Scott 2

Scott 2 by Scott Walker (1968) For those of you who would dismiss this as ‘elevator music’, I should warn you that if you and I heard this in an elevator, I would press the Emergency Stop and ask you to be quiet for a minute and just listen. Scott Walker is a pop crooner with an actual brain. As a lyricist, he is poetic and insightful, like a cross between Jacques Brel and T.S. Eliot. (In fact, three of Brel’s well-chosen songs are included among these twelve tracks: “Jackie”, “Next”, and “The Girls and the Dogs”). Walker’s four original songs (“The Amorous Humphrey Plugg”, “The Girls from the Streets”, “Plastic Palace People“, and “The Bridge”) are likewise dark, brooding, fearless, and entrancing, expressed in poetic lines that, like those of Eliot, take punctuated and unexpected images and resolve them with lucidity from the shadows, as it were. Walker explores a decadent world populated by equally decadent characters and emerges with a fuller embrace of humanity, with all its internal tensions and moral disappointments. All twelve of the songs on this album are thoughtful and visually dramatic. “The Girls and the Dogs” is a simply delightful song, delightfully sung. I won’t spoil it for you. Musically, Walker delivers these well crafted melodies in a pleasing, not-too-deep baritone. He lacks the chops of a Sinatra, Bennett, Como, Crosby (Bing, not David), Martin, Tormé, Williams, or (I must include) Harry Nilsson. But he succeeds in the vocal heavy lifting nonetheless. Tom Jones surely wished he could have been this good (while still raking in the cash, the airplay, and the tossed panties). Scott Walker is backed by orchestra on this record, yet not in a typical Burt Bacharach or Henry Mancini style (although Walker covers one song from each of these composers on Scott 2). His arrangers step away from the piano-heavy Bacharach approach and the strings-heavy Mancini technique, and instead provide orchestration that celebrates soulful horns and seductive guitar. It’s beautiful music, even if it fails to capture 21st century ears. Listen to this album and tell me which track was banned by the BBC. 4/5

How bout NO, Scott.

This sounds a lot more like movie music than like album music just by virtue of being so dramatic. Despite or maybe because it is so dramatic, I quite like it. Scott has a great voice and the songs are very soothing.

what a bullshit

It’s like your misogynistic skeevy uncle in a chat room. Ick.

Don't even know what to say. Weird energy but I liked it?

Sir, a second Scott Walker album has hit this list

Definitely a classic musician I haven't given enough attention. Scott has a killer voice and the string accompaniments here are absolutely stunning.

It’s very 60’s, incredible voice, very cinematic voice and the arranged, orchestrated instrument is very lavish and grand. Some weird story lyrics. I really enjoyed this top to bottom. Was kinda casually listening to it, so I'll have to come back later for my favorite tracks and a more in depth listen, but I thought every track on first listen was great. Voice never got old, felt like it had a lot of weight and emotion to it.

They're nice enough songs. I think this pompous theatrical style of pop is too stuffy for me. While everything here is competently done, the artistic expression on display feels like style over substance. Scott Walker's singing feels more like an act, making the whole album ring hallow. I would rather a sloppy album with personality than a well-crafted one that's bland.

Huh. I realized that I recognize the name Scott Walker from the Vox Lux score (and the fact that he died recently), but I thought this might be a completely different person. The music is like a combination of Tom Jones the singer and Tom Jones the awful movie. It's funny that he sings things like "stupid-ass" but the delivery is painfully bland. Very risque lyrically, but far from risky sonically. This old style of pop music has aged like milk. Listen to the Vox Lux score to hear how a guy can really turn his life around. Favorite songs: Black Sheep Boy. Album art: Not terrible, but not very interesting either. I like the font and color choice for the title. The picture is decent, as far as artist pictures go, but it's boring. I guess that fits the album. 1/5

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this. Kind if a showtune-y vibe.

Wow! This is the most magnificent thing I have ever heard in my life! Wow! Love!

My feelings about this one swing wildly from love it to hate it and back again. These songs are cinematic and epic and total cornball. But somehow it all works and I'm closer to love it than not. The Jacques Brel covers in particular sound just right coming from Walker.

