Scott 2

Bild, adventurous, unexpected. For those qualities I'd give it a 10, but combined with execution, technologies of the time and a certain pretentiousness it boils down to a flat 5. Extraordinary record, like so many of Scott Walker's.

The more I listen to Scott Walker, the more I appreciate his music. His work has really stood the test of time. The orchestration on this album brings out the baroque pop side beautifully, and his vocals are so powerful and expressive. It’s easy to see why his music still resonates today.

Did not expect this! A sort of dirty, sort of beautiful collection of musical stories with the some of the most wonderful arrangements I've heard in a while.

gloriously stylish, mannered drama

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).

A beautiful take on chansons with a real baroque edge. The string swells are gorgeous.

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.

Edit: Scott 4 is still better, but this gets a 5 too. 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.

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.

All the cool gen z British indie bands heard this (and all his stuff) and are trying their best to reheat Scott's nachos

Скотт Уокер це унікальний музикант, бо мало в кого у творчості можна почути таку неймовірну дистанцію між раннім та пізнім матеріалом. Але навіть у ранньому, навіть у цьому альбомі каверів періодично є щось таке ледве вловиме, певний НЕРВ чи якась така некомфортна атмосфера - щось, що вказує на той авангардний матеріал, який Скотт почне робити пізніше.

wowwwww, he sounds a little like bowie, or maybe bowie sounds like him, this is a masterpiece, i always feel like i live way way back listening to his music.

I don't like musical theatre because the people I've met who do all suck, but I'm really having a lot of fun with this lil pervert

Kinda freaky

Stupid, brilliant.

An edgy Tom Jones. A hell of a vibe.

Full disclosure, Jackie - the opening song on this album - is one of my most played tracks of all time in my collection. It’s a glorious gallop of a Jacques Brel song, racing through a dazzling sequence of images and ideas (including some quite risque ones!) sung with tremendous gusto by Mr Scott Walker. The rest of the album doesn’t quite live up to the opener, but it’s still an enormously enjoyable experience. The orchestration can sometimes be a little bit chocolate boxy - Best of Both Worlds sounds like it could have been a Bond theme (albeit for a louche George Lazenby rather than Sean Connery). There are flirtations with country sounds and a couple more Jacques Brel songs as well as original numbers written under Walker’s real name of Scott Engel. Perfect for listening to in your opium den! Stupid-ass-tastic!

Zuhause, Gerstetten, Heidenheim. Tolle Platte!

I’d give it a solid 3.5. Not as good as the album with Sunn though.

Like the poser I am, I only have Scott 4. This is good, some great songs but some mid ones too. 3.5 rounded up Heard before? Some Owned: Yes 76/305 (25%) Will I get: Maybe

****A beautiful, easy listening album. Awesome vocals.

Yeah bit croony for me all this big band business, thought it was all a bit pedestrian until i clocked the lyrics in Next..... Actually after that there are a few other tracks where the dark / troubled (almost psychedelic on occasion) lyrics completely mismatch the music. I'd have breezed through giving this a 2 if i'd not noticed but actually this probably deserves a 4. My advice is to get Dre in next time and sort out the tunes because lyrically this is <chefs kiss>

Really liked this, especially Jackie but the whole thing had such out there, ballroom at the end of the universe energy which I loved. Can really see in the lyrics and delivery how Scott influenced a lot of the windmill bands, really cool, great album

parts were fun but I wouldn't listen again

Confused by the low ratings here, do people just not like albums with personality? Like this is a big band style record with a twisted frontman, don't really understand what more you could want

Like a thinking man's Sinatra, or Jaques Brel singing in English. Wonder why...

Hooting and hollering/this man will just say anything and it sounds pretty/a Jazz Club staple

Exquisite voice, the godfather of chamber pop

Why the heck not?

Loved this nice jazzy sound. Perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee in the sun.

Die vent heeft zo’n ille range. Echt geniaal, teksten, compositie, stem, alles klopt. Toch, noem me uncultured, ik kan dit niet ff onderweg in de metro luisteren. Hoop dat ik binnenkort die sereniteit vind, voor nu zijn probleem, 1 sterretje minder.

I have heard a few of these songs randomly over the years, and I know Scott Walker was a big inspiration on many musicians, but I think this is the first full Scott Walker album I have ever listened to. I really enjoyed it. Even for the time and the style he is going for, it is quirky and off-kilter in a way I like. I definitely want to listen to more of his albums, as I know he became even more avant-garde over the years.

