Reviews (page 3 of 8)
Good background music, kind of country but old country.
Don’t know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t this. Opened my eyes to a completely new band and given me a new found appreciation for the use of the flute in rock music.
It was decent 70's rock, but the track John Barleycorn itself was dope so I'll bump it up a star.
I can get behind this. My style of folky 70s rock.
Puike bluesfolkrock van rond 1970, een beetje hetzelfde genre dat Eric Clapton en de zijnen destijds aan het maken waren. Maar dan zonder Eric Clapton. En dan mis je nét datgene wat zo'n gedegen plaat naar het allerhoogste niveau tilt. Prima om een paar keer te draaien, en dan weer door te gaan met de rest van je leven.
Ik ken Traffic al wel, maar dit album dacht ik niks van te kennen. De openingsklanken komen me gelukkig al wel gelijk bekend voor. Al zal dit geen hit geweest zijn, het is wel een fijne uptempo jazzy rock. Uit de tijd van Cream en Clapton, die samen met Winwood daarna even Blind Faith gevormd hebben. Qua instrumenten halen ze alles uit de kast wat ze uit de jaren 60 in de kast hadden staan: piano's, orgels, fluiten, tamboerijnen, de hele mikmak komt voorbij. En toch stoort het me niet. Nu we net Genesis met Peter Gabriel hebben gehoord afgelopen weken, doen sommige nummers me er ook wel aan denken. Ik vermoed dat Peter Gabriel toch ook wel naar Traffic geluisterd moet hebben. Empty Pages had zo op een Genesis album gekund. Ik kan deze muziek zeer goed hebben. Het is soms experimenteel, maar niet teveel, ze houden het tempo en de flow er goed in, zodat je continu met je voet mee blijft tikken. 4 sterretjes.
The following is a really niche review meant for a maximum of 5 people, I think. I apologize in advance. John Barleycorn is for British music scene what Knud Lavard is for the Danish. He must have been quite the terrible person to deserve a faith as brutal as death by jam band.
Went in blind. Glad hits immediately with jazzy prog rock sounds and turns into a beautiful piano piece. Freedom Rider introduces vocals before a lengthy instrumental break (and there are a few: flutes are prominent, but sax and organ/keyboards also contribute to the whole). Empty Pages has a chorus Rush would might have been happy with a decade later, and a breezy piano and bass section. Then bluesy guitar on Stranger To Himself, and the title track is an acoustic ballad, with backing vocals and the ever present flute. Every Mother's Son keeps the same slower tempo but is heavier, with deep droning bass throughout. I didn't like the second half as much, but overall this sounds very good. Punchy bass, good stereo mix and space for all the different instruments.
Virkar sem extended jam session við fyrstu hlustun, og seinni diskurinn í delúx útgáfunni bætti litlu við, en svo síast hún inn við aðra og þriðju og fjórðu o.s.frv. - Þið þekkið þetta, solid fjarki.
Ganz okay aber nüd woni onbedengt weder wett lose. Stecht halt ned use on hed chump igängigi melodie
A bit noisy but a solid mix. John Barleycorn Must Die is a banger
Falls in that 3 star range. Being just 40 mins gets a little bump to 3.5. Rounding up.
Известный и любимый альбом (хотя звучит несколько архаично). John Barleycorn прекрасная песня. Сомневался какую оценку ставить.
Chad
Felt like a jam session that was over before you know it. I like Traffic and I think they've always had nice sound that seemed to blend all the popular styles of their time really well. As a result they don't really stand out of the crowd though. I liked this one quite a bit but I feel as if other Traffic albums are a bit more defined and have a clearer direction.
## Review of *John Barleycorn Must Die* by Traffic Released in 1970, *John Barleycorn Must Die* marked a pivotal moment in Traffic’s career. Initially conceived as a solo project for Steve Winwood, the album evolved into a full-fledged band effort that showcased the trio of Winwood, Jim Capaldi, and Chris Wood at their creative peak. This record blends folk, jazz, soul, and progressive rock into a cohesive and genre-defying masterpiece. Below is an in-depth analysis of its lyrics, music, production, themes, influence, and overall strengths and weaknesses. --- ### **Lyrics** The album’s lyrical content is both introspective and symbolic, particularly on the title track “John Barleycorn (Must Die).” This traditional English folk song revolves around themes of sacrifice and rebirth, anthropomorphizing barley as a figure who undergoes suffering to provide sustenance through beer and whiskey. The lyrics evoke imagery of agricultural cycles and human mortality, with lines like “They’ve hired men with their scythes so sharp to cut him off at the knee” painting a vivid picture of ritualistic sacrifice[3][4]. Other tracks delve into personal and existential themes. “Stranger to Himself” explores feelings of alienation and inner conflict, while “Every Mother’s Son” reflects on spiritual yearning and the search for meaning. Winwood’s poetic approach ensures that even the simplest lyrics carry emotional weight, resonating deeply with listeners seeking introspection[1][2]. --- ### **Music** Musically, *John Barleycorn Must Die* is a rich tapestry that combines multiple genres: - **Jazz Influences**: The instrumental opener “Glad” is a seven-minute showcase of jazz-inspired improvisation. Driven by Winwood’s energetic piano work and Wood’s saxophone solos, it sets the tone for the album’s eclecticism[1][4]. - **Folk Elements**: The title track is steeped in British folk traditions. Its acoustic arrangement complements the haunting narrative of John Barleycorn’s sacrifice[3][4]. - **Soulful Vocals**: Tracks like “Empty Pages” highlight Winwood’s soulful voice, blending R&B grooves with progressive rock elements[1][4]. - **Progressive Rock**: Songs such as “Freedom Rider” feature extended instrumental passages that allow each member to shine individually while maintaining cohesion as a band[2][4]. The interplay between the musicians is seamless throughout the album. Unlike earlier Traffic efforts marred by lineup instability, *John Barleycorn Must Die* benefits from the trio’s tight synchronization. Each instrument feels purposeful—Wood’s flute and saxophone add texture, Capaldi’s drumming provides rhythmic depth, and Winwood’s piano anchors the compositions[2][4]. --- ### **Production** The production on *John Barleycorn Must Die* is understated yet effective. Recorded at Island Studios in London under producer Chris Blackwell, the album avoids overproduction in favor of an organic sound that emphasizes musical interplay. Acoustic instruments are given prominence on tracks like “John Barleycorn,” while electric guitar makes an appearance on “Every Mother’s Son,” adding variety without overshadowing other elements[1][4]. The mix balances instruments expertly, ensuring that no single element dominates. This approach enhances the album's cohesive feel despite its stylistic diversity. The sparse arrangements on certain tracks allow the emotional weight of the lyrics to shine through without distraction[2][4]. --- ### **Themes** Thematically, *John Barleycorn Must Die* explores: 1. **Sacrifice and Rebirth**: The title track serves as an allegory for life cycles—both agricultural and human—emphasizing themes of transformation and renewal[3]. 