American Pie

I kind of expected for there to be a couple hits on here, and then the rest would be boring, but I enjoyed a lot of the songs. I'm glad that this was better than expected. My favourite songs were Vincent, The Grave, and Babylon.

This is one of my favourite albums. There’s a fair bit of filler but the good tracks are great.

Is the title track the best song? Yeah, by far. Are the other tracks bad? Nah 4/5

The title track is the clear standout, but it's more than a decent album otherwise. The Grave is excellent, really tugged at my heartstrings. The album overall had a Simon-and-Garfunkelesque feel, and that's never a bad thing!

I cant even think of another so Don McLean song other than American Pie. I cant even count how many times I've listened to the the title track. Yes Don, Music can save your mortal soul. Really like The Grave. I've heard Vincent a million times or at least the NOFX cover not realizing it was written by Don McLean. I'm a sucker for well executed singing in rounds so really dug Babylon.

Lovely and bittersweet acoustic folk rock, with a surprising depth. I did not expect to particularly like this one, but it was really excellent. You can hear the influence of Pete Seeger in Don McLean's vocal style, but I'm also hearing little hints of English/Celtic folk, which is really nice. The title track is the one everyone knows, but there are some stellar deep cuts here. Fave Songs: Vincent, Till Tomorrow, American Pie, Crossroads, Empty Chairs, The Grave

first listen a bonafide american folk classic

хороший альбом. на Empty Chairs меня знатно унесло, хотя вайб жизни сейчас не такой меланхоличный как альбом. и очень неожиданно (я бы сказал, неожиданно приятно) было услышать дальше достаточно ободряющий трек - Everybody loves me, Baby отдельно отмечу лирику; она очень очень хороша и очень неожиданно слышать в качестве песни, закрывающей альбом такую необычную Babylon (которая очевидно сделано по привычному мотиву частушек)

Ну безумно солнечный и саундтрековый альбом. Какой-то нотки для 5 не хватило, но впечатления исключительно положительные

2 powerful songs. American Pie is iconic. Vincent is my private treasure.

The album as a whole is just pretty ok. But the titular track and "Vincent" are all time classics and I know every single word of both. Other highlights for me were "Till Tomorrow" and "The Grave". All together I am putting it down as a 4, but the two tracks I mentioned first are both 10/5 star songs. I sat down with a glass of rye while listening, it just felt right.

American Pie is iconic. Vincent is gorgeous. First half was absolutely captivating and it went downhill a bit after that, but it was still listenable for sure just a little repetitive for my ears.

You know you’re enjoying the album when every song seems to end too soon. Even the title track, which is more than 8 min long.

Iconic

Vincent...

I enjoyed this album a lot more than o thought I would. American pie is of course a classic but the full version is looooong. You just have to get right into it. I loved the track “everybody loves me what’s the matter with you?”

Title track is of course an all time great, I actually liked the rest of the album even though it's not similar to that. It's soft and sad songs. 3.6

American Pie (the song) slaps but I don't think I've heard anything else from him. While that song is obviously tough to beat with how epic, insightful and gorgeous it is, the rest of the album is really great too. He has a fantastic voice and his lyrics are really poignant.

What happened to this sensitive poetic man?

I liked this album. The headline maker is obviously the titular song, but there are some other tracks that stuck out to me too. Winterwood was my favorite non-American Pie track. Everybody Loves Me, Baby and Babylon are also interesting to me. Nice album, Mr. McLean

Never really given much thought or time to Don Mclean, the album exceeded my expectations. Vincent was really really good. The Grave and Babylon were pretty good too. I also appreciate an album that is short and sweet. Well a lot more sad than sweet, but you know.

What a great album. I had no idea. His soft vocals melodic music and well written songs would have a place in today's music.

How can you not love an album that includes both “American Pie” and the incredibly beautiful “Vincent”? Aside from those stellar tracks this is packed with great folk songs reaching a climax on the haunting and breathtaking “The Grave”.

Folk tanquil amb un temazo, alguna cançó més animada

Nice, some good tracks

неожиданно много треков понравилось! без кантри мотивов вообще красиво

Vaatiminen... "Me vaadimme" 1917-marras. Aikaa kuluu ja tehtiin tammisaareen uusia kukkuloita.. tammisaarelaiset ei siitä paljoa.. EI PALJOA RUOTTALAISET TIEDÄ.. musiikin parhammistossa, täytyy näkyä että on ollut syy kirjoittaa musiikkia.... se on vaatimus.. välillä näin ei käy... silloin kirpaisee läpsästä vitosta....jos tavoitteena on ollut pophitti biisi.. relatable..... tässä näkyy kuitenkin valon pilke... JUMALAUTA LAASERI!! kappaleiden kirjoittamisen osalta.. Soundikin on ihan miellekäs.. Albumin nimikko on ensimmäisenä.. kiusallista.. Rock Epic.. Pitkä biisi.... se biisi mihin ollaan käytetty eniten vaivaa ja joka on selvästi paras.. paskaa... Meddle 1971... Aluks HYPE BIISI... vikana rock epic.... Myönnettäköön ei ole kaikilla varaa säästellä biiseissä, kun ollaa unkwnowneja.. Pitää täräyttää ensimmäisellä... Mutta mikä on Amerikan piirakan merkitys.. herra Don Mclean? en ymmärrä lyriikoita >:(! Hauska fakta: näin Don vastasi: Hehhehheh.. poika.. "It means I never have to work again." -Mclean icecold.. mic drop... "My 8th grade geography teacher used to work for him as a roadie or something back in the 70s. He told us that Don was one of the biggest ass holes that he had ever met... fun fact" "I googled "Don McLean asshole" and this* was the first result. Don even wrote a reply where he calls the guy names." *hyperlink poistettu

This is a very pleasant album to listen to.

This album is different from the other albums of folk or songwriters, it includes some sounds of rock however not all the album is like this, it keeps that folk sound.

Solid album. American Pie is obviously the standout song but many others were pleasant if not wholly memorable.

One knockout song, and the rest a bit ho-hum

Don McLean is a story teller. I love the imagery in his lyrics. Great vocals, piano and/ or guitar playing on every song. This album makes sense to me to include in this list as a perfect example of the singer/songwriter genre. "Vincent" is the song that sticks in my memory excluding the obvious "Anerican Pie". I love the hook created by the chord progression and rhythm. "American Pie" is a long song that doesn't become monotonous due to the engaging lyrics, emotion change in harmonic context, and the sing-a-long chorus. I rated it a four because it's not a go to album for me but it is a great reference album for writing music.