Exciting, unexpected entertaining

Respect for a traditional crooner/heartthrob going rogue and making some really offbeat stuff. I can see how he influenced and gained the respect of some more iconoclastic artists like Bowie, Thom Yorke, Marc Almond, etc. But to be honest the music is not for me and has too much of a musical theater quality to it.

Three weeks ago I head the pleasure of discovering this extraordinary artist thanks to this list and Scott 4. From the first notes of the cinematic “Jackie” to the last notes of the lush “Come Next Spring” - I love this album even more! I have another new favorite artist! Scott knows how to deliver these incredible orchestration-powered songs - as a former French horn player I can’t help but love their prominence on this album. I love this album so much I listened to in three times in a row without stopping… followed by three more listens later in the day. The storytelling on these songs is incredible. The songs deal with real life in sometimes jolting ways. These surprising moments drew me in more. The songs are beautifully poetic sending me to so many different places - absolutely wonderful! I see that Scott Walker’s most recent album is from 2016. I’m so excited to have 50 years of Scott Walker to explore. Just a few notable items: “If I could be for just one little hour, a cute cute, in a stupid-ass way.” - Jackie The incredible strings accentuating “The best of both worlds, make your pick Amanda…” - Best of Both Worlds “If you love me let me live in peace and please understand, that a black sheep can wear a Golden Fleece and hold a winning hand.” - Black Sheep Boy “Oh to die of kisses, Ecstasies and charms, Pavements of poets will write that I died in nine angel’s arms tonight” - The Amorous Humphrey Plugg “I swear on the wet head of my first case of gonhorrhea…” - Next “Plastic palace Alice, She steals her cards tomorrow deals with deafening despair” - Plastic Palace People “The cheerless day may bring us little dreams that seem to miss their mark but, oh, my darling, wait until dark” - Wait Until Dark (*swoon*)

My favorite Scott Walker album, love every song on this album. The flamenco-esque influences on some songs are dope, nice and upbeat, just fantastic.

The first 4 Scott albums are pretty hard to beat in therms of theatrics and baroque pop uniqueness. This album has basically every instrument you can think of on it and some you didn’t. The lyrics are interesting (if not controversial) which makes this record deeply layered and fun to relisten to. I still think I like Scott 3 better, but this one is good too. Favorite track: Jackie Least favorite track: The Bridge

The borrowed line “whenever rain appears/it’s really angel tears” should be a mawkish splat, but Walker lets it pass like the regretful afterthought of a minor god. He had something, a certain laconic intensity that is both exciting and fatalistic. I knew a handful of songs from this from compilation - Julian Cope’s most likely, and those hit me harder today than they did ten or twenty years back when I first heard them. The preponderance of covers, especially the heavy lean on Brel, suggests was just thrown out, a sketch on the run, which I like; the rich arrangements are camouflage (and there are some interesting BBC arrangers contributing to this, worth following up) - the dude was shooting on the move.

I don't know how to rate this... At first I was put off by another "crooner record" (and the Phil Spector wall of sound) but then halfway through "Jackie" the lyrics caught my ear and I had multiple double-takes. Then "Next" comes in and it is clear that this isn't Tony Bennett: these Jacques Brel songs have something interesting to offer. Overall it's the type of thing I'm hoping to encounter on this list: something I've never heard of, something outside my usual listening, and something that, on reflection, was probably groundbreaking and influential.

Three years since I listened to the quartet properly, and I knew I would love Scott 2 standing by itself. It's a nearly perfect night-out album, with Walker pushing the boundaries while remaining eminently listenable. Basically the good version of the Dion record I heard yesterday. Spectacularity is inconsistent, as it maybe must be. But pop Scott Walker and weird Scott Walker are all worth listening to, preferably in big blocks.

Heerlijk, wat een stem. Wat een bijzonder tekst bij "the girls and the dogs"

is this what it means to be a theater kid?

Scott 2 deserves 2 stars. Boring. I would rather see a movie than listen to it

This album is poetic and cheesy and hilarious and baroque and misogynist and original. The lyrics undoubtedly represent the experiences of a particular generation of men. However this means it hasn't aged very well - today it feels a bit like Ron Burgundy sings Sinatra.