2. **Existential Reflection**: Songs like “Stranger to Himself” and “Every Mother’s Son” delve into personal struggles and spiritual searching, capturing universal human experiences[1][3]. 3. **Connection to Nature**: The folk-inspired elements reflect a yearning for simplicity and harmony with the natural world—a sentiment resonant during the counterculture movement of the 1970s[3][4]. These themes align with broader cultural trends of introspection and spirituality prevalent during its release period. --- ### **Influence** *John Barleycorn Must Die* had a significant impact on both Traffic's legacy and broader musical trends: - It marked Traffic's transition from psychedelic rock to a more mature sound blending folk-rock with jazz influences. - Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull cited it as one of his essential folk-rock albums for its innovative fusion of genres[4]. - The album influenced subsequent generations of musicians exploring genre hybridity. Its timeless appeal stems from its ability to bridge traditional folk narratives with modern rock sensibilities[3][4]. Commercially, it became Traffic's highest-charting album in the U.S., reaching No. 5 on the Billboard 200—a testament to its widespread acclaim[4]. --- ### **Pros** 1. **Genre Fusion**: The seamless blending of jazz, folk, soul, and progressive rock makes this album unique. 2. **Musical Cohesion**: Despite its stylistic diversity, every track feels interconnected. 3. **Lyrical Depth**: Thoughtful lyrics rooted in folklore add layers of meaning. 4. **Strong Performances**: Each band member excels—Winwood's vocals are soulful; Wood's flute adds texture; Capaldi's drumming is dynamic. 5. **Timeless Themes**: Sacrifice, rebirth, and existential reflection resonate universally. --- ### **Cons** 1. **Limited Tracks**: With only six songs spanning 35 minutes, some listeners may find it too short. 2. **Sparse Arrangements**: While effective in some cases (e.g., “John Barleycorn”), certain tracks might feel underdeveloped compared to more elaborate productions. 3. **Electric Guitar Usage**: Winwood’s electric guitar solos on tracks like “Every Mother’s Son” lack impact compared to his piano work[2]. 4. **Pacing Issues**: The shift from upbeat jazz (“Glad”) to introspective folk can feel abrupt for some listeners. --- ### **Conclusion** *John Barleycorn Must Die* remains one of Traffic's defining works—a masterclass in genre fusion that balances musical experimentation with lyrical profundity. Its exploration of timeless themes through innovative arrangements solidifies its place as a landmark album in rock history. While it has minor shortcomings (e.g., brevity), these are overshadowed by its artistic achievements. From Winwood's soulful vocals to Wood's textured instrumentation, every element contributes to an enduring masterpiece that continues to inspire musicians decades later.
A very nice album.
59/1001 - The tenor saxophonist needs to practice long notes in the low register. Didn't like the picardy third ending on "John Barleycorn." Sequencing seemed weird to me, would be more accessible to start with a song with vocals instead of an instrumental jam. Other than that, I liked this album quite a lot; they have a great flute player and pianist.
Love the title track and like the sound of the album - a little folk rock, a little jazzy. Oddly, APF liked the jazzier bouncier tracks more than the slower folksier ones.
This album fits nicely into the pantheon that is Stevie Winwood's catalogue. Blind Faith, Cream, Traffic...all hall of fame acts.
I really liked this! Not what I was expecting at all, but I loved the instrumental opening. Perfect music to just zone out to 4 ⭐️
I liked this!
I don't know who this John Barleycorn character is, but he sounds like a real ruffle-rouser. I feel like I need 3 or 4 more listens before I really form an informed opinion of this. I think it's a 4?
I liked the jazzy-something else feel of this album
What can I say? A folksy acoustic guitar-heavy ballad based on an old poem that talks about murdering a guy to symbolise the beer brewing process just seems laser focused at me and my tastes. Rest of the album is decent too.
Enjoyable album, nice and short.
Shockingly good
What is it with 70s bands and flutes? Genesis, Jerhro Tull, King Crimson and now this lot! That being said I thoroughly enjoyed this album and played again straight after listening to it the first time.
Makes me think of Jethro Tull
pretty cool!! starting an album that has lyrics with an instrumental is always a risk but i think it worked really well here
Really liked this - a cool mix of folk instruments, jazz experimentation and rock song structure. I'd never heard of Traffic before and went on a fun rabbit hole listening to Steve Winwood's earlier solo stuff. I wished this album was longer!
i used to listen to this growing up and didn't remember until just now, Glad was my favorite song
I was kind of excited with the first track, thinking that an instrumental album would be an interesting change of pace. When the vocals came in on the second track I actually felt a little disappointed. I had to leave this one and come back to it a few hours later to appreciate it for what it is.
Alltså, hammond-orgel, tvärflöjt och saxofon i rockband, det är man ju svag för! Helt ärligt så hade jag inte koll på det här albumet alls och det är jag lite förvånad över. Det är ju inte så långt ifrån typ Kansas eller Wishbone Ash, till och med lite Chicago, särskilt den första låten. Sångaren tycker jag låter lite som Phil Collins fast sämre. Instrumentinslagen är däremot top notch! Låtarna i sig (kompositionsmässigt) tycker jag håller lite varierande kvalitet, tycker några låtar mitt i är klart svagare men överlag mycket trevlig lyssning. Jag velar mellan en 3a och en 4a.
One thing this list has taught me in how criminally underrated Steve Winwood is. Man was HOT in the 70s. And this album is no exception. Here we have some seriously groovy tracks that send a lightning bolt of positivity down your spine.
Slightly more straight edge Jethro Tull with cool jazzy blues vibes. Very cool
A great album early '70s British rock album that is strong from start to finish.
Color me impressed. The flute solos, the jammy guitars and all in a half hour package. Solid.
Short and sweet! Love it!