Inventive chord progressions and Mr. McLean does a wonderful job of putting less is more into song. Starting the album with American Pie was a mistake, in my opinion, because there was nowhere to go but down from there. Not to say the rest of the songs were bad, just that they leave you wanting more of what you know Don could make. 4/5

One of the greatest songs ever made followed by some nice little folk tunes

Heard before

Beautiful album. A classic for a reason.

The classic songs American Pie and Vincent and more beautiful songs, and only a few I did not like. All in all a 4.

Nice songs and an album of just the right length. I will definitely come back to this later. Favorites: Vincent, The Grave, Babylon

American Pie (one of those songs that you just NEED to learn all the words to) sums up this album. There are slow songs, upbeat songs, just like the different sections of the titular song. Lots of really good stuff here, will definitely listen again!

Great to hear hits I never knew about

better than I expected

Full nostalgia

American Pie is such a great song but I actually enjoyed most of the song here. This is a very good album from start to finish. Very hippy but in a good way. Folk music done well.

Was surprised how impressed I was with this one as I only knew American pie and Vincent, which in my opinion were a bit played out but when together with the album they are excellent. Extremely cohesive album that flows nicely. Definitely has a melancholy feel throughout.

Vincent and American Pie on one album: genius.

Basta già la title track.

Not what I expected but good none the less

We are on a good string of albums now. This was another super chill rock album. Almost sounds a little country while staying true to the rock and roll roots. American pie is a classic. I dont think there was a bad song on this record. 7/10

Super acoustic and you get serenaded by Donny for 45 minutes

Surprising number of familiar bangers

So much more than the title track and "Vincent." Didn't know what to make of the record in high school and college; now it makes much more sense as substantive (and earnest) easy listening. One gets why DM's half-conceived as a one-hit wonder and got imprisoned by title cut, which can be hard to take seriously, but still entertains and reads like just about the best of heartfelt creative-writing-seminar, collage-y cultural history cum criticism (Dylan without the obscurity, say).

Perfect for a Sunday morning. Beautiful lyrics. Simple music and awesome minimalistic production.

American Pie is a five, but the rest of the songs are just not at that level. I enjoyed the record overall though.

This was pretty good but the two songs I already knew were much better than the rest. It could honestly be a familiarity bias so I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt. I did not realize for years that he was singing about the history of rock and roll in the title track but once I learned this and reread the lyrics I was pretty blown away.

3.9⭐️

i actually really liked this album, the first song everyone knows but the mellow songs to follow were incredibly beautiful.

I listened to this record a lot when I was a *very* little kid - courtesy of my dad's stack of albums. I do recall even trying to emulate the cover by magic markering my thumb. Although I could never have articulated it, it always left me with a sense that I couldn't identify - not just the title track but the collection as a whole - a sort of sadness. I'm pretty certain you can't be wistful or nostalgic at age ~4 but it was akin to that, and for that alone it was a pretty powerful record. It's easy to sarcastically "Gen-X" that title track as overplayed old guy classic rock; having been (over)exposed to it again and again first in crappy college parties, through cover bands, then later on unimaginative classic rock stations everywhere, in boomer bars or through the eventual commercialization of rock music. But it's not the song's fault, and maybe it should be to its credit. It really is that good, that epic. And although that title song overshadows anything else here (and probably should have been the album closer?) don't ignore the rest of the album either, although the best of it is much more ethereal and mellow. "Vincent" was another hit song that has mostly been lost to time but is a lovely sad song (about Van Gogh). The only negative is that by the end there's definitely a certain sameness to it, despite McLean's excellent vocals - the acoustic ballads do blend together a bit too much, and I feel like the other uptempo songs (e.g. "Everybody Loves Me Baby") detract from the overall album. Still a nice snapshot of an era and on a personal level a definite nostalgia blast. 7/10 4 stars.

Pretty good. Listed to the whole thing.

He captures well the loss of optimism going from the 60s to the malaise of the 70s. Other than the two "hits", the other cuts sound the same.

I was surprised by the other songs on this album. You can hear the similarities in his tone and song writing throughout. I feel like this album is underrated and should be more prevalent in society

Not at all like I thought it would sound based off the title track. It’s much closer to Simon and Garfunkel than early rock.

4 1/2

It's got American Pie, which for me is one of the few long songs that completely deserves its length. Other than that, the rest here is still very good, offering fun folk rock and really comforting folk tunes. Favorites: "American Pie", "Till Tonorrow", "The Grave"

A very nice poetic and acoustic blend. The title track is obviously super iconic and Vincent is a beautiful song. I feel like maybe if I was more familiar with the rest of the album it could reach five stars but nothing else is leaping out to grab my attention.

the mood after american pie 📉📉. so torn between 4 and 5 stars but will have to go 4 purely cause the bangers didn’t live up after.

When the album cover popped up here, I wondered whether I'd still dig the title track after all these decades of hearing the song. Indeed, I do. I still find it catchy, wistful, relevant, fun, and it is associated with such a long arc of my life. I was about 4 years old when the song was first released and even as far back as then I remember it being on the radio, and one day I was playing with my siblings and cousins in our garage. I got into a barrel that had some discarded wood and sawdust. I breathed some in and started coughing, and someone asked me if I was okay. I remember saying, "This'll be the day that I die." (Funny how memory works: I don't remember much about yesterday, but I remember the smell and feeling of the sawdust, my saying that line, and everyone finding it hilarious.) Back to the album. Yes, love the title track to this day. Vincent is still sweet and sad as a listen, but, really, I could take or leave the rest of the album. They're all okay, but they don't do all that much for me. Like the album cover image, though, this is a thumbs-up for me due to the main song.

unique and recognizable voice.

Vincent and American Pie are great songs. The rest was kind of filler.

Enjoyed the album! I had only ever listened to American Pie, but enjoyed the rest of the tracks

Sure it’s peak hippie feely. In the right mood I dig this kind of thing. About as of its era as it gets.

8,5

Don't make albums like this any more. Lovely acoustic guitar and piano; wordy, sentimental but often beautiful. Got to have a 4 for American Pie and Vincent.

This album upon a first listen sounds like a love ballad to a former lover that he’s since moved on from and reminiscing about. No clue if that’s even true, and I didn’t pay the best attention to the lyrics, but that’s what the sound of the album made me feel. I also see a lot of similarities between McLeans work on this album and the likes of Billy Joel. All I’m saying is Billy Joel could’ve done American Pie, but Don McLean could have never done The Stranger.

Liked it, but the well known songs are definitely the highlight.

I've known of Don McLean's work but hadn't taken the time to listen to this album until now. I was impressed with the catchiness and warmth of many of these songs. Favorite songs: Vincent and Crossroad

So many memories of Vincent and Crossroads.

I liked most of this album, except for the last two songs really. Don McLean is a great singer and songwriter, too bad he's really only known for American Pie.

