American Pie

Of course American Pie sounds good, the rest of album kind of sounded all the same, just good folk music.

Why is it that I always forget how long American Pie is

7/10 American Pie is an immense sprawling masterpiece - everything else on the album wilts in it's shadow, apart from Vincent. Still great though.

Every song on this album is just great. So 70s folk. Of course the lead is really good. The rest have a nice mix of mellow and bangers

Favorite Track: Till Tomorrow

Nostalgie très amusante

I save Babylon! Wasn't expecting such a slow sad song in the end. The message of the album didn't really become too clear until then. Still, it was good music.

Beyond the title track -- which was superb -- the rest of the album held up. Classic folk rock, Don McLean delivers impactful lyrics, great sound, and an overall compelling listen. The album did however suffer from a lull in the middle which lost me a bit.

Album feels a little disconnected between the bookend tracks and everything in the middle. It is all good music, but it feels like he wanted to make his americana superstar song and the record label forced a whole album out of it, so he went with a bunch of love and loss songs. Still a good listen, but I imagine I never would have heard any of those middle 8 tracks without listening to the album as a whole.

The title track is one of the greatest American songs ever written. The rest of the album is very good as well, with an absolutely hauntingly beautiful closer.

Classic title song! Such a good singer/songwriter

Have in collection , classic

The title song is a classic. The rest of the songs tell a story. Musically sound, not really that special. Also didn't know Babylon was a Don McLean song.

Obvious opening classic of American Pie. Something about classics like this that have an original form and length. Great songwriting and noticing the lovely piano in it more. And maybe this song sets up a false image of the vulnerable, heart felt songwriting like “Vincent”. The rest of the album feels quite different and soul filled, despite the beauty of the sing-along classic. Returns a bit for ‘Everybody loves me, baby’ but then back to the soulful acoustic style that I am now correctly relating to Don McLean. Ended up listening a few times and is actually a great album.

I won’t discount my nostalgia for the title track and the rest of the album stands up!

"American Pie" is the second studio album by American singer-songwriter Don McLean. Folk and Folk rock are the Wiki-listed genres. Yep, that fits. The album was dedicated to Buddy Holly. At the time of the recording, "McLean marriage was failing and the optimism and hopefulness of the 1960's was giving way to the hedonism and nihilism of the 1970's." McLean is lead vocalist and plays acoustic guitar and banjo. Producer Ed Freeman also used a variety of accomplished musicians for the recording. The album was released to much acclaimed and, commercially, it reached #1 in the US and #2 in the UK. The self-titled, 8-minute long song "America Pie" opens the album. "A long, long time ago" and the song is off. Everyone knows this song and, I'm sure has an opinion. A song about a sense of loss. The day the music die was a reference to the airplane crash which killed Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper and Richie Valens. A catchy chorus. The famous singalong ending with the West Forty Fourth Street Rhythm and Noise which included Pete Seegar, James Taylor and Carly Simon. The other single released was "Vincent" which is a tribute to Vincent Van Gogh. Guitar with strings and a vibraphone. It's very sparse and poetic. McLean names ones of his paintings, "The Starry Night." "Winterwood" has acoustic guitar, drums and an electric piano which gives this song a soulful vibe. McLean is missing a lover and realizing he's seeing things himself for the first time. Hey, McLean brings the rock in "Everybody Loves Me, Baby." A standard rock song with a piano, marimbas and a vibraphone. It's fun song...handclaps and whistling. The album takes a dramatic turn with "The Grave." Besides the acoustic guitar, there's drums, a piano and strings. An anti-war song as a solider is in a trench and realizes he's in his grave. I came into this album realizing I would have to focus on everything past the self-titled song which I do like by the way. I wasn't expecting much but to my surprise there's a lot to like. The music is mostly stark and folksy with the acoustic guitar which was accompanied by strings, a piano, a bass and/or drums. The strength is in McLean lyrics which are poetic and can be personal. Themes include a sense of loss in general, a sense of romantic loss, romantic longing, anti-war, art and a spiritual song. There's fun. There's serious. McLean vocals reminded me of early Tim Buckley, which is a good thing. This is a good album that, I think, mostly everyone would like to some extent (beyond the title song).

Dos canciones inmensas; American pie y vincent. Buen nivel en las restantes. Un año mágico 1971

Good. Not the type that I would listen to in my day but it was good to know this song. Dramatic.

I feel like this album warrants an automatic 4 stars just for the presence of the song American Pie. Then the question is - how does the rest of the album hold up? The good: the song Vincent is also amazing. Babylon is beautiful and distinctive. I love the clarity of McLean's voice. The not-so-good: the rest of the songs don't really stand out, and sound like they're recycling elements of his better songs.

American Pie is certainly one great album. It was honestly surprising to me just how slow and melodic this album really is. There are only two more lively songs here (Those being Everybody Loves Me, Baby and maybe American Pie too even if the latter is a mix of both styles). I really do like these songs though as they are incredibly relaxing and therapeutic and they really are further amplified by McLean's brilliant songwriting. It also did help the more lively songs stick out and become more memorable when it comes to this album. I also don't think there is a single bad song here as they all have something really good in them. This is certainly a really great album and one i really enjoyed. Best Song: American Pie Worst Song: Babylon

A great album, even if there could be a bit more variety in places, the track listing separates most of the similar songs and the album’s short length keeps it from becoming stale. The title track is one of the greatest pieces of rock ‘n’ roll ever and there are a good few great songs elsewhere on the record. “The Grave” is an amazing track and really shows the horrors of being faced with death in war. The softness of Don McLean’s voice is lovely and lends great emotions to the songs throughout the album. 4/5

Loved this album since I first heard it. American Pie is up there for one of the greatest songs ever

A lyrical masterclass over elevator music. Gotta be in the right mood for it, but it’s great for what it is.

Los temas "movidos" son muy insulsos, no me termina de gustar. Llegó a Winterwood y cambio bastante mi parecer.Los temas acústicos generan buena melancolía. Se ganó un 3, y como descubrimiento le voy a poner un 4

Surprisingly excellent. I was very much not thrilled when this popped up. I don't tend to like 70s rock very much, and the song American Pie is one of the most overrated songs in music history. That said, once I got past that, it turns out this guy is a terrific songwriter! The Grave is one of the most haunting songs I've ever heard, Empty Chairs perfectly encapsulates the incredulity and remorse of a breakup, and "Everybody loves me, baby, what's the matter with you?" is in the running for the funniest lyric of all time, even though it's hidden in what I'm pretty sure is a strong anti-war, anti-imperialism protest song. Excellent album, and one I'm certainly glad I was turned on to by this project.

The first song is so good you almost don't realize the rest of the album is good too

A sad, mournful, album about lost innocence. Obviously American Pie itself, but also Empty Chairs, Vincent, and The Grave. By and large, I've been listening to these albums on Apple Music and I've come to really appreciate the "lyric" option, as it helps me truly appreciate what a poet Don McLean is. Not just the quality of his voice and guitar, but the intense feeling behind his words. Gets a little more disjointed near the end - that song about why everyone likes him is kind of off-tone, but Jesus, the good works so well.

