Reviews (page 2 of 8)
Des belles chansons à texte dans la plus pure des traditions folk États-Unienne, rien à redire. Même si c'est la St Jean et non pas le 4th of July. Highlight Babylon très belle adptation du psaume 137 plus à mon goût que celle de Boney M Vincent je connaissais pas très jolie. Everybody loves me, baby c'est le low point. Pas de rock pour toi, donny!
Off the bat, before I even listened to it, this album had two issues to deal with: first, the "& Other Great Songs!" problem. Y'know, those albums where the first song is not only the title track, but also its most famous and well-known song? Think of Rush's 2112, or Funkadelic's MAGGOT BRAIN, or... Heck, even think of ELP's TARKUS, if you want. Iron Butterfly's IN-A-GADDA-DA-VIDA almost counts, but the title track comes last — either way, you get it. But yeah, it's albums where the first song is such a behemoth in the popular consciousness, it's like, "How in the world could the rest even compare in the face of those beasts?" I've yet to come across one where the rest just can't (that Iron Butterfly album hasn't shown up), and I'm thankful for that so far, honestly, but I had my wonderings: would this album be it? 'Coz, I mean... Come on. Come on: it's "American Pie". We all know this song, or at least the phrase it coined: The Day The Music Died. That's how popular it is; that we use its wording to refer to the day Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper died. Hell, I know this song twice — Weird Al's "The Saga Begins" might just be the best thing to come out of the first STAR WARS movie. In short: "American Pie" is a towering epic chronicling, at least in one man's words, the transition from the optimistic 60's to the... Well, less hopeful 70's. (Again: one man's words.) How **do** you compete with that? Then we have the issue of this being a singer-songwriter folk album — and, look, for those who've somehow managed to follow my reviews and babbles who ain't been in my group, let me keep this short: I do not have a particularly good relationship with folky singer-songwriter types. Often, to my ears, they come across as poets who think they're musicians just because they can plink-plonk on an acoustic guitar. The only reason I don't say they're up their own asses is because my AuDHD ass has enough of a hard time trying to understand regular lyrics as it is; understanding **these** guys's words enough to figure out if **they're** pretentious is another story entirely. So, already, coming into this thing, I found myself with a bias here: an early 70's singer-songwriter? Oh, no. Outside of the title track... I mean, I already gave that Joni Mitchell album from later in the decade an "I don't give a shit," so I could only imagine what I was gonna think of **this**. There was only one way to find out, though. So I let the title track play, enjoyed it, and set myself up for the worst, and... Can I be real a second? For just a millisecond? This shit is beautiful. Damn beautiful. Oh, my goodness me, I was not prepared at all for how much I'd like this album. Beyond the title track, and besides one or two songs later on, the entire album is made up of these sparsely arranged pieces that focus solely on either piano or guitar. On its face, it seems like something I'd have no patience for: I gave two Leonard Cohen albums 2's mostly for how every track looped the same guitar piddling over and over again (and I felt real bad to do that to a Canadian legend). But here? The arrangements are clearly closer to channeling pop sensibilities than what I'd typically expect out of this kind of music — even from Dylan's electric music. I mean, hell, there may not be any clear hooks, but, damn, there's **melody**. Actually **melody**. And it's so pretty yet melancholic... This is some **good** stuff, goodness. Even the **lyrics** managed to pull me in, and I'll tell you exactly why: they're not complicated. I mean, sure, these aren't Tracy Chapman "simple yet powerful" lyrics; they're still aiming to use poetic language. I mean, I'm sure the title track alone is damn incomprehensible to a lot of people because of the language, y'know? But what I mean is, these aren't Dylan lyrics, where you need a scholarship and bachelor's degree in English literature in order to understand them. You don't hafta sit down and think **really hard** about them, way more than you would about the actual music. They're just comprehensible enough that you can spend just as much time appreciating how gorgeous the backing and playing is. It's like, honestly, the only two songs I feel like I weren't all for were "Everybody Loves Me, Babe" and "Babylon". In the case of the former, it's like, after falling as hard in love with the sparseness as I did, it was a bit of an adjustment to suddenly run into another full band track. I **did** enjoy the lyrics poking at the power dynamics of kings and emperors and all that. As for the latter, meanwhile... Yeah, I gotta agree with a group buddy: it is no closer like "The Grave" shoulda been. Could you imagine this album ending with **that**? What a whopper of an emotional hit **that** woulda been? Instead of, like... I'unno? This short-ass thing with lyrics based on this one Bible verse or something? I can understand wanting to end the album on a lighter note than "The Grave", but seriously, it woulda been **phenomenal**, and shame on 'em for chickening out of that. But other than that (really just the one being kinda misplaced), yeah, no, yeah, it's a great record. Obviously, nothing on here is as iconic as "American Pie", but damn if almost the entire rest of it don't stack up pretty close — especially "Vincent". If I recommend any one cut off of this album, check out "Vincent"; it's the other single and it might be the prettiest song here? But you be the judge of that. As for me right now, all I can do is give this album a big "American-flag painted" thumbs up. (Is that what it looks like when you stick your thumb into an American pie? Like some ultra patriotic Jack Horner? Hm. I'll be.)
I’m at a 5. Honestly, I’m a bit higher, though not quite at a 10. Well, I’m very glad this isn’t just American Pie & then 28 minutes of tracks that also happen to be there. It’s American Pie and roughly 26 minutes of tracks that stand close enough to the shoulders of the giant that is the title track, keeping things entertaining & keeping the album at a consistently strong quality. My apologies to “Babylon”, it just feels sort of flat as the ending, especially when it could’ve closed perfectly on “The Grave”. I’m really learning that 70s singer-songwriters are more my speed; gone is the verbosity & overt flowery language of the man that Don McLean calls a jester on this album, and in comes a group of artists inspired by the pacing & pop sensibilities of the Beatles & Elvis, while still channeling a lot of the sobering emotions that an artist like Bob Dylan brought out of these guys. It is a much nicer blend to my ears, and one that’s perhaps best personified by “American Pie”, which stands as an all-timer for a reason. I don’t think I need to use any extra words on it, because it’s that good. How about the rest of them, then? “Till Tomorrow” is very James Taylor-y, and it just clicked really nicely for me, as a guitar-driven earnest ballad on love slipping away. “Vincent” is the other monster hit here, & it’s a brilliantly performed tribute to Vincent van Gogh. I’ve never heard it until today, but I deeply enjoyed it. “Crossroads” & “Winterwood” both tackle love as it relates to religion & reconnecting with it, but they’re written in such a way where you can see it as just a passionate love being a cure. I liked them both. I think “Empty Chairs” is just beautiful. Simple as that, really. “Everybody Loves Me, Baby” is a pretty fun track about power dynamics & deconstructing the stature of emperors, kings, pharaohs, or any other imperialistic figures. I especially appreciate the way he sort of bites the structure of “American Pie” on it, just to be a bit meta. “Sister Fatima” is fine; I wish it were a bit more clear about the scammy nature of exploitative people in religion, but the sarcasm comes through well enough. “The Grave” is a fantastic track that honestly should’ve closed the album; it’s a very clear statement against the Vietnam War, and the imagery present between the muddy shithole this soldier died in & the idealistic grave his family makes for him at the end acts as a sobering image, and it would’ve been perfect to end on. I don’t want to hate on “Babylon” that much, but it just feels like more of a transition track that should’ve been put between “Winterwood” & “Empty Chairs”, as opposed to an epilogue piece to “The Grave” and the overarching themes of “American Pie”. It’s a fine track, not bad at all, and it has a place somewhere in the album. It just shouldn’t have ended the entire thing, though I get the feeling ending on something religious was important to Don McLean. Regardless, it’s a great, great album. A little emphasis towards the lyrics is needed here, since it is kind of just guitar-driven singer-songwriter stuff otherwise, but they’re all really well-written. It clicked wonderfully for me, and I’m glad the full album is on the list. It’s a very easy 5; a bit higher, really.
