American Pie

Don pilots this album into the sky for an 8 minute Pie, then grabs the yoke and flies the plane straight into the ground. Once the music dies on track 1 it's not coming back to life. Don tries CPR on the Pie-duplicate Everybody Loves Me, but its just chest compressions on a corpse. Beyond the timeless Pie singalong, I think Don also deserves a shout out for creating the "rock is dead" narrative that comes up every decade, and then rock reinvents itself slightly and is hyped as returning. Rock is really dead now, though, and that's ok because we still have the Mayonnaise. C-

I’m reminded how much shorter albums are enjoyable. At 36 minutes this feels digestible. Also weird al is deeply ingrained in my psyche. I keep thinking of his version of American pie. Also also, the piano on the title track is underrated. Bluesy and great. “Till tomorrow” is a surprisingly short and sweet song. “The grave” is an eerily beautiful song. “Babylon” is another eerily beautiful song. Very good album. One I might return to that I wouldn’t have otherwise not for this project. 4 stars. Maybe even more if decimals were allowed.

American Pie by Don McLean (1971) Most boomers are so familiar with the opening track “American Pie” and the third track “Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)”, that I recommend listening to this album starting with the fourth track “Crossroads”, then proceeding to the end before hearing tracks one through three. It’s a rewarding experience. As a a folk/rock singer/songwriter, Don McLean surpassed his mentors (Pete Seeger et al.) in several notable ways. His voice is resonant to the point of being powerful without being strong. His acoustic guitar stylings are well chosen and performed. His poetry is highly descriptive, allusive, and evocative. And it is sung with phrasing that is conversational, spontaneous, and varied. One can easily imagine that his live performance of these songs would inspire other great songs in turn. (McLean’s concert rendition of track six [“Empty Chairs”] was allegedly the inspiration for “Killing Me Softly” performed by Lori Lieberman, Roberta Flack, Lauryn Hill, and others.) The album is superbly recorded, with microphones capturing the tiniest tidbits of resonance and timbre in voice and guitar, from one edge of the fretboard to the other. Pianist Warren Bernhardt (on “Crossroads”) puts the ‘piano’ in ‘pianoforte’. And the engineers at The Record Plant caught it all. Even after fifty years, “Vincent” draws a tear from my eye still. Perhaps it always will. In several ways, the famous opening title track “American Pie” is one of the two weakest cuts on the album (the other being “Everybody Loves Me, Baby”, for similar reasons). Is it possible for a poem like “American Pie” to be too cryptically allusive and cheaply ambiguous? Do some of the alliterations and rhymes border on triteness? Can a chorus can be repeated once or twice too often in an 8:33 recording? Even if the answer to all these questions is ‘no’, McLean’s delivery of the backbeat rock ambience is second-tier. Given that his purpose was to convey a sense of loss, it could have been presented in a less sprightly way. Nevertheless, it’s still a classic. For the identification of the allusions, see Wikipedia references to the mountains of literature on this. My overall take on the meaning of the song “American Pie” is that if you don’t want to be disillusioned, you should avoid having illusions in the first place. But if one listens to this album in all its intended unity, and not dominated by two ‘hits’, one will experience folk with soul—a twofer suitable for any old day. 4/5

This guy could write a sad song. American Pie is of course an iconic song, but many of the other songs on here are beautiful and heartbreaking. Vincent in particular can bring me to tears just listening to it. 3.5 stars, rounding to 4.

My mom had this album and I listened to it as a kid. I can't deny the lightning in a bottle he caught with the opening track. Quite an achievement. Other than that I like the more raucous "everybody loves me" but listening to this years later, nostalgia can't save most of this for me. Generally not a fan of the folky acoustic singer songwriter thing. If he had a more rocking band behind him and more interesting arrangements I might like it more. Sounds like it could use a remaster to my ear.

