here and we get plenty of lyrical ambiguity, which I'm fine with. I don't think there is much of anything deep to find here aside form the emotional quality of Manuel's voice and the great accompaniment. Solid start. "To Kingdom Come" - A generic bit of bluesy rambling. Nothing special. "In a Station" - A bit of orchestral pop to open this one. This stands out as possibly having some late-period Beach Boys vibes. Dreamy and a bit folky. I dig it. Unfortunately not much more like this on here if memory serves. "Caledonia Mission" - This doesn't sound too far from what Crosby, Stills and Nash were doing. Robertson has a bit of a whiney stutter to his voice that I'm not the biggest fan of. Fine. "The Weight" - Classic rock radio staple for a reason. Pulls the trick of sounding like an truly excellent live recording. All the ingredients are here for the formula I guess. Allman Brothers, Skynyrd I think follow from this. Maybe the Eagles as well. Side Two "We Can Talk" - How do you follow up the previous side after that ending? With a pleasantly throwaway bit of guitar and organ I guess. This makes me wish Manuel had done a soul album of some sort. "Long Black Veil" - This one feels like a countrified cover of traditional murder ballad ( looked it up and yep, pretty much). Also not a fan of Rick Danko's vocals either. Just let Helms and Manuel sing everything and I might up my rating of this thing a tiny bit. "Chest Fever" - Some almost priggish organ opens this one, which outs it in stark contrast. Deep Purple underwater and in slow motion? The organ here is the star, by a mile, but we also get swings into some funkiness as well as a Randy Newman-ish detour into New Orleans at one point. Love the variety on this one. "Lonesome Suzie" - The emotional longing in Manuel's voice carries this one. This is how you successfully integrate the high registers into your songs ( pay attention Wild Beasts). "This Wheel's on Fire" - Some of the more interesting instrumentation opening this one, but then it quickly settles into some genericness with forays into Dylan world, mainly apparent on the verses. Danko screws the pooch on this in my opinion though with his vocals. A messy hodge podge. "I Shall Be Released" - Most everything about this works for me aside form the martial drumming bits. Just like a big old curly hair floating in your soup. Nitpicky I guess, but it just puts me in mind of schmaltzy garbage like "Billy Don't Be a Hero". HIGHLIGHTS - Manuel's vocals - Loved how basic the instrumentation was on this. Did not feel overproduced - "Tears of Rage" - "In a Station" - "The Weight" - "Chest Fever" - "Lonesome Suzie" MIDLIGHTS - "To Kingdom Come" - "Long Black Veil" - "I Shall Be Released" LOWLIGHTS - "Caledonia Mission" - "This Wheel's on Fire" FINAL THOUGHTS This album is often mentioned in the same breath as Sgt. Pepper's or Never Mind the Bollocks as it supposedly influenced a whole generation to pick up their acoustic guitars and add some country twang to their rock. And I can see it. The artists themselves can be quoted - everyone from Elton John, to George Harrison, to Dylan himself - so I believe it. I guess I just don't understand the reverence. One of those things you had to be there for I guess. I am always surprised whenever I see this was 1968 though. In my brain this sort of thing is early 70s at the earliest, but I maybe that's proof of the influence. Even so, this will never be a favorite of mine. Aside from hearing "The Weight" once a week if I flip through the classic rock stations, I don't think I feel the need to revisit this one again. The production, the musicianship, and the overall vibe is great. It just next to nothing for me emotionally. I feel no connection to most of it. PLAYLIST ALTERATIONS - Keep "The Weight" and "Chest Fever" FURTHER LISTENING - Tumbleweed Connection by Elton John - Workingman’s Dead - Grateful Dead - Old & In the Way by Old & In the Way - Liege and Leaf by Fairport Convention - Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs by Derek and the Dominoes - All Things Must Pass - by George Harrison
Mar 31 2026 Author
4
"It doesn't make any difference what city. All cities are alike. That's why I'm out here now...cause I'm from the city, a long way from the city - and that's where I want to be right now." The Stranger on the Highway, Easy Rider (1969) Given the year, 1968, my first thought was this sounds like a band that played at Woodstock. Looked it up and sure enough, there they were. This album had all the range I wanted for a Monday morning commute. A touch twangy, a touch bluesy, with a good dollop of gospel to remind you of church when you’re out there on the road between Sundays. The band name, album title, and cover art brought no recollection to mind. The first few tracks provided some folksy strumming and I thought it was alright. Then we hit "Caledonia Mission" and followed that up with "The Weight" and boy did my ears perk up then. Not gonne lie, I rode that wave until the end of the album. It meanders like an old man talking, telling stories, voicing regrets and weariness. I didn’t want to interrupt the old fellow. This music sits too far away from me in time to claim, but thankfully that time is behind me and I can listen to most of these old tales anew. Also, hindsight shows itself in what came after. I mean I can hear a little Deep Purple in “Chest Fever” or a touch of Cream in. “Long Black Veil”. Take those old records off the shelf. I’ll sit and listen to them by self like Seger. Also, I guess when you spend a year touring behind Bob Dylan and become known as his first "electric" band then you get to call yourself "The Band" and expect people to know who you are. Generic name aside, I was digging what The Band was putting down. A solid 4/5.