I get that he has a good voice, and that in 1967/1968 this career path was a bit unusual (Harry Styles sings Wagner?) but the MOR (plodding) production coupled with the somewhat unpleasant nature of the Brel songs in particular (and their hectoring delivery) just makes for a smarmy mess that I really have no desire to listen to, despite the alleged quality of it all. Sorry!

Could've died without hearing this shit

I am trying to determine if I actively dislike this album, or if am just indifferent to it. Seems like a 1 if that is my thought process.

Hmmm. Usually I would give an album two stars if I don't like it but the music is inoffensive enough that I can sit through it. Although I did sit through this, and not want to rip my ears off, it was pretty bland and there are some other features that have really annoyed me about it. Firstly, how very fucking unoriginal to name your album after your first name, and not only that, this is Scott 2, the sequel to Scott as I later discovered, and furthermore the precursor to Scott 3 and Scott 4. The lyrics verge from the soppy to the downright misogynistic. I also later found out Walker was English, so even more unforgivable is his use of 'ass' rather than 'arse' (get it right if you must). On a more charitable day this would be a 2, but fuck you Scott, here's another 1 star review

I don't understand what is good about this.

This record confirms how I’ve summed up Scott Walker: he’s Sinatra if Ol’ Blue Eyes had a habit of spiking his Jack Daniel’s with LSD. What a great sounding, wild and weird album this is. Scott’s vocal performance is outstanding, the stories in the songs are bonkers, and it’s filled to the brim with odd and interesting baroque music that’s unlike much else. Jackie is a killer opener, and every song thereafter is great.

Scott Walker's Scott 2 is a magnificent showcase of his artistry, blending an unparalleled ability to interpret songs with his original compositions. Released in 1968, this album solidifies Walker's status as a formidable singer-songwriter, capable of transcending the boundaries of popular music. From the very first track, Walker's baritone voice grips the listener with a deep emotional resonance. His performance, whether on covers or original pieces, is nothing short of mesmerizing. He brings a dramatic flair to each song, infusing them with poignancy and an intense sense of longing. The way he navigates the complex emotions of tracks like “The Girls from Ipanema” showcases his skill as an interpreter, breathing new life into classic songs while maintaining their core essence. When it comes to his own work, Walker's songwriting shines with a lyrical depth that is romantic to the extreme. Tracks like “It’s Raining Today” encapsulate themes of love and loss, wrapped in stunning arrangements that highlight his vocal capabilities. His knack for storytelling, paired with lush orchestration, creates a dreamlike quality that draws the listener into his world. The rich instrumentation complements his voice perfectly, making each song not just a performance but an immersive experience. Scott 2 is infused with a pervasive sense of romance and melancholy. The production captures a classic sound that feels timeless, with lush strings and thoughtful arrangements enhancing the intimate lyrics. This album is not merely a collection of songs; it is a cohesive journey through the complexities of love, longing, and human connection. In conclusion, Scott 2 exemplifies the brilliance of Scott Walker as an artist. His ability to perform both covers and original music with such passionate intensity defines this album as an essential listen for anyone who appreciates the art of song. It stands as a testament to his unique talent, ultimately marking Scott 2 as a landmark record in the genre of romantic music.

Never heard it before. Insane.

Anything by Scott Walker is good

I actually love this so much. I was not prepared to like this at ALL. So melancholic, debaucherous, lustful, old-fashioned. Jacques Brel meets Frank Sinatra? I listened to it three times in a row and enjoyed it each time.

Just like Scott 4, a superclassic Scott Walker album (nothing to add).

Got me horny tho

Scott Walker was a Plastic Palace Person operating high above the heads of everyone else. That song itself is like a Fellini film for all of its themes of innocence and artificiality, and the idea of young Billy floating blissfully above the world calls to my mind the opening sequence of "Eight and a Half". My take is this: Walker's music, so seemingly thick with syrup, so overindulgent and ambitious, it at first appears to be reminiscent of the usual orchestral pop-shlock of the 60s, the types of records you might find in abundance at Goodwill these days; but listen again and you start to discover a dynamic very artistic aesthetic that could never be found with Bing Crosby or in the career of any other crooner who's ever existed. This is the strange and alluring magic of 1960s Scott Walker, a young man ahead of his contemporaries and unwilling to share their style at the risk of being misunderstood and labeled as unfashionable.