After leading off with one of the greatest, if not THE greatest, sing-along songs of all-time, this thing turns into a snooze hard and fast. It's almost like those 8 minutes and 42 seconds of the title track were a tease. I guess that song along gives this album a spot on this list. But McLean should have titled this album Ambien because it'll put you to sleep in a hurry.

I was shockingly surprised at how much I loved this album.

Starts off with "American Pie," which I believed is overplayed, but has an interesting history. "Vincent" is a beautiful song about Vincent Van Gogh and drew tears from me as I have contemplated the purpose of living. The rest of the album has melancholy folk tunes, with "Everybody Loves Me, Baby" throwing off the vibe a little, but resettles as the album finishes.

Why even is this? I hate and have always hated the title track, and the rest is literally nothing.

I had low expectations of variations on the theme of "American Pie," and that's pretty much what I got. What was surprising was that it didn't turn out to be a bad thing and McLean's brand of cornfield melancholy doesn't outstay its welcome. Edit: I've got to stop looking at the Wiki pages for artists on here. What a dick!

When my kids were young, once a week they would get picked up from school by their pop, who would take them back to his place for an afternoon of bad television and junk food. It was one of their favorite days of the week. On the drive from school, he would inevitably play 'Amercian pie', and, as a result, all my kids love it. As many people do. It is a classic sing-along song. When it starts up, people almost can't help themselves from raucously singing along. It's got an easy tune and even the most mediocre singer can have a crack. It is the cause of some of some distress to me that my own family think this song is great, and when they've had a few drinks at Christmas, American Pie often ends up on the turntable for a sing-along (although only the title track. Nobody is interested in the rest of the record). I leave the room. I, however, hate, loathe, detest and despise the song. I don't like the pseudo-profound lyrics. I read an article once describing it as "the most cryptic song ever written". Cryptic only if you can't decipher ham-fisted allegory, that is. It is the worst kind of boomer elegy for "how great things were in the 50s", which I never bought (see also: We Didn't Start The Fire). I don't know why this appeals to younger Australians so much; it is full of 1950s American references that just don't resonate here. The tune is banal. And it goes for fucking ever. Eight and half minutes of this repetitive crap! I swear to god if I have to sit through it once more, I will gouge out my own eardrums with a fork. I usually listen to the album for review through the whole way through, but I can't stomach this. It all sounds pretty much the same, varying between soft, sad songs, and repetitive mid-tempo wannabe knees-up numbers. Vincent is OK. Cover photo is iconic. But I hate the title song and it's malignant presence infects the whole album.

Found a lost gem 💕

Como album en general, es un poco modorro, pero solo el tener Amercan Pie merece estar en la historia de la música

Mindestens zwei Songs für die Ewigkeit

Mediocre

The album title is 5/5 alone

Beautiful

always a great album

I really loved this album way more than I expected to. Don's fingerpicked guitar playing is smooth and thoughtful, and accompanies his voice really well. His singing is great, with carefully considered melodies and delivery of lyrics that are really poetic and laid bare. He tells a story, and you get sucked in - pair all this with a really good use of strings and other intrumental features throughout the album... it's just great

only listened to the title track, but listened to this for the first time and it's beautiful! wonderful folky acoustic tracks, will definitely listen again

It's an all-time classic - there's so much more than 'American Pie' on here though. Don is a lovely songwriter and this is a wonderful sunny afternoon listen.

A lovely, lovely, quiet, gentle, evocative, sad album.

Fantastic voice!! Vincent makes me cry. American pie kicks ass. I also liked the last two songs a lot. He's good at the slow tender acoustic songs. A couple of the slow songs sounded a bit too similar imo (especially empty chairs and vincent, for example); wish he cut out a slow song or two and added a more upbeat one, perhaps. that's just me. but still deserving of a five i think.

All time classic

Album 3a4im

So good

Classic

American Pie is still an amazing song. And Vincent. McLean really has a wonderful voice.