Two of the greatest songs ever but the rest of the album is also very good.
Incredible record, all songs sound great, have deep and recognizable lyrics, catchy and legendary. No complaints, but a good surprise that I will keep listening to.
"American Pie" gets this to five stars right off the bat. "Do you believe in rock n' roll? Can music save your mortal soul? And can you teach me how to dance, realllll slow" Does the rest of the album live up to that song? No. But it's greatness on its own gets it the 5 star rating. I liked "Everybody Loves Me, Baby" and "Empty Chairs".
All classics.
First time hearing the rest of the album always loved the first song. Very good.
Прекрасная меланхолия из 70х, идеально под дождь
liked the song American Pie
Beautiful songwriting and vocals. I'm a sucker for this style of folk music. Awesome piano and guitar melodies. The heartfelt ones hit home without being cheesy.
Summer vibes need a Green Day
Love this record.
I couldn't listen to it. So overplayed. But overplayed for a good reason!
3.5 One of the songs I like probably because it’s kind of a clone of Vincent and AP
Loved it
Folksy guitar tunes. Very melancholy vibe. Loved it
Everyone has heard The Day the Music Died, and probably too many times to still enjoy it. I know for a while, I couldn't listen to it because of its ubiquity. Serendipitously, last weekend my wife and I were in the kitchen, preparing for the coming week, and listening to music. Vincent came on, and though I'd heard it before, suddenly I realized who it was about. What a sweet tribute. Listening to this album today, The Day the Music Died seemed to me as fresh as it had ever been. Vincent was a punch in the gut, and I felt a true sense a loss for an artist, a tortured soul, a misunderstood man...a person who felt unappreciated, despite trying so hard. The Grave - supremely impactful to me. As a veteran, this reminds me of who I was as a very young man, and makes me grateful this was not my story Babylon - wonderful The sparse arrangements, McLean's simple playing and guitar tone, and all of the feelings this album evoked in me earn this album a 5 star rating.
It’s a wonderful album. I’ve loved this one for as long as I can remember. Heartbreaking songs with incredible storytelling and so beautifully melodic too. His voice is so rich. Very happy for this listen.
One of my favourites!
se me metio una noche estrellada en el ojo
Don McLean – American Pie This is gorgeous—vocally, lyrically, emotionally. It might just be my favorite discovery so far. Upon finishing this album, my instinctive response was to lean back in my car seat, shut my eyes, and just smile (don’t worry, I was parked). The gentle warmth of these ballads washed over me completely. Songs like Vincent, Empty Chairs, and Crossroads are stunning, each filled with heartfelt emotion and delivered with incredible sensitivity. Of course, the epic American Pie itself is a phenomenal opener that sets the tone beautifully. If I had one complaint, it would be Everybody Loves Me, Baby. It feels like a record label-mandated upbeat track that slightly disrupts the album’s otherwise soothing flow. Standout Track: Vincent Score: 5/5
Fav song: Till Tomorrow Beautiful, beautiful album. Really exceeded my expectations. This album is what I'll think of whenever I think of Americana from now on.
us folk
Is American Pie the most famous song in the world? It’s the only one I can sing in the shower word perfect from beginning to end. I think this is some feat given its length. The only song of that length which comes close to a perfect singalong is Stairway To Heaven, another song of similar stature, but I have to confess I do fumble the words when I get to verse 6. It is of course also a great drinking song and I can look back fondly on those drunken nights, lads together, arms around shoulders, bellowing out the lyrics at the top of our voices. The album also features Vincent which is another great song. Not in the same league as American Pie but a lovely gentle reflective song which you can relate to a lot of events happening in your life. Then there is the rest of the album. I bet I’m not alone when I say all the other songs are relatively unknown to me. This is not to my credit. I have the two aforementioned songs on various greatest hits CD’s so I never bothered to buy the album. I have listened to it in full before but it never made a mark with me. Today was different and I listened to it skipping the two big hits, to assess if I would buy the album in that format. My answer is yes I would. Some good songs which In their own right stand up but obviously have suffered because of the magnitude of the big two. This is an iconic album deserving of its place on the list because of its title song alone but worthy of merit for the quality of the supporting songs. An album which should have been in my collection long ago. A serious wrong which I will soon put right. 5/5 23/10/24
Just a disclaimer: My ratings are a reflection of my own personal taste and nothing more. I bought the singles American pie and Vincent when I was a kid in junior high, but had never listened to the album. I have to say I really enjoyed this one, and will pick up a copy if I see a decent used one in store someday. The song American pie seems to be a bit of a The song American pie seems to be a bit of an anomaly on this album, and most of the other songs are quite similar to Vincent. Definitely will listen to this one more in the future.
'American Pie' is what it is & his rendition of 'Vincent' can still move to tears all these years later.
This is a perfect album, I am so in love. Horrendous album cover though WOW All songs were amazing I don’t have any favourites
He’s a fine songwriter. Of course American pie is a baby boomer anthem, one of those songs that created a false nostalgia for a better time in Australia for example. Are there levies that we could drive a Chevy to to watch good old boys drinking whiskey and rye? And yes the lyrics have been analysed to death, ironically given the song theme. It’s a bit beyond criticism really. Over played. Not its fault. Over analysed. Not its fault. False nostalgia. Erm. Vincent is lovely. Again over played. But if you haven’t heard it in a while it’s good. They are the two best tracks. The rest are fine tracks written by a talented songwriter. McLean still tours and is by all accounts a terrific performer. Without the two singles I think he’d fit in to the California singer songwriter - think Joni, James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Jim Croce, Eagles, post Peter green Fleetwood Mac. But he wouldn’t stand out. Those two songs though. It’s not really a five star album but giving it any less feels wrong. So I’m going to cheat and round up a 4.5. It’s sort of a 3.5. But the cultural impact of the title track bumps it up. (I’m not a huge fan of the song anymore having heard it thousands of times.)
This is a folk music masterpiece. The arrangements and lyrics are a masterclass musical poetry. It's almost ironic that American Pie is the heavy lifter here when it's lyrics are sort of haphazardly thrown together, but it's one of the most well-known sing-alongs of all time. It doesn't really fit the album that well, but it's still an undeniable classic. The rest of the album is where the real magic is though. I can't wait to go through this album multiple times and give more dedicated attention to the lyrics as I do.
The man is a poet
Yeah I’m hard
Every song is excellent!
Great album with iconic songs
It would be a 5 for just the eponymous song. But the rest of the album I think also stands the test of time.
Never before has an album cover suited an album less. I expected bruce springsteen so when I turned it on I was like oh... THIS american pie Great storytelling, pleasing songs even if it's not my usual thing. Walked in the dales today and this was a refreshing album either side
Iconic artist of my generation
Come for the pie but stay for the rest of the tunes!
Excelente.