The clash between the voice and instrumentation and expected subject matter is such fun. Really marvelous.

I know the Breul covers, Jackie has been a favourite song for decades. Next is magnificent. But the originals are new to me and holy shit. Masterpiece. The Girls From The Streets is the perfect follow up to Next.

This is brilliant. Laugh out loud funny. It’s so stupid, the lyrics, the strings, the whole ridiculousness of it all.

Chamber pop at its finest.

Wow wow wow. What an album. Pop, baroque and weird combine in the most beautiful of ways. Also, the second cover of the same Jacques Brel song I've had in a week. This was the better version. Buying it. And soon.

This is absolutely my jam. Love it.

I've listened to this album before, about a year-and-a-half ago when my parter listened to it, and I remember being caught off guard by its quality, but otherwise forgetting most of the album, with only one or two tracks making it into my regular shuffle. However, re-visiting this album all this time later, I've heard far more that is obviously inspired by this record, such as The Divine Comedy, and I've in turn fallen in love with this style of music. The amateur-ish yet insanely captivating vocals, the questionable yet charming lyrics, and God those strings! The whole ensemble of instruments on this record in general is flawless, and makes the album what it is. Most of the songs are covers, and I feel that does help Scott Walker's serious case of "Huh?" lyrics, and I'd happily swoon over this album time and time again if it were only to enjoy each orchestral sweep, dive, and peak. Its an album that somehow displays raw emotion whilst feeling cold and distant, and I think the idea of a crooner in the late 60s matches this feeling perfectly. The style is dying out, the art of music is moving on, and yet something about this simple baroque pop record leaves a massive impact on me. If this is what I have waiting for me with the rest of Walker's material, but even better, then sign me up.

From the first few seconds on track one, I thought I was going to hate this...how wrong I was! I think it's the surprisingly perverse lyrics that keep popping up unexpectedly that is so entertaining. I love it!

Beautiful and a great cover of Next!!!

Unexpectedly enjoyable. There's some low reviews on here, but I'm not in agreeance with them. Whilst the songs can come across as a bit cheesy on first listen, they're full of interesting stories and characters. In fact, I was quite surprised by the directness in covering certain topics considering when the album was released. Didn't expect to like this as much as I did.

A great follow up to Scott, more complex songs, Scott walkers voice really shines in this one. The covers and Scott's original music form a fantastic whole, his songwriting in particular is very good. A very playful album, juvenile feelings delved deeply into

So very weird

Great album. Enjoyed will listen again

Loved it

a melancholy masterpiece, even at the time it was a towering achievement of a passing era

How goodly weird. "Next" was a fun listen. I imagine this album as something my art teacher would have playing in the classroom while students were working on projects or something. It's definitely something. It reminds me of Rocky Horror at some points, reminds me of Frank Sinatra at some points, reminds me of Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder) at some points. What a beautiful and strange album. What a weirdo! I love this. I'm keeping this one.

Yeah it's really good. Can't decide if this would be my pick of the 3 Scott albums before the masterpiece, but it's a worthy pick. Love all his Brel covers, but these are some of the dirtiest, in a grimy sense. Feel like you could catch something just listening to them, wonderful. The other covers are nice, Scotts original stuff is great. I would probably choose Scott 3, more of his original stuff.

Came very late in life to early Scott WAlker, and then there was a period when I listened to little else. The four first Scott albums are stunning and this one is possibly the finest.

Very enjoyable

pure joy

Glorious baroque pop with Walker’s fine, fine crooning voice. What must his Walker Brothers audience have made of this? An artist doing as he pleases, ignoring pop contention with full on orchestral, cinematic songs about dogs and girls from the street and mobile army whore houses. And kudos to Walker for championing the work of Jacques Brel, Belgium’s finest singer songwriter, bringing English translations of his incredible, majestic, poetic work. This is an album to luxuriate in, like a rich meal or a warm bath. Peerless.