جمييييييل

I was looking forward to listening this one when I saw it on the list, but then enjoyed it even more than expected. The voice and songwriting are top notch and this album is easily among the best singer-songwriter albums I've ever heard. I listened to it a second time right after finishing the first spin. The instrumentation is sparse with bare bones arrangements, but every note is exactly where it should be to showcase the pure feeling distilled into every track. I can see how people may be disappointed, as it starts off with the stellar American Pie and then every other track on the album seems to be a lot less energetic. But it makes up for that with serene, melancholy beauty and feeling.

Another classic. American Pie and Vincent are standout hits.

Who doesn’t love this? Vincent is my favourite!

This is so incredibly good. "American Pie" and "Vincent" are literally some of the most beautiful songs in the whole world, and the rest of the album somehow manages to do them justice. Holy shit what an experience. 5

Fucking finally. A good, classic American album to just revel in. And by American, I mean heavy on the ballads and storytelling. It's a tradition that this record follows so satisfyingly well. And I'm happy to say that the entire album, not just its calling card (which is "American Pie", duh) is fucking excellent. Every track is worth it. But my fave deep cut is "Everybody Loves Me, Baby." And may I say that if you don't like this album, then just know that everybody loves it, baby. What's the matter with you? Gladly giving this one five stars.

Great as always

There was a time when I didn't like the song 'American Pie.' I heard it all the time and tuned it out every time. Then I listened to it and realized it was actually a beautiful song despite its length. I then figured that, on the album 'American Pie,' it would be the only good song. A one-hit record so to speak. Then I listened to the whole thing and realized it was actually a beautiful album. I'm sure people will complain that it's kind of a tone shift after the titular song, but if you embrace the slow, quiet nature of the rest of the album, it's a fantastic, calming listen.

that was actually a really beautiful listen super enjoyable - 10/10

Classic

很温情很深情很舒缓很经典的一张专辑，能让人放松。

Fuck yes fuck yeah ohhh mama

Saaaaaad folk music Listened to this in the cemetery - big time vibes So simple and so beautiful Vincent, Crossroads, and Winterwood are on repeat Listened to this in the bath - also big time vibes The harmonies in a round on Babylon are great And American Pie is on this album

Un album incredibilmente malinconico. American Pie e Vincent sono due colonne portanti della musica, ma gli altri brani non sono da meno.

I always laugh at Rach when she goes into a full rendition of the song American Pie because it just feels like something that has always existed and is about 3 hours long. I’m a bit familiar with Vincent, but I can’t say I’ve ever paid it much attention. I’m intrigued to hear the full album. Songs I already knew: American Pie, Vincent Favourite after listening: Vincent, American Pie, The Grave This is the second album during this music spree that hit me right in the heart. I’ll admit it, I started crying while listening to Vincent. Maybe it’s partly because I slept badly last night and had nightmares, so feel not quite all there this morning, but the outcome is the same. This song broke me a little. I did read a few user reviews before listening and the consensus seemed to be that this album only has one good song (no prizes for guessing which). I absolutely disagree with this. Maybe I’m wrong, but singers don’t tend to be as silky smooth with vocals any more like this used to be. I’d also feel bad if I didn’t comment on the excellent guitar composition in The Grave - it doesn’t sound hard by any means, but it’s perfect for what the song is. I wouldn’t necessarily say American Pie is perfect, but it’s not far from it.

Best song ever and the rest of the songs are great too.

My goodness this is good.

The Rolling Stones get a raw deal on the main song, but there's so many great moments on here it'd be churlish to knock any marks off.

An amazing album that I love listening to.

Not only did Don McLean write two of my favourite tracks of all time - 'American Pie' and 'Vincent' - he also managed to put them on the same album. A record that stood upon the shoulder of the hippie movement of the late 60s but managed to create its very own long lasting cultural impact. McLeans voice is hauntingly beautiful - exemplified on the very visual anti-war track 'The Grave' - and his phrasings on the guitar matches it perfectly. His rendition of 'Babylon' as the closing track is also phenomenal. I don't have anything bad to say about this record at all.

Amazing folk album, with lovely understated acoustic guitar, and outstanding vocal performances.