BYE BYE BYE MISS AMERICAN PIE TOOK MA CHEVY TO THE LEVEE BUT THE LEVEE WAS DRY AND ALL THE GOOD OLD BOYS DRINKING WHISKEY AND RYE SINGIN THISLL BE THE DAY THAT I DIE

This is a great collection of songs! First time through and I’ve gotta say it’s way more than I thought - which was ‘“American Pie” plus filler’. Solid songwriting, lovely voice.

Takes you on a journey, and the accessible part was in the middle. You could really make a listener work for it back in the day.

My sister had the 45 of American Pie so I was only familiar with this song, although I know I've heard Vincent before. Aside from American Pie, which is so iconic that no more needs to be said about it, this album is a nice selection of folk tunes. The Grave is an exceptional song, relevant for every generation.

Liked the vibe and vocals

mfw i drove my chevy to the levee but the levee was actually full of anti-war sentiment

Love letters to other artists and anti-war propaganda are a thumbs up from me

Very close to a 5

Favorite song: Babylon

I thought it would have been related to the movies American Pie but guess not lol

American Pie is a top tier song and the rest of the album maintained a similar level of consistency, an enjoyable listen

beautiful album. Soft, warm voice with feeling..comforting in some ways actually. Empty Chairs has always affected me. Overall I like this album!

fucking great. obviously i know the title track super well and while that more upbeat tone doesn't carry through most of the album this is a really solid folk rock album with some great writing

Happy 80th birthday king. Vincent & American Pie are bangers. This is overall a great album.

Du bon folk des années 70. Je connaissais le refrain de American Pie mais je crois que c’est la première fois que je l’écoute dans son entièreté. J’ai trouvé ça assez grandiose. Le reste est bon mais malheureusement la meilleure est clairement la première!

Classic!

Muy chulo umas baladas preciosas

Title track gets it to a 4 but the rest is just ok

A bit repetitive, but very good

Very good album, perfect for easy morning

Title song is alright - played way too much. Wish other songs would get more attention... give it a try.

The literal bridge between old, folk, and modern rock. He even wrote a song about the history of the genre. Everyone's familiar with American Pie, but the rest of the album gets lost which is a shame. It's a great folk, singer-songwriter focused record. 4/5

He's like a serious meatloaf

I appreciate this album is 36 minutes long and the 1st song takes up 8 minutes. Iconic opener. Vincent is beautiful. Personal enjoyment: 4/5 Relevance to this list: 5/5

Iconic and meaningful folk/country. Important.

Beyond the all time great title track, there’s a nice little album here. Would be a 3, but American Pie brings the whole thing up.

A solid album, I do think American Pie should come later in the album Fave songs - American Pie, Vincent

Great voice. There's something about the way this was recorded that really feels like it captures everything in the recording. There's an easiness of listening to that a lot of albums don't find. This one gets flack for having a couple of songs people focus on but it has strengths throughout.

I have this one on vinyl. It's an album. A cohesive collection of songs. As a bonus for this it's a quick listen. I did one full listen and skipped the first track on 2 more listens. Easy listen, a great song writer. As a whole it is a nice calm listen, but the individual parts don't stick with me.

I enjoyed that more than i thought

Its been a minute, but American Pie and Vincent are all time classics

Bops

Dated. But still beautiful.

Very solid album.

Afar hugljúft hjá afa Don. Hittararnir eru legendary en hitt er bara óþekkt held ég. Fannst það allt í lagi samt.

One hit wonder with some genuinely nice lullabyesque songs that follow it. 7/10

A really enjoyable album. Like most people I've heard American Pie hundreds of times and agree it is a classic. I wasn't sure what to expect from the rest of the album, but I was pleasantly surprised at how good it was. Most of the tracks had an 'American Pie' feel to them but they definitely didn't sound repetitive.

This was a nice mellow album, had some James Taylor vibes that I'm into.

Hard to follow that opener but much of the rest also very nice especially the two closers.

4-

A show I recently watched (We are Ladyparts) had a character infatuated with Don McLean. It got me thinking I had never listened to anything other than American Pie. My dad used to regale me in stories about who each character was represented by in that song. I have hated and admired Mr.McLean for never saying, hence keeping th legend alive. This album was exceptional and I sorry I never made it beyond the title track. It feels very singer-song writer, like a perfect summer day. Additional key songs include the ballad Vincent that was both sad and graceful, and the romantic Winterwood. The title track is a must listen for music history lovers, but the entire album holds up.

Random thoughts: * American Pie the song is an all-time great. It is enduring despite its crazy length. * I like the theory that it is about the day Buddy Holly died. I think I’ve heard Don McLean say it is just a song but it is cooler to think it is about the history of rock n roll from 1958 to 1972. * the rest of the album is way more singer song writer than I imagined. It is Jim Croce/James Taylor. It is super chill and I liked it well enough. Vincent was a standout. * this might be the ultimate does a single song make a great album litmus test.

Śniadanko

I am sure that in my heart of hearts I knew or understood that the song American Pie was in fact written by somebody and that that person‘s name was Don McLean. Although I prefer to believe that the song was created when lightning struck a puddle of toxic waste and what emerged was this travesty to exist in an eternity of replays on clear channel or terrible covers by shitty bar bands. But, after the first track and subsequent 25% of the album was over, I was surprised to learn that Don McLean was a lot more like Jim Croce or John Denver. I really enjoyed the rest of the album and was happy to have the opportunity to listen to it.

A solid album with some great songs like “Vincent” and the title song “American Pie.” I very much enjoyed this album listen and would recommend it to others!

A beautiful album and comment on the country from beginning to end.

American Pie and Vincent ("Starry starry night") are so much played I'm a bit bored with these songs. Very few songs keep getting better the more you hear them, and these aren't amongst them for me. But they are fine songs. The rest of the album I hadn't heard and I quite enjoyed it. Good songwriting, story-telling lyrics (could do without the God and Satan stuff for me, though), musically above your basic "man with a guitar" level and good vocals. Fine bass lines too! It's all very well behaved and it's not a 5 for me. A 3 or a 4 if I'm being very generous, yes. Nothing wrong with this.

Like an off-brand John Denver, except the next best brand.

Well that was pleasant. I think that’s the word for it. Just nice. Consistently nice.

The title track is pretty long, but it never overstays its welcome. It's a true classic, a lot of fun to listen to, never gets boring. Also, I can't help but listen to Weird Al's The Saga Begins afterward. I've always loved Vincent, great sad song. Empty Chairs and The Grave were in a similar vein, sad but sweet. Winterwood and Sister Fatima were nice. Everybody Loves Me Baby was fun. Without the title track and Vincent, the rest of the songs would probably score a 3, but those two easily push it up to a 4. Best song: American Pie

All time classics in this, quality varies but is throughout a good album 3.6

I only knew the title track but this was great, some variation towards the end too.