This dude took an orchestra, a microphone, put them together and “cooked” as the kids say. You don’t hear this type of orchestral-pop-singing too often outside of the theater. And this dude NAILED it. For some reason kinda he reminds me of Barry Manilow. Not a bad thing. He did drop a soft f bomb in the song “Next” but I’ll forgive him. It was the 60s after all. It’s times like this when I really wish this website had decimals or a 10 star rating system because there were a couple songs that just didn’t get me going as much as I wish they had. Especially since the first song on the album hits you so hard it’s just a little disappointing to have those few mis-hits. 4.75/5 would be the ideal rating for this but fuck it. 5/5.

I always thought Scott Walker was like the Frank Sinatra for alt kids. And I mean that in the best ways. The vocals and orchestration pair extremely well here, but the experimental elements of the song writing, as subtle as they are, really elevates this album for me.

Never even heard of Scott Walker before this, had no idea what to expect. With a beautiful orchestra in the background and some amazing lyrics, not to mention Scott's amazing voice, this was a great listen! Dark and brooding, some crooning involved, but not in excess. Really enjoyed this! Saved tracks: Jackie, Black Sheep Boy, The Amorous Humphrey Plugg, Next, Windows Of The World

Brilliant album. Vibrato is a hit or miss for me but his is stunning. His resonance is notable too. Overall the production is also well balanced and pleasing.

very cool

so I listened to his first three albums and Scott: fucking amazing - 10/10 Looking Back With: Super fun, loved how he sounded like Judy Garland the whole time (if that was him singing, idk) - 10/10 Scott 2: I don’t know about this one, still really good but it had less creativity I still enjoyed it nonetheless. Like if Nick Cave wanted to make a Frank Sinatra type album, 9/10

Excellent "oude stijl" album met uitgebreide bezetting. Leuke melodieën, leuke of mooie teksten.

Great stylish, atmospheric baroque album that loses a bit of its' momentum towards the end. Easy to see why The Divine Comedy are fans.