Een album dat je op basis van het titelnummer en het verstilde Vincent al ongeluisterd meteen een 5 geeft. Wat hier verder nog van te zeggen? Eind jaren zestig werd de popmuziek volwassen, in de jaren zeventig was het oogsten. Ook voor de singer-songwriters, die gedeeltelijk uit de folk waren voortgekomen. Makers en publiek waren rijp voor muziek die met aandacht was gemaakt en andere onderwerpen aansneed dan de geijkte. En dan krijg je parels als deze. Er vielen nog wat andere heel mooie nummers te ontdekken op deze plaat (Crossroads, Empty chairs). Ik ga deze vaker draaien. In zijn toelichting bij Vincent voor de Top 2000 à gogo zei Don veel ware woorden over het kunstenaar- (en singersongwriter-)schap. Indrukwekkend: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTGcyuEU6Wo
What a great fuckin’ album. Hadn’t listened to whole thing previously.
The title track is a classic. The rest is the type of Americana folk that I dig. I'll listen to this one again and wonder why I never bought it in a swap meet parking lot 30 years ago.
Sono molto affezionato a questo album, mi commuovo sempre quando lo ascolto. Nacque tutto in un normale giorno in ufficio, il mio capo stava guardando un catalogo di sedie e improvvisamente vide la donna della sua vita. Fu un colpo di fulmine. Un collega si mise alla ricerca di nome di lei e infine lo trovò, tuttavia si scoprì che era deceduta in un incidente stradale poco tempo prima. Uscimmo dall'ufficio e cantammo insieme American Pie, non dimenticherò mai quel momento. Bye bye, miss American Pie
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.
It's basically an album of American Pie, which isn't a bad thing.
Kaunista akustista. Yhdessä vaiheessa tää oli kovassa soitossa, vieläkin hyvä vaikka loppu levu ei niin hyvä. Parhaat: American Pie, Vincent
Not a single bad track on this album!
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.
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.
Ha spaccato
McLean's voice is so captivating. Listening to it is like a warm hug after coming in from the rain.
Day103 - american pie and vincent and masterpieces
All time classic from one of the great singer/songwriters.
Ok!
Great album. McLean has some great lyrics.
Liked this more than I expected!
Rating: 9.5/10. Perfect/close. Must-listen. Genre-defining. Genre: American Folk Really good.
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.
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!!!
For a prick of a human, this is a pretty great album
Excellent folk/rock album. 5 stars for American Pie and Vincent alone and most of the rest is pretty good as well
American at it's best, great piano ballads
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.
Brought back memories of the last 1000 times I've heard this.
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.
I really like the album.
Love it 8min 33 seconds
Great album. Really mellow
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.
Really enjoyed
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.
Интересно как он веселенького начала под конец приходим к совсем другим по настроению песням, разложенным на несколько голосов, как в церкви
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.
10/10
Where was this album during my depressive episode last year?
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
Beautiful, Vincent is a true highlight and will listen to this for years to come
Great album. Glad to hear the whole thing after the first song.
Drove my Chevy to the levy
American Pie is such a great song
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
That song is so good, though the rest is forgettable.
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
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
Удивительно точный слепок эпохи и отражения жизни + офигенное аккомпонирование, которое полностью поглощает + очень приятный сладковатый голос Алкоальбом: коньяк у костра в глуши
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!
something in me hit rock bottom, the day the music died.
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!
This album is actually marvelous
Amazing folk album, with lovely understated acoustic guitar, and outstanding vocal performances.
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.
An amazing album that I love listening to.
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.
My goodness this is good.
Best song ever and the rest of the songs are great too.
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.
Un album incredibilmente malinconico. American Pie e Vincent sono due colonne portanti della musica, ma gli altri brani non sono da meno.
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
Fuck yes fuck yeah ohhh mama
很温情很深情很舒缓很经典的一张专辑，能让人放松。
Classic
that was actually a really beautiful listen super enjoyable - 10/10
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.
Great as always
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.
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
Who doesn’t love this? Vincent is my favourite!
Another classic. American Pie and Vincent are standout hits.
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.
جمييييييل
American Pie is still an amazing song. And Vincent. McLean really has a wonderful voice.
Classic
So good
Album 3a4im
All time classic
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.
A lovely, lovely, quiet, gentle, evocative, sad album.
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.
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
always a great album
Beautiful
The album title is 5/5 alone
Mediocre
Mindestens zwei Songs für die Ewigkeit
Como album en general, es un poco modorro, pero solo el tener Amercan Pie merece estar en la historia de la música
Found a lost gem 💕
Mæ: ah, gøy, «American Pie» e jo en fin sang. Mæ etter fire minutter av American Pie: … thefuck? Takk gud for radio edits, ass. Ellers helt ok album, klage ikke.
Not really my type of music, but I still accept that it is a good album. Not really much to say about it, but a decent album. This is in between a 3 and 4 for me, but I'll round up. Low 4.
the compositions sound really modern, I enjoy it as a more of a neofolk fan (DiJ, C93 etc)
Like most re-blooded Americans, I'm a little over "American Pie", but listening to it in this context gave me a new appreciation for it. "Vincent" is, by far, my favorite track. As for the rest, Don is not pretending to be anything but his true authentic self. I'm not too in to the whole "'70's singer songwriter" thing, but at only 36 minutes, this is easily digestible... and I'm glad I got to listen to it today.
"American Pie," the song," is obviously a classic and a "once in a lifetime" song from any artist and defined an era - or more, as the song is still used to capture that feeling of nostalgia and things being better before than they are now. However, much of the rest of the album is pretty "par for the course" folk from the early 70's, which is good but not anything that stands out too terribly much.
The title track, of course, is an epic and hugely successful recap of two decades of popular music history, and "Vincent" is a brilliant, mournful tribute to Van Gogh. I wasn't familiar with the rest of the album, but I enjoyed it; in its meandering gentleness and lyrical complexity, it reminded me of some of Paul Simon's early solo albums. There are a few more upbeat, peppy moments (like "Everybody Loves Me, Baby"), but I think those are the least successful parts of the album. The arrangements are understated but successful, leaving the focus on McLean's expressive voice. I think I'll listen to this again.
I'll always have a fondness for this album, but the extra star is for nostalgia. Even at 36 minutes the last two or three tracks dragged a little.
The title song is obviously a banger, but it’s not something I seek out due to having heard it a hundred thousand times. Vincent is a better song. I had forgotten how good the rest is too. I was expecting this to be a 3, but I really enjoyed them and it earned a 4.
Not being an.............. 'merican, I don't have quite the same cultural reference points for American Pie (song) but I'm pretty certain there are nomadic tribes in the Kalahari desert that will have heard the track at some point. Vincent was one of my Dad's absolutely favourite songs ever so was a near constant on the Ford Orion mixtape. I don't LOVE this album, so can't give it 5 stars, but for the sheer undenable impact it's a damn solid 4 from me.
If I could rate it off of 1 song and 1 song only, it’d be a 5. Because American Pie is a masterpiece. It’s a treasure. It’s something to cherish. It’s a song that should be revisited yearly, semi-annually, quarterly or even monthly. It’s an American classic. It’s our history and culture, tragedy and triumph all wrapped into an 8 minute song. And unfortunately, nothing else on this record even comes close. You start getting there with Vincent. You could probably call that a masterpiece in songwriting, but the rest of this is kind of sad and rough. I’ve tried too. I got this record in like 11th grade, because I was red to feel something. Nothing ever gets you back to the euphoria of the title track. So how do I rate this? 5? 4? Well, I certainly have a lot of opinions on this. Let’s go 4. We all know why.
American Pie probably has the record number of bad cover versions of any song ever written. To my surprise this Don McLean version is actually quite good. Otherwise this album is quite enjoyable country/folk pop and special shoutout to dylanesque "Everybody loves me, baby" and Leonard Cohen like "The Grave". To my surprise, I liked this one! Maybe 3,5/5, but i'm feeling positive so i'll round it up this time
Really enjoyed this album, never listened before - “Vincent” is such a class song, as of course - “American pie”
3 stars for American Pie the song on its own. I didnt mind this album vincent is a also a great song although some of the latter songs felt like just fill.