Sep 16 2025 Author
4
Good fall music
Apr 09 2025 Author
4
Good stuff if you're sad in a bar. A sad bar full of sad people with music that only makes them sadder. The bartender is sad and so is the cat.
Feb 06 2021 Author
4
Very glad I had headphones for this album. Loved the way the songs built into The Weight. Especially on my second listen through. The story of both the album and The Band are amazing as well. The fact that both are considered so influential but take their name from the fact they were the backing band for Boy Dylan and then where they recorded most of these songs show the focus on the music rather than the marketability of the group.
Dec 02 2025 Author
3
When Bob Dylan's band first stepped out from his shadows to record their own material, they made a name for themselves as a creative force in their own rite, and helped popularize the emerging Americana movement. The sounds stood as a refreshing contrast (for some) to the psychedelic rock that dominated popular music of this era. Dylan himself wisely took a back seat on this one, contributing only a few songs and an album cover but no actual performances. It was a smart move as it really let the others shine. I do think there's a unique energy to this album and I kind of love that it was made. But it's also not one that I'd probably return to often, apart from the stunning "The Weight" is stands far above the rest of the tracks. I'm glad I heard it though, as it's a good album and a nice piece of music history.
Nov 02 2025 Author
3
When Paul McCartney said this was one of the 3 best albums he ever listened to, I came into this with HUGE expectations. And i've gotta say, Paul, if you told me Rebecca Black was a generational Female vocalist, i'd believe you. Some people you just dont question their musical opinions. However, in this case. I think me and Paul just have different tastes (hence why he's a musical icon and im here writing reviews lol). I like the instrumentation on this album, and this guy is a cool vocalist to listen to. But i cant ever see myself revisting this album routinely, other than "The Weight" 3/5
Sep 18 2025 Author
3
“The Weight” is an all-timer, the rest is a warm, enveloping bath of roots rock.
Apr 10 2025 Author
3
This was a new one for me. Not bad but didn't sustain my interest.
Apr 08 2025 Author
3
I love The Weight so I expected to love this, but the killer to filler ratio was a bit off. It probably didn’t help that what I’d always assumed was a comedy “crazy Chester” voice in The Weight might just be how Rick Danko sings?
Nov 07 2024 Author
3
Their other record on the list is better, but I think I gave it the same score.
Jun 04 2024 Author
3
There's a groove here. Solid listen of some slow folksy rock. Girl Talk used The Weight in Feed the Animals.
Jan 01 2024 Author
3
Just boring Americana
Dec 20 2023 Author
3
Generic dad rock.
Feb 09 2023 Author
3
I had a big Band phase about 20 years ago, must admit I've not gone near them in a long time. The Brown album was a particular favourite over Big PInk, but I bookended both of them. Sad to say it doesn't really hold up. There are some fine moments, Tears of Rage etc, but surprisingly a lot of the vocals are variable at best. The songwriting is all over the place and I think reflects a lot of the nurdling around that went on with the basement tapes. I'm genuinely surprised by how ordinary it is, odd. But let's leaven this critique with a concessive; what's good about it is really good.