Mix of different styles here
I quite enjoyed this for what it was, simple bluesy-jazzy-folky music that was easy to listen to and reminded me a lot of early Genesis. I would definitely listen to it again, but it wasn't ground-breaking, so it gets 4 stars from me.
i reallyyyyyyyy liked this…especially the title track which i thought was SO beautiful. that combination of guitar + flute is always super magical to me…fairy elf type music. very john fahey which i love. fav tracks: glad; john barleycorn
Honestly I was procrastinating this one because I wasn’t excited for more 70s rock. But this was different from some of the other stuff we’ve had to listen to and I really enjoyed it. I particularly liked the opening, and some of the more pensive songs later in the album reminded me a little of Zeppelin. Probably won’t return to this besides that first song which was pretty *groovy* to me. *Best tracks: Glad*
Starting out with a nice fun instrumental. Next couple tracks have vocals, but don't hit as well. Stranger To Himself and John Barleycorn Must Die pick it right back up, both are bangers. Ends with a decent rock track. Best song: John Barleycorn Must Die
The iconic Traffic breakthrough after "getting back together" for a Winwood solo project. I can't say enough how entertained I am that Dave Mason quit three times over a few years, especially how he toured this album for a few months and then quit the last time. It covers such diverse territory over its' few songs, and defined their new experimental fusion style.
I liked this a lot. I’ve never heard of Traffic, but I know Steve Winwood. Good stuff.
I enjoyed this album start to finish.
If you ask an Englishman of a certain age and demeanour who their favourite band of the late sixties or early 70s were, you don’t get the Beatles. Or the Yardbirds. Or Cream. Or the Stones. Or Fairport. Or Zeppelin. Not Jethro Tull. You get Traffic. Sadly rather forgotten it was really a vehicle for the immensely talented Steve Winwood. This is probably the album to listen to. All of the above mentioned bands have an input to Winwood’s writing and arranging. The centrepiece is the folk standard title track. But the rest of it is excellent. He might have benefited from more of a band - for all of Ian Anderson’s control of Tull it was still a band - but still it’s terrific. 4
Never heard of Traffic before. Really liked Freedom Rider. The rest were pleasant background music.
awesome flute/sax in the first two tracks
Esto estuvo muy bien, no conocía a los Traffic. Poderoso, arreglos geniales y de esos que prenden sabroso para irse a trabajar. Sí escucharía más de ellos.
Solid jammy classic rock. I don’t know that I’d heard most of these songs before and it was an enjoyable listen all the way through. Steve Winwood is a fantastic keyboardist and his flute playing was a cool surprise as well.
Totta, hirteen kys. ukko. ei muuta.
i liked this it was jazzy and folky and a little psychedelic and no bus came ever
4.5
More green lights from Traffic.
Lovely long-ranging songs that didn't wear themselves out. Good for winding down a day
Love this sound! Not normally that into folk but this works for me as an album
Wondering what John Barleycorn did
I really enjoyed this album. An incredibly peaceful flow to the instruments and a great juxtaposition to the lyrics
Steve Windwood is better here than he was solo. Overall, I liked this 70s rock/folk album.
A minor masterpiece, rich and substantive and no doubt high in fiber. Grooving mellowly, and here and there exquisitely (e.g., organ solo in middle of closing track, underlaid with subtle piano), this represents just about the best of the '60s legacy (of which albums released in 1970 very much count). Just expansive enough to be interesting but not so much so as to lose effectiveness through overindulgence or excessive indolence. "Freedom Rider" and "Empty Pages" are very strong, though the whole thing works as a well balanced, smoothly integrated and generally impressive whole. And is "Stranger to Himself" a template for ABB's "Midnight Rider," with its earwormy hook. TItle cut treads maybe a little perilously toward proggy caricature (beware too arty flutes!) but is pleasant enough that everyone should be fine as long as they refrain from taking it too, too seriously. And it's a decent in terms of updating English folk madrigals (or whatever) for Age-of-Aquarias context and vibes. One would rank this as far and away the best work Winwood ever did (the one where he best and most transcended what one hears as an awkward [and borderline annoyingly nasal] singing voice), a legacy nearly irredeemably besmirched by the later solo work (Arc of a Diver was good, but everything after lame and tame). In the Traffic canon, this seems better than the eponymous record (though "Shanghai Noodle Factory" might be the best cut they ever did). A case could be made that Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys seems perhaps unfairly overlooked.
Not what I expected from a Traffic album, but I liked it!
3.5
A bit lounge, piano jazz, a bit Supertramp and Jethro Tull..
4, en la línea de la época, bueno sonido, eso sí, nada especialmente memorable
Classic Traffic. Not as good as Low Spark of High Heeled Boys, but this album saw me through many miles of asphalt when I was still driving for a living.
this one's pretty good. mildly low-key jazz rock. many of the instrumentals are melodious but calm, cool, and consistently smooth as butter. john barleycorn is not a person, but rather a personification of the barley grain, and the fifth track in the album is an adaption of a centuries old folk poem. yet another album on my list that, while not life-changing, i liked. it has a peaceful and nostalgic vibe to it that i feel like both young and old can enjoy. if you also like those vintage kitschy instrumentals with saxes and flutes thrown in, you'll love this.
3.5
Great listen. The fusion of many genres here is extremely well done. The organ and flute as far as the instruments are concerned carry the album for me. The vocal performance and the overall production are also quite amazing. Ya love to see it. Best - Glad, Empty Pages, Stranger To Himself, John Barleycorn (Must Die), and Every Mother's Son (MPF) Worst - No bad songs 3.75-4.00/5
Overblown pomposity, throwing bits of jazz and folk at rock 'n' roll then calling it innovation. Now we have a definition of prog rock out the way. Once I got over being grumpy about it, I decided on second listen this is pretty good. The folk, jazz and even r&b influences are really well done. I do wish this was a straight jazz-rock record. But it does also have to have a vague concept about pagan fertility cults (of course it does). There are definitely more than a handful of landmark prog albums that sound worse than this. It is growing on my by the minute. The electric organ really rocks. 4*
Funkier than I could possibly imagine!
Funky, jazzy, folky 70's rock. I enjoyed that!
Glad 4 Freedom Rider 3.8 Empty Pages 4 Stranger to Himself 3.7 John Barleycorn (Must Die) 3.4 Every Mother's Son 3.5 Score: 3.733333333
Not my favourite Traffic album, more folk-rock that prog-rock in my opinion, but nethertheless a good album.
7/10. It's another 1970's rock album. :)
rigtig positiv overraskelse faktisk, jeg vidste ikke hvad jeg forventede fra et band, der hedder Traffic, men det var i hvert fald ikke The Wicker Man soundtrack-core folkpop/rock
I enjoyed this one, it was easy to listen to.
Really liked it. Never paid much attention to Traffic, know Steve Winwood from his later work but this was very enjoyable. After finishing listened to the album before this (Last Exit) and liked that too. Not getting 5 stars but damn close. (Next album on here is by Dusty Springfield so that's almost certain to get 5 stars)
Maybe Traffic’s last great album, a blend of traditional English folk and organ-driven rock. Beautifully balanced. (And as of today I’ve been working my way through the list for two years! It’s been a wild journey.)