This was always one of my favorite recordings. My older siblings listened to it when I was younger. It was a start for me listening to all kinds of different music..

4 for AP and V + a smidge for everything else

I think it's a fair statement to say this album is primarily selected on the strength of it's well known title track and to a lesser extent, Vincent. It's a well recorded album, full of nuance and dynamics, but I think it takes a few listens to fully appreciate the nostalgia element.

It was okay. The song “American Pie” is a classic. Then, the next couple of songs were a little bit dull. “Everybody Loves Me, Baby” was pretty funny. “The Grave” was one of the best anti-war songs I have ever heard.

Mad to think of how crazy Don’s life was. Didn’t realise any of that stuff in the 1999 biopic actually happened to him! Every time Houmous & Chutney crossed paths with him we found him very reserved! 3.8

Great songs and lyrics

I feel like this needs a second listen where I can take it all in properly. First thoughts though... Great, chilled vibe

Среди всех Singer Songwriter что мне попадались на этом сайте - этот самый лучший. Хороший и голос и инструментал и возможно текст, хз

3.5

really nice

Classsicccc 4.0

Don Mclean had his biggest (and as far as I know only) hit with "American Pie". The album of the same name has many good songs but nothing much better than his big hit. Fortunately, his album is very cohesive, it's a shame that it loses its strength towards the end.

Solid singer-songwriter Americana.

I liked this album more than I anticipated. American Pie is a fun song, but it is so cliche at this point that I was bracing for an album that was overly patriotic or masculine. What I didn't expect was "Vincent," an old favorite from high school, to surface. My senior-year english teacher played Vincent for us in class and asked us to analyze it, and none of us AP students picked up on the fact that the song was about Vincent Van Gogh. After listening, this album is probably closer to a 3.5 than a 4 for me, because it does feel a little cloying at times, but overall I enjoyed it and ultimately wouldn't mind hearing it again.

Favorite songs: American Pie, Vincent, "Everybody Loves Me, Baby", Winterwood Least favorite songs: Sister Fatima 4/5

Skeptical because I am frankly tired of the title track but it was a very lovely folk album.

These are pretty good songs.

The lyrics 👌 makes me nostalgic for a time I never even lived.

Solid.

I've listened to this kind of album at least 10 times on this list alone. This gets a bit tiresome, to be frank. This album is one of the better ones in the singer-songwriter genre. "American Pie" has the famous title track and a few other gems. The songwriting by McLean makes me jealous in a good way. 4 stars for "American Pie".

The song, "American Pie", is a masterpiece of songwriting which recaps the history of music at that point beautifully while also being a tribute to Buddy Holly solidifying his legacy. The rest of the album is nothing special with some great songs and some stinkers. Overall the titular song is incredible but the rest is pretty forgettable, a bunch of songs lost to space.

Damn I didn’t realize the other songs of this album were good ones

I kind of like this guy’s style. He’s the bridge between Jackson Browne and Stephen Bishop.

The poetry of the lyrics is sublime. The simple arrangements add to the poignantcy.

Honestly one still adore, even though a) the title track has been played to death, and b) critical reassessment has not been to kind on. I still kinda dig "American Pie", and "Vincent" is an absolutely beautiful ode to Van Gogh. "Sister Fatima" tugs at me a bit. And legend has it that "Empty Chairs" was his song that softly killed Lori Lieberman (uncredited co-writer of the Roberta Flack/Fugees hit) His 1970 debut Tapestry is my personal favorite of his and as far as I'm concerned a five star masterpiece. But as for this one it's a real strong (8.6) ★★★★

i really loved this for some unknown reason. i’m not a big fan of the genre but this is kind of a classic i think and i totally get it. so nostalgic, so profound yet so simple.

🇺🇸🥧! "American Pie" is another one of those larger than life songs that has really solidified itself into American culture. I wanna say it's overrated, but I'd be full of shit. It's a great song. It deserves its status as the go-to campfire song. I was expecting this album to be nothing more than "the album with American Pie on it", but I was pleasantly surprised. Why did nobody tell me how good "Vincent" is?? There's a handful of other quality songs here too. The singles obviously steal the show but overall this is nice little folk album. I'd even go as far to say that if this a Neil Young album it would be one of his more average releases. This has been the most difficult album to rate so far. For now I feel confident its a 3.5/5 but I can't decide if I should round up or down. I think I'm gonna go with a 4 but it's definitely not as good as the other 4 star albums. I wish I could give half stars grrrrrrrr. Favorite track: Vincent 3.5/5

Really good. Even without the title track this would still be great but with it on it makes it an amazing album. Love the vocals and piano. 4 stars

This’ll be the day that I diet.

Great album to have on and chill

Canción de American Pie aparte, gran disco con deliciosas melodías de piano y guitarra

Don did it

Everyone knows why the music died! But, Don actually has some other decent tunes. Nice short little album and easy listening. Solid 3.5, gonna round up for Don in hopes someone will appreciate more than just his timeless classic.

3 stars plus 1 for American Pie

Its a pretty good album maybe a bit to similar the songs with exception of everybody and american pie which is legendary and still holds up. Album llays well slow and folky which os not my thing the song Vincent I feel is a hidden gem of a song had to listen to it twice. Its very simon and garfunkle sound like melodywise and rythymwise. Still enjoyed it even though I dont love thos genere so that means its a good album

Gefällt mir gut, 70er Singer Songwriter, bisschen Richtung Billy Joel aber etwas mehr auf Melancholie ausgelegt. 4/5

J’ai décidé d’écouter l’album en suivant l’ordre alternatif proposé par le second top commentaire, et c’est vraiment une meilleure séquence que l’original. Pour le contenu, t’as le classique American Pie évidemment, sinon t’es pas mal pogné avec du folk acoustique un peu pleurnichard, mais pas d’une mauvaise manière. All in all, pourquoi pas un 4, ça fait un boutte!

Vincent and the Grave, good new finds

With this album, it’s not a question of whether or not you like it, it’s how you feel about folk rock. If you like it, this is a fantastic album. If not, this probably won’t be your cup of tea. Probably even boring or even annoying. As huge a song as American Pie is, for my money Vincent is far superior. Of course that could be from overexposure. There’s a certain ubiquity about American Pie, especially if you spent the better part of your life listening to rock stations.

I really thought I'd listened to this album before but if I did it must have been lost on a child version of me, because "Everybody Loves Me, Baby" was a delightful discovery. I'm going to subject everyone I know to this song and if I get a show slot for winter quarter I'll subject the listening public to it too. I can't believe people I know have been trying so hard to reclaim Fortunate Son and Born in the USA from people who don't get the point, but none of them ever shared this with me. The Vincent Van Gogh song was kind of nice and the others were there but I'd give this five stars if it was just A Side American Pie B side Everybody Loves Me, Baby

American Pie and Vincent are great songs. Rest is great too 4/5

A few songs that are almost timeless. Good album, made me sad at points.