Folk. Demasiadas canciones lentas para vinilo.

American Pie a song everyone has heard but have you really heard Don Mclean? He fits the singer/songwriters of the time to a Tee. If you enjoy that era pour yourself a drink of your favorite beverage have a seat on the porch turn on McLean and watch the sun set tonight.

Rating: 8/10 Best songs: American pie, Winterwood, The grave, Babylon

Starry, Starry Night was a welcome blast from the past.

Nostalgia is so powerful as is this opening song.

This was another record with an absolutely classic title track that I adore but I had never checked out the whole album. I was expecting it to be like Hotel California, where a lot of the album was filler and didn't live up to the majestic opening... and was very pleasantly surprised This was just a lovely listen really. Absolutely gorgeous ballads like Vincent and Sister Fatima, slinky grooves like Winterwood, and energetic bangers like Everybody Loves Me. A solid record all round

Lovely voice, lovely album. So glad I listened to it. Vincent makes me cry.

A classic. American pie is great. Was nice to hear some of dons other music. Very similar to American pie, but different enough that the album as enjoyable!

8/10 nice songwriting and atmosphere

7/10. Obviously the title track is a classic. Vincent is almost too full of poetic devices to work as a song, but it ends up being quite pretty regardless. The rest was not too memorable. But overall, a good start to my second year of this project!

Pretty solid folk tunes. 7/10

Næs of huggulegt. Mun spila aftur

Okay, I really liked this. The cutesyness threatens to overpower everything but Mclean’s clean vocals keep everything centered

Easy Listening - Sounds like Simon and Garfunkel

I really enjoyed it. Nothing beats American Pie but I still enjoyed Vincent and Everybody Loves Me, Baby a lot.

This album is kind of beautiful, simple instrumentation and vocals but really calming, pretty. American Pie is a multigenerational song, don’t sleep on Vincent which is absolutely gorgeous.

American Pie, Vincent, etc.

American Pie, the song, is classic and Vincent (Stary Stary Night) is one of my favorites by Don McLean. Until this list came out, I never heard the whole album before. It has become one of my favorites. This is the third time it has come up for me. Standouts: American Pie, Vincent. Till Tomorrow, Crossroads, Winterwood, Empty Chairs, The Grave 4/5

Very nice album

First song is great obviously. After that the album slows down and is a very nice peaceful album not what I was expecting but really enjoyed

94. American Pie - Don McLean 10 tracks. We all know the title track and probably Vincent, but will the other 8 tracks reach such a high bar? No, but what a lovely lovely album. It's just lovely. Beautiful even. Soothing, mellow, glorious, lovelyness. It's just..... lovely. 4/5

Don McLean was my first ever gig. I was 16 years old and I went with my friend and his mum to the Worthing Assembly Rooms. The poor guy deserved much better than that dump. He had a terrible cold and asked for some sweet tea. He wasn’t sure how he was going to get through American Pie at the end. He thought we’d have to sing it for him. And I guess we kind of did. It’s the perfect singalong song - or the chorus is at least. I made it my mission to remember the lyrics, though, and I do still to this day. And with this album of the day, I enjoyed reminiscing to the title track and to Vincent and Winterwood and just like the Worthing Assembly Rooms, Don Maclean deserved better - more recognition, more success, for writing sweet, folk rock ballads that were always pretty, sometimes enigmatic, usually heartfelt.

Known for the titeltrack, but there's a lot more to this album. It's generally, with one exception, a sad album, but heartfelt and beautiful.

Kenne nur "American Pie" und vor allem "Vincent" Auch die anderen Songs - obwohl sehr soft - kann man noch gut hören

Didn’t know he sang Vincent. Good record overall

A link between Nick Drake and James Taylor, the album never surpasses its title song, but Don's expressive vocals offer lots of gems. 4/5

Good album with a couple of hits

Probably will be left in time as a one hit wonder for American Pie and its American lore..but I found Don’s album to be among the better folk works I have ever listened to.

Vackert album!!!!!

There’s a kind of folky subtlety that really gives the songs a big boost. Very pleasant

Way better than expected of the American Pie album.

I had only heard the title track from this album before and was pleasantly surprised. Lots of great folk elements and thoughtful lyrics. Wasn't a big fan of the album as a production some songs seemed to just end. And listening closer to American Pie I found some of the tones to be pretty meh. Amazing lyrically but could have been more refined musically.

Album was good. When I heard it I thought hopeful Americana. I could see this being played around a campfire and just being around people you know. Its a comforting album. I liked it overall and believe that my favorite song was perhaps Babylon. 7/10

Flames

Every song was amazing. Sad that I had not heard some of these before.

Actually really liked this. I'd heard the title track loads of times but the rest was a pleasant surprise.

So very good

Well it starts off with a huge banger right away. Is pretty solid but slower. No real bad songs on the album, so pretty solid.

Cheesy, but I liked it

American Pie is a fantastic song. Also, the rest was pretty good too. He has a nice, soft voice. 2RS

Excellent piece of americana in my opinion in spite of the title track. Very wistful and laidback.

Lovely guitar and some beautiful songs, though he rewrote Vincent (as Crossroads) and American Pie (as Everybody loves me, baby) - but it's still a great body of work.

So I definitely rated the first few albums far too highly. This album was touching and poised. McLean has such a gentle character and never needs to raise his voice to much above a whisper. Great album.

Me gustó. Sonidos agradables y chida la de Everybody Loves Me, Baby. Suena pop el disco en general a pesar de lo que sea. Mood: bonito

Un disco melancólico, suave, a veces con efecto tranquilizador. Don McLean era un nombre que sólo conocía de oídos, pero tiene agradable voz. Creo que me gustó más la segunda mitad y pienso que Cat Power escucha esto. Canciones top: "Empty Chairs", "The Grave" y "Babylon". 8.5/10

Two classic songs. 1st listen in many years. The rest of the album is so nice to listen to. Can't wait to listen again.

Great album. I've always loved the title track as well as 'Vincent,' but listening to the album as a whole makes me wonder why Don McLean isn't known beyond a few songs. His songwriting and musicianship are great and his vocal range is impressive. He can be a bit on the nose for some things, but when he's great, he's truly great.

Recited just sounds like he’s having a lot of fun making it the whole time. Even the last few tracks have spirit in them despite being sadder songs. Title track grows on me the more I hear it. Everybody Loves Me, Baby is clever in the best way possible.

Iconic

Ein paar Welthits, der Rest war meist solide.

The title track is era defining. I don't know the rest of the album well, but it's pretty good.

Very good

Remember this when I was in grade school... everyone seemed to be singing this tune

classic symbolic storytelling with a great hook

4.0 Classic.

false

Beautiful music, definitely a very talented guy. Album is a little bit samey, but still really good.