good album

## In-Depth Review of *Scott 2* by Scott Walker *Scott 2*, released in 1968, is the second solo album by Scott Walker, a pivotal figure in the evolution of popular music. Building on the foundation laid by his debut album, *Scott*, this record showcases Walker's unique blend of lush orchestration, introspective lyrics, and a penchant for darker themes. This review will explore the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence while also highlighting its pros and cons. ### Lyrics ****Exploration of Themes The lyrics of *Scott 2* are characterized by their emotional complexity and often provocative content. Walker draws heavily from the works of Jacques Brel, whose songs frequently explore themes of love, loss, and existential despair. - **Jacques Brel Covers**: The album opens with "Jackie," a Brel cover that encapsulates a hedonistic lifestyle filled with drugs and desire. The lyrics reflect a yearning for innocence amidst decadence. Similarly, "Next" presents a raw narrative about sexual experiences that challenge societal norms. - **Original Compositions**: Walker's own tracks, such as "Plastic Palace People," blend surreal imagery with urban realism. The lyrics navigate the tension between beauty and decay, reflecting a world filled with disillusionment. - **Cinematic Quality**: Many songs possess a cinematic quality that evokes vivid imagery. For instance, "The Amorous Humphrey Plugg" captures the mundane yet poignant moments of everyday life. ### Music ****Musical Composition and Style Musically, *Scott 2* maintains the orchestral grandeur established in Walker's debut while introducing subtle variations that enhance its richness. - **Orchestration**: The album features lush arrangements dominated by strings, brass, and woodwinds. Tracks like "Wait Until Dark" and "Best of Both Worlds" exemplify this Baroque pop style, enveloping Walker’s baritone in a dramatic soundscape. - **Diverse Influences**: While rooted in classical instrumentation, the album also incorporates elements from other genres. For example, "Black Sheep Boy" introduces a country ballad feel with its acoustic guitar-driven melody. - **Vocal Performance**: Walker’s vocal delivery is one of the album's highlights. His ability to convey emotion through his voice adds depth to the already rich musical arrangements. ### Production ****Artistic Choices The production quality of *Scott 2* is notable for its meticulous attention to detail and lush soundscapes. - **Producer**: Produced by John Franz, who collaborated closely with Walker to create an immersive listening experience. The orchestral arrangements are carefully crafted to complement Walker's vocals without overshadowing them. - **Sound Engineering**: The album employs innovative sound engineering techniques for its time. The layering of instruments creates a full-bodied sound that enhances the emotional weight of the lyrics. ### Themes ****Recurring Motifs The thematic content of *Scott 2* delves into various motifs that reflect both personal and societal issues. - **Existentialism and Isolation**: Many songs grapple with feelings of isolation and existential dread. This is particularly evident in tracks like "Plastic Palace People," where urban life is portrayed as both alluring and suffocating. - **Love and Despair**: Love is depicted not just as romantic but also as a source of pain and longing. Walker’s interpretations often reveal the darker sides of human relationships. - **Social Commentary**: Through Brel’s works and his own compositions, Walker addresses social issues such as sexuality and moral decay, often challenging listeners to confront uncomfortable truths about society. ### Influence ****Impact on Music *Scott 2* has had a lasting impact on artists across genres due to its innovative approach to songwriting and production. - **Influence on Future Artists**: Walker's work has inspired numerous musicians ranging from David Bowie to Radiohead. His blending of orchestral elements with popular music paved the way for future experimental artists. - **Cultural Legacy**: The album is often cited as a significant entry in the canon of 1960s art pop. Its willingness to tackle complex themes within a popular music framework has influenced generations of songwriters. ### Pros and Cons ****Strengths - **Lyrical Depth**: The album's exploration of complex themes through poetic lyrics is one of its greatest strengths. - **Vocal Mastery**: Walker’s vocal performance is powerful and emotive, enhancing the overall listening experience. - **Rich Arrangements**: The orchestral arrangements provide a lush backdrop that complements the lyrical content beautifully. ****Weaknesses - **Predictability**: Some critics argue that *Scott 2* does not significantly expand upon the formula established in *Scott*, leading to moments of predictability in its structure. - **Controversial Content**: Certain lyrical themes may not resonate well with contemporary audiences due to their provocative nature. - **Consistency Issues**: While many tracks shine brightly, some may feel less impactful compared to others on the album. ### Conclusion In summary, *Scott 2* stands as a remarkable achievement in Scott Walker's discography. Its intricate blend of lush orchestration, profound lyrics, and emotional depth solidifies its place as a cornerstone of art pop music. While it may not break new ground compared to its predecessor, it enriches Walker's artistic narrative by deepening his exploration of complex themes. Despite some criticisms regarding predictability and controversial content, *Scott 2* remains an influential work that continues to inspire artists today.

will never get over how uncompromising even his early stuff can be 8/10

I've studied French since 7th grade, spent several summers living in the French alps in high school and have a degree in french studies, so I knew Jacques Brel well. The stereotype of the french (he was belgian) crooner, talking about ships and drinking and the cold northern cost of europe really appealed to me. When I was given a mix tape with a Scott Walker cover of the Jacques Brel song "Sons of" years and years ago, I was again drawn to this wildly reclusive, stylish, overly bravado'd musician. (It helped that the mixtape was given by a guy I truly loved). We'd smoke cigarettes and fist pump to the overly instrumental earnestness of Scott Walkers delivery and pretend we lived in another time. I get that this is not for everyone, but damn, this man can sing. And digging into his life a bit, he has quite an interesting story (there is a cool doc about him making a record in the early 2000's) as a recluse and Brian Wilson-type genius. Anyway, I will gladly put this record on and revel in the melodrama.

interesting pop music

I did not know who Scott Walker was coming into this album. After listening, I'm glad he was included. This was a really easy to listen to album that was enjoyable. I thought he was a bit of a wild man with the lyrics but the music was solid start to finish. I would need to explore further to find individual songs that I like more than others but overall I was impressed and enjoyed listening to the album

Yep! Love this :) Scott Walker - genius

Prolific voice, lyrics and musical whim.

This was an immediate love for me. I love how grand his voice feels. Paired with the lush instrumentals it's just beautiful. But the weird lyrics prevent this from being a perfect five stars.

