Chirping Crickets
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
1957
Album Summary
The "Chirping" Crickets is the debut album from the American rock and roll band the Crickets, led by Buddy Holly. It was the group's only album released during Holly's lifetime. In 2012, the album was ranked number 420 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. The album also appears in the book, 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. The LP was released in the US in 1957, and in the UK in 1958. It was re-released by Coral in 1962 as Buddy Holly and the Crickets. After being out of print for many years, it was reissued as a remastered CD in 2004 with bonus tracks.
WikipediaOne of my favourite albums ever. Also, one of my favourite anecdote ever, taken from Little Richards self biography "The Life and Times of Little Richard". Angel, a stripper, later on said this MIGHT not be true, but seriously, never fact check a good story. “One time Buddy came into my dressing room while I was jacking off with Angel sucking my titty. Angel had the fastest tongue in the west. She was doing that to me and Buddy took out his thing. She opened up her legs and he put it in her. He was having sex with Angel, I was jacking off, and Angel was sucking me when they introduced his name on stage. He finished and went to the stage still fastening himself up. I’ll never forget that. He came and he went.”
The ones you know (Oh Boy!, Not Fade Away, Maybe Baby, It's Too Late, That'll Be The Day) are straight fire, though not a raging one. Just a few isolated fires, actually. Perfectly controlled and never threatening to spread. In other words, Holly wasn't a purveyor of the type of excess the 60s myth tells us his brand of R'n'R turned into (but probably didn't). He was a formalist, a model railway builder, a de rigger songsmith. When he was great--which wasn't all the time, as the duller numbers here testify to--he crafted rockers where every strum, hum and warble was in service to a rhythm that never muscles through like Chuck Berry or skitters tilt-a-whirl like Little Richard but doesn't need to. Tiny paintbrush and glue gun in hand in hand, Holly crafted space for everything to breathe, creating the effect of songs more compulsive and propulsive than they really are. And effect is all. The apotheosis is when everything but the drums and Holly's voice drop out in the fourth chorus of That'll Be the Day. It goes "When. You (boom). Make (boom). Me (boom). Cry (boom)-y (boom)." At that moment, you can literally hear early-Beatles John Lennon take the baton from him. Except not really - that's preposterous.
One of those defining classics that exists at a very particular time and place. It's an extremely well-performed, well-written album deserving of a place on this list for its historical importance alone, but it still holds up musically more than 60 years after its recording.
What a sweet record from Buddy Holly! While I don't remember ever giving The "Chirping" Crickets a full listen before, I'm pretty sure I was listening from the womb as he was someone my parents had on the radio or spinning in the console. As one of the early rock-n-roll troubadours, his short 22 years of life not only influenced rock music moving forward, but was a definitive variable in my own musical development. The record is wonderful from beginning to end and has just inspired a 50s rock-n-roll listening party here in me. All I've listened to since yesterday morning is Buddy Holly, The Everly Brothers, Elvis, Chuck Berry, Roy Orbison, Ricky Nelson and more. With fresh ears I'm transported back to my childhood and the childhoods of my parents. Thanks for your music, Buddy! It's made a difference in endless lives. RIP.
I was brought up on this stuff, Dad was a huge Buddy Holly fan. These songs are ingrained in my soul, I knew them all before I even knew what music was. They've always been there, and I love them like family members. It's all so damn cheerful as well, how can you not love it! I wish there were more than 25 minutes of this.
One of the beginnings of rock and roll documented and a great album with loads of influential songs to be found on it
It is really hard to rate this. Buddy Holly is so engrained in the history of pop music that it is unfair to judge without that lens. I appreciate it but since it set the stage for so much later that it sounds a bit quaint now. It is a shame we never saw him develop as an artist. 4.5/5
An endearingly dorky amalgam of styles. Doo-wop, country honkin' vocals and that jangly Strat. More spacious and immediate than I'd remembered, I dig that cardboard box beat. Way better than Bill fuckin' Haley.