This is actually the first the Traffic album I heard, and I loved it.
Good music
Weird title, good jams.
yeah, enjoyed listening to it
I've heard the eponymous song John Barleycorn before in my English folk music phase, so I've also heard of Traffic before. I quite enjoy their music. It may not necessarily be the most groundbreaking in the world, but I quite enjoy how laidback it is and there is some skill on show.
Fusion, folk - jazzrock, fine
I enjoyed this album a lot. Hat never heard of Traffic before.
I was pleasently surprised when I hit play. With this album cover, title and artist name I was expecting metal, but I was hit with groovy jazz tunes. Albums like this is why I love this website. 4/5
Еще один сюрприз в листе. Я эту группу (при всей любви к этому олдовому прогу) не слушал, но музыка супэр! Удивительно немного, видеть прог-альбом на 30 с копеечкой минут, но по итогу всё это чувствуется хорошо и без излишеств. Лучшая песня - John Barleycorn.
As albums, What LA Woman is to the Doors, John Barleycorn is to Traffic.
It's good. Like an approachable, folksy and softer Jethro Tull. I dig it.
I knew Mr Fantasy by Traffic but not really heard any full albums. This was a very pleasant surprise.
Was expecting it to be pretty folk or country just based on the album name and cover, but it's actually kinda jazzy, especially near the start. I love this kind of album format too, 6 songs that are nicely fleshed out with some good jams, no filler, everything feels like it has enough time to breathe. Enjoyed it a lot, a great new find.
This was a fun jazzy little album. The mix of instruments was a fun way to bring new life to pop/rock music of the 60s and 70s. Lyrics are deeper and conveying a message that is important at the time (and still today). Gives me major summer outdoor festival or evening concert vibes.
good
This feels like the earliest version of prog rock. The precursor to Rush and Jethro Tull. Still very jazz and blues inspired, very approachable.
This worked for me. I'm a sucker for organ-heavy classic rock on the best of days, and the folk and psych influences weaved in here made for a tasty concoction. Add in a short runtime, and I'm a happy guy. I've listened to it twice in past weeks, and while I don't remember many specifics, from what I recall it was a chill listen that I could probably put on and enjoy at any time. And how interesting to hear Steve Winwood not being backed by cheesy '80s synths!
Solid tunes played exceptionally well. Lots of great grooves, and some interesting folky moments.
Far more soulful than I expected. Short and good.
I feel like this is the beginning of a new type of music for me. I really really enjoyed what I could hear of this at work. I'll be on the lookout for more like this
70er Rock. Beim ersten Hören nichts herausragendes, aber ganz ansprechend. 4/5
Interesting and great organ!
I was a little concerned when it started off a bit funk/jazzy but then they pull out a really classic rock sound with some great guitar work and catchy hooks. I've enjoyed keeping this one around for a few days. Nice find.
Traffic: Good band Everything we’ve had with Steve Winwood on it has been good! Cool jammy 70’s rock vibes throughout Favorites: Glad Freedom rider Every mothers son Didn’t like the stuff in the middle quite as much as beginning and end.
I listened to this a lot as a kid, really cool songs and love Steve winwood. Empty pages is prob my fav, really love that keys solo. The concept of John barley corn is pretty weird and funny.
Finally someone who can sing!
It was good. It was like ambient rock and I liked it.
old atmosphere sample
not what I usually listen to but I enjoyed it
7/10
First hearing, some blues, soul, some jazz and some folk. Well good.
I’m not sure what genre to classify this as. It was obviously heavily jazz influenced but I got a bit of a Yes vibe to some of the tracks as well coupled with blues/soul. Glad was a fun track, dug the jazz flute on Freedom Rider, the guitar and organ were fun all the way through. Pleasantly surprised! 3.5
At one time this was one of my favorite albums by any artist. While I still like it a lot, I no longer consider it to be in my top few albums. That said, this album is great. It serves as a nice bridge between the straightforward rock of their previous albums and the more jazz-fusion sound of the later albums. Glad is probably my favorite track.
I enjoyed this one. The flute playing made me think of Jethro Tull. Good and enjoyable songwriting.
I had never listened to the entire album prior to this, but I enjoyed it. Jazzier and jammier than I thought it would be.
1. 4.1 2. 4.3 3. 4.2 4. 4 5. 3.8 6. 3.6
3.5-4
Great mix of rock 'n roll and improvised jazz
Well done. Not my favorite genre but I always enjoy Traffic.
didnt know what to expect, and i am not upset.
Pretty good jazzy rockin album. Steve Winwood has a great voice.
This is excellence. Another album I've never listened to in entirety before, but I'm very familiar with the main tunes. Deep, engrossing jams, heavily layered instrumentation, driving melodies that grab you and don't let go. I love it a lot.
Surprised to learn this was an english band. Definitely sounded american.
I didn't know Traffic, so this was actually a really good find.
Bardzo przyjemne. Dobre gitarowe brzmienie i hard rockowy śpiew
It’s very good, just not my preferred Traffic album. 3.5/5
4/5. Great instrumentation and each song stands on its own. Have no clue what every song honestly means, especially the title track, but hey it sounds good. It's like a soft jazz and rock album with some heavier moments throughout. Smooth singing but not perfect, great instrumentals.
I know this album well. Traffic was one of my favorite bands back in the day
It was pretty good. I had heard of traffic, but I had no idea they were this jazzy/bluesy.
Great album!
I was just about to write my review and thought I'd just have a quick look at what my friend wrote and it's 100% what I was thinking. --- I liked this a whole lot more than their self titled album. Has more character of its own. Might need to come back to this one for additional listens! Fave tracks - "Glad" and "Freedom Rider" are baller openers!
I liked this a whole lot more than their self titled album. Has more character of its own. Might need to come back to this one for additional listens! Fave tracks - "Glad" and "Freedom Rider" are baller openers!
Interesting ... once again a 70s band I did not know. Very nice 70s rock music. Like it!
Easy listening. A progressive jazz-rock fusion with one very folk rock song, 'John Barleycorn Must Die'.
This is one of those classic rock albums that I never got into. I listened to it over and over today. I think I get it now :) New favorite track: Glad. Standouts: Glad. John Barleycorn (Must Die), Freedom Rider. Empty Pages 4/5
Loved it. I’m a big rock and funk fan so this one was right on the money for me
8/10. Best traffic I've ever sat through
I'm not sure that Steve Winwood was really important enough to get this many albums on the list, but I haven't disliked any of them. This was a nice bit of boomer rock with some interesting instrumentations. 7/10
All over the place in a good way
Very peaceful album, listened to it around the fire late at night Top tracks: Stranger to Himself, Every Mother’s Son
Has echt gern gha! Es isch für mich anschienend nid so memorable welli mich nüme so genau dra chan erinnere woni gester gloset han aber glaub ich has sehr gern gha. 4.4/5 hani mer ufgschriebe gha
first listen some great prog rock
Folk-rock setentero. Me ha gustado. Un 4.