This album is actually marvelous

Don McLean will always remind me of the year we (Danny) lived with Dan and Jason and Carmen. In spite of that, I love him. I was most familiar with his greatest hits album so it was fun to listen to this full album. 'American Pie' is pretty perfect to me and 'Vincent' always makes my voice break when I sing it. If ever an album made me want to sit by an open window in Spring after a long Winter it's this one. Simultaneously exhausted and hopeful. I really loved his performance of 'Babylon'. PS. He's still alive and touring! He's in Australia in April!

something in me hit rock bottom, the day the music died.

Баааай баай зис амэрикан пааай... Вообще поскольку надо бы делать развернутые рецензии, то расскажу историю. С творчеством Дона МакЛина я познакомился благодаря... группе Сплин. Да, я был огромным сплиноманом в школе, у меня даже кликуха "сплин" была классе в 6-7ом. Так вот, в 2016 году вышел кавер Васильева (точнее был исполнен на концерте) с переводом песни Vincent на русский: "Звёзды среди звёзд". Перевод меня очень тронул, а, открыв оригинал, оказалось, что он очень близкий. В общем сплошной кайф. А вообще эта песня вдохновлена картиной Ван Гога "Звёздная Ночь" и посвящена художнику. Маримба в ней - кайф! Если мы говорим о бард-роке, то вот это, имхо, то, как он должен быть сделан. Вспоминая Билли Брага, American Pie сделан в 100 раз лучше: и по текстам, и по музыке, и по сведению. Тексты здесь надо отдельно выделить, очень много сравнений и классных метафор. А особенно альбом красен настроениями: от лиричных баллад до кантри и блюза. Хз, вот даже пятерку что ли влепить... да, влепить!

Удивительно точный слепок эпохи и отражения жизни + офигенное аккомпонирование, которое полностью поглощает + очень приятный сладковатый голос Алкоальбом: коньяк у костра в глуши

Genre: Classic rock Review: The eponymous track from this album is one of my all-time favourites, but it also happened to be the only Don McLean track I had ever heard. But the rest of this album is pretty damn great by itself. A mix of cheerful tracks with quick, up-tempo beats and slower, introspective tunes makes for an album well worth its reputation as one of the greatest. Rating: 9/10

The older I get the more this kind of music speaks to me, my fifth grade teacher played American Pie to the class for his birthday happy b day Mr. Burke

That song is so good, though the rest is forgettable.

Before I went to bed last night, I saw this was the album on the slate for today and had already written it off. I figured it was only on here for the title track and understandably so. A lot can be said about the title track, as it’s one of the most impressive pieces of songwriting ever, so dense with metaphors, it will make your head spin. While probably overplayed and not exactly an everyday listen, it deserves all the praise it gets. Now that that’s out of the way, let me just say, I love the rest of this album. Without the title track, this album is an incredibly easy listen at only 26 minutes. It provides beautiful melodies and some truly heartfelt moments. And in case “American pie” didn’t have you sold, McClean continues to showcase his masterful songwriting in songs like “Vincent” and “the grave”. Heard before: American pie The good: AP, till tomorrow, vincent, the grave, pretty much everything Okay, I’ll say something bad about it: While it’s not a bad song, why was “everybody loves me, baby” on this album? It just seems out of place. It’s also unfortunate that the albums two weakest tracks (“sister Fatima” and “Babylon” are two of the last 3. I would’ve liked a stronger ending. Overall, this album seems to have gotten a raw deal, suffering from the success of the title track and forever left in its shadow. The world owes you an apology Mr. McLean; this album deserves better.

When this came out of the gate with "American Pie" I fully expected it to be a downhill coast from there. I was wrong. Turns out, Don's a beast of a songwriter. These songs are wonderfully written, beautifully performed, and exceptionally well recorded. Are they all "American Pie"? No, of course not. But there's not a dud in the bunch. Not even compared to the elephant in the room that is the title track. Surprisingly, I enjoyed the hell out of it. Full marks.