Il s'agit probablement de l'album le plus ringard du générateur, emmené par un Martin Lamotte en dessous de tout qui a toutefois su rebondir ces dernières années avec la série Nos Chers Voisins.
It’s so interesting to listen to this because it sounds so tame to us now, but I just have to imagine how scandalous it sounded to adult ears at the time.
An amazing voice and amazing guitar tone. Not sure why anyone ever wrote another love song, because Buddy Holly covered all the bases on this album. A truly great record.
I loved this album. You can really hear the impact it would have on subsequent acts. Terrific music.
By far my favorite early rock and Roll artist. The first singer/songwriter and a huge influence on the British invasion bands and beyond. Buddy Holly was the most forward thinking and innovative of all his contemporaries. 5 huge 🌟
I've seen other bands release their "Greatest Hits" that didn't have the number of hits that this album, which isn't a "Greatest Hits", has.
Every one a winner. This music changed everything permanently and deserves 5 stars for that. It's dated now, but still hugely influential and important.
Added to "Old songs to listen to on US road trips to give you an American vibe" playlist
Classic BH&C album - should be high in every best-of list so no surprise it is included here.
By far my favorite early rock and Roll artist. The first singer/songwriter and a huge influence on the British invasion bands and beyond. Buddy Holly was the most forward thinking and innovative of all his contemporaries. 5 huge 🌟
buddy holly e os grilos é muito bão (e historicamente importante) mas eu fiquei mais impactada é ca maldição do ome q doideira
What can I say? A third of this album I grew up hearing and have no question as to their greatness. The other two-thirds were great as well. This is a timeless classic that I should have listened to long ago.
A flawless album. I often wonder about how his career would have gone had he not got on that plane.
I loved this! It is nostalgic for a time I wasn’t even alive, but have visited by watching films like Stand by Me!
My dad once told me Buddy was essential for my music education and since I first discovered him, I have never never looked back! A legend who was one of the first to write, produce, perform, and market himself in a band, be the nerdy contrast the more Hollywood Elvis. This albums has rock n roll in its first true form with 12 bar blues and 50s chord progressions, catchy choruses and singable melodies, with ranging rhythms for each song. To me, his works are one of the first true rock masterpieces.
Brilliant and important, must have been startling at the time. Probably the shortest album on this list - 25 minutes! I loved it.
Such a legendary album. B.Holly die so young, but he left a huge mark in Rock and Roll history. Huge influence for the Beatles and many other bands. Favorite songs: That'll Be The Day, Not Fade Away,
How many Name and The Nouns rock and roll bands can you identify just from the guitar tone or a split second of the vo-hocals of any track? I'd guess one. This one. That clean slightly muted jangle and Buddy Holly's polite delivery make them possibly the first band you could be obsessed with. The album has the approach that I tend to credit good punk albums with. 12 songs. 26 minutes. No time to get bored of what's on offer - in fact, with a few tracks, I'd have let them have an extra verse and chorus they're that good!
As I was listening to all these we very familiar songs, that are as firmly embedded in my cultural zeitgeist as the Star Spangled Banner, I pondered whether it was all really up to the hype. Some of the recordings are fairly muddy; Holly’s voice, though he had no trouble carrying every tune and played to his strengths, was not something spectacular. Would it really still carry the same cultural weight without the tragic end looming over it? Ultimately (though his tale can’t of course be unwound from his untimely death) I do think it holds up: early rock/rockabilly classic, and a damned shame we lost everything he might have followed with.