Decent. Pretty sure I've visited this before, it's been a regular on best albums polls in music magazines down the years anyway. I had forgotten the sound though, I was expecting more folky, and while there are definitely flutes, this is unquestionably rocking. The sax refrain in Freedom Rider is delicious. Empty pages seems to be a cross between Peter Gabriel and the riff from Aretha's Knew You Were Waiting For Me. John Barleycorn the song itself is what I was expecting from this in truth. I could take or leave the final track. Not massively my thing but it was good enough while it was on.
jazzy vibes with folk?
Great composition and playing, but the flute is a little much
Very listenable with the exception of the title track.
Excellent album
Great instrumental to start the album, great use of the organ and keyboard throughout. Jazzy progressions with blues influenced solos. 4.5 but could’ve been 5
The first song was the intro to a 80s sitcom that never stops introducing characters for 7 minutes. Quite repetitive and way too long. However the music throughout this album is enjoyable to listen to. John Barleycorn slaps. Think of this as a tasteful blend of folk and jazz. 7/10
This was really really great
Great reunion story. This bands best works are "Low Spark" and "Barleycorn", both produced after a disbanding and permanent exit by the talented Dave Mason. This isn't bluesy as it is jazz-rock psych-folk.
Really like the blend of jazz, folk, and soft rock on this album, was jamming to it as I got ready this morning. Solid 4/5
Nice, good for background and melancholy
First time I actually listened to any of their stuff, although I'd heard of Traffic before. I can see where they got their status from.
Really good album this one
Another great album that could be considered proto prog with lots of psychedelic and folksy element - but without going too much over the top.
This went pretty hard ngl. They were murdering those keys
Pretty generic folk from the 70's but it's pretty good for all that. Easy to listen to and pleasant.
With some irony, I've now listened to/reviewed Muddy Waters, Derek & the Dominos, and Traffic back-to-back-to-back. I'm fully absorbed into the blues world and their influences on classic rock, especially on friends Clapton and Winwood. They also explore other traditional sounds, but instead of American roots rock (like Derek & the Dominos), we have historical English folk influence, such as the traditional title song.
Wow, I liked this a lot more than I expected. Traffic was never that popular, this album had one "hit" (that peaked at #76), and even Spotify's writeup says "Traffic was just a holding vehicle for Steve Winwood." But I really like this. I even listened to it twice (which is easier when it's only 34 minutes :). On the other hand, should I hear this before I die? Not sure. But I'd give it at least 3.5 stars. I'll be generous and round up.
A beautiful album. Steve Winwood's vocals are perfect as usual.
AJ: “Glad” I checked this out. There’s jams! They’re a real good band. There’s flutes! Weirdos.
Boy, I haven't listened to this in ages. Better than I remembered it. Lots of hooks. Great bass playing throughout. Overall, a solid set that doesn't overstay its welcome. Is it something you need to hear before you die? Perhaps not. But that's not Traffic's fault.
Pretty solid
Ended up having to be surprised by how good this album is. Have some fucking confidence when it comes to your album art, lads. A stamp on the side of a cardboard sleeve isn't gonna cut it, come on. I can feel the creativity and love you have here. A record with soulful woodwinds, buzzing organ and ties to old folk roots despite diving head-long into the then-future of prog deserves a much better visual presentation. I'd give it a half-star more if they didn't phone it in. 3.5/5.
He did not die in vain
I really enjoyed this. It wasn’t 5 star material, but it was really close to being.
So they have proclaimed so shall it be. RIP my guy (3.5/5)
Oh, here's one of those albums that is 'tasteful' with a capital 't'. A bunch of Brit musos, including the ageless Steve Winwood, playing a heady combo of soulful rock and pastoral folk. Organs provide heft, pianos twinkle and there's even a spot of jazz flute to keep us enthralled. And you know what? I fucking love it. Didn't have to play this bad boy off a streaming service because, of course, I own a physical copy. Of course. Do I like to slap this on the stereo, sit back in a recliner (single malt to hand), and stroke my beard in reverential contemplation? I couldn't possibly say! The only wrinkle is that there's an alternate take of 'John Barleycorn' that is woodsier, looser and far superior to the cut that ended up on this album. No worries; 'Stranger to Himself' and 'Every Mother's Son' are superlative classic rock. I once caught Winwood live, supporting Steely Dan. He looked great, sang like his 1960s records, played keyboards and guitar with great adroitness, and then joined 'the Dan' to sing 'Pretzel Logic'. Disgusting, really.
Enjoyable folky soul
It’s a fun rock album with jazz influence. I usually don’t like songs that are very instrumental, but this was interesting to listen to. 4/5
Great! I enjoyed this a lot.
Okay, this might be one of my favourites thus far! I listened some Traffic and Steve Winwood already. But this record, blew me away! Incredible performance of the whole band. They sound almost like Roxy Music at times, albeit a bit more prog maybe! Amazing band! 9 out of 10
The instrumental first track is off to a great start. I could imagine this as a musical score, and by the time the vocals start on the second track you are absorbed into the music and ready for action. The flute and bass really drive the funk train out of the station and by the time we get to Empty Pages, that train is chuggin’ along. I absolutely love the keys blending in with the walking accompaniment. The flute sticks around as the electric guitar is traded for acoustic and the yelling fades to lullabies, a welcomed bit of continuity. The album unfortunately putters out from here and the funk gives way to a bluesy resolution, which they do well enough, just not as quite as good as the magical funk factory presented at first. I dig the organ work, contrary to others’ opinions. I think it adds some depth to the whole thing. First 3 songs are Jamz.
I liked it! It was really bluesy but also really mellow. It reminded me of Led Zeppelin, but somewhat less intense, Zepp can get very intense at times. Favorite song: freedom rider, for the sax solo.
I've listened to Traffic in the past and for the most part enjoyed their music. First time listening to John Barleycorn Must Die and I must say I liked it and surprised by the amazing musicianship. There is lots to like with a very cool jazzy-rock fusion sound with nice piano and flute bits something I didn't appreciate in my younger days. I've always liked Steve Winwood voice who can make anything sound good and he's in good form on this album. This will lead me to listen to more Traffic records.