This might be the most uneven album on the whole project. American Pie is just about perfectly realized, and Vincent moved me to tears. But… the rest of the album doesn’t keep apace, doesn’t even try, disappears in the rear view without a second thought.
I own this on vinyl! It was one of the first albums I ever listened to all the way through! Nice to get this one. And listening through once again… though not every song hits, there are some incredible songs. Take, for example, the titular “American Pie.” It’s 8 minutes long, and nothing short of a fucking magical experience. Every second, every note McClean sings is in and of itself a watershed moment in music. Frankly, that song alone justifies this album’s standing on this list. Other songs appear that shine similarly, such as “Vincent,” in its poetic preposition, or “The Grave,” in its frank reflection on the circumstance of the soldier. McClain’s voice is comparable to that of a younger, naïve Pete Seeger. Incredibly passionate, but strangely unemotional in a way that fits this album incredibly well. His writing is poetic, filled with incredibly well used literary devices, and figurative language. Everything else is pleasant enough for the album to float at a mid-8 for me. Real nostalgia trip for me today. Love this joint. 8.6/10
Solid record, really enjoyed almost all songs.
Should we all go and see Don McLean at the state theatre in October????
Firstly, thank you Don McLean for making American Pie to allow Madonna to cover it (maybe my favourite cover ever). But genuinely was not sure how you could follow up such an iconic opener. I was a little lukewarm until Everybody Loves Me, Baby which was so fun, and then the Grave and Babylon were haunting and beautiful pumping this to a rounded down 4.
Good one!
A decent troubadour who created one of the most iconic songs of all time. And, back in the analog days, if you were in radio, 'American Pie' was long enough to allow for both a bathroom break and a coffee refill!
First 3 songs were amazing, really felt this one.
Tired of American Pie due to too many listens. Vincent still moves me to tears. Babylon is also a standout.
I had the record as a kid. So there's nostalgia biasing this
This review can’t be unbiased since I grew up in the Hudson Valley where McLean was writing this and getting into and out of the folk scene around Pete Seeger, another local. Pie was a youth anthem as well as Vincent, reason enough to make this one of 1001 albums deserving to be heard again 50 years later though.
American Pie song has been so overplayed over the years that I'd be ok to never hear it again. However, it is a good song and this is a very nice album.
It initially feels like this album was included simply due to American Pie being on the album American Pie. It's a song that is basically nostalgia meth for individuals born during a certain time period. I feel the opposite of how I tend to feel about albums in this book. I enjoyed it, and am glad American Pie was in this book, but I am not sure what is recorded here isn't already represented in this book. It comes down to the songs if there isn't an underrepresented genre. I think the songs are pretty good here, though I have always liked a certain part of Don McLean's music, as I feel it is more accessible than other folk music tends to be. I tend to like his covers a lot, such as Cryin', Everyday, and Since I Don't Have You. My favorite songs: American Pie (even if it is overplayed and just nostalgia meth) Till Tomorrow Vincent Winterwood Empty Chairs Everyone Loves Me, Baby Babylon
Enjoyed this lots more than I would have expected.
So yeah, the title track is obviously incredible. Inspired by the untimely passing of Buddy Holly, and also a love letter to the 60's, this 8 minute long epic more than worth the price of admission alone. You would be remiss however if you neglected the rest of the record. "Vincent" is an incredibly pretty ballad and Don's soft vocals really shine through and put emphasis on his poetic lyricism. In fact, it's worth noting that aside from "Everybody Loves Me, Baby" most every song here is pretty stripped back and very folksy or ballady. Which is not a bad thing whatsoever. I think McLean's lyricism is pretty awesome, and I found myself enthralled by most of the songs here. There are a couple weaker tracks, mainly the aforementioned "Everybody Loves Me", which sticks out like a massively sore thumb with it's overtly whimsical instrumental and very on the nose lyrics about corrupt politicians. A very apt song that sadly reflects our current debacle in the US, but on this record it doesn't really fit (also sounds like a style parody of Dylan's "Rainy Day Women"). "Sister Fatima" is also a rather underwhelming song, but what really disappointed me was the closing track "Babylon". It just felt rather tame without much of a lyrical statement to help close out an otherwise fascinating album. The penultimate track "The Grave" though? Chills. Evoking imagery of a fallen soldier fighting in a war (most likely alluding to the Vietnam war), the whispered singing and the delicate guitars make this song feel hallowed and sacred. It's extremely haunting and made me stop in my tracks. So yeah, honestly liked this album a lot more than I thought I would. I was certain that "American Pie" was going to overshadow everything else here but I couldn't be more wrong. I just wish it ended stronger. However, the bonus track edition that I have features two incredible bonus songs. First of all, "Mother Nature" is probably the prettiest song about a horny unrequited lover I've ever heard. The lyrics are super poetic "Don't toss me like the covers in the morning", and the jazzy Steely Dan-esque breakdown at the end was mind-blowing. "Aftermath" actually completes the song "Babylon", and makes the ending of the album feel more whole than it did before. It's a great song as well. If we count those two bonus tracks this album is easily a 5/5. So yeah, check it out! I sas pleasantly surprised.
A good album, I love American Pie. I also liked Winterwood and Everybody Loves Me Baby.
Bellísimo. Más allá del tema que le da título, el gran poema épico americano, Vincent es un tema devastador y el resto del álbum resulta igualmente muy agradable, honesto y conmovedor
it's a really good album. It's often over-shadowed by the song itself, but there are some really good tunes on it. "Vincent" and "Sister Fatima" are two of my favorites.
American Pie & elevates the Alblum to a 4 all by themselves. So close to a five. A throughly enjoyable alblum
I really don't like it when an album gets included in the list on the strength of one iconic song. Fortunately with Don McLean, little did I know there would be nine further lovely, folky treats on this pleasantly surprising LP. I also didn't know that American Pie itself was over 8 minutes long, or that beyond the 30 seconds that everybody knows is a really cleverly written song deserving of its ubiquitous status. A delightful little album that I'll be listening to plenty more.
Kind of glad that they started this on the mega hit. I listen, I get it out of the way (though don't get me wrong, I love it), and now I can listen to the rest of the album. Really really good, especially Vincent. Like I was moved by the misunderstood genius conveyed in that song (not saying I related to it, but the words were beautiful). Rest of the album is all composed wonderfully and I'm surprised more of these songs aren't popular. Don Mclean also has these fun inflections on how to sings that really stand out in all of his songs. I'll be coming back to this one
It’s a masterful album full of heart and wonder and great story telling. Don has such a smooth melodic voice and he’s clearly been expertly recorded with often minimal instrumentation just to augment his voice which does it all. His songs contain such rich and tragic stories and his wordplay and turn of phrase is unmatched. The two well known ones are obvious standouts here but many others worth a listen. Best listened to on a high quality stereo in a relatively dark room but with enough light to read the lyrics so you can fully appreciate the poetic storytelling.
I knew that title track is a big thing, but haven't heared it until now and see that it's totally deserves the praise! The other songs are very good too, but I just with there would be more dynamics with more louder stuff... Still I'm sure I will return to this stuff
Best to address the elephant in the room right away: this album is HARD carried by the title song. "American Pie" has an almost mythic quality to it. It is an astonishingly good song: the melody, the chords, the arrangement, the performance, and, of course, the genius lyrics. The song is a literal modern epic, poetry that is both listenable and expresses so much with relatively limited space. It sets the standard for storytelling songs of the era, that's how good it is. Now, onto the rest. It's not bad in the slightest. It is beautiful folk/singer-songwriter, with quality lyrics, chords, and melodies all throughout. But it is painfully overshadowed by the eponymous track. The rest is still worth a listen, but it won't strike you as special after you finish the first track.