Classic rock album, really good and easy to litsen to.

American Pie always trips me up because the first version of the song I heard was the Weird Al Star Wars version so thats the original somehow in my mind. That being said American Pie is SUCH a good song. Does a great job of blending the upbeat and slower sections. McLean does much better with uptempo so Everybody Loves me, baby was the other standout for me. American Pie gets this a 4 by itself but none of the other songs can tick it up higher

Can one song make an album five stars? American Pie may be the quintessential American song of the 20th century - (I listened at least five times today just to be sure). It rekindled memories of my fourth grade music class during our monthly “music appreciation” days when students got to bring their records to share. We all loved it, and American Pie was in regular rotation. A minor frustration was that our teacher had to stop and flip the record halfway through the song. Eight and one-half minutes was too long to fit on just side A of a 45! Great memories and greater song. Its melodic, it’s historical, it’s melancholic, it’s emotional, and it’s spiritual and it rocks, and, and, then we get the rest of the album. Unfortunately, it never comes close. Pretty cool album art - a positive / defiant 70s attitude. No. 4 stars.

Was für ein Einstieg in dieses Werk, ein Jahrhundert Hit, der diese merkwürdige Postmoderne ins Persönliche zieht, ein närrisch melancholisches „On the Road“ durch die Zeiten, angemessen auf über 8 Minuten ausgerollt und fett belegt mit Referenzen. Dieses Frontispiz eines eigentlich dünnen Buches nimmt dann auch 1/4 der Gesamtlänge ein - alles folgende, nachdenklich und leise tretend Arrangierte umschmückt diese eine besondere Blume auf Gottes grüner Wiese angemessen poetisch und zurückhaltend. Nur als Beilage oder Untergrund darf man diesen gleichförmigen Korpus nun wirklich nicht verkennen, zu schön sind manche Stellen und wäre die Messlatte nicht so verrückt gelagert, könnte man unvoreingenommener davon sprechen. Wie so oft bei Songwriter Musik dieser Zeit fallen Namen wie Nick Drake, aber auch Belle&Sebastian können sich hier bedient haben. Ich mag das und suche mal kein fieses Haar in der Suppe: 3.6

A really good album. Had trouble picking just one to be song of the day. Only one song that I really didn't like on the album. American Pie has a lot going on, of course.

How could you not love the song “American Pie”? The rest of the album isn’t quite that same caliber, but it’s an enjoyable listen. Favorite Track(s): “American Pie,” “Winterwood,” and “Empty Chairs”

I LOVED the title track and played it over and over when I was young, but had never listened to the rest and was surprised by how good the folk-rock was! || The Anti-Vietnam sentiment is clear throughout. The tone and sarcasm in 'everybody loves me baby' is DELICIOUS. Also loved The Grave and the lament for Van Gogh on Vincent || Album clearly is important, but even though it is much deeper than the title track, there still were still some forgettable songs in the middle.

4 outta 5 mainly because american Pie is an exceptional recording. the record on average is good but a bit dull

Was prepared to only like the title track, but wow, great work here from Don McLean. Not a one-hit wonder! Some fantastic songwriting all around. I especially loved "Babylon," which sounds so familiar. It may not be a very dynamic project, but McLean has a great pen and great voice, and he held my attention throughout. Favorite tracks: Babylon, American Pie, Empty Chairs, The Grave. Album art: Not sure about this one, Don. It seems to be a weak reference to the title track, but doesn't really capture the mood of the album at all. It's a decent visual, but cheesy and doesn't fit. Would've made more sense as artwork for the single. 4/5

Better than I expected!

American Pie mega classic song test of the album is pretty good too enjoyable listen 3.8

As close to a 5/5 that I've heard so far. Stellar opener that leads into such a varied, interesting, and emotional album. There's only a few songs on here that didn't really sell me on them. Still, stellar.

Nice lots of piano

Good lyrics, piano, songwriting, etc. overall very well done

Really chill album

4-4.5. This album suits a sunrise.

4.5/5

I’ve heard American Pie (the song) a hundred times and love it so much. I’ve never listened to the album before now. It’s really interesting that it begins with a song like American Pie and then the next four songs are all slower, ballad-y types. It sort of felt like whiplash. But at the same time, I don’t know how else you follow up a song like American Pie. It picks up with Everybody Loves Me, Baby, which was a nice change of pace. Really interesting album.

hard carried by vincent and american pie though

Fantastic songwriting top to bottom. One reason I'm glad for this project is that I never would have listened to anything of his beyond the title song. Best track: American Pie

1971. Key Songs: American Pie, Vincent

Since all I knew about this album was "American Pie" (which I've never been the biggest fan of), I was pleasantly surprised. I didn't pay much attention to the lyrics since I was working, but I found his voice really beautiful.

It's got a classic song on it and Don is wholly inoffensive but I also find it just sort of fine to listen to. Hammock music?

The title track is an absolute classic and as a Dutchman, Vincent holds a special place in my heart. The rest of the album is only about 25 minutes and more of the same. McLean has a nice voice, the songs are fine, but all in all it feels bland

Like a less interesting Paul Simon with few songs doing anything to stand out. It has a couple of moments and I admire the witty lyrics. Just a solid three.

Listened

The title track of this album looms large over everything else, taking up a quarter of the entire running time, and as revered as this track is, it’s pretty much a case of diminishing returns. Does the chorus really need to be repeated seven times? What was all of the nostalgia for the music of the 60’s for in a song on the cusp of a brand new decade? What the heck is a Broncing Buck anyway? For what it’s worth, I prefer Madonna’s version which is (a) shorter and (b) skips the faux mawkishness in favour of wistful longing. The rest of the tracks on the album are a mixed bunch, with a strange religious narrative with an arrangement of The Rivers of Babylon and a song about a Catholic saint. The song The Grave is a bit of an oddity too. The highlight for me Starry, Starry Night which is probably the only hit song about Vincent Van Gogh. Broncing-Buck-Tastic!

Looking forward to listening to the rest of this album. American Pie is such a cultural touchstone but I've never listened to anything else by McLean. This album was good. McClean's voice is simple but strong and deftly accompanies the guitar work. I'd give this one a few more spins and see what shakes out from the shadow of American Pie.

solid

Final few tunes and first few tunes feel like completely different albums.

Surprised at how much I ended up enjoying this as the title track was always bit overdone in my view, but there is some really solid stuff across the rest of the album, especially the final two tracks

Decent. If I was around when this album was released then I probably would have been into it. I’m happy for Don his song is so popular and played so often. Even to the point where when we watched the movie Josie & The Pussycats the other night there there were multiple references to the song in the movie. Side note: Josie & The Pussycats was pretty good. It was my first time watching it and it was much better than I was expecting.