Joyful classic that makes you go up on your feet and give yourself to the rock'n'roll.
the 50s are the first decade of music i really care about that much, and probably the first decade that's all that interesting outside of like a few notable albums or w/e. maybe someones gonna see this thats really really really into 40s music but i doubt it. if u are that person, please give me recommendations, i'd love to have my horizons expanded :D personally i think it makes since, the 50s are the first decade with many musicians that get referenced a lot. even if someone like frank sinatra or buddy holly or miles davis or whatever is fairly far removed at this point from modern music, u can probably still recognize their names. maybe ur even really into their music!!! i think one thing everyone can agree on, though, is that a lot of 50s music is kinda lame. either quality-wise, or just sort of intangibly lame. obviously this isnt a blanket statement but like...doo-wop, 50s pop, most 50s rock, all that stuff is kinda lame by now. it doesnt have to be in a bad way though!! this album is very lame and silly, but that's just part of the charm. it's fun!!! everything here is pretty simple, short, and focused on being catchy, and the full album is under a half hour. probably for the best. if u have it in u to enjoy old-ass rock music this is definitely worth a listen :P
a great album with timeless songs, too old fashioned to be in constant rotation but a great album non the less.
в этом альбоме буквально можно услышать как из блюз и кантри трансформируются в рок-н-ролл!
3.5| sin duda un pilar en la base de toda la música rock, incorporar 2 guitarras? eso es del diablo, colocar los coros después de haber grabado la música?, jugar con los tonos y volumen de las guitarras? a que loco se le ocurren esas cosas? que tanto habría hecho si no hubiera muerto repentinamente? habría una superbanda con Ritchie Valens y otros?
Algo muy interesante que viene de escuchar discos como este es que rompen ese estereotipo de que las grabaciones “viejas” suenan mal. Por supuesto, los micrófonos y amplificadores todavía no estaban tan desarrollados, y las técnicas de postproducción apenas daba sus primeros pasos, pero esto es evidencia de que tenemos tecnología para grabar sonido de alta calidad desde ¡hace más de 60 años! Hablando de la música en sí, sé que Buddy Holly es una gran influencia para el rock & roll y por tanto un pilar de mucha de la música que tenemos hoy en día. Puedo identificar cosas en el disco que seguramente influenciaron a Elvis Presley, los Beach Boys y por supuesto a los Beatles. Independientemente del valor histórico, la música es agradable y fácil de escuchar. A pesar de que el rockabilly no es mi género favorito pude escuchar el disco sin problema tres veces al hilo. Escuchar esto automáticamente me hace querer una malteada de vainilla y una hamburguesa double decker con mostaza y catsup.
Can’t believe this came out in 1957. It feels relevant but still has that classic twang that he is known for. Great album and an easy listen
Really cool album! I heard a couple songs that I suspect might have influenced some of Vampire Weekend’s last album
1957, Rock and Roll, manche Lieder eher langsamer manche diese schnelle Rock n roll, nice
Rock roots in its fines expression, a little bit of doo wop and classic rock lineup. Just for the historic value this is worth a listen.
I guess this would be considered rockabilly? If so then I think I like it! Reminds me of the Four Seasons a little.
Buddy Holly's '50s rock n' roll, as all American as apple pie, the Super Bowl and marrying your 14 year old cousin.
There’s a lot of classics on this one. I can see why and how it’s been so influential throughout the years. Good album, it gets a 4
A really good bunch of songs. I finally understand the hype that Buddy Holly had in the 50s. Every song has a potential of a hit song.
Some fun and boppin' classic rock and roll. Gets an extra star for the sheer charisma Buddy Holly puts forward on the mic.
Now this is how it’s done: tight, tidy harmonies; memorable tunes; and over before you get sick of their schtick.
The birth of rock and roll in one album! RIP Buddy Holley; he was one heck of a musician and singer taken way too young by an accident. The songs on this album almost sound timeless, as if you could listen to them anytime and think they're groundbreaking. I believe this is a testament to Buddy Holley's skills.
Didn't think I'd like it but then ended up enjoying it. Half Elvis, half roy or bison, which is to be expected I guess. The slow songs are a bit boring and every song has a very 50s, suburban, milk bar with my best girl and no colored people allowed vibe, but I like the rockabilly. Just wish Buddy would get a bit looser with that but I guess we had to wait for mick and John to do that for us.