In probably the longest time in-between I'll receive on the whole list, I received "Scott 4" on my fiftieth album, and this is 1074. It seems similar to Scott 4, though a little bit more toned down on the western songs (though their still present). The anti-war themes still seem pretty present, though maybe not as up-front about it. I still enjoyed this one as much as it seems I enjoyed "SW4". The vocals remind me of Tom Jones (in a good way) and Jacques Brel. There's a certain quality of magic to it, and it really nails me on a few tracks. Favorite tracks: "Jackie", "Wait Until Dark", "Come Next Spring"

Sinatra meets Meatloaf? if that makes any sense. kind of the big sinatra-esque vocals but with super maximalist, cinematic instrumentals. maybe shouldn’t work but it does

JACKIE!! This man’s voice is unreasonably good. None of this should work. But he’s fabulous.

Might be the horniest guy of all time

Hoy toca artista desconocido que, ya desde la primera canción, capta mi atención con su voz grave y apasionada. Me recuerda a cantantes como Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones y, más hacia el presente, Beck. Lindo disco, romántico, ideal para una mañana de otoño o primavera.

4/5

This is a subgenre I've heard before, but it doesn't really have a plce in the current cultural landscape. I'm seeing it called "baroque pop," and it's a surprising number of big hits that just got forgotten in the success of rock and electronic music. The only song I can think of that sounds like this that I can name is "MacArthur Park," and I don't know how seriously people treat that. I do enjoy the sound. It's big, layered, dynamic, and complex, while still being approachable. I would like to hear a modern interpretation of this niche of 60's music.

What a weird album. But it’s weirder how much I liked it.

Such passionate voice. Great performance, charming songs. Scott Walker is hypnotizing.

Good, fun, easy listening

This was fucking awesome. Especially knowing how bonkers Scott gets later on in his career. Still, what a crazy record for 1968. Sounds like Jack Skellington does baroque pop. Very cool.

Had never listened to his solo stuff before. It was fine. I prefer his collab with Sunn O))) way more.

This album comes out of the gate with grandeur and confidence and does not let up. The orchestral contributions are indispensable yet broadly ranging in mood. Walker doesn’t sing with a lot of range but his simultaneously powerful yet gentle voice makes it work. Crooner vibes. He also does a great job at conjuring up vivid imagery. Listened to: going to get fingerprinted. Favorite tracks: Jackie, Wait Until Dark, Come Next Spring

Probably a 4.5

Dramatic style. I quite liked it. The only part I wasn't a fan of is the echo sounding vocals in a few songs. That was kind of distracting.

Wowowow. Such maximalist production. Classical influences and Broadway-y vocal performances give the album a great deal of variance, and it covers a gamut of dramatic qualities that range from Operatic to Cinematic to Theatrical. Full-throttle Pasodoble (Jackie), Flamenco sounds (Next), a touch of fairytale (Plastic Palace People), sorrowful laments (Window of the World, The Bridge), more traditional crooning (Come Next Spring)—multivaried songs, in essence, and marvelously so. Even the worst song, the mindlessly chauvinistic The Girls and The Dogs, is musically galvanizing. It’s fitting that the album cover is that of the artist in the pose of a conductor, because thie album and songs flow like a wonderful, dramatic symphony. Great great stuff.

I love this weirdo and his weird ass music. I was so on the fence about him when I heard Scott 4, but I’ve since completely embraced his music. My favorite songs on this album are “Best Of Both Worlds,” “Black Sheep Boy,” and “Come Next Spring” but honestly it’s all pretty good. I think in general I preferred Scott 4 to this, but I like this a lot as well.

That was a fun listen. Love the cover of Jackie. Scott Walker as a great voice. This sounds like one of the great french singer (Brel, Aznavour, Holliday) but in English. 4 Stars

Kinda wild, especially for it’s time. 4/5

Feels vaguely operatic and is quite nice

It's light, it's fun, it's theatrical... It's campy? A lot of focus on lushing up the backgrounds to swim through the various moods and settings under Scott's almost country sounding voice. A great listen through for dynamic background and fun themes

Scott Walker has a great voice- big and full, very dramatic. Perfect for the types of songs on this album. Am I in an old movie?

Idk how to rate this lol, it’s so bizarre and dramatic. I wouldn’t say I enjoyed the music but it was so refreshing to listen to something interesting from this list lol