Not bad. Of course I knew the title track and a couple others. Decent but not something I’ll come back to.

Very smooth, very folky. The title single does a lot of heavy lifting here, but there are some really interesting parts. His sound feels very reflective of the times. Ultimately it feels like really really good background music. I could bike through a field to this shit, but nothing more. I forgot I was listening to it at times. Highlights: American Pie, Everybody Loves Me Baby

so obviously the title track is really good but the rest of this album is ok not unlistenable but i probably wouldnt listen to it again 6/10 Favourite: American Pie Least Favourite: Everybody Loves Me, Baby

Hey, I know this song. Not bad otherwise.

american pie is great but needed to be 4 mins not 8. the rest of the albumbecame samey very quickly. fine but not special

I like Don's voice and writing, there are two iconic hits on here, but tgere's also a lack of variety.

I refused to listen to this again; I hit my limit sometime in high school. And yet: after refusing, I found myself singing one of the minor tracks.

Hard to listen to now that I know what an ass Don McLean is, but I do have a soft spot for this album. I loved it when I was young, knew all the lyrics to American Pie and loved to sing along (although didn't think about what they meant at the time), and I loved Vincent and Babylon.

I was not expecting to be surprised in any way by this album, and indeed most of it was as anticipated (American Pie is still a kitschy singalong, Vincent is pure corn syrup, most of the rest is just drippy), but two songs grabbed me: Everybody Loves Me, Baby (what's the matter with you?) and Babylon. I recall hearing that one (not his version, but not too different) on Mad Men and being knocked over, but it was the dark ages when you couldn't easily track down a song, and then I forgot about it. So my 3 here represents an average, not neutrality.

Folksy but boring

The title song is a classic, but I cannot hear anything but the Weird Al version in my head. The rest of the album is gernerally like it but less so.

Could always take or leave the title track, kind of an irritating ear worm for me. Rest of this is fine but unremarkable downbeat ballad stuff, Crossroads best of it. Low-end 3

I never thought I'd say that the 8m32s song saves this album but American Pie genuinely has such a place in my heart bc of one summer camp I went to when I was younger. Aside from American Pie the rest of this album was boring. 3/5

Great album. First time listen. I'll keep it in my rotation now.

Notable Textzeile: You know I've heard about people like me But I never made the connection They walk one road to set them free And find they've gone the wrong direction Auch wenn die Variation klein ist zwischen den Songs ist das lyrisch und in dem was es ist, als klassisches Singer-Songwritealbum seiner Zeit, gefällt mir das sehr gut. Ich finde es immer noch faszinierend wie man einen achteinhalb Minutensong schreiben kann, der sich so subtil aufbaut und, obwohl die Varianz auch hier klein ist, nicht langweilig wird und sich, zumindest für mich, nicht repetitiv anhört. Und danach noch einige weitere ähnlich intensive Sachen anzuschließen und sie mit etwas quatschigem wie „Everybody loves me, Baby“ zu unterbrechen zeugt von können. Danach hätte er vermutlich mit Musik aufhören können (oder sollen, den überraschend großen Rest seines Oeuvres werde ich mir nicht alles reinziehen, außer man bezahlt mich) - und eigentlich auch mit dem Album, der Schluss ist mir zu pathetisch, selbst für den Standart den das Album eh schon setzt. P.S. Ich hätte das nicht nochmal hören sollen, jetzt ist mir fast alles zu süß und pathetisch, aber ich schreib das hier jetzt nicht nochmal neu.

Man kann dem Ganzen nicht böse sein, so lieb und undschuldig wie das daher kommt. So überlegt, so nuanciert. Aber leider auch so ein wenig langweilig. 2-3 Hits sind dabei aber in der Fläche leider sehr dünn gestrichene Magarine.

american pie halt legendäre song au. kei ahnig um wases goht. wele day isch de music ge died? aah stimmt flugi absturz vom buddy holly und ritchie valens. scho cool well so lang de song. till tomorrow isch seeehr lamsam. meh. vincent au slooow aber schön und schöni keys plötzlich! crossroads isch seeehr klavierballade. chani etz bim erste mol lose nöd meega schätze.

Come for the title track, but the other songs offered are also pretty, if not able to live up to the immediate bar which the album set. They're mostly a lot more calm, "American Pie" being one of the outliers in terms of energy. It can feel somewhat lacking but it's comfortable

Writing one of the greatest songs of all time is a hard feat to accomplish. It’s even harder to follow it up.

I think this album is on here only for American Pie. It's a good song but a bit done to death. And I really want to listen to Weird Al now

sure it’s ok! Interesting to listen to the entire 8 minutes of American Pie, which I actually quite enjoyed. Don’t know what I was expecting but it wasn’t for the album to be so folky

Always hated the American Pie song but it's okay every 'blue moon', the rest of album is okay/tolerable country rock pop, ⭐⭐⭐

American Pie carries this album. Every other song is forgetabble.

pretty mid other than the title track

3 out of 5. First time listening to any of his songs other than American Pie. He has a good voice.

I've seen this album cover while flicking through my copy of the book. I think it's pretty obvious as to what this is - an early 70s hard rock album. Might as well get into it Nope, folk rock. I guess I was dead wrong with my prediction. Anyways, I didn't mind this album. It's hard to fault a 36-minute album with how grueling some of the longer picks on this list have been. Still, I didn't care much for it. McLean has a nice, pleasant voice and a few of the songs put him to good work, though for the most part I felt that his talent was squandered on this material. Most of the songs have a folky, waxing vocal style that I just find to be underwhelming. The instrumentals are notably more piano-centric than the other folk albums I've listened to, which is a welcome change. The pianos have a full sound to them in much the same way that the standard folk guitars do. It's pleasing superficially and works for much of the runtime, though I can't overlook the emptiness which overhangs some of the weaker cuts of this album. I don't like backhand complimenting albums as much as I have with this one, but this music ultimately got as much right for me as it didn't, which is decently commendable when considering the number of things I've had to say about it. Overall, this was an alright listen. I've heard the title track before - my Dad's played it in his car a couple of times. It's a decent listen, though the verses kind of falter and drag their heels a little. Still, that chorus is understandably iconic - I like the way that the vocals roll and build on one another. The instrumental is quite minimal, though it makes for a pleasing listen nonetheless. The folky guitars pair with the pianos nicely and inject a good tempo into the music. The moment where the guitars go away killed my enjoyment and the song is obviously too long for what it is, but overall it was a decent tune. Book time. The title track is McLean's finest hour and was inspired by reading the headlines surrounding Buddy Holly's death. The rest of this entry is meaningless wank. Wikipedia says this album won the prestigious "Most Popular Overseas LP" award from us Straliens. The first paragraph of the Wikipedia article says this album was "released to much critical acclaim", yet I'm looking at the critic response section and all I'm seeing is a positive review from AllMusic and a middling review from Robert Christgau. "Empty Chairs" apparently inspired Killing Me Softly With His Song, and the album topped the charts in America, Australia and Canada in addition to peaking at No. 2 in the UK. It doesn't appear to have made any year-end charts despite apparently having lingered on the US charts for nearly a year, though I think I can let this one through. I'm beginning to grow fatigued of the more standard folk albums, though I still think folk rock has a healthy number of nominations. I cosign this inclusion.