What a pretty album. I was happy to revisit the title track and pleasantly surprised when I recognized Vincent - a song I only became aware of just recently while going down a rabbit hole of songs written about famous figures. I listened to the album over and over during the day and appreciated the melancholy and thoughtful lyrics. While I didn’t have time to do a deep dive it felt there was meaning behind each song and as a whole the album was really pleasant to listen to.
Enjoyed this.
Liked this folky album, and Don McLean has a great voice and vibe.
I really enjoyed this. Folk music via pop/rock, and with some of the strings that permeated 70s country. McLean has a lovely voice, and while I didn't pay close attention to the lyrics, he felt very sincere and honest in what he was singing. Had the album been more full-band in its arrangements (about half was solely guitar/vocals), I may have bumped it up in its rating. Very happy to have heard this. Now if I could just get these Star Wars lyrics out of my head...
Charming, and with a lot to say. I dont think its the reinvention of music, and some of them dont hit, but it has fun, depth, a point of view and ambition and that is enough for me to enjoy
WELL WELL WELL if it isn’t old Donny. One of my most controversial opinions which I always receive a slew of hate for is that I truly believe Madonna’s version of American Pie is superior to his original (Sorry white boys on karaoke) This album came at a good time, a reflective Sunday, walking back home, the wind graced me and decided to stop, or maybe I was just blanketed by this album? Particular highlights were Vincent, Crossroads and Winterwood. Tracks to listen by yourself with the lights down low sipping a tea, or in love. And back to the titular track: I hate to say it, but I may have changed my mind. The original occupies an important place in and of itself (still not discounting Madonna’s version altogether though). This and Everybody Loves me Baby had me dancing around the kitchen singing a long. Overall, a pleasant surprise.
Don McLean – American Pie (1971) On Day 126, I sat down with a true classic of the singer-songwriter era. The album is great, to be fair, offering a great look at the loss of innocence in American culture. Unlike some of the lazy folk vocals I've encountered, the performance here is clear. "American Pie" and "Vincent" were obvious standouts, but I also really connected with the conscious feel of "Till Tomorrow" and the "levitating" finish of "Babylon." It’s a decent and consistent body of work that hits the right notes without being boring, but it settles comfortably as a very strong 4/5.
The title track is probably one of the greatest songs of all time, but other tracks like Vincent, The Grave, and Till Tomorrow were fantastic. Solid 4
He sings well enough, better than most. He had an astronomical hit, possibly two. The rest of the album is ok, but leagues ahead of other shit we’ve listened to.
Now, this one I know. A great album.
The A side is surprisingly moving, but the B side fails to match the emotional weight. Still strong, but I wanted just a bit more.
My parents played this constantly in the 70s when I was growing up. The title track was never my favorite and then when I went to college in the 80s and it was played constantly at parties I started to dislike it now I can take or leave that song but really enjoy the rest of the album
4.75/5
Feeling generous today. 3+1 for meeting notability guidelines.
1971. McLean dedicated the album to Buddy Holly, one of his childhood icons. Melancoly feel. Wrote the album while his mariage was failing.
Quaint and melodic, McLean knows what his sound and mood, is and doesn't stray too far from it. Apart from "American Pie" and "Vincent", many of his other songs are just as good. Four, borderline five.
I knew a couple of the songs but giving it a 4 because I really enjoyed the songwriting and humanness of the performances
2 of the best songs in this album. Discovered some other good ones here. Some of them felt a wee bit like repeats but yaknow the good outweighs the bad by a long shot.
- american pie stays a banger - i like the sound and a lot of the lyricism - i'm just not sure that i would go out of my way to listen to much besides the title track here (maybe also vincent) - till tomorrow begins w a similar cadence to ap but i like the lyricism - wait okay i think i'm wrong i also like the grave ("eternity knows what we've done") - this is my born in the usa. maybe - don maclean i was unfamiliar with your game - everybody loves me, baby is fun i like a lot of the lyrics - babylon feels a little bit disconnected from the rest of the tracks - favorites: american pie, vincent - rating: 3.5/5
Huge fan of this album choice
Starts with one of the greatest songs of all-time. Truely timeless. The rest of the album doesn't reach those heights again but it's still a great album. 4/5.
graziai dainuoja, Joni mitchell for the boys
3.5
Even without the Mt Fuji of the title track, this is a pretty good album.
When I was a kid I had delusions that memorizing all of American Pie would make me so cool. It didn’t. But I still remember every word which is funny. Anyway. I’ve never actually listened to the rest of the album. It’s good. It really doesn’t ever match the sheer bombast of American Pie, but American Pie is sort of a once in a lifetime song. The rest is nice and pretty. He’s a good writer. I think his voice is the biggest let down but even then it’s pleasant enough
My rating is a bit biased here as American Pie became my son's first favorite song at the ripe age of 3yo. We listen to this entire record often and I had really come to enjoy "Vincent" which plays after American Pie. It's such a fun song to teach some music history and also what some PG13 rated sayings mean...."he's taking the chevy where??" says my son. Otherwise I find the rest of this album pretty sleepy. Pretty, yes but not memorable. Still rating it a 4 since American Pie kicks it all of for 6+min.
Easy easy listening. Enjoyed it.
Essential album.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this!
Some really nice tracks, was only familiar with the big one at the start
Nie tylko American Pie w American Pie.
Really enjoyed this. American Pie is a great song but there is so much more to this album that I had no idea about before. Vincent is a beautiful tribute to Van Gogh, and the whole album was filled with excellent songwriting paired with great singing and guitars. Thumbs up from me.
4/5 Incredibly soothing voice. I didn't think I would enjoy this album so much, but wow, I'm blown away.
A classic record. Not my favorite style of music but it is very good never the less.
Vincent always gives me chills.
i thought this was actually quite a beautiful album and i think american pie might be the weakest song on it?
I’m probably quite generous with giving this (and many other albums i’ve rated) a 4/5 because i doubt i’ll ever re-listen all the way through but its mellow and enjoyable, have no qualms or gripes with it, its just nice good clean fun.
why do all these songs have gay undertones but when i searched up don mclean i found out that he’s straight. this album is also so insanely sad compared to american pie like what. and also seemingly meant to be a critique of america as a country which was unexpected but more than welcome. #wokeking
One timeless hit of the century and some other ok to very good folk rock songs. Played well, sung ok, but unfortunately, the rest of the album (though very good), can't compare to the title track opener. 4/5
Ik ontdek een paar dingen. 'American Pie' nummer duurt 8,5 minuut. Is me nooit opgevallen. Ongekend eigenlijk dat zo'n lang nummer ooit populair is geweest. Wel terecht, ik vind het wel een tof nummer. Daarnaast ontdek ik dat 'Starry Starry Night' helemaal niet 'Starry Starry Night' heet maar 'Vincent'. Verder is dit een heel aangenaam zondagochtend album. Het is allemaal niet te ingewikkeld, maar het luistert lekker weg. Af en toe zit er een vals gezongen nootje tussen, maar dat maakt het wel lekker menselijk eigenlijk. Ook dat zou tegenwoordig niet meer kunnen. Op track 7 haalt ie z'n beste Bob Dylan imitatie uit de kast, dat had voor mij niet gehoeven. Hoge 3 of lage 4.