Oct 18 2021 Author
3
Loved how a couple songs were named for the idea, not an actual line or phrase in it. Took me back to the time when music was less succinct and more fluid. Sounded like it was fun to make. Easy enjoyable listening if you're in the mood for some older feels.
Jul 03 2021 Author
3
Some nice jams but nothing more than easy listening to me. Their live video gig is class. Worth a watch
Nov 18 2025 Author
2
I recognize this is more a failure of approaching a foundational work with the knowledge of what will come next, how people took what was original and expanded on it or altered it, and I'd ideally approach this album in a vacuum. But I don't like the folksy rock that spawned from this so I'm not loving this either. I think it's fine, but I know it leads to things like Clapton, Eagles, the less good parts of anyone involved in Crosby Stills Nash (sometimes) Young, so on. I'm also never going to get that excited about something with this much Dylan in it but at least he's not singing 2 or 3, won't be sure until it's time actually time to rate it. not adding to collection (but might revisit it later)
Sep 18 2025 Author
2
It puzzled me why I don't know this very well, but all became clear within minutes. It's so ploddingly dull, the vocals grate, the music somniferizes (hey, AI tells me that's a word). The Band really are just that - a backing band with no presence. The Dylan songs are marginally better than the rest, but have nothing really to recommend them; there's a good version of "I Shall Be Released" on the Rolling Thunder bootleg with Joan Baez and Mick Ronson, that's about the only positive I can give. The Basement Tapes suck too.
Apr 16 2025 Author
2
I don't know if it's the remaster but I can barely hear the vocals. This album feels like a more organized Grateful Dead project but without the Bohemian spirit. There are definitely some progressive elements for the time but they try to do too much in every song rather than showcasing the variety of styles and techniques across multiple songs.
Nov 07 2024 Author
2
"Wait. Let’s try this again. Do you see the band on stage?" "No, I don’t see The Band, that’s a different group entirely!" "On stage, Skippy! Look, see the band?" "No I don’t!" "Get rid of those John Lennon glasses and look! There, there’s the band!" "No, that’s not The Band! The Band is performing later on. Who is onstage." Beautifully engineered, very impressive as it was recorded without overdubs. Full of 60s rock flourishes that harken back to some of its roots in gospel, boogie, country, and rockabilly - loads of piano, Hammond organ, call and response vocals, counterpoint harmonies. The bass bounces about with a vintage thud. However, it all feels less than the sum of its parts. I can see why critics and other artists raved about them; doesn't mean I have to like it.
Feb 20 2024 Author
2
Quaalude-soaked bluesy-country-rock, eh? The Weight is one of those classic rock staples, but the remainder of this album felt like a hazy Sunday afternoon that’ll leave a hangover on Monday. Beautiful as it happens, but the details aren’t distinctly memorable and you’ve got a strange taste in your mouth the next day.
Dec 12 2023 Author
2
Not super memorable, feel like I’ve listened to this album 20 times at this point. 2.2
Apr 03 2026 Author
5
Heroes of a generation.
Apr 01 2026 Author
5
Great album. Easy four stars. You know. I am bumping up to five stars.
Mar 28 2026 Author
5
Too important to rate it anything less.
Mar 28 2026 Author
5
Je sais pas trop c'est quoi leur formule magique, mais ça groove vraiment d'une façon magnifique The Band. Le tone de Robertson, le straight-forwardness du drummer... Évidemment mes prefs sont The Weight et I shall be released, mais j'aimerais y revenir pour apprivoiser les autres. Tout ça m'a donné le goût de réécouter Planet Waves (ce que j'ai fait).
Mar 28 2026 Author
5
The band: 5. Un de ces groupe là! Trop d’aspects nostalgiques.