This one took me by surprise. The first half was on course for 5 stars, with the jazzy organ and flute combo. I think I knew Steve Winwood was in Traffic but didn’t quite track his trajectory. I like his 80s yacht rock, and this is just as tight but much more real and organic. It lost the momentum for me on the second side and settled down to more of the standard ‘71 folk shit that this list is flooded with. Still a solid 4 stars though.
opening two tracks are amazing. the rest is okay
Honestly very good album. Knew nothing of these guys. Want to listen to it more. For 1970 felt like they were ahead of their time.
Saved Empty Pages. This is good, rooted, headbobbing rock and roll.
ALBUM RATING: 4.0 ALBUM GRADE: B+ TRACK RATINGS: 1. Glad - 4.5 2. Freedom Rider - 4.5 3. Empty Pages - 3.0 4. Stranger to Himself - 3.5 5. John Barleycorn - 5.0 6. Every Mother’s Son - 3.0
The most "professional" sounding (for lack of a better word) Traffic record at this point. As much as I love the Dave Mason era it shows they didn't need him to make a great record. The way Winwood and Co. meld blues, jazz and folk was definitely one of a kind.
vibe
John Barleycorn has 6 minutes 20 seconds left to die. If I'm gonna die, I would like to be played this song to. This song hit me right at the first listening. And after the closing track which came right after the title track ended, I knew I wasn't be deceived because the LP finished our experience by a true emotional song, not a filler or kinda. I don't have to skip any second at all, though not all of these are absolutely excellent Fav track: John Barleycorn (Must Die)
The piano, organ, flute, Steve Winwood's high-pitch soulful vocals and the mostly absent electric guitar give the LP a light flavour, but not in a bad way. I like the jazz and folk influences. I'd prefer a little less jammin' and a couple more songs but, hey it's 1970. The title track sounds a bit out of place, being a traditional folk song, but it's nice. I'm now doing a deep dive into Steve Winwood, from The Spencer Davis Group to Blind Faith, so I thank 1001 for that.
Great record. Love me some traffic.
Really easy listen, great rhythm and nice vocals. Can draw parallels with a few other bands from the same era which is great. Would listen again now and then but wouldn't rush back so doesn't get 5 stars for that reason
Like a phoenix reemerging from the ashes, Traffic returned with John Barleycorn Must Die, an album that allowed them to indulge in their more expressive musical tendencies without any need for kowtowing to the conveyor belt. Despite the album title lending some sort of potential rock opera wrangling, its initial six song (or eight song) tracklist forsakes any sort of storytelling (aside from the title track) and its noodling is pared down to rather for-the-sake-of-the-song structuring. Overall, a really good album that doesn't overstay its welcome. Favorites: Glad, Freedom Rider, Empty Pages, Stranger to Himself, John Barleycorn Must Die, Every Mother's Son.
PREFS : Glad, Freedom Rider, Empty Pages, Every Mother's Son MOINS PREF : Stranger to Himself
Some classic tracks, some meh. Winwood was so good.
Great jazz fusion with some funk and soul elements. Steve Winwood’s vocals are on point as always. Possibly Traffic’s best record?
I'd never heard a Traffic song before. Pleasantly surprised!
Seems ok
I think Traffic was pretty much a Steve Winwood solo project at this point. Thankfully, Stevie is pretty damn proficient at his craft. He even plays most of the instruments here with the general exception being Jim Capaldi on drums. Love the 2 opening tracks. Really the only critique is Stevie's lead guitar playing (I think it was on Empty Pages). It does the job, but I can't help but think it could be better. 7.5/10
Cute folk record. LOVED the instrumentals and I love how odd the lyrics are in some spots, I also rlly liked how groovy it can be. Maybe the songs could've been cut a bit shorter, as the instrumentals don't really change much during the duration of the tracks but I think that as a more background record it is extremely enjoyable. I had to do an essay for school and I did a lot of progress on it on my second time listening to it, so thanks for that. FAV SONG: Glad LEAST FAV SONG: John Barleycorn EASY8/10
No és un disc fàcil d'escoltar, però és un d'aquells treballs que va creixent dins teu fins fer-se indispensable. Temes llargs, barrejant psicodèlia, rock i moments de jazz i folk. La maestria musical dels tres components i la màgica veu de Winwood l'eleven encara més enllà
Solid jazz influenced psych rock. A band I need to spend more time with.
This is good, really good in places. Freedom Rider and Stranger to Himself are quality.
This is great. Kinda reminded me of a less funky version of the Average White Band. The second half (live album) was really nice too. 'Freedom Rider' is smooth & the acoustic guitar work on the title track is cool as hell.
Traffic's fourth album is more jam-rock oriented and stylistically it is more jazz fusion and blues influenced than their previous works. Winwood's singing stands out.
I love Traffic but haven't listened to them in quite a while. This is a great album, definitely on the forefront of the progressive rock movement. I'm left wondering though, what did poor John Barleycorn do to make these three men treat him so poorly? 4 stars.
Solid album with lots nice tunes. Mixes well pastoral folk to art rock. Especially liked the opener "Glad" and the songs "Empty Pages" and "John Barleycorn". Short and sweet. I did not like the blues track "Stranger to himself though". Steve Winwood. 8,3/10
Started with the deluxe album by mistake. Still good, really enjoyed this one. Gotta love a 6 song 35 minute album 4.25/5
Terrific and understated. Groovy and thoughtful and has proven quite durable in that it still sounds great.
Enjoyed.
Very solid album all the way through. Reminds me a lot of Allman Brothers.
Another great album from back when I was alive. Can be listened to any time if the day. More appreciative of the instrumentals now that I am older
A boost of serotonin in musical form. I will definitely be adding Empty Pages to my feel good playlist. I was shocked to find out that the lead singer of Traffic (Steve Winwood) is the same person who made the song Valerie.
Really nice record, very calm and tasteful for a peaceful and overwhelming experience.
A slightly more rock version of English folk music evolved than Fairport Convention, with a dash of soul from Steve Windwood’s vocals. Pretty good stuff!
A standard early prog rock album from 1970. The instrumentation is what you would expect from an album like this, besides perhaps the title track, which is a lovely folk ballad driven by an acoustic guitar. It is ironically probably the highlight of the album. All in all, its a really solid record. FAVORITE SONGS: - Stranger To Himself - John Barleycorn (Must Die) 3.75/5
Traffic has a knack for making rich, textured music that is also incredibly warm and effortless sounding. The band's musical sensibilities cover a broad range, encompassing rock, jazz and folk in ways that are quite unique. I can't really think of another band that sounds quite like this. This album as a whole is solid, with several classic Traffic songs on it. The band's musicianship is spot on, with Steve Winwood's soulful vocal elevating everything to the next level. I do have to be in the right mood to listen to this kind of music, but it's really excellent. Fave Songs: Empty Pages, Freedom Rider, Every Mother's Son, Glad, John Barleycorn
nice
très sympa et plutôt concis
Turned on to this by my dorm roommate sophomore year of college, 1989. I love this album! 4.5
4.5
Folk-rock setentero. Me ha gustado. Un 4.