I often talk about the Beatles like they’re two different bands: the early stuff like “Hard Day’s Night” and “Help”, where they sing about love between two people; and the shift right around “Rubber Soul/Revolver” where they start singing about Love, between ALL people. And the early stuff is fine, but the later stuff is truly iconic and world changing. What I’m getting at here is, this album is Buddy Holly’s “early stuff”, where he’s singing about a boy and a girl, and what boys and girls do. And it’s great, it really is. In fact, it inspired the early Beatles IMMENSELY. But, man! If only Buddy Holly had lived long enough to get to his “world-changing” period… maybe there wouldn’t even BE a Beatles, at least, not like we think of them today. Buddy had a head start, after all. Tragic loss. Oh well, there’s some great fun songs on here. “Oh Boy” and “That’ll Be the Day”, in particular.
Dodici tracce per un totale di 25 minuti cotti e mangiati di rock and roll: un'esperienza che personalmente ho trovato davvero divertente. Buddy caro, pace all'anima tua, il mio 4 è come una laurea honoris causa. P.S.: Mi sarebbe piaciuto ballare "Last Night" alla festa di fine anno, con la più figa del college.
Альбом своего времени. Но, чувствуется, что из тех, которые не только отражали своё время, но и формировали. Есть у этой музыки стиль, чарующая эстетика. Но всё же недостаточно мощная, чтобы конкурировать с более поздними работами. Быстро цепляет, быстро надоедает... забывается, вероятно, тоже быстро. Тем не менее, когда услышал Not Fade Away, то сразу почувствовал что где-то уже именно её слышал. И, да, это один из 2 треков, на которые есть статьи в ру-вики. К сожалению, список использования в медиа не обнаружил. Буду думать, что Mafia II. Каждый из треков альбома чем-то интересен, эксплуатации эстетики здесь всё же нет. Отличный альбом, чтобы погрузиться в эпоху 50-х. И, вероятно, неплохой альбом, чтобы осознать, что долго в ней пребывать довольно утомительно. 7/10
Rock and Roll is old enough where you can argue for a legitimate Mount Rushmore consisting of the 4 most important figures in its history. Any Mount Rushmore that doesn't include Chuck Berry (you know, MARVIN'S cousin) and Elvis Presley can't be taken seriously. Those two are etched in stone (pun intended). The other two spots are up for the debate, and I'm not going to argue with anyone who puts Buddy Holly in one of those vacancies. Sometimes I feel like I can over praise Buddy Holly. That might stem from the fact that some generations only know the name from the title of a Weezer song. This album is missing some of my favorite Buddy Holly tunes, but I can't hold that against it.
3.5/5. I've never listened to a Buddy Holly album, but this is kind of what I expected. Easy listening, not bad.
This is a very simple classic rock n roll album, but it deserves space on this list and deserves many merits to be what it is. This is not a great album for our "modern" ears, but its importance transcends some "modern" rules and must be analyzed with this in mind.
Usually 50s pop albums consist of one great hit, one ok hit, then nothing else but garbage. But these tracks are above average. Some I would even go as far as calling them pretty good. Love the mellow rock sound and back vocals. Songs are short and sweet. Am I'm crazy for thinking "Not Fade Away" sounds like Joan Jett's "Bad Reputation"? This is one instance where I don't think the album has aged well, but in the context of its time, it is a superb record with tracks you don't get exhausted by the end.
again. Fuck you, I love this. 4/5 Could almost just give it 5 because it's so nice. I don't care that all the songs are shallow love songs, I love it haha but I think a 4 is in order
This is an important record. The Fender strat probably wouldn't be the guitar it is today without Buddy Holly making it so iconic and Buddy's playing on this record does sound pretty innovative. It's very rhythmic and you can hear that classic Fender twang cutting through all over the place. I was also surprised by how much edge there is in his voice. You can clearly hear some blues influence in there. Of course, by today's standards it's a very clean and tame sounding record. Hard to imagine what it was like to hear this in the 50's. For me personally, I'm unlikely to revisit this much but I can appreciate its importance in history. Great, classic record.