Mar 23 2026 Author
5
Great. ❤️
Mar 18 2026 Author
5
Déjà écouté avant. Top : The Weight Flop : In a Station
Mar 16 2026 Author
5
The Band is by far the best name these guys could've picked for themselves. First, they were Bob Dylan & The Band, but then they stopped working with Bob Dylan. Some member (probably drunk) probably looked to the other guys and went "Well, no more Bob Dylan. Guess we're just The Band now" and everyone loved it. They really stuck it to Bob Dylan, too. As much as I love his music, he probably wishes he could do stuff this good. The Band has this really emotional yet infectiously fun feel that only they can nail as well as they do. Just the fact that Long Black Veil and Chest Fever are right next to eachother on this album shows what I'm talking about. A really sad story into a really kickass organ solo. That's ignoring the other 9 songs on this album. They're all incredible and as incredibly varied as that pair.
Mar 16 2026 Author
5
I fucking love the band
Mar 15 2026 Author
5
TODAS AS BANDAS DE FOLK + R&B queriam copiar 9/10 THE WEIGHT!!
Mar 15 2026 Author
5
One of the most confident debut albums of all time. Music From Big Pink was influential to some of the biggest players in the industry, from The Beatles to Pink Floyd. It rightfully deserves its revered status.
Mar 11 2026 Author
5
1 good song I had in my queue before this list, never heard the rest of the album, pretty good 👍
Mar 10 2026 Author
5
Get your cannonball to take me down line.... Caledonia Mission is a great song. And The Weight is one of the greatest songs in the canon of folk/popular music. The vocals from Rick, Levon, and Richard as they mix and on their own are simply wonderful. Not a bad tune on this record.
Mar 09 2026 Author
5
Near flawless folk rock with big melodies and big heart.
Mar 07 2026 Author
5
This album slaps. I love the blend of genres
Mar 07 2026 Author
5
I know it's not really the point of this but I love when it gives me an album I know and love. Probably the best rendition of 'i shall be released' I've listened to and the cover art is the coolest. I have this album on CD and it's an easy reach for me.
Mar 04 2026 Author
5
Classic soft launch of an entire sub genre. Not sure how much they owe to Dyla stylistically, or vice versa, but this is great stuff.
Mar 03 2026 Author
5
An amazing album, some true classics here. Take a load off fannie is enough for repeat listening, but discovered the others is just icing. Amazing rythyms and vocal, great backing, just an all rounder great album.
Mar 03 2026 Author
5
This album broke up Cream and they still wouldn’t let Clapton in. Perfect album. It’s a shame we can only give it a 5.
Feb 28 2026 Author
5
This album is pretty good. It's such an enjoyable one. It's not fantastic, but all the songs are great, and that makes the album flow really quick. The Band has very good albums, I prefer their self-titled record, but this one is also a very nice one. So, even though I'm not impressed, I am more than delighted.
Feb 26 2026 Author
5
Holy fuck this was good (100/100)
Feb 26 2026 Author
5
This is one of the best debut albums of all time. The composition and production sounds so modern in a good way, especially considering this album is from 1968. Everyone in this band has a beatiful voice.
Feb 24 2026 Author
5
5/9
Feb 24 2026 Author
5
War ein schönes rundes und ruhiges Album.
Feb 19 2026 Author
5
Great album!
Feb 18 2026 Author
5
Glorious. The melodies, harmonies, musicianship, storytelling, all peak. The Band sound so professional and competent, but don’t lose any heart and soul. There’s just a warmth to their sound that’s hard to define and impossible to ignore. Just lovely.
Feb 17 2026 Author
5
Wonderful mix of a little bit of everything that sounds fun. Lots of ideas and tonal differences between songs but through it just sounds like the band had fun, with hits that I wasn’t aware of.
Feb 14 2026 Author
5
Amazing record. What a great band The Band is!
Feb 14 2026 Author
5
Timeless
Feb 07 2026 Author
5
Это определенные 5 из 5. Музыка не надоедает, можно слушать в любом настроении. Смесь рока и джаза, очень душевно и подойдёт почти под любое событие
Feb 02 2026 Author
5
Super soulful and slow