Basically a 12" single with 9 bonus tracks. The rest of the songs were nothing too special. Typical 70s singer-songwriter stuff. 2 1/2 stars.

This album is really all about the opening track. I dont think I have ever listened to the whole album, but I have listened to that title track a ton. Back in the early days of the internet, I remember a friend of mine and I would find all we could on meanings behind all the words. I still know all the words today, but it seems like the impact is slowly fading over the years. Today, I am probably more familiar with the Weird Al Yankivic version, and his words are probably more prevalent.

Does American Pie really have to be an eight-minute song? Like, it's a pretty good song and lifts this album quite a bit, but it stays over its welcome. Otherwise, the album is a decent folk singer-songwriter album that isn't particularly notable apart from Vincent, which is special.

The title track is an all timer and the rest of this is fine. Would never be here without that one banger though, that's truly lightning in a bottle

Having heard only the title track previously, I did not know what to expect for the rest of the album, but it was not what followed. I did like it, some songs really stood out like Everybody Loves Me, Baby. Just a solid rock album in my book.

Everybody Loves Me, Baby was the surprise track on this for me. A three and a bit minute enjoyable romp with very funny lyrics. I heard it as a homage to Dylan Obviously the title track everyone knows and loves but the rest is beige folk rock like Vincent.

I’m putting 3 stars because, aside from the title track, the rest of the album is pretty much a snooze fest. McLean is a good writer but too much of the same type of thing

Good American jam. Iconic first song and the rest was pretty good too.

Lyrics like these... I feel the trembling tingle of a sleepless night Creep through my fingers, and the moon is bright Beams of blue come flickering through my windowpane Like gypsy moths that dance around a candle flame ...just wreck a song for me. BUT, it's not all that purple, and I was surprised by what a great recording it was, it just sounds great, I love the instrumentation, and guitars especially. It was a less boring and same-y than I expected. "Everybody Loves Me, Baby" broke up the ballads, thankfully. Am I going to play it again? no, but I don't think I can dispute that it's an American musical-historical signpost that's worth noting on this list of 1001. 3/5. But, no, it wouldn't be on my own list of recommendations, I don't think.

Great

American Pie is amazing, Vincent pretty good, the rest just meh. But boy, American Pie really is all that.

I do like the line in Vincent “snowy linen land” cuz of the double meaning/descriptor. Painting on linen, but linen isn’t a perfect white, as most folks who write sappy songs about snow will describe it.

One song isn't enough to make a great album. But American Pie will both define the post-60's Americana rock era and be sung by all ages for many more generations.

Jamais écouté avant. Un album de soft rock folkisant (ou de folk rock softisant) tout à fait standard, peut-être plus mélancolique que la moyenne. À une exception près, la chanson titre, légendaire, qui justifie probablement à elle seule l'inclusion de l'album ici. Top : American Pie Flop : Babylon

This guy really bet the house on American Pie being a hit because every other song on this is just a slightly less good version of it

The original divorced dad rock

american pie is such a great song. the story of music through the 60s, told with rich imagery and imbued with mythic import

Good troubadour Americana some stand out tracks including American pie

Bella la canzone "American Pie" SE NON FOSSE INFINITA

Der amerikanische Singer-Songwriter Don McLean nahm sein zweites Studioalbum im Mai und Juni 1971 in Studio A des Record Plant in New York City auf – produziert von Ed Freeman, der bewusst auf das sterile Klima klassischer Studiomusiker verzichtete und stattdessen eine Handvoll einstudierter Individualisten ins Studio holte. Erschienen bei United Artists Records, bewegt sich das Album stilistisch im Spannungsfeld von Folk Rock und zeitgenössischem Folk: akustische Gitarre und Klavier als tragende Elemente, die Arrangements sparsam und auf McLeans Stimme ausgerichtet. Das über acht Minuten lange Eröffnungsstück „American Pie" ist eines jener seltenen Kunstwerke, die sich dauerhaft ins kollektive Gedächtnis einschreiben. McLean verarbeitet darin den Flugzeugabsturz von 1959, der Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens und The Big Bopper das Leben kostete – aber die Verse reichen weit darüber hinaus und kartografieren den kulturellen Wandel einer ganzen Generation. Das zweite herausragende Stück, „Vincent", ist das stille Gegenstück: ein zärtliches, fast meditatives Porträt Vincent van Goghs, das ebenso tief trifft wie sein berühmter Nachbar, nur auf andere Weise. Der Rest des Albums – „Crossroads", „Empty Chairs", „The Grave" – ist weniger bekannt, aber keineswegs schwächer: gleichmäßig sentimental, in sich ruhend, manchmal fast kammermusikalisch. American Pie ist kein makelloses Album in dem Sinne, dass jeder seiner Tracks Kultstatus beanspruchen könnte. Aber es ist ein in sich stimmiges Werk, das McLeans Fähigkeit belegt, existenzielle Schwere in melodisch zugängliche Form zu gießen. Wer nur die Singles kennt, unterschätzt den Zusammenhalt des Albums. Eines der einflussreichsten Folk-Rock-Alben der frühen 1970er – und eine der wenigen Platten, bei denen der Titelsong tatsächlich hält, was er verspricht.

There is some very good writing here but the earnestness is way over the top

Pretty good, almost 4.

= the Beatles Opening song is an all timer. The rest is good to fine

3.5.

No es mi género favorito pero me gustó. Si no fuera por esta propuesta jamás lo hubiera escuchado ni averiguado que en este disco está la versión original de American Pie, que popularizó Madonna.

Rolige singer-songwriter/folk tunes av herr McLean. Tittellåta har alle og deres mor hørt, og den er bra. Utover det, er det en håndfull helt ålreite, nedpå melodier. Ikke interessant nok til å få noe mer enn tre stjerner. Top 3: American Pie, Vincent, Winterwood

Great first song and rest are meh

Normallement, je donnerais un 3 parce que c'est pas mauvais. Alors c'est ce que je vais faire.

Pleasant enough album, containing as it does the well known title track and Vincent.

Man this dude writes some sad songs. I will always love American Pie for being a great song and inspiring me to actually listen to the lyrics and look up the history it is based on. The Grave reminds me of Billy Joel’s Goodnight Saigon. Solid album overall.