It has been a very long time since I’ve listened to this lovely album, so long that I had forgotten most of the tracks. I enjoyed it today more than ever. Excellent!

As many times as I've heard them, American Pie and Vincent both still give me chills. The rest of the album is more of the same: evocative poetry set to lovely folk guitar. Very moving.

Most of this album was totally new to me. I did kind of find it a little stylistically limited, but it was a good style for me today.

It sometimes mystified me why the long, inscrutable ("but the levee was dry") song "American Pie" had such an impact, but when my 16-year-old son sang all the lyrics along with the entire song this morning in the car (it lasted the entire commute, plus 30 more seconds that he insisted on finishing before he got out) it did really hit me how much it has connected with people for the last 50 years. This time I got to hear it for the first time in the context of a whole album, and it was a pretty wonderful experience. You might even say McLean was killing me softly with his song. (I always thought that song was inscrutable, too, but now I know.) I hadn't really listened closely to "Vincent" in a long time, but this time I could vividly picture each of the paintings he was singing about and Vincent's eyes of china blue (that one is less inscrutable now). Marvelous. All of the other songs (besides the beautiful, not-Boney-M., "Babylon") were new to me, and I could listen to them again and again. "Crossroads" was a song that particularly spoke to me today.

American Pie is such a great song

Drove my Chevy to the levy

Great album. Glad to hear the whole thing after the first song.

Beautiful, Vincent is a true highlight and will listen to this for years to come

Any album with American Pie and Vincent on is gotta be good. Don isn't remembered that well it seems now but he is a great writer, musician and singer. Some of the melodies sound kinda similar I'll admit (like Vincent and Empty Chairs) but they're so beautiful nevertheless. His voice is so soothing and resonant and guitar playing accomplished. Easiest 5/5 in a while

Where was this album during my depressive episode last year?

10/10

American Pie is the second studio album by American singer-songwriter Don McLean, released by United Artists Records in October 1971. The album is a mix of folk and rock genres, with a soft rock, AM pop, and singer-songwriter style The album contains the chart-topping singles "American Pie" and "Vincent". The title track is an eight and a half minute, folk-rock epic, split over two sides of a single and leading off McLean's eponymous second album. The song is about the cultural and political decline of the US in the 1960s, a farewell to the American dream after the assassination of President Kennedy The song is full of sadness, joy, and subtle messaging to "The Day The Music Died" or the plane crash that sadly took the lives of Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens in the year 1959 .The album has a consistent listen, with no oddballs anywhere on the record. It's primarily acoustic with very sparse instrumentation, much like the title track The album has been described as a timeless classic in the singer-songwriter genre . The album is Don McLean's crowning achievement Pros: The album contains the iconic title track "American Pie" and other folk rock and acoustic gems like "Vincent" and "Empty Chairs" The album is a mix of folk and rock genres, with a soft rock, AM pop, and singer-songwriter style The album is a consistent listen, with no oddballs anywhere on the record. It's primarily acoustic with very sparse instrumentation, much like the title track The album has been described as a timeless classic in the singer-songwriter genre American Pie by Don McLean is a timeless classic in the singer-songwriter genre. The album is a mix of folk and rock genres, with a soft rock, AM pop, and singer-songwriter style. The album contains the iconic title track "American Pie" and other folk rock and acoustic gems like "Vincent" and "Empty Chairs". The album is a consistent listen, with no oddballs anywhere on the record. It's primarily acoustic with very sparse instrumentation, much like the title track.

Интересно как он веселенького начала под конец приходим к совсем другим по настроению песням, разложенным на несколько голосов, как в церкви

Another fantastic album. I saw Don around 2019, and he was excellent. He played about a 15-minute version of the title track, which was a good old singalong. The album is so much more than one song though. Vincent is such a beautiful song. Interestingly not very well-known here in the Netherlands. Evokes powerful imagery, captures the sadness of Vincent's life. One of Tupac's favourite songs apparently. Crossroads, Empty Chairs, Babylon, and The Grave are also favourites, all quite depressing and thoughtful. He has a lovely voice, sweet and mellifluous, lovely guitar playing, and simple melodies.