A lot of nice songs

Lovely

What a poet!

Can’t get over how pretty his voice is. So easy and gentle and sweet. Like, the music is nice, but his singing is fucking lovely as shit. Did not expect to like anything on this record, but I have been corrected. Don McClean has a great voice. Till Tomorrow, Crossroads, Winterwood, I’m upset at how good these are. Motherfucker. Fully expected to hate this record and I just cannot. It gets prettier and prettier. I normally hate this kind of stuff, but this bitch sings like an angel. The slower, the better. All that’s missing is a soul-crushing version of Oh Danny Boy.

Pretty decent!

I’m not gonna dunk on the classics. I like this song and I always have. The rest of the album is meh.

Don McLean demonstrates a melancholy that sounds like a poppier version of Nick Drake. While I personally prefer Nick Drake's style, I will hand it to McLean that he crafted some classic songs on his brand of introspective calming ballads. Overplayed as they are "American Pie" and "Vincent" are still beautiful and tragic. The rest of the album continues in the same vein and would perfectly fit a lazy, rainy day at home.

My dad always liked American Pie the song. This was my first exposure to the album. I thought Vincent was really great, I have an affinity for Van Gogh's art and story. I think much of the album is slow but there are some more upbeat tracks. All in all I think that this is a pretty decent album and I think American Pie taking up almost a quarter of the run time bumps it up.

My oh my

This surprised me. I assumed it would be uncool. It is a bit uncool, but it's got heart. He seems like a gentle guy singing gentle, melodic songs. A pleasant surprise.

you already know this is good

BYEEEE BYE MS AMERICAN PIE DROVE MY CHEVY TO THE LEVEE BUT THE LEVEE WAS DRY

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this album. One of those albums where the hit song isn’t even the best song on it.

When I saw it was the American Pie song dude, my heart sank a bit. I've heard this song too much, but actually, this record is super lovely and the title track is actually decent too. Glad I got re-educated. He has real sincerity in his voice that I just love. Favourite tracks: American Pie, Till Tomorrow, Vincent, Empty Chairs, The Grave.

Sublime

oo I wonder if Don McLean has an album of spooky tunes like "Babylon" One of those albums that has a ubiquitous titan that kind of takes all the buzz (see also: the album In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida, which I heard for the 1st time last month)- to be honest, the other 8 songs have to also compete with the stunning "Vincent". "Everybody Loves Me Baby" is perhaps the only other uplifting moment apart from the title track, which I'm grateful is part of the album even though McLean's voice fits the slow songs the best HL: title track, "Till Tomorrow", "Vincent", "The Grave", "Empty Chairs" October 19, 2024

4.5 LOVE IT

Great Folk album definitely some very chill vibes and i grew up with the title track around me all the time so brought back some nostalgia

- I was a little biased before listening to the album because I don't like the song American Pie at all, but I was more than pleasantly surprised - i have to say that i liked every single song in its own way especially Till Tomorrow, Vincent and Crossroads (even American pie is alright in this context, but certainly overplayed in my opinion) - such a wonderful album, loved every second of it - listened to this on a sunny and rather cold autumn walk and it made me enjoy the nature and my surroundings even more - don’t have anything else to say OVERALL: 4/5

3.5 I liked this much more than I thought I would

That song is a classic. Seems like the rest of the record was just thrown together around it.

Some classic folk “rock” songs. Not particularly uplifting but certainly memorable.

3.5

Really good. I'd been meaning to listen to more of Don McLean, but never got around to it. The second track is a bit jarring after American Pie, but the album as a whole is really good. The Grave is a high point later in the album, too.

Beautiful, atmospheric acoustic guitar sounds. I'm not bothered about American Pie but I love Vincent and Everybody Loves Me, Baby.

Darn good album and a classic. 'Vincent' is my fave, but of course 'American Pie' is a banger for karaoke.

Definitely Great.

A classic album. I especially enjoyed the lyrics of Everybody Loves Me, Baby (the song itself was quite similar to American Pie). Vincent is also lovely! McLean's voice is just so smooth and drips with nostalgia.

This album is awfully gentle but was a refreshing listen. As singer/songwriters go, I'm not terribly familiar with Don McLean, but I can understand his popularity by this record alone. This was pleasant. Almost too pleasant.

Don has a great voice and American Pie is a great classic. It definitely skews this album for me put I'm going to give it a soft 4.

I love the song Vincent so was excited for this but it was underwhelming as an album. Two bangers but the rest was just ok and got a little boring by the end. Favorite songs were: 1. American Pie 3. Vincent 7/10

4 stars

Solid album. Might be folkey for some but I like it, partly because I'm old.

Everybody Loves Me, Baby felt weird in the middle of all that, but I understand why the tone was so upbeat—it would've sounded super whiny if it matched the tone of everything else. Nevertheless, it detracted from the overall groove of a pretty good album.

Honestly can't say I knew any of the other songs, but it was a great listen. 4.5

American Pie is a once in a lifetime song, unfortunately it’s also the first of the album so feels a bit top heavy.

Adorabile

I wouldn't be able to recall all the times that Bye Bye Mrs American Pie was belted out in favorite college bar back in the day, and truth be told I never noticed that the song was that long... guess that is what happens when you are having some drinks with good friends; time flies! And then we add Starry Starry night to the mix, and smiles appear. Misfortunate for the rating that several of the songs seem to be carbon-copies of others though... 4****

Es ist ein wahres Juwel im Stil von Simon & Garfunkel. Der Evergreen “American Pie” ist zweifellos das Herzstück des Albums und bleibt auch nach all den Jahren ein zeitloser Klassiker. Die harmonischen und melancholischen Songs auf diesem Album schaffen eine einzigartige Atmosphäre, die sowohl nostalgisch als auch berührend ist. Das Album wurde als einheitliches Werk konzipiert, inspiriert von den Konzeptalben der Beatles. McLean wollte mit American Pie eine ähnliche Wirkung erzielen und schuf ein Album, das die gesellschaftlichen Umbrüche und das Gefühl des Verlustes der 1960er Jahre einfängt. Die Widmung des Albums an Buddy Holly („ … the day the music died…“), einen seiner Kindheitshelden, unterstreicht die melancholische Stimmung und die spärlichen Arrangements. Dies zieht sich auch durch „Vincent“ und „Empty Chairs“. Toller Folk-Rock den ich Wiederhören werde.

The title track is the clear star, but I really liked “Crossroads” and never knew that he was the original songwriter of “Vincent” (both NOFX and Josh Groban have great covers). His lyrical style makes the album feel like a collection of short stories. Really interesting stuff.