Tudelad. Nej, det är absolut inte dåligt men det är inte jättekul heller?! En del låtar är magiska som American Pie (självklart!) och Vincent, även Till Tomorrow men resten är lite samma. Hans röst är fin men allt blir lite tråkigt i längden. Men fint album.

Good oldie but mildly puts me to sleep after song 1

Not bad, crazy move having an atomic bomb as your first track, then a crying baby for the rest of the runtime

Vincent was good and so was American pie (obvs) but I didn’t have enough time yesterday to give this a proper go so will have to come back to it 3

The title tracks definitely brings this one up a few stars, everything after just isn’t as good, but I did find some enjoyment.

This album is kinda like a group project in college. Where one person does all the work (willingly or accidentally) because everything besides American Pie are not pulling their weight. Not duds. Just not enough. Nothing outwardly wrong with this album. Don's voice is great for recording and for the airways. The guitar and piano melodies are rich and the production value was oh so high. But besides American Pie, Im hard pressed to find a song I like on this.

It has a strong sense of traditional American rock, with simple arrangements and a clear focus on melody and storytelling. However, it feels a bit boring to me.

Honestly better than I thought it would be. We all know American Pie and most know Vincent, but the rest was both listenable and relatable - if a little depressing. 3+

Just for the first song

Pretty generic folk other than, of course, American Pie. Not bad, just not anything special.

I didn’t want to be sad, so went into it not in the best headspace, but the poetry behind some of these lyrics was devastating ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 Highlights: “everybody loves me, baby” “empty chairs” “Vincent”

Pretty much carried by the first track

Entspannt am Lagerfeuer

*American Pie is a fine song, but this album feels like a way to use the lead single so sell a whole album. *Most of the album feels slow and doesn't match with the title track.

439/1089 - There are too many albums on this list that are just one notable song followed by a ton of mediocre stuff.

had no idea american pie (song) was 8 goddamn minutes long. thought it was stuck on loop until i opened spotify back up pretty alright album, nothing particularly negative to write home about though i probs wouldn't revisit notable : american pie (in its 8 minute long glory), sister fatima, babylon 3.5/5 but since i can't half-rate here, 3

Title track is a certified Banger but I'm over it since my teens. Rest is OK.

Decent album, opens with an all-time classic track (which I'd be perfectly fine never hearing again), and some more decent tracks to accompany it.

Worthy of the list just based on American Pie and Vincent, but the rest of the album is pretty solid as well

American Pie, the song, is a classic. Vincent was a single back in the day and I had heard it before a couple times. The rest are mostly forgettable. The Geave and Empty Chairs are the only other tracks that got my attention at all. I have no plans to revisit this album.

One classic song and the rest sort of were just there for me.

I've never listened to this album before, but I had heard the chorus of "American Pie" many times throughout my life, and I had been under the impression that Don McLean made americana slop, but it turns out that both the song and the album are pretty good. The best tracks were the softy sung ones. McLean has a surprisingly melancholic and sincere sounding voice. He reminds me of Jim Croce. My favorite track was "Vincent".

The titular song is such a classic. Everything else is about what I expected. Mostly mellow and chill rock music.

Don lures you in with what you think is going to be a foll rock album, particularly with the first songs on either side. American pie is classic, but everything else was samey and faded into the background for me.

A great track, and some others.

nice and calming but not really a big fan of it. would be best for a slow day but unfitting for one that went by quickly.

wait a minute isnt this a song. also the album is just american pie, vincent and other 10 or so songs. 3/5

POV: I'm introducing you to my friend, George Washingthumb: 2.5/5.0: Mixed

well written if a bit boring

I appreciated the story telling. It was easy to listen to but not my favorite.

I enjoyed it, and was never unhappy, but it's not something I'm excited to listen to again or would seek out. Would enjoy it if I heard again though.

American Pie and Vincent are great. The rest all seemed a bit maudlin.

The song American Pie is obviously an all timer, but not many remember the other songs on the album. Most of which is average at best. But Vincent was enjoyable.

Decent album with one huge song.

Growing up it felt obligatory to love the title track American Pie. It's not bad, but man is it long. I still just find it ok, and the rest of the album is just ok too. Not going to slap anyone's hand for putting this on, but I don't think I'll ever choose to put on Don McLean. 2.75/5

OK album. It's a bit too in the singer/songwriter wheelhouse for me. American Pie is an ok song but 8 minutes is way too long. I like Vincent quite a bit though. 3/5

Session pianist Paul Griffin is really doing a lot of heavy lifting on the title track. The rest of the album feels unrelated to that first song. It's well-produced but (and I had to scroll through the reviews to find the word I was looking for) a bit mawkish. McLean lacks the cachet of even a relatively minor figure like Duster Bennett or John Sebastian.

Fine album.

3+

As many people have pointed out, the big problem with this album is that the only super interesting moment in this album is the first song. "American Pie" is truly a super recognizable classic, that starts slow but then lifts the energy and keeps it for the whole song until the end. What makes this track special is the very catchy melodies and lively instrumentation. Unfortunately, as great as the opening is, the rest of the album can be basically be summarized as acoustic slow songs, with the exception of "Everybody Loves Me, Baby", which is a folk rock track that has more energy than the rest, but that doesn't mean is as good as "American Pie", as it isn't even close. Apart from maybe some beautiful melodies here and there and the pleasant voice in general, the only moments that stood out for me where the last two songs, "The Grave", with most of the track being a quite sentimental build-up about a soldier about to die in the trenches, and "Babylon" which has a great use of vocal layers to create some beautiful melodies. In short, a decent folk singer-songwriter album with only a true memorable song.

Hits and weirds

meh, its still kinda boring bro

I really went into this expecting to only like the title track considering it’s a pretty big one hit wonder, but I was def pleasantly surprised. But wow I know it’s overplayed or whatever but the title track is so good and the lyrics are really interesting to unpack - there’s a reason it’s a classic. I wish this album wasn’t so front loaded cause it makes for a mildly disappointing ending. Oh and a very weird jump from empty chairs to everybody loves me, baby. My favorite part of this album, of course, is thinking about don mclean celebrating his 10 year anniversary with his 31 year old wife at 80 years old 💕🥰 Fav songs: American pie, till tomorrow, Vincent

Two 1971 albums on the bounce and whilst the may be very different genres, they do share similarities in that their opening title track looms large over the rest of the album which largely falls in its shadow. I've probably heard the album before, I've certainly heard _Vincent_ before and of course _American Pie_ which is a song with incredible personal meaning. A song I heard countless times as a child, often with my dad in pubs, on coaches or in the car. The rest of the album isn't bad, it just doesn't do a lot after the opener and certainly after _Vincent_.