12 songs clocking in at 26 minutes. Buddy Holly was the original punk rocker! Amazing the influence that he had given such a small body of work. What a talented artist. I wish we could have seen what he would have done if given another 50 years or so on this earth. It's damn shame. 4 stars.
Decent album with a couple of great songs. That'll Be the Day definitely my favourite.
Absolutely chirpin'. 26 minutes of unbridled 50's American joy. Imagine knocking off That'll be the day and Oh boy in your debut album, sensational stuff.
Fun album! It seems that I love the classic 50s-rock music formula. Short and sweet songs dealing with naive topics. Yes sir, I enjoyed it.
“Contains the group's number one single "That'll Be the Day" and its Top Ten hit "Oh, Boy!." Other Crickets classics include "Not Fade Away," "Maybe Baby," and "I'm Looking for Someone to Love."
Sorry not sorry but I do have a thing with 50s adorable boys like them and music by them
4 stars when the time and space lens is applied. Looking for Someone to Love had my toe tapping. A bit sickly sweet which is to be said of almost everything I've heard from white late 50s rock and roll. Some nice lead breaks scattered throughout out though. Get sick of the backing vocals pretty quickly.
Like all albums of its era, this contained a lot of killer, and some filler. The best songs are at the top of the pantheon.
Not the type of music I generally listen to, but this is a good album! It's a good one to have on in the background while doing stuff around the house - nice and upbeat!
Really solid stuff. It's got some well known classics and the ones that are lesser known are still pretty great. It's a shame he died so young, who knows what else Buddy had in him.
The debut and only album recorded when Buddy was alive (which is quite surprising!) is a rock' n ' roll classic! This record pretty much has the essential songs that made Holly a legend, but if you want a wider look at his career (to be), greatest hits packages will cover that. Short and sweet!
Obvious in its influence, this record's got some great classic tunes. Holly's guitar chops are on full display. Some of the lyrics are pretty insipid but perhaps that's an indication of the time or the songwriter's tender age.
Nice straightforward rock from Buddy Holly & The Crickets. Nothing unexpected, but there were some catchy tunes that I didn’t previously know. I didn’t find enough of interest to put into regular rotation, but it was worth the listen for historical reference.
I enjoyed this more than I thought. I’d heard a few of the songs, but the others were pretty good too.
Les bases du rock & roll. L’année est super importante pour cet album. Ça a amorcé pleins de changements pour la décennie à suivre.
J’ai bien aimé. Je ne m’était jmais donné la peine d’aller voir ce qu’il faisait. C’est comme du Elvis en moins flashy.
Um álbum curto e divertido, bem anos 50. Melhores músicas: Maybe Baby e That'll be the day
I don’t think you can’t deny the talent here but you also can’t deny that this is a very dated album. Don’t think I’d listen again but it also definitely belongs on the list. 3.75 stars.
Comes off to me like a mix of Beach Boys and Elvis. Upbeat and tickles the ears nicely
"Ooo wee ooo I look just like Rivers Cuomo. In 2020, a virus known as COVID-19 will cause a global pandemic" - Buddy Holly, 1957 How did he know? Who took a bite out of the second guy's haircut? So many questions! The music is good though. I've been really harsh on these 50s albums - this is probably my favorite one so far. "Oh Boy!" is a classic.
Seminal in every way – from the basic song structure and central instrumentation to the nerd-cool vibe and lyrical tone and content. "Not Fade Away" is one of the most addictive (and powerfully so) melodies in all pop-rock. 4 straight-up all-time tunes is not bad at all for a debut. Perhaps not the first-first but awfully near and sounding suspiciously like the invention of a category in real time.