4. Solid album with some good tracks. Standouts: Glad, Empty Pages, Stranger to Himself, John Barleycorn.
Woke up wanting to listen to that album again. That's a good sign. Oh yeah and there's some tasty organ in there.
This album is like a big fondue of folk, psych, prog and jazz-rock. The result is eclectic and rambling, but certainly tasty. Great album!
bit confused by how many versions of the same songs are on here, but this is full of bangers
Good stuff. Trippy.
Chillig
Really enjoyed this so I’m going to be generous and give 4*
Mix of rock, blues and even country? Nice and short listen.
Groovy!
Pretty standard but unremarkable classic rock feel
Giving Jethro a run for their money with all that flute.
Sweet album. Nice to hear it all at once
Jazz flute and saxophone solos and STILL it's a solid 4 for me. I'm even sure who I am anymore. All I can say is that everything else is just so solid that the flute and saxophone can be overlooked for the most part. In fact, if "Freedom Rider" just didn't exist, this would be a 5-star album. Every song is its own unique vibe which is interesting in part because the album is only 6 tracks long. Much more and the novelty would wear thin. But, for 34 minutes, I can hang with the changes.
J'ai bien aimé, surtout la partie avec les bongo là. Et j'ai tellement aimé j'ai écouté d'autres chansons et au final je crois je préfère les autres albums, un peu moins calmes.
This was way more awesome than I expected it to be. It's got that Jethro Tull/Kansas kind of prog feel with a lot of piano parts, and the songs do not follow that radio rock "verse, verse, chorus, verse, chorus, bridge, chorus outro" formula, and instead meander and weave, different instruments and volumes and layering that really explores the sonic space.
Not familiar with this album at all, but the first track grabbed my attention immediately and I was excited to here what the rest sounded like. I liked it, but some of the later tracks paled in comparison to the others for me.
Rock
I saw the year, the cover and read "english rock band" and thought "oh no". You know what? I actually enjoyed this. Very musical and listenable. Jazzy, folk influences. Good discovery.
Love the jazz influences throughout the album, I especially love the first two songs
Still fresh. Liked it.
Title track is the best track. Went in with a bit of trepidation thinking it might be a bit generic late 60s early 70s rock (there is a chunk of that in the book), but this one has some love put into it.
one of the albums that makes u happy when u hear it but then u hear the sad lyrics overcoated by the sweet sounding music. loved the tracks stranger to himself, john barleycorn, glad, empty pages.
That instant at the beginning when the tapping starts. Do you remember where you were the first time you heard it? I definitely do. It was a crazy time in town. They said in the summer of '91 some of the local kids were going nuts (wasn't me), staying up late and doing wild things. Lock your doors at night they were saying. And that muted trumpet and the tonguing of the sax that emerges full on is all *yeah*. It occurs to me that this is possibly the only flute album besides Carlos Nakai that I like. It occurs to me that Empty Pages is a straight up JAM! All of disk 1 reminiscent of some kids and their wild days of footloose and fancy free (certainly not me). Disk 2 jumps right in there with that little Greg Allman style riff and takes off from there. The second version of JBMD is the better of the two and it is amazing. Solid folk and a lot of finger picking too. Medicated Goo is a definitive low point. And the second disk does drop off a good bit, but it's not enough to negate the accomplishment of the first disk. This is a significant and important album that was the soundtrack of a lot of wild shenanigans (definitely not mine).
This album was a lot of fun, I wish it was longer
Wasn’t in the mood for whatever this was but could appreciate the diverse instrumentals. Will give it another listen later
Great bass playing. Love the Organ. The intro track was a bit of a Jerk-off. Not sure why they would stick that upfront.
Now this is a JAM
Liked this. Less pastoral and more groovy than expected. That's what you get with Steve Winwood at the helm, I guess!
Really enjoyed it despite the horrible sax tone ;)
First things first, isn't the title just brilliant. Went in wondering if this would be folk or metal, so imagine my surprise when I got jazz-funk. It then goes to a whole bunch of different places (including folk). While I didn't fall in love with any tracks, the album as a whole was a pleasant experience. Was it because I was playing with cats while listening to it, or is it just rather good? I don't know.
Ahead of its time.
Good. I liked it. 4\5
I was expecting folk but I got funky 60s/70s real r&b with a hint of prog. Excellent piano/keys from Stevie Winwood. Very good grooving rhythms. A great surprise.
This feels like a live album. So jam oriented. I'm a huge fan of the writing, it's really amazing. Very jazzy. Good shit.
This is how you do prog rock. Lots of Jazz influence, and it's very well incorporated into the sound. The songs are long, allowing for extended instrumental sessions and really letting the players prowess shine. I am always a fan of a good Hammond in a rock album and the flute solo on Freedom Rider is everything. I never felt anything to drag on, and indeed found myself wishing for more by the end. I give this a very strong 4.5, didn't quite tip into perfection, but will be very happy to listen to this again and again. Fav Tracks: Freedom Rider, Stranger to Himself, Every Mother's Son
Enjoyable album, good music, would listen again
Really cool, really eclectic. Funky instrumentals, psychedelic, folk, jazz, blues. Not sure if it works cohesively but every song was great on its own.
I like these guys. A couple of these songs were gems, a couple weren't. The rest was a good listen.
gott stuff
A jazz folk rock explosion that I found rather enjoyable
Pretty good - clearly enjoy a jam jazz rock folk album or two. One track added to the roster
“Psychedelic rock” albums don’t usually do it for me but man, I thought this was a good album. The use of so many different instruments (I heard harpsichord and some brass!) along with cool harmonies, I genuinely enjoyed this.
I love prog rock, a true amalgamation of all different types of music, this is a straight jazz rock classic and I don't care what anyone says!
A classy if brief album, bursting with classy jams from that slightly mystical time when British acts were inspired by folk music of the past but pushing into prog rock of the future. Maybe the pure folk stylings aren’t quite as enjoyable as the energy of the opening tracks Glad and Freedom Rider but an impressive record overall. Nod along.
Oh this is interesting stuff. Stevie Winwood does English folk with funk, blues, jazz, not blended all together but bit by bit. Freedom Fighter is a great track. I'm sure the album comes under 'let's pretend this influenced me' by modern pretentious musicians. Good listen though.
really great stuff.