American Nick Drake but not as good. “American Pie” is instantly recognisable and consistently enjoyable across its 8 minute runtime, although I can’t listen to it without picturing Tyson Fury singing it now. “Vincent” is the best here by a mile. The rest of the album holds a consistent level but doesn’t reach that peak again.

Surprisingly not as great as I've expected, even if every song was like American Pie, I would still go to 4, but only first few tracks were memorable and so probably going for 3 stars here. P.S. don't get me wrong, this os very nice, superbly recorded and enjoyable record. Probably 3.5 on Rym and I definitely want to REVISIT this, especially liked song called "Vincent"

Very warm and nice album with American pie being a banger of an opener. I should really stop reading the Wikipedia for the different artists because sometimes you find out the artist is a dick and it takes away from the enjoyment of the music itself.

Really odd sequencing. American Pie, 8 (admittedly well-written) folk songs, and another upbeat track. If you split these up maybe they'd get higher reviews from me but for now sits at dead average.

singer songwriter, 1971 -> 3

After "Vincent" and "American Pie", not much else

The album is overall alright, but we all know that it sits on the shoulders of American Pie, which is the first song and it's really good. It was alright having the background in the background, as it was nice and chill.

One great song, and a bunch of other crap.

a couple of nice classis songs here. the rest are not bad. short album

American

3.5

American pie song is an undeniable classic. The rest of the album is okay easy listening rock. Nothing else stood out to my taste

American Pie is a big, bombastic opening to an album... And the downside to that is the rest just seems ok.

American pue and Vincent are good songs that stand out from what is otherwise a collection of pretty piano ballads. The power of that first hit probably lies in its infectious chorus and melancholic lyrics.

The only song I know is the title track. Let’s see how this goes. This is a mellow album. But it’s really good. American Pie is till my favorite.

It has some great songs on this album.

C'était plutôt sympathique, très américain et je dois dire que c'est un peu lassant que Robert Dimery semble ignorer qu'il existe un monde au-delà des États-Unis (et un peu du Royaume-Uni), donc au lieu d'aller chercher des albums originaux du monde entier, il nous balance constamment des albums d'artistes américains qui jouent souvent dans la même catégorie. Bon, il faut être honnête : c'était plutôt un bon album. Pas un truc sur lequel je voudrais revenir un jour, mais j'ai plutôt passé un bon moment. Si j'avais pas entendu plusieurs albums du même genre avant au cours de cette liste, je l'aurais sûrement plus apprécié. Mais bon, c'est la meta de cette liste.

You really can't talk about Don McLean without mentioning other artists: Big Bopper, Buddy Holly, Waylon, John Denver, etc.

It was okay. American pie is always good but the rest of the songs are just okay. He kinda meanders

Ohja dit nummer! Wel echt een banger om je album mee te openen. Wel weer de standaard vraag: is dit een album met een knaller en verder mwah of zit er nog meer achter? Oei, sommige nummers vind ik persoonlijk een beetje mwah, maar een nummer zoals Vincent? Prachtig, heel klein, heel lief bijna, maar ontzettend impactvol. Niet alles haalt het daarbij, maar de cover in combinatie met een deel van de lyrics die ik begrijp/versta doen mij er aan denken dat dit meer een protest album is? Wel grappig, dit album is verder zó anders dan de titelsong, het is zoveel trager, zoveel meer folk dan dat eerste nummer. En eerlijk? Het pakt me niet zo, het is allemaal heel akoestisch en traag, maar dan niet op een manier die me echt pakt buiten Vincent dan. Dit album is voor mij 2 sterren, omhoog getild naar 3 door 2 sterke nummers. FAVO: American Pie, Vincent

okay first of all before I start, I missed out on commenting about yesterday's album, and i just want to say that outside of Amy's album on day 1, The Mars Volta's album popped off. thats my kind of rock. okay lets continue to this one lowkey, this album is a classic ya? OH MY GOD ITS THAT SONG IAN SANG WKWKWK okay some final thoughts, pretty good not mad about it. of course i saved the title track. tapi I'm not mad at the album. 3 (in a good way!)

Really tent-poled by the title track. Nothing is particularly bad, but most of it is slightly sappy twangy tweeness and absolutely does not come close to American Pie itself.

American Pie the song, is an all-timer. American Pie the album, well that's a pretty standard gloomy singer-songwriter folk album. McLean can certainly write a beautiful song, but by the end of the album, I was pretty content that I'd heard enough.

I put off listening to this all the way through for a few days because I thought I would find it boring. Can confirm I did NOT find it boring!! A really peaceful and nostalgic album, I think granny would love it so Ill try to remember to play it for her. Don McLean can also really sing and the melodies are v boppable

50-50 for min del. Når det er bra er det veldig bra, og når det er dårlig er det veldig dårlig

Largely carried by the two songs I already knew, the ones I hadn't heard before have already been forgotten, and I don't think I would bother to revisit. Two stars, but raised to three for the hits.

I’ll say this - Don McLean has a rich, mesmerising voice. The album doesn’t grab you for the duration but these are well-written songs with very good vocals and lyrics. (This dude seems like a dick judging by his behaviour against his wife and daughter.) This passed 39 minutes of a long drive. Nothing I’d go back to again outside of Vincent. Ultimately, fuck Don McLean.

The namesake song is so good it almost saves how boring the rest is

The title track is an all-time classic; the rest is the typical Americana music from that time, reminding me of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel.

american dooooooooolllllllllll FAVS (top 3): american pie, everybody loves me baby, the grave mençoes honrosas: vicent, crossroads, winterwood um album bemm curtinho e amo a track 1 um CLASSICO; um album bem chiu gente gostei ate nota final: 3.5/5

it was okay, not my style

Album No. 0138 on my list. In my opinion, the song "American Pie" pretty much overshadows all other songs on this album and was the only song of the album I had known before, so I was curious about how the rest of the album holds up. And to be frank, the title track rightfully overshadows the other tracks. It is certainly deserving of its iconic status, and the other tracks on the album don't quite match its greatness. The album nevertheless is a solid folk album with interesting, thoughtfull, well-crafted lyrics and modest, guitar driven instrumentation. I'm not that much into folk, but I still found the album solid. Beyond "American Pie", I will add "Vincent", and "Empty Chairs" to my playlist - i.e., the three most well-known songs from the album. 3/5 stars.

This is an average Americana album that happens to have a generation defining song headlining.

Don is very good at the poetic, and the piano, and the moving, and, of course, at making a song over 5 minutes that anyone is compelled to sing along with all the way through. While I like his less jaunty songs, I have more fun when Don seems to be having fun, and there is a shortage of those songs on this album.