Really enjoyed this one. Track number two especially had some unique drum sounds I wasn't really expecting.
Buddy Holly always had a special place in my musical development. When I was a teenager, I saw the movie "The Buddy Holly Story" and really enjoyed it. It seemed to be a really great guy caring a lot for the music he was doing, and he was delivering with passion and honesty. At least, that's what the movie depicted and it was enough for me to learn from it. Anyway, this album contains so many hits that transform the futur of rock music. That'll Be The Day, Oh Boy, Maybe Baby and the great Not Fade Away, which was re-interpreted by countless groups. It was released in 1957. Buddy Holly is the definition of a rock'n'roll pioneer.
Like most musicians of their generation, Buddy Holly & The Crickets were geared towards singles much more than proper albums and it shows here. Four great timeless singles, some really good deeper cuts and a B side (minus the first song on it) that is still good but far less exciting than the rest of the album. This is still really pleasant to hear, but I'd rather spin my greatest hits than this if I have the choice.
Loved it! Listened to it a couple times in a row and will definitely be one I come back to again
Out of the 50s albums I've gotten so far, this one feels the least outdated and most likely would pop on and play. Feels very all-rounded and fits nicely on a chilled sunny afternoon. Not Fade Away is the highlight which I didn't know this was the original version. It's got a great rhythm behind it which peeps it up from the Rolling Stones version which is also enjoyable. I also liked That Will Be The Day, Oh Boy and It's Too Late a fair bit too.
catchy stuff, like would happily listen again but can't really judge it cause it's just too old? something like that.
Good example of the type of music. Probably wouldnt listen again, but it might be worth finding a few favorite songs on the record
Some really good songs, but a hard album to listen through. All the songs see to run into each other.
Pretty much what I expected, not something I would listen to regularly but I understand why it is influential.
Giving me “Enchantment Under the Sea” vibes. Lots of old-timey love songs. Catchy but not great.
Una muy obvia adición a la lista; quizá hoy suena ñoñísimo y a nadie sorprende, pero lo que hizo Buddy Holly sentó un montón de precedentes e hizo el puente entre música negra y el público blanco. Con todo y lo ñoño que suena a ratos, me gusta mucho el estilo vocal que usa en algunas canciones y la manera de tener dos guitarras haciendo cosas distintas. No será un disco que tenga a la mano para poner play cualquier día, pero algunas canciones sueltas pueden venir muy bien.
Fun album! First side starts off great with "Oh Boy!" and "Not Fade Away". Side 2 picks back up strong with "That'll Be The Day" although perhaps a bit weaker after that.
I had no idea Not Fade Away was not a dead original. Clean vocal album not something that I really like but I appreciate it. Good simple music but they seem like an obvious influence on others.
Doo-Wop white boy shenanigans. Fun music, could dance to a song or two at a party but not my type of album to keep in my library so far
Es un disco de Buddy Holly... que todavía no suena como a Buddy Holly. El disco es bueno, se siente mucho el sonido de algo que está por llegar pero que todavía no cambia al mundo, se puede sentir la precuela de lo que un Lennon, Jagger y Dylan adolescentes podrían estar escuchando. Quitando la nostalgia de la importancia del album, para un debut es bastante bien hecho. Las canciones son de chamacos y suenan profesionales, divertidas, con sentimiento. El disco tiene un poco de todo, solos cortos inmediatos y una voz muy bien trabajada. Se siente como el inicio de un diagrama de "¿qué es el rock and roll? listo para sentar lo que va a ser la mayor parte del género de manera masiva quizá hasta que llegue Rubber Soul. El hecho de saber que era el inicio de una carrera tan corta pero prometedora lo hace más vívido
not sure about this one, the start of the album just wasnt very good and it got a bit better by the end of the album
Fucking hell. I listened to the first song and couldn't be arsed. I will rate anyway, just for the numbers.