Nice
Vincent and American Pie are the real stand outs but the album is solid start to finish.
It's easy to be tired of the 2 hits. But that's not fair to the album. Listening with fresh ears reminds me how solid this is.
“Vincent” is a favorite song in my family. Having said that, I haven’t personally listened to the whole album in 40 years. So it’s with a touch of nostalgia I guess that I listen now. The music itself is excellent folk rock. Somehow though the track order feels a little off? “American Pie” rightfully starts off the piece, but why isn’t “Vincent” the last track? It would tie up so many loose ends of the other songs and leave us with a hopeful melancholy feeling. The same feeling that Van Gogh’s paintings leave me with. A melancholy because although beauty is ephemeral, there is hope that beauty will always be around. Don Mclean seems to have been looking for a silver lining in America and in music. I think I found it here. 4 starry starry stars
Made my levee wet
Surprisingly, this is a great record. I always hated “American Pie” cause it’s the only song you ever really hear from this guy, and the song is forever long and it gets stuck in your head for days at a time. I still don’t like the song. But the rest of this record is super legit. 8/10
Listens: 3 Standout Tracks: American Pie, Babylon What's not to like about this album. Endlessly debated lyrical interpretations of American Pie. Because it's so open to interpretation (even though Don has since come out and explained some of the lyrics), you get a bunch of different stereotypical groups claiming the song is a representation of their ideals and beliefs. At the end of the day though, and to bastardize Drew Carey's quote: Everything's made up and the lyrics don't matter! This album, specifically Don's singing, reminds me of several artists I've heard on the List so far including: Nick Drake, Leonard Cohen, Donovan, Elton John, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez and Simon & Garfunkel. Basically, its a big ole melting pot of musical talent distilled into this album (in my opinion). It's a lovely album, Babylon in particular is quite pleasant. Short tracks are always the best (and too short!).
"American Pie" has to be one of the best-known songs ever written. Sure, it'll get an eye roll at a party (probably from me) if someone sticks it on, but in fairness, it's a brilliant song. At eight and a half minutes, you'd think it could lose a verse or two, yet it somehow never drags. "Vincent" is the other standout song on the album. Beautiful, delicate, and full of that intricate, folky acoustic guitar, there's a real Bert Jansch vibe to it. The rest of the album definitely lies in the shadow of those two giants, but McLean is a seriously strong songwriter. There's shades of early Donovan and a touch of Paul Simon in there. Proper folk-rock greatness. And as overplayed as "American Pie" might be, give it one verse and you're singing along, whether you want to or not.
holy shit this is good. i only knew the iconic song american pie but non of his other songs. i'm glad that this album is on here, because in my opinion this truly is a masterpiece.
Labai gražus, smooth balsas. Mielos dainelės.
I like the other songs, but with American pie and Vincent this is a shoe in for a four.
First time hearing this, what a beautiful album.
I had of course heard the song before, but not the album. He gets a little maudlin at times, but overall a lovely voice and affecting songs
Didn't know Vincent was his. Very indicative of the time and place.
7/10 Knowing the title track, as everyone who has been alive for more than about 15 minutes probably does, I was expecting more of the same here, but that’s not really what Don McLean delivers. To get it over with, the opener is a well written song that managed to capture mainstream attention enough to become one of those songs that gets played again and again, despite its 8 and a half minute runtime. That doesn’t make it bad, but it does make it hard to approach it critically. It’s a good song, it’s massively overplayed, it’s a bit too singalongy and it’s quite long. Let’s move on. The rest of the album is actually really pretty and dynamically subtle. McLean’s voice is the star; he’s got so much control and emotion to his delivery, with some really gorgeous moments of vibrato and other deft little flourishes, and the warmth of his tone is just buttery smooth. It’s also been incredibly well mixed and recorded, with the reverb perfectly placing it in space and adding to its natural body. McLean’s compositions are really pleasant too, and he seems to have a great knack of moving through transitions incredibly smoothly and naturally. There are some tracks that offer less range than others, and some that drift a little too much for my taste, but all in all, this is a really beautifully written collection of songs. Everybody Loves Me, Baby is the weird outcast among the sequence here and feels a bit like McLean’s response to a request for another American Pie style track to appease the record company. It didn’t really work, though, and was quite a jarring moment on the album. Interestingly, while I found this to be a very pretty album, it doesn’t feel like it’s really managed to grab a hold of me. It’s a tiny bit uneven and, while I appreciate the beauty of a good portion of the tracks, none of them are really calling out to me to listen again. I might give it another spin here and there to see if it gets its hooks into me further, but for now, it’s one of those albums that I can appreciate but not love. American Pie - This is one of those songs that has been overplayed to the point that it’s almost impossible to look at it critically any more. There’s some fantastic piano playing on here that I’ve never really paid much attention to before, probably because the only times I hear this is in a supermarket or shopping centre. It’s got great pace and there are some other solid bits of instrumental work in there too. The rhythmic break for “this’ll be the day that I die” is a clever piece of writing to break up the pace. It’s obviously a bit on the long side, but he throws in dynamic and tempo variations in a couple of place that help to keep it fresh. And it’s obviously overplayed too. But it’s actually a good song. Shame about the singalong bit at the end, which is shit. Till Tomorrow - A nice change of pace, and this is quite pretty. It’s not vastly interesting, but it has its moments and has a nice mellow tone to the production. The composition actually flows really nicely and organically too. Not bad. Vincent - Again, this is very pretty. His voice is really warm and his diction is so clear too. It flows along beautifully, which seems to be a strength of McLean’s work, with transitions and modulations coming to him so naturally. The mix here is lush, with the reverb perfectly creating an evocative space for his vocal to sit in. I’m not 100% keen on the strings, as they feel a tiny bit too prominent. Crossroads - A more stripped back song now, with Don singing with just a piano accompaniment. Again, i it really is quite pretty, but this one becomes a little repetitive, feeling a bit like it cycles around the same theme again and again. There are little moments of variety in there, and given the subject matter, it may be deliberate, but that made it feel a little stale to me. Winterwood - That main guitar hook is decent, but it does get a bit overused. This is a bluesy little number and the orchestration is pretty nice, particularly the electric piano. I’m not so keen on the bit of sound effect they’ve used. It just sounds like noise, rather than anything deliberate. Another nice song that has its moments, but isn’t necessarily vastly exciting. Empty Chairs - The guitar playing here is really deft, really nicely dragging the tempo to and fro to emphasise the pulse of the song. The string arrangement is really nicely balanced and used sparingly enough to give a suitable impact. Again, his voice is great and holds up so well when this exposed, which is quite a skill. He throws in these lovely little trills and moments of vibrato and it feels like he has such control. Another really pretty one. It’s not the most compositionally interesting song, but the tone and performance of it elevate it. Everybody Loves Me, Baby - This is quite jarring off the back of the last song. It’s stylistically the closest track to American Pie, and there are even some melodic moments that feel lifted directly from that track, but it feels less focused than that and a little more instrumentally cluttered too. For such a good singer, he really hams it up here and it doesn’t work nearly as well. It just feels like a fairly middle of the road pop-rocker of the era. Sister Fatima - After that little diversion, we’re back to something more stripped back. Again, it’s very pretty, but this seems a little less focused than the better songs. I feel like it meanders around a bit and doesn’t really find its centre because of that. The fact that it rambles around a bit too much doesn’t help it to maintain the ear either, so it feels a little on the dull side. The Grave - From a very stark, exposed start, this builds in intensity and orchestration as it goes, which is a really effective compositional technique and plays superbly with the thematic thread of the song. When it drops back out again the guitar playing feels really exposed, and that final “he’s gone” is really affecting, especially as they just cut the reverb tail off. Babylon - This is an arrangement of an 18th century composition. It’s another stylistic shift, but it’s well handled and sounds pretty. Not really my bag, but it’s pretty enough and doesn’t overstay its welcome.
All around a solid album. I had several songs I knew and several I didn’t. I love his usage of story in so many of his pieces. Favorite Songs: American Pie - such a classic and a great example of storytelling in music Vincent - this is one of my most favorite songs in the world. Crossroads - really love the piano in this piece Empty Chairs - what a sad and beautiful song
The song "American Pie" has had an impact on pop culture like the Tunguska event. It's one of those songs that everyone knows and almost everyone can sing (even if, to me, the lyrics are about the Phantom Menace). It's a big, iconic song, and I really enjoy how cryptic it is with the layered allusions. I think that aspect has added to the longevity of "American Pie" by inviting different interpretations and by helping it paint a timeless picture of lost innocence in America. I find it incredibly fitting that one of the defining moments in rock and roll history should be commemorated in one of the greatest rock songs of all time (to the point that the nickname for that fateful plane crash comes from this song). As for the rest of the album, I think it's fine. It's not surprising that it all feels downhill after one of the biggest singles of the 20th century, but it is maybe a little disappointing that Don McLean doesn't keep up the same energy throughout the album. "Vincent" was pretty good, and I did like the all-too-short "Babylon," but I wish the rest of the album felt a little less standard. Favorite track: Take a guess.
God plate, men pianolåtene blir litt taffelmusikk.
Finfin plate som jeg gjerne kan ha på i bakgrunnen. Sykt at første låt er 1/4 av lengden på albumet. Trekk for sistelåta.
More classic singer/songwriter. "American Pie" and "Vincent" both all-timers. Bit of filler besides.
This was a real surprise. Obviously I know American Pie, and I was expecting a bunch of forgettable strumalongs to fill up the rest of the album. Well apart from one song (I think it was Everybody Loves Me, Baby) I was wrong - there are some truly beautiful folk songs here. In fact it's the title track that that one other feel out of place to a degree, and disrupt what could have been an absolute gem of a folk album.
It’s a shame I only knew this album for American Pie. What even is an American Pie? What are its ingredients? Is it edible? Many great questions. Everybody Love Me, Baby is my favorite, and runner up goes to Till Tomorrow. Glad I listened to this album all the way through, will definitely listen again.
Great storytelling in Don's work
Better than Coldplay
Chill and peaceful. Must buy on vinyl.
Quite a solid American folk album. Giving it a 4 solely for the iconic title track.
really nice singer songwriter music, some really good lyrics and vocals
A few bangers. 4/5
nice soft album, love the voice
one absolute heater and a couple pretty good songs
such a sweet and lovely album. really liked the writing on this. that cover so stupid tho, i guess its fitting but idk. that first track is incredible
This was pretty great. His voice is very soothing and it’s a nice easy listen throughout
The title track alone earns this album a lot of credit. American Pie is one of the ultimate American summer songs. It's been a long time since I've listened to the full length version and it's still just as good. I Crossroads stood out for me, too. There is a nice mix of storytelling and energy throughout. It might not be something I play all the time, but when I do, it hits exactly the way it should. Favorite Song: American Pie
I don't even want to attempt to put a number on how many times I've listened to the song American Pie. Almost wanted to skip this because I'm tired of it. But it really is an all around solid album.
Sehr schönes Album mit einigen Klassikern. Insgesamt finde ich es sehr schön zusammengestellt und sehr einfühlsam/beruhigend.
American Pie, das Lied, natürlich ein Banger. Der Rest auch ziemlich gut, sehr schöne Stimme. Babylon auch toll.
American Pie ist ein zeitloser Banger, danach dudelt es sich so dahin. 4 Sterne für den Mitsinghit, bei dem es mir nix ausmacht, dass er 8 Minuten lang ist.
LOVED this…exactly my taste in music! 4.5/5
Very mellow and nice sounding album. Compared to Bruce Springsteen's acoustic album I got the day before this sounds way better produced. Enjoyed it.
Often iconic, often beautiful, at times too earnest, too saccharine. The title track is asking the greatest songs ever written. “Babylon” and “Vincent” are beautiful. Don McLean’s voice is always lovely.
The song American Pie always puts me in the feels, except for Madonna’s version which is godawful and one of the low points of her career. Unnecessary catty tangent aside, Don McLeans song captures the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll and its OG generation perfectly within its 8 minutes. It has stood the test of time and still sounds vital and thrilling. It makes me wish I had lived through all of that. Although our current times make any strife conveyed in the song seem quaint and charming by comparison. As for the rest of the album, it’s Dylanesque and I even feel very strong John Denver vibes in there. Don has a FAR BETTER voice than Bob Dylan. His songs are deeply intimate and lovely. Winterwood feels like an instant Sunday morning classic. Everybody Loves Me, Baby is a more carnival ride funtime sister track to the title song. The Grave is dark and emotionally intense. I definitely dig this. This is excellent camping music. Added to my playlist!
8 minutes of the overplayed American Pie-opener is 5 minutes too much and tough to not skip. The next songs are much better and comes as a relief. As long as his songs are calm and down it works best for me. McLean has a really warm and tender voice, but the magic is broken when he pushes up the tempo and tries to «rock», like on the mentioned American Pie and Everybody loves me, baby. He should keep it simple. Favourite songs: For Tomorrow, Vincent, Empty Chairs
01)American Pie - 10,0 02) Till Tomorrow - 7,5 03) Vincent - 10,0 04) Crossroads - 7,0 05) Winterwood - 8,5 06) Empty Chairs - 8,0 07) Everybody Loves Me, Baby - 7,5 08) Sister Fatima - 7,0 09) The Grave - 9,0 10) Babylon - 8,5 TOTAL: 8,30 (83/100)
ive never had or even rly fully understood the disdain some have for the title track, idk if i love it or anything but giving it my full attention for the first time in a while does confirm the admiration i have for the way it just Whips Itself Up Into A Frenzy...manic, wordy, unstoppable, generally getting a lot of color out of its Literally Apocalyptic feelings of moderately regressive nostalgia, its basically the best possible version of itself at least that i can imagine. Vincent has a marimba part on it so im legally required to love it. most of the rest of the album is perfectly fine willowy early 70s folkie stuff, with one kinda bad "rocker" and one more decent Dramatic song to placate ur desire for more variety. far from worthless but not rly a strong Album Statement in parts or in whole...but tbf the music Did die so there's only so much we can do here. its times like these i remember homogenic has never been in any edition of this book.
This was awesome. The high points were clearly American Pie and Starry, Starry, Night, but the other tracks were very hummable and just really musically interesting and varied. I particularly enjoyed the last track, Babylon, for its cool, plucky acoustic guitar part and simple arrangment. Four stars.
4.5
77/100. The writing and production are solid throughout, with the iconic title track as the clear standout. That said, the rest of the record holds up well too. Consistently good and heartfelt.
Some absolute classics in here. A bit samey in places but the quality of his voice is undeniable.
Three stand-out tracks and easy listening album. The title song remains one of the most significant songs of 20th century. Vincent and Empty Chairs confirm his poetic story telling.
If this album was “American Pie” and “Vincent” back to back, 5 times in a row, it would get the same score. Those two songs are just so good and make up for the rest of the songs being pretty forgettable.
A very nice album (except for the terrible, terrible last song)
Definitely familiar with this artist. I know the title-track. May know others. Feel this like this is true classic american rock. Great songwriting and easily know why this is part of the list.
only a 4 as it has not aged the best
I would have enjoyed 36 minutes of just American Pie, but this was good enough
7/10
This album begins and ends really strong. The Grave sounds like a Robert Service poem but from the wrong war (Vietnam vs WWI). Babylon is wonderfully done fugue. The middle fell a little flat on my ears, with Vincent, the other single off the album being particularly boring.
What are the odds that I got this in the same week as Buddy Holly? Crazy odds right there. Anyway, this album's good. It's nice, okay? I guess I'll start with the rather iconic title track. Pretty good song right there. Good balance of moods, strong storytelling, memorable tune. It's a great song, though I can't help but think about Weird Al singing about The Phantom Menace whenever I hear it. As for the rest of the album, it's pretty good too. "Vincent" is the album's other big song and it's a nice song as well. I find it interesting that this album's two most well-known songs are the two tributes to famous figures, with the title track being about Buddy Holly and the other victims of that 1959 plane crash, and "Vincent" being a tribute to Vincent van Gogh of all people. I mean, fair enough, he's one of the greatest painters to ever live, but I'm more of a music expert than a visual art expert so I'll just keep talking about Don McLean. His voice is nice. It fits the songs well. The writing and storytelling are actually pretty good. You have the tributes, obviously, but you also have more personal songs like "Empty Chairs" and even a bit of political/historical satire of sorts on "Everybody Loves Me, Baby." Good stuff. The songs sound good. This is one of those albums where everything's done well, but nothing is really at the peak of creativity. Still, American Pie is an enjoyable album with things to appreciate. I'd make a joke about the movie here, but I haven't seen it. Decent 4/5.
Not what I expected from the album with such an iconic song. It's a lot more melancholy, folksy, and interesting than I thought it would be. Favorite Song: American Pie, Vincent
Very very good.
I love his voice, and American Pie hits every time. Would listen again
Delightful album. Soft acoustic love songs. His voice comes out as so stripped down and intimate regardless of what is going. Highlight was the chorus moment in the last track. 4.5
Does this record sound the same after twenty minutes? Absolutely (then we get "Everybody Loves Me, Baby"). It definitely rides one specific acoustic vibe into the ground. But since it clocks in at barely over half an hour, I can forgive the repetition. It’s effortless listening that asks very little of you. Just nice tunes and gentle strumming. You get in, enjoy the vibes, and get out. Spins: 2 Playlist Additions - American Pie - Vincent - Empty Chairs - Everybody Loves Me, Baby
Starts off strong with the iconic title track; the rest of the songs are great, too. A very short album though.
Schöne Lieder, gefällt. Und natürlich der Evergreen American Pie.
One album of wonders. Two chart topping hits surrounded by melancholy sounds.
I went into this kind of expecting to not like it, but I actually really enjoyed this. I think I’m a bigger fan of singer-songwriter stuff than I’d be willing to admit, and so this hit pretty hard. Like obviously the title track is phenomenal, but this had a really solid track list following it, I was pretty into it. Favorites: American Pie, Winterwood, The Grave
This was highly enjoyable , nice adds will revisit for some time
American Pie was great. Babylon was also kind good. The album was never worse than medium.
If I had to choose only one song to listen to for the rest of my life....
Two stone cold classic songs, plus
Well pull up my britches and get my red white n blue ready, it's karaoke time. Easy top ten singalong tune there. Also Vincent reminds me of my grandma, so thanks for that.
I enjoyed it. I’m surprised how understated most of the album was after the title track. Vincent and the Grave were probably my favorites after that. Rating: 4.2
Didn’t realize how much Don McLean sounded like John Denver. I really like Vincent, more than I thought I would.
Ironic that I got this album from Don McLean following right after having had Tapestry by Carole King yesterday, when this album follows an album called Tapestry in Don's catalog which was released around the same time. Certainly, this album pales in comparison to King's great recording, but in fairness that is a super high bar. In truth, this album is still good, even if nothing on here is terribly surprising. We all know the song American Pie, one of the great tunes of all time. Personally, I like the original version, as opposed to the shortened radio track you hear occasionally. Just a great listen. What follows are a series of songs which are similar sounding, though nothing nearly as great or epic. I've heard Vincent before, but none of the others. All of them are decent: not great, but not bad either. I did enjoy The Grave the best, as it represented a bit of a departure from the others. Babylon was interesting in that it sounded like a church hymn in a way. Makes for a pleasant listen, though I might only go back for the title track. That said, given that we have a solid album with a truly great single song, this is really a 3.5-star album for me.
Obviously American pie is a huge hit, but the other songs were solid too.
I took the advice of another reviewer and started listening to this album at track 4. Then went back and listened to the ‘big two’. There were more than passing resemblances to Vincent and American Pie in some of the other tracks but I thought they were generally ok, with The Grave being the highlight of ‘the rest’. Without the two monster tracks this would be a 3. With those two, and because I’ve never got tired of them, it’s a 4.
Pretty good album.
Only ever knew 2 songs by Don and I'm glad this project forced me to listen to the whole album. I've never heard someone sound so much like Paul Simon (in a good way). This was really an enjoyable listen.
The year was 2020. It was summer and COVID restrictions had just been rolled back for the first time since lockdown began. I used the opportunity to visit my parents. One evening we end up going one of the strangest establishments I've ever visited. An American 1950s diner, located in a small town next to a motorway junction about 20 minutes outaide of Cologne, Germany. For some reason this bizzare little oasis was exactly what my heart and soul needed at that moment. On the drive home, full of burgers and milkshakes, American Pie came on my dad's playlists. All three of us belted out the chorus at full volume only to realize we didn't know a single verse. We also quickly realized the song was much much longer than any of remembered. Cue 9 minutes of alternating between total silence and us screaming "Bye bye Mrs. American Pie" at the top of our long. It's one of my favorite memories with my parents. The song is biblical. The rest of the album ain't bad neither.
I didnt think I'd know as many songs on this as I did. Great folk album.
I'm one of those listeners who knew Don McLean solely as the guy who stuck his dick in a pie, before getting caught by his comedy dad, but then someone pointed out that he did American Pie the SONG and not the movie, and I then came to know him as the American Pie singer. But now I know that he's so much more than that as well. American Pie is what it is. It's good upbeat fun. It's iconic. The rest of the album is really where it's at for me though. This isn't necessarily my kind of thing as a general rule, but the song writing and composition on these songs is just really on point. There's a collection of delightfully crafted songs, with undeniable quality and musicianship on display, and it's just a really nice listen. It's gentle, but it has substance.
A monster start to the album . The rest was a bit slow to get all the way to five stars.
American Pie is a classic, I always thought it was such a neat song to encapsulate so much of the 60s. It's singer-songwriter week for me apparently. I do like his voice though, and it works well with the minimal instrumentation. Really enjoyable, but not sure any other track tops american pie. 4* Highlights: american pie, babylon (I'm a sucker for a good canon)
Realistically more like 3 stars, but gets the 4th solely on the basis of “American Pie”
Gets a 4 for "Everybody Loves Me, Baby"
Classic 70’s
Folk rock
A nice singer-songwritery album full of americana. 38 minutes of chill tunes. 4/5
That was pretty chill. I liked that.
A couple classics on here, overall good album
McLean has a really great voice, and the title track is an all-timer for singing along to. The people who complain the rest of the album is unlistenable just don’t like that folk music is often more mellow than it is rock. These songs capture that mellow nature well. I would consider adding a handful of these songs to any American Folk playlist I make.
8/10