È un album strano, ineffabile. Però mi piace!
This album would be a great listen on a summer day chillin’ in the yard with friends around grilling burgers and such.
This album is really underrated, I hadn't heard of it before! The performances are sooo smooth and infectious, they're amazing!
A weird combination of genres, seems like it goes between pop, folk and prog rock numerous times throughout the album. Yet none of the switches in sound are jarring. I get a ELO and Jethro Tull vibe mostly. "Freedom Rider" and "John Barleycorn (Must Die)" my favourite songs on the album.
Love this
Приятные вкрапления фолка
I have this album on vinyl... had no idea it was Steve Winwood!
Sounds like dozing in the barn on a late Summer day. 3.5
a nice mix of jazz and rock 4/5
This album has quite a lot going for it, but also has a couple of point in which it could be a lot better. It's pretty nice classic prog rock with jazz and folk elements. For that I'd like to give it a 3.5 but will round it up because I did quite enjoy it. But the vocals could definitely be a lot better and don't do the instrumentation justice. Also, the mixing is pretty weak. All of the instruments would benefit from a fuller sound, especially the guitars. If those two issues were resolved this could be a 5-star album.
Un disco de 34 minutos y seis canciones, que mezcla el rock con elementos del soul, e incluso del jazz, confeccionado por una banda británica. John Barleycorn Must Die empieza fuerte ("Glad" es mi favorita del disco), con un tremendo groove y con vocals distorsionados. Por esta canción pensé que el álbum iba a ser algo diferente a lo que en realidad es, pese a que igualmente es muy disfrutable. A pesar de las buenas canciones que contiene el disco, cuesta encontrar algo refrescante en las letras o en la música de Traffic, ya que en ocasiones puede sonar a un refrito de Marvin Gaye. Buenos órganos, buenos pianos, buenas flautitas, buenos jams, pero no mucha originalidad . Si pudiera dar una nota exacta sería 3.5, asi que le pondre un 4.
really liked this, had no idea what to expect, thought it was a jazz record at the start!
this was a very fun album. Traffic is clearly very skilled muscailly. The tone of some of the songs on the album was very much like the Battle of Evermore by Led Zeppelin for me which I have a huge soft spot for.
220324 17:23 4
No idea what to expect going into this one, but I quite enjoyed it. Some cool old-school rock, sometimes nearing psychedelia. Plenty of unexpected instruments and styles, especially the title track. Really loved that old folksy dirge. One of the better left-field British rock albums that this list has put in front of us. RIP to John Barleycorn but I'm different. Favorite tracks: John Barleycorn Must Die, Freedom Rider, Empty Pages. Album art: Very simple drawing, but I don't really mind it. It adds to the folk aesthetic, though I wish that aesthetic were a bit more consistent in the music. 4/5
Classic
Great rock album with different sounds. Felt like listening to a jam session
Could've been a 5 if it stuck to jazz
Just started to get into it and then it ended.
not exactly a high point for winwood or traffic so it's another weird addition to this book. this album was winwood trying to figure out what to do after blind faith broke up so he went off to write a solo album that somehow turned into a traffic album minus their guitarist. most of the better tracks on the album just seem like the byproduct of a bunch of weed and acid and just having a great time jamming, and i'm here for that. then there's the weird dabbling with american folk rock that doesn't really click. weird album made weirdly but a real good jam
You know how sometimes you forget about artists and albums. How much you enjoy them or it? Case in point Traffic and their wonderful album; John Barleycorn Must Die. Was anyone else quite sounding like Traffic in the 70s, with their jazzy vibe ? Sax sometimes taking the part of guitar like on album opener, Glad. And of course the title track is just gorgeous - what a beautiful melody. I love this album and I'm happy the 1001 albums led me back to give it alisten...(I actually listened twice). 4 stars
Really enjoyable electric rock, spanning multiple styles from folk to blues with a hint of psychedelic in there. The weakest track is probably the title one, as I don't think they nail folk properly, but the rest more than makes up for it.
This was close to getting the 0 to 5 star treatment.
Not a bad track on the album. Great musicianship vocals and lyrics.
4.5
Weiß gar nicht, wie ich das hier einordnen soll. Big Band Soul Folk?! Aber unterschätze sie nicht, denn wenn der Gang mal rausgenommen, offenbart sich eine hypnotische, ja jazzig-fieberträumende Schönheit. In diesem Zusammenhang werde ich auch immer wieder ungläubig die totale Run Time checken, denn 34 Minuten dehnen sich, krümmen sich zu etwas längerem, aber zur Abwechslung mal im positiven Sinne. Als hätten die Songs und Instrumental Tracks eine Tiefe, die eine 5 Minuten Einheit locker bläht, ausstaffiert, ausfüllt. Schöne Entdeckung eines Kleinods, das vom Genre wohl gar nicht ganz meins ist. 3.7
There are some albums that, like Electric Ladyland or Remain in Light, if someone tried to tell they were lame, I'd say \"Sorry, bro, you're just wrong. Get the wax out of your ears.\" John Barleycorn Must Die is not one of those. JBMD is a little hard for me to review dispassionately because it was one of my favorite albums when I was ten years old. I still like it, but I'm willing to admit to its shortcomings. Conceptually, I think it's fantastic. Gone is the psychedelia of the first two albums and in it's place is a sophisticated mixture of R&B, pop, rock, jazz, folk, and even a little avant guarde. You'd think that would be a mess, but the group manages to combine these genres seamlessly. That's largely due to excellent songwriting and canny arrangements. And that's where the group successfully hides its most glaring weakness--these musicians are not technically that great, which is a problem when you're trying to incorporate jazz or avant guarde, both of which require a high level of skill to be successful. They get around that with tightly written sections with minimal free playing, just enough to get the feeling of jazz and avant guarde. As an older listener, I can tell when they're faking it, and I'm both amused and tolerant. Others might be less generous about the vamping and weak solos. But to me, the most important thing is that they got the feel right. That's better than a great jazz player trying to play rock or R&B and getting the feel wrong, for example Joe Farrell and his album Upon This Rock.
😎
Funky!
This album has a whole lot of genre-bending, which is even more impressive when you consider that it only has 6 tracks. Each song stakes out a slightly different corner in the jazz-blues-prog rock-English folk tapestry that is Traffic. Good stuff. Best track: Every Mother's Son
Nice but not more
Pleasant country/folk jams. (7/10) Favorite Tracks : Freedom Rider
My dad had been telling me to listen to this band for YEARS. Kinda like a rootsy prog rock band. Pretty cool!
4/5 Nice album, good sound
7/10
-first song started off really strong and original -became sort of regular 70's rock -still very good