Really enjoyed

There was a 2pac documentary (that came out last year) where he discussed that when he was younger and adventuring into different kinds he came across this song. This song was considered to be the "catalyst" of describing how Pac would feeling as a human. If there was something to fully encapsulate who he was as a human being this was the song to do it. Hearing that somebody else found out how to profoundly resonate with one of my favorite artists at that time I couldn't help but search for the song. That song's name: "Vincent" by Don McLean Once I heard it, it took one listen and zero convincing to believe that this is one of the greatest songs I've ever heard in my life and I needed to venture into this man Don McLean's discog and come to understand the person who made this song. It found a special way to share a similar experience between two different people in different periods of time and different periods of life many years separate from one another. That's the only way to describe this album: a perfect snapshot of the human experience. Don has a way of coming across melancholy with how he makes music, and there was no short of songs on here that show that, but at the same time you're feeling a little low he finds a way to make you feel ALIVE. There's a beauty in it that I can't put in the right words until you hear it and truly experience it yourself. All that I can repeatedly say is this shouldn't be a "Album to hear before you die" but a REQUIRED listen for being a human. Infinity out of 5 stars. A Perfect Album.

Great album. Really mellow

Love it 8min 33 seconds

I really like the album.

Eu já conhecia a música título e gosto muito dela. O álbum é agradável como um todo, tem diversos tipos de sonoridade e todas as faixas parecem familiares mesmo sendo a primeira vez escutando.

Brought back memories of the last 1000 times I've heard this.

This album packs such an emotional punch in a short time. The songs "American Pie," "Vincent," and "Empty Chairs" have been long-time favorites for me, but I genuinely enjoyed listening to every song on this album again.

American at it's best, great piano ballads

Excellent folk/rock album. 5 stars for American Pie and Vincent alone and most of the rest is pretty good as well

For a prick of a human, this is a pretty great album

Så himla bra!!! Älskar att det är en väldigt stor blandning av låtar, både lugna och med snabbt tempo.albumet var även i perfekt längd! Favoritlåt från albumet var SÅKLART American pie 5/5!!!

This was great, this kind of class of classic 70s and 80s songwriters were the exact kind of albums I was trying to force myself to get around to listening to wen I started this. This was great and it's always awesome to see how political music in the states progressed, Everybody Loves Me, Baby instantly went into the regular rotation, great song the still pulls on the melodic stylings of the decades prior but in a completely new context in terms of production and songwriting.

Rating: 9.5/10. Perfect/close. Must-listen. Genre-defining. Genre: American Folk Really good.

Liked this more than I expected!

Great album. McLean has some great lyrics.

Ok!

All time classic from one of the great singer/songwriters.

Day103 - american pie and vincent and masterpieces

McLean's voice is so captivating. Listening to it is like a warm hug after coming in from the rain.

Ha spaccato

Today we find out if there is more than one song on this album. Our answer: Yes! I don't much care for tracks 2 through 4, but the rest of the album slaps! Lovely simple sound while still being out of the box and lyrical story telling.

If Don McLean’s sole contribution to music was American Pie it would be enough to justify his induction into the HoF. But in point of fact the whole album is good and a perfect reflection of the early 70s and the fading hopes of the 60s. It was of its time but it stands the test of time.

Not a single bad track on this album!

Kaunista akustista. Yhdessä vaiheessa tää oli kovassa soitossa, vieläkin hyvä vaikka loppu levu ei niin hyvä. Parhaat: American Pie, Vincent

It's basically an album of American Pie, which isn't a bad thing.

this album i've certainly heard before, and it's fantastic. it's very emotional, it's very poetic in the sense that it deals with heartfelt tributes and somber... maybe not melancholic lyrics but very very bittersweet and conscious ones about the realities of life. it's heavy to some. but it's great.