Great vocalist of course, although I confess I haven't listened to his solo albums much. The single 'Jackie' is familiar, mostly covers on this album but worth a listen. 'Next' was more familiar to me from the Alex Harvey version.

love it, dancy, fun songs

like most online music listeners im aware of the general trajectory of scott walker's career, but ive not rly sat down and familiarized myself with any of the specific points on it. this is not the most Celebrated point but its fairly interesting regardless....one of the central Things about scott walker surely is that he can sing like sinatra but had increasingly bizarre Tastes, here mostly shown in english language chanson covers that seem to influence the other material by proxy. walker is a captivating performer, and its hard to say he's Not the star of the show, but the orchestrations are what catch my attention the most...they always seem a little to the left of conventional wisdom, a lot of dark drama without yet stepping into full avant garde. random thought but what the fuck is happening on his 70s albums. what are those album covers. this guy has the scott 3 cover under his belt. how did we get there

2 scott 2 walker

Советские вайбы, музыка будто из фильмов, оркестр...

Very interesting for a late 60s pop record. I enjoyed it Fav track: Plastic Palace People

This is a crazy album for 1968. For a while I really thought this was like a sardonic 1980s parody of 1960s crooners. Some of the commentary here is quite similar to latter day Arctic Monkeys and Father John Misty. This has seriously screwed with my chronology of “baroque pop” and reminds me I should really give Jacques Brel a second look.

Has anyone covered as much ground over so relatively few records over such a long time? I think this transitional one might be my favourite of the four 60s solo albums. It does tail off a bit in terms of song choice and arrangements but there are plenty wonderful tracks. He's probably a little young and baby faced for singing Brel at this point but the songs and the Mort Schuman translations are so good it barely matters. Plastic Palace People might be his first masterpiece as songwriter. I sort of wish one of his late avant garde albums had made it to the list. That would really confuse folk.

So much going on here; challenging in all kinds of ways, and yet, at some level it's still "pop music." I feel like I can hear the influence this had on a lot of other music I like.

Walker gjorde et stort artistisk hopp mellom Scott 2 og 3, men mange av kvalitetene er fortsatt å finne på Scott 2. Jeg liker i hvert fall baroque pop med bariton herrestemme!

If you listen to this casually this sounds like something my mother would listen to. Camp, theatrical and orchestral pop. Delivered in his bronzed tenor. However, scrape below the surface and it’s more sinister, more earthy and sounds like the soundtrack to a forbidden Disney film. Which really is a recommendation

I'm not the kind of person who likes schmaltzy music but this album works so well that I enjoyed it very much. Already the first song was shocking with the then outspoken lyrics (which was of course, banned by BBC). The lyrics are often dark and deep, and the string arrangements are just stunning. His voice is smooth and very cinematic, which is perfect for the music. It's very much a product of its time - late 60s - it's dramatic and grand and it is a great album.

FROM THE JUNP BB

I loved this and I don't exactly know why. I think it might be because it sounds like these songs could be part of a musical, which I love musicals. However, when I was listening to it I was doing some other stuff and when I looked back to see what song I was on, I was only on song four. I truly thought that I was way farther into the album. The album felt a lot longer than it actually was, which I didn't mind since I did like the songs.

Kúreka sound. Jackie byrjar plötuna mjög vel. Best of both worlds er flott, svona smá old man's back again feeling. Þetta er kósý plata og bara frekar flott verk. Þægileg vinnuplata og röddin hans Scott er náttúrulega geggjuð.

Klassískur Scott Walker. IV er þó betri.

Day 16 — Scott Walker — Scott 2 (1968) Listened: Mar 10, 2026 Genre: Orchestral Pop / Baroque Pop / Sunshine Pop Vibe: Lush, cinematic late-60s orchestral pop — sweeping strings, a velvet baritone voice, and surprisingly witty, darkly comic lyrics beneath the glamour Highlights: • Jackie • The Black Sheep Boy • The Amorous Humphrey Plugg • Next • Plastic Palace People • The Girls and the Dogs Impression: Fun late 60s pop. Good voice and funny, engaging lyrics beneath the lavish orchestral production. More depth than the polished surface suggests. Rating: 3.7/5 Keep songs? Yes Revisit album? Yes

A reprieve from a difficult week from 1001 albums. Scott Walker's voice is fantastic. Interesting choice of songs. Much more misogynistic and patronising than the average Walker Brothers song!