Pretty solid, always loved American Pie

Some absolute classics on here

Album 480 of 1001 Don McLean - American Pie Rating : 3.5 / 5 I wouldn't be the first person - nor the last - to say this album starts off great with the title track but the rest just can't hold up. It doesn't suck but just doesn't hit too hard. Some tracks I would describe as Paul Simon light. Others made me think of the bank Big Star (hope their album from the list comes soon). I would recommend but don't expect it to rock your world.

Very good folk rock album. Very Dylany songwriting, but that's not really a bad thing. McLean has a great voice.

Beautiful and gentle.

This album earns its place on the list (and its first 2-3 stars) early doors. You can't really argue with American Pie and Vincent as far as exquisite songwriting goes. In the middle it goes a bit earnest singer-songwriter-y - some nice lines and pretty melodies, but it does threaten to descend into blandness. Happily that changes towards the end, with Everybody Loves Me, Baby providing a welcome shot of light-hearted energy and the final 2 tracks exploring more sombre - yet more arresting - lyrical and musical territory. 3.5 / 4

We hebben al best wat singer-songwriters van 50 jaar terug gehad, de ene beter dan de andere. Het balanceert vaak op een dun lijntje van te gedateerd en te saai, naar wonderschoon en iets waar je voor gaat zitten. Voor mij helt deze plaat over naar het laatste. American Pie is een beetje gesaboteerd door Madonna, maar het is natuurlijk een prima verhalend nummer. De echte schoonheid begint voor mij bij het typische top2000-nummer Vincent. Het zijn stille liedjes, met schitterende arrangementen. Zonder de extra akkoorden zou het net wat te weinig zijn, maar juist die extra paar akkoorden geven het zoveel kleur (bij Vincent het stuk met "Now I understand.."). De ene keer begeleidt hij zich op piano, de andere keer op akoestische gitaar. En overal komen die paar extra tierelantijntjes erbij, zoals Mark Knopfler dat later nog meer zou doen, maar nooit op een vervelende overdreven manier. Net op het moment dat je wel genoeg van die zoete liedjes hebt gehoord, gooit ome Don er weer een gezellig (Dylanesque) feestnummer in, om vervolgens gewoon ingetogen te eindigen. Ik vind dit fijn zo op een druilerige vrijdagochtend, in iets wat voor zomer door moet gaan.

It’s a hell of a song, there’s no denying. Don said it all when once asked what the song meant; “It means I don’t have to work anymore.” Damn near a 1 hit wonder though. The rest of the album; ho-hum. But what a wonder! 4 stars for the day the music died.

Which song gets sung more? American Pie or Sweet Caroline. It doesn’t matter, they are both great. This album starts with a banger and has a couple of other great songs and some mediocre.

Great Album! 4 stars

Man, the title track is one of the most iconic and beloved folk rock songs of all time. A true classic. But the rest of the album does not reach the same highs. So is it just average or better than that? I think the next three songs Till Tomorrow, Vincent, and Crossroads are also very, very good - beautiful, sad, and great examples of pure folk. McLean's voice fills the ears and his soft acoustic plucking complements his vocals perfectly. Like me, you probably knew the middle one but not the other two. Winterwood reminded me of Jim Croce (one of my favorite folk artists) - a little more upbeat or at least not simply somber - a solid song. Empty Chairs is another good sad song. Everybody Loves Me Baby is probably where it took its big downturn. I just don't care for it and maybe it soured my feelings on the final three songs that followed it - also somber like earlier ones but they just didn't resonate as much. I was fully prepared to give this album a 3 but on my last listen (when I skipped American Pie) I stared to creep up to a 4. Probably 3.5 is what it really deserves.

Great music and lyrics

I love the title track so much that this album is getting a higher rating, but know it’s only from this one song. The rest of the album fell flat for me.

This album was beautiful, sad, seamless & soothing all at the same time.

If you want someone to tug on your feelings....come here.

Followed a reviewer advice. Started at track 4 and then returned to the beginning. It probably worked to a point. Maybe even an extra star. Difficult to ignore the 2 mammoth hits. Bonus for an iconic cover too.

Folk album containing two magnificient monster pieces of music - American Pie and Vincent - and lots more of mediocre stuff. Not bad by any means, but they aren't nearly as good as the two great ones, for which I'll give this a 3.5/5.

A classic for its time. Listen beyond the two more familiar songs.

This is definitely in the running for one of the whitest white people albums on this list. As a white person, American pie is obviously great but the rest was just average 70s stuff to me. Sounded like an amalgam of all the 70s rock and folk singers to make a completely indistinguishable album aside from one all timer.

Strong Folk album with Standouts in American Pie, Vincent, and Empty Chairs.

The last couple of songs did not impress me as much as the rest of the songs, but still a great album.

If you don't know the title track of this album you must be new to music. Obviously it's one of the most overplayed classics of all-time, but it's overplayed for a reason. Don McLean is a really good songwriter but his music may not be for everyone. Even his faster songs are ballad-leaning so it can be exhausting for fans of faster tempos.

Sounds nice with a hit wonder

I’ve always liked Don McLean. His voice is relaxing and his lyrics are thoughtful. Sometimes the execution is a little boring though, which was the case for a few songs on this album. But still, I enjoyed it. Vincent and Empty Chairs are undeniably beautiful songs.

merita anche la versione di michael e dwight. però carucciooo non me l'aspettavo <3

A livello di sound è il fratello separato alla nascita di John Denver, ma non è una cosa negativa

A giudicare dalla copertina mi aspettavo un album hip hop/urban/rap, e invece… E invece si è rivelato un album folk/rock/indie/americana/singer-songwriter. Ok, accetto e porto a casa. In alcuni punti mi ha ricordato tanti artisti contemporanei dello stesso genere, come i The Decemberists e Iron & Wine, quindi non escludo che abbia avuto una certa influenza in questo filone. Molto carino, dai. Forse sono di parte perché alla fine dei conti mi faccio piacere quasi tutto ciò che rientra in questo genere, ops.

Adorabile

Some classic tunes. A few I've not heard before. 4

Lovely melancholy fragile songs.

I can see now why this is a classic

8/10 I didn't expect to like the whole album as much as I did. Good melancholy stuff. 5-30-2024

Lovely songs, among which a couple of classics, delivered with a pleasant voice.

Really enjoyed it -- he has a great voice and catchy songs

Very solid.

surprisingly lovely album with many good songs overshadowed by the massive hit that American Pie still is.

Nostalgie bangers

Portada icónica, canción legendaria. Un disco con muy buenas canciones además de la titular, con coros de nada menos que Pete Seeger, James Taylor, Livingston Taylor y Carly Simon. Vincent y Winterwood son otras canciones imposibles de olvidar (entre Cohen y Elton John). Empty Chairs sirvió de inspiración para componer "Killing Me Softly with His Song" (que le ganó el Grammy al propio American Pie)... Escuche este disco (Everybody loves me, baby) y olvídese de la carrera de Billy Joel... Apuntes para valorar la dimensión de American Pie, para algunos La canción del Siglo XX: Debido a su larga duración (más de 8 munitos) en los antiguos singles de 45 rpm, la canción se dividió en dos partes; una ocupaba la cara A y la otra, la B. La letra escrita en papel se vendió hace unos años por más de 1 millón de dólares. Solo por eso, ya se hizo mítica (al margen de múltiples versiones desde la insulsa de Madonna hasta la descacharrante de Weird Al" Yankovic). Hubo algunos discos mejores, en un excelso 1971, pero por poco (con portadas memorables también): Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin IV, Marvin Gaye - What's Going On? David Bowie - Hunky Dory, The Rolling Stones - Sticky Fingers, The Who - Who's Next, Joni Mitchell – Blue, John Lennon – Imagine, T. Rex - Electric Warrior, Sly and the Family Stone - There's a Riot Goin' On, The Allman Brothers Band - At Fillmore East, Nick Drake - Bryter Layter, Can - Tago Mago, Black Sabbath - Master of Reality, Rod Stewart - Every Picture Tells a Story, Carole King - Tapestry, Leonard Cohen - Songs of Love and Hate, Paul and Linda McCartney - Ram, Funkadelic - Maggot Brain Flamin' Groovies - Teenage Head, Faces - A Nod Is As Good As a Wink... to a Blind Horse, The Doors - L.A. Woman, The Beach Boys - Surf's Up RORY GALLAGHER - Deuce, NINA SIMONE - Here comes the sun, IKE & TINA TURNER - Workin' together, BADFINGER - Straight up ,Jethro Tull - Aqualung, Janis Joplin - Pearl, David Crosby - If I Could Only Remember My Name, Pete Dello and Friends - Into your ears, Santana - Santana III Gene Clark - Gene Clark/White Light, Van Morrison - Tupelo Honey Isaac Hayes – Shaft y Black Moses, Nilsson - Nilsson Schmilsson Elton John - Madman Across the Water, Al Green-Al Green Gets Next to You, Kevin Ayers – Whatevershebringswesing, Sixto Rodriguez - Coming From Reality... Este de American Pie está a la altura de cualquiera de ellos.

“Vincent (Van Gogh)” is hands down one of the greatest songs ever written. It resonates with so many genius artists never commercially recognized. Musically beautiful as well. Pie is a cultural anthem and the rest is nothing short of a kumbaya hallelujah.

I liked this, but the album overall is overshadowed by the two massive hits.

poignant and nostalgic

The titular song is just an absolutely brilliant one. Not listened to the full album before but definitely will again; we really enjoyed it.

Let's be honest: this is here for the title track. American Pie is a reflection of how American culture has been built in the modern era (post-WWII), with prom and rock n' roll and the war in the Vietnam. Things moved real fast in the '60s so when you stopped to look around in 1970, you'd realize America came out the other end a completely different nation. American Pie is McLean's numerous observations through poetic parable, which he only begins after he explains "the day the music died" in the first verse (the plan crash that killed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J. P. Richardson. To be clear, I reject the notion that music "died" with Buddy Holly or even that it was a loss of innocence for a generation, but McLean seems content in his analysis of American culture up to his point in time (1971). Fair enough. The second track, Till Tomorrow, exists in the aftermath of American Pie to the extent that it's basically filler in order to pace out the album to his next single, Vincent. This second single often gets overlooked but it's a frankly beautiful tribute to Vincent Van Gough and the ways in which people are often misunderstood. He interprets so much through Van Gough's art, it's a testament to the tenderness McLean conveys through his music. Much of this album is quite tender, with a couple of notable exceptions. I think the tone that McLean focuses on is one that suites his voice and songwriting style, so it's a welcome artistic choice. There are a few standout tracks but the album doesn't always grab me as much as American Pie does. I guess that's a hard act to follow so I assumed he put it at the top of the tracklist just to get it out of the way. Still, there's other gems in this album that are worth hearing.

Don McLean’s sweet voice, paired with enamoring songwriting makes this concise, 10 song tracklist hit as hard as it has to.

Honestly decently folky. Surprising.

A staple of my youth, such that I tired of it's constant play. I was reminded today that Babylon on this album was covered by Manfred Mann later on in the 70s. 4 stars for longevity.

“American pie” is the single that everyone knows, but I particularly enjoyed “The Grave”

It's that one song I've heard, and a bunch of other nice ones. Calming.

hadn't listened to this album in decades--used to check it out from the library when I was a kid. Enjoyed the whole thing, though, Vincent and American Pie are clearly the best of the bunch.

not bad, not bad. i knew the two singles off of this beforehand, the smash hit title track and 'vincent' both of which i think are great tracks. the rest of the album is a lot more like 'vincent' than 'american pie' - more slow, pensive folk-ish music, as opposed to folk-ish rock. that's not to say that there aren't more rock-y moments on this one, but it definitely is a lot more subdued of an album than the title track would lead you to believe.

Classic! Vincent een van de mooiste nummers ooit

Geweldig, houd hiervan, dit is heerlijk. Wel mooi dat hij dit heet gemaakt, en daarna eigelijk alleen maar zeikmuziek heeft uitgebracht, niks meer echt gelukt. En natuurlijk even over Vincent van Gogh zingen doet mijn Nederlandse identiteit te goede

Gelijknamig album aan de beste film ooit gemaakt toen je 12 jaar oud was Ook een klassieker natuurlijk

The hits really stand out.

Title track is one of the greats. Giving 4 stars purely on its strength. The rest I honestly could leave out.

Enjoyed it, relaxing. Definitely my vibe.

8/10. Talented song writing, talented singer. Guitar was soothing but not a creative standout for me.

Some great tunes on here

Only knew the two big hits. This guy is an incredible lyricist. Just when I was thinking the music was a bit repetitive he changed it up. Then he hit me with a song called “The Grave” that may be the saddest song I’ve ever heard. Reminded me the album was fun the Vietnam War era. Good listen overall.

Only two uptempo tracks, but otherwise a classic singer songwriter album of that era.

so much better than i was expecting. strong 7/10

Disappointed to find that the rest of the album is nowhere near as good as American Pie and Vincent, but those two are good enough to earn this a 4

Took me a while to finish this album, as I couldn't stop playing American Pie on repeat. Ridiculously long track that somehow isn't long enough. What a tune. Rest of the album was a pleasant listen.

Pretty good tbh

I'm actually a tad shocked by this record, not only because I thought it would be all American Pie-esque tracks, when it was more so all Vincent-esque tracks, but because I found myself enjoying it pretty thoroughly, even American Pie, in all of its overplayed glory. It has some amazing sleeper hits on here, and even though there is some repeat tones that feel like Don McLean is copying off his own homework, when this recordtries boy does it try, with sweet little tracks aplenty, and even a Bob Dylan-esque track about ¾s of the way in that's pulled off pretty well. Its short and sweet, and I'm just impressed this bargain bin, at every record store in America-of a record is not only good, but I'd argue great.

It’s a shame that American Pie has been played to death. It’s a good song, but I can live a few years without hearing it. Meanwhile, what a pretty voice this man has! Vincent is his other famous song and it is utterly beautiful. Art inspired by art. One of the most ridiculously beautiful songs ever. It’s stupid how beautiful this song is. Can’t get over how pretty his voice is. So easy and gentle and sweet. Like, the music is nice, but his singing is fucking lovely as shit. Did not expect to like anything on this record, but I have been corrected. Don McClean has a great voice. Till Tomorrow, Crossroads, Winterwood, I’m upset at how good these are. Motherfucker. Fully expected to hate this record and I just cannot. It gets prettier and prettier. I normally hate this kind of stuff, but this bitch sings like an angel. The slower, the better. All that’s missing is a soul-crushing version of Oh Danny Boy.

A product of a simpler time - even though there was war, poverty, etc...Aside from the two big hits on the album, the rest of the songs were a perfect soundtrack for this era in a folky, non-strident way.

American Pie + Vincent makes it hard for me to deny McLean 5 stars and yet I'm going to hold the line at 4 because the album as a whole experience doesn't appeal to me; in part because "Everybody Loves Me, Baby" hasn't aged well or was never that good to begin with.

Don McLean is known for one song (okay maybe 2) and you know what? That’s okay. American Pie will forever be cemented as one of the greatest ballads ever written and I’m sure that the 3 holy ghosts would agree. Its legacy is universal. I remember being in South Africa and even there people were singing along with our drunken voices. Besides that, this album is criminally overshadowed by its title song. So many great hits in this. 🥇American Pie 🥈Vincent 🥉Winterwood HM: Everybody Loves Me, Baby

An emotional roller coaster of an album that is incredibly moving. Like yeah it’s sad asf but it’s almost so sad it’s.. calming? Everyone talks about American Pie, but this album is full of absolute bangers. Till Tomorrow is my personal favorite, followed closely by Vincent.

Was not expecting to enjoy the rest of the tracks as much as I did but the songwriting and singing is just so pleasant to listen to

Standouts American Pie and Vincent are classic. Never heard the rest of the album before - it's really easy to get into and enjoy. After listening many times, I consider it a favorite. 4.5

Me gustó, que gran control tiene con la voz. Me hubiera gustado que las canciones tuvieran estructuras un poco más comerciales.

Title track is an undisputed classic. Wasn't very familiar with his other work, but pleasantly surprised. Good folk-rock, solid lyrics and beautiful voice. (His voice sounds very similar to Rodriguez - and overall style I suppose). 3.5/5

The title track is still a banger, and reminds me of the time of my life when I knew every word to it. The rest of it is good, nothing earth-shattering except The Grave, which is beautifully haunting.

My friend opened for Don McLean

la voix du type rend incompréhensible toute note en dessous de 4 .

Man, what an album for that period in life. It’s an existential masterpiece that draws you into asking questions about yourself and your understanding of others. Plus it has one of mine and 2Pac’s favourite songs of all time on it - Vincent.

I need to listen to the rest, but the first half is really nice!

Great singer-songwriter album, with tracks that had become American classics. Worth a listen.

I'm not really a fan of folksy singer-songwriter, but Don McLean is winning me over.

Outside of the classic American Pie, the remaining songs are quite different. They're slower and much more crafted. Great lyrics, with my personal favorite in "Vincent". For someone who doesn't particularly care of folk, I thought this was done quite well though I did wish it have some more energy to match the opening song. 8/10.

Mjög ljúf og þægileg plata sem reyndar gleymist furðuhratt miðað við hvað hún er áhlustanleg. Ég þekki Don McLean ekkert sérstaklega, nema þá titillag plötunnar en hann virðist vera bara fínn gaur. Þessa mun ég setja aftur á fóninn.

The title track is deservedly a classic but largely an anomaly style-wise on this album. The majority of the songs are simply arranged and beautifully sad. I felt incredibly drawn to McLean’s voice. Highlights: American Pie, Vincent, The Grave

Viele bekannte Songs dabei

Vincent & American Pie push it almost to 5 stars

Starts with one of the most famous songs about the death of a hero, and it's just one track of filler before "Vincent", which is a similarly amazing. At just over half an hour, this is a perfect length for the type of album it is. Any longer would have been crass self indulgence. As it stands, it's great with just a bit of filler.

I expected this to be one of those albums with one incredible song and a bunch of filler (cough Tarkus cough), but nope, this is a really solid folk rock album! The title track is the obvious highlight, but even the lesser known songs still hit.

Part of the soundtrack for the 1970s. Contains the massive hit "American Pie", and the not so massive hit "Vincent".

A real 70s gem

Full disclosure, American pie is a very sentimental track for me, so regardless of the rest of the album, this was always going to rate well. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the rest of the album is awesome! He has such a beautiful voice and his songs tell such sincere stories. I love folk rock and this album hits a sweet spot. I really enjoyed listening to this record!

When I was 5 my dad made me a mix cassette tape which featured 3 songs from this album: American pie, Vincent and Babylon (along with a bunch of other favourites of his). It was this mixtape I listened to back to back while we went on a ‘round the world’ family holiday. I only remember snippets of the trip, but these songs are burned into my memory in the most beautiful way. I have a particularly vivid memory of listening to Babylon while arriving at Stone henge The rest of the album is good too, I love Don Macleans voice and the mellow folksy music - but mostly my vote is nostalgia Fave Track: Babylon (probably the only song you’ll ever hear me say for a song that for which features banjo 😂)

I (like most people, I assume) had never listened to anything past "American Pie" on this album. Maybe that's a fear of being disappointed. That song is so iconic that the rest of the album couldn't be good right? Well, it's definitely not "as good" as American Pie, but this is a really solid folk album. It's simple, Don's vocals are really great, the lyrics are introspective - the whole thing just draws you in.

not bad

Standard

Buen album. Me gustaron las letras. Armonías sencillas pero con el toque de profundidad necesario para que no suene muy cheese o pop; creo que esa profundidad se la dan los arreglos de otros instrumentos. GRAN PIANO y guitarra. Excelente ejecución de ámbos instrumentos (o gran producción; o las dos). Pasas un buen rato escuchandolo. El album perfecto para escuchar sentado en el porche tomando un whiskey en vaso (o en taza), fumandote un cigarro.

Eating crow time. I had pretty much written this album off as just a vehicle for American pie. It's much better than that. American pie is a good track but it's been played to death. Mostly by my mum I imagine. I could've sworn Vincent was a Simon and Garfunkel song.... Clearly not, it's a really beautiful track I thought "crossroads" and "empty chairs" were good tracks too. Not sure if this caught me on a sensitive day, but pretty emotive. The rest I could probably leave, got a bit samey, but overall I was pleasantly surprised 4

Previously rated, but I didn't make any notes.

I like Don McLean, probably more than I should. Has American Pie been overplayed? Yes. Will I still sing along at the top of my lungs every time it's on? Also yes. The rest of the album is good. Vincent is a standout, but the rest of the songs are nice, easy to listen to singer/songwriter songs. This was perfect to listen to while making dinner.

I like American folk, but... goddamn isn't the American Pie a great song. I can only compare it to the Piano Man of Billy Joel in the terms of the pure flow, atmosphere and storytelling.

A really talented singer songwriter, who has created music that has stayed the test of time. People have called him a one hit wonder because other than the brilliance of his iconic American Pie track, some people just write the rest of his work off as boring. Which it isn't, some of his arrangements are simple genius. That said, there are a few dull tracks on this album, as there are on many albums, the filler tracks, but the still don't take away from this accomplished artist.

One remembers finding this record boring outside the title track and "Vincent" on first listenings (circa high school, circa college). Now (circa late middle age), one finds it tunefully gentle and mellow and almost lovely. Funny, that. "Till Tomorrow" sounds like John Denver and the whole things feels honest and earnest and authentic and wholesomely mellow and all natural and free range and cruelty-free and sustainably raised and 100% organic. "Winterwood" is lovely, as is "Empty Chairs." As good as Simon and Garfunkel? Yes, perhaps. Plus, one has always liked the cover shot, too. "American Pie" remains what it has always been – a true slice of rollicking Americana, overexposed for a reason.

American Pie and Vincent on one album? Yes, please This was very lovely. He is quite the wordsmith and the melodies are beautiful. The only criticism I can think of is that some of the songs sound more like less good Vincents and less like their own thing.

I think American pie is great and very nostalgic for me as my dads family loves this song. I really liked Vincent

Beautiful

I really dig this one. American Pie is a massive hit, the rest of the album has a kind of serene sadness that I really like.

Folk. Demasiadas canciones lentas para vinilo.

I enjoyed listening, it was a beautiful voice and beautiful music. It lacked some movement but overall very enjoyable

When you think of a song that is the best example of a "career defining song (or album)" by a musician, I immediately think of Don McLean's, American Pie. That song, American Pie is one of those epic songs that people either love or hate. I guess you would be considered "un-American" if you hated it, but it's more because of it's mass over-exposure and being told it's the greatest American song ever. In some ways, I feel sorry for McLean. Sure, the song made him rich (he still makes between $300,000-$500,000 per year in royalties!) and famous with many accolades to his name thanks to American Pie, but it's one of those songs that a musician is condemned to perform at every single show (think Del Shannon)! I'm sure he's contractually obligated to play it and could you imagine the outrage if his concert didn't include this 8 1/2 minute song? The record label and McLean were smart enough to title the album after the song to avoid confusion at the record store so they don't accidentally buy one of his many other albums by mistake. Anyways, you can't deny it, it's a good song, the rest of the album is average (3 stars) and the song probably deserves another star.

-1 star for the diversion in the middle to just be a #sadboy that’s weird about his former women lovers. and also for the women everywhere who have had music from this record played At them by a dude with a guitar like in barbie. first three are outstanding in a singles way, final three or four are outstanding in a deep cut way

A beautiful album.

I'm glad I finally listened to this the whole way through, since I've always considered the title track to be a 10/10, but never bothered with the rest of the album. Vincent is especially moving, it's unusual to hear a man of that generation write a sort of platonic love song to another man. The last 3 songs were a bit too "Sunday School" for me though.

3.5 maybe? Title song and Vincent give it that rating the rest was ok.

An actual surprise & delight

this is such a weird album. one of the best songs of all time, a bunch of slow acoustic songs, a song from the POV of an incel, a song about a guy literally in a war, Babylon??

Old school straight American. Would listen to some songs again.

I’ve heard “American Pie” probably hundreds of times in the last decade or so, but so haven’t listened to it since I was a kid until this listen. It deserves to be every bit the American classic that it has become.

A beautiful collection of songs. Really enjoyed it.

4,5

This was such a great surprise and I don't know why!? I just associate American Pie with the films which are completely gross haha this is a symptom of being born in the early 90s I guess. I hadn't realised how long it was either, I didn't even mind which is huge! I thought Vincent was a Beatles song for some reason haha! I've heard so many people cover it including a good friend of mine who often plays Beatles tracks. Don McLean what a song-writer! Guy knows how to write a beautiful song and a really fun song too. Quite a fun little discovery! Ooh Babylon right at the end, super cool!

Well this is twee as hell right but man I really liked it. My mum really likes American Pie and it's just feel good music right. I'm going to give it a 4!

+1 for Till Tomorrow

Lost me in the middle but overall good folk album. May need repeat listens

A couple classics on here

He's so much more than American Pie. Vincent is masterful.

This is a really easy listen, with the absolute belter of the titular song to start, and alot of good music from there on out

The whole album is more than just American Pie! Aside from the classic of classics, there's a lot of excellent era appropriate folk blended with a bit of country and Don McLean's own sound.

Way better than expected, especially with my fairly neutral stance on the title track. The chilled folk rock are surprisingly entertaining, with a few more upbeat songs sandwich he'd between. It's like a road trip through America, jumping between the optimism of the 50s and 60s and the darker folkier side of the 70s. 26/04/23

If I wrote American Pie and Vincent, I would gladly ride that for the rest of my natural life. Those songs will easily outlive my bones. Everything else about this album is clearly a product of its time: McClean's vocals are lovely, the mix on the full band arrangements are delightful, and this is an album anyone's grandma can enjoy. But to have written two songs for the same album that are such monumental compositions? Yeah, coast on that, man. You earned it.

Tres bon j’ai adore, american pie premiere chanson va diretement dans mes chansons aimes . 4.75

It’s a bit ‘churchy’ at times but still a great album. Highlights are Vincent, Empty Chairs, Gravestone.

He's got a really great voice and some good lyrics.

I was surprised that I knew more than just the title track; "Vincent" was familiar as well. I'd never deliberately listened to Don McLean before but this was pretty good. I like folk so I liked this. I probably wouldn't listen to it again but I'll be adding "Vincent" to my 1001 highlights playlist.

Listening to this again, I realized that a lot of the lyrics really aren't that cryptic. The marching band is pretty clearly the Beatles (esp. given the reference to the sergeant). And the jester is Dylan, given the reference to his coat (and the album cover to his second album) and being on the sideline in a cast. I suppose the King is Elvis. Not sure about the Queen, but that may have just been a songwriter's embellishment. Very good album Four stars.

Classic title track. Beautiful songs. Good for peaceful background music. Relatively slow.

Slaps

Very iconic album and self titled song. I don’t know a single person who doesn’t know the song American Pie and that says something. All other songs are just as good and some even very underrated. Such a great voice to listen to. First time listening all the way through and was a very good listen.

Fun, classic, almost pop-ey rock

Sounds like a white picket fence and freshly baked apple pie.