After a difficult weekend, I turned on my album of the day and this masterpiece was exactly what I needed. The powerful vocals, the unhinged lyrics, the lush string arrangements. I listened to it twice in a row. The song Next in particular had me wondering what this man was on when he made the album. Would I go back to this album? I don’t know, but it was just what I needed to offset a stressful couple of days and for that I can’t hate it.

Podoba mi się ten estradowy, lekko musicalowy sznyt. Barwa głosu też jest ujmująca. I chociaż same kompozycje są dość przeciętne i nie zapadają w pamięć to jako tło do sobotniego poranku sprawdza się idealnie. 6.5/10 równane w górę.

On balance I’m a fan of baroque and roll. Decent on the whole. There’s a place for it. Not sure it flows brilliantly. Over theatrical voice at times and film score-esque backing grates a bit. Generous 4.

I was not expecting this, but what a quirky delight!

As someone who gravitates to singers with a baritone, and often weird, singing style, I’ve had Scott Walker recommended to me multiple times, but I’ve never been able to get into him. I’m just not really into the whole 60s/70s pop crooner type of music. That said, listening to this album now and the stories and lyrics are so much more interesting, sarcastic, snarky, humorous, and stranger than any others I’ve heard in this genre. I am definitely not well versed in this style of music, but normally when I think of the crooners, I always think of kitschy love songs, but this reminds me more of the weird creeps that Geordie Greep sings about on the New Sound. I don’t know how often I’ll return to this album, but I really enjoyed it.

This was an intriguing listen as this was from a period when Walker was only two years past his Walker brother heartthrob period, but the album was far more versatile than pop would allow at the time. On the surface you hear Walker crooning over easy listening string led arrangements but if you delve deeper you hear a range of compositional approaches - popular covers, Jacques Brel songs (clearly identifiable) and his own (ever developing) songs that would influence David Bowie and such like so much. It was better as it progresses and 'Jackie' got banned at the time and the Bacharach and David 'windows of the world' is an absolute gem.

This is an epic album, and one which utilises Phil Spector's "wall of sound" recording style to spellbinding effect. Its immersive orchestral flourishes, entwined with Scott's instantly recognisable, powerful baritone and his poetic, vivid lyricism, all combine to provide a rock solid platform for his early career arc. My introduction to Scott Walker was through his far more experimental, unhinged material such as "The Drift" and "Bish Bosch", which I do hold in the highest esteem within his catalogue, but this is a far easier album to digest as a "casual listen", if such a listening headspace can be deemed compatible with Scott Walker's work.

Scott is the best English translator of Jacques Brel works. He is the only artist who has the iconic voice and eye for orchestral backing that Jacques Brel has as well. His songs are the highlight on this album. A lot of the other songs I find to be a bit less interesting, although a few like Windows Of The World were nice as well. A number of forgettable songs on here drags it down for me. Still, I am a big fan of Scott Walker and this 60's era of bombastic Baroque Pop, so I still really enjoyed Scott 2.

- not what i was expecting at all - writing is so insanely peak - lyricism is so great it like completely pictures a story - vocals are so beautiful

i don't think this deserves all the low ratings

VERY interesting album, like Sinatra meets Bowie or something.

Wonderfully overwrought. 3.5

Interesting listen. I want sure what to expect with this one, but was pleasantly surprised. Fun groove and funny lyrics

While Scott 4 is probably one of my favourite albums, I’ve never gone back further than Scott 3 when delving into Walker’s 60s discography, partly for fear that it wouldn’t live up to that release. But listening to Scott 2 has proven that was shortsighted. While many of the songs here are covers and not penned by Walker, the album is instantly recognisable as part of his style at the time. Everything sounds lush and his vocals are as impeccable as always. Plus, by listening to this album, I have finally realised that Black Sheep Boy by Okkervil River was in fact a cover (and covered here too). A near essential Walker record.

At some point I went from hating this one to getting really into it. The lyrics are interesting (if misogynistic, homophobic, or racist at times), and the music is varied and captivating. You can also hear the influence of his psychedelic contemporaries here, which was a surprise. Better than boring-ass Sinatra.

++: Jackie, Best of Both Worlds, The Amorous Humphrey Plugg, Next, Plastic Palace People, Wait Until Dark, The Girls and the Dogs, Come Next Spring +: The Girls from the Streets, Windows of the World, The Bridge +-: Black Sheep Boy 8,5/10

very nice

Maybe Spotify was right when it told me I had the listening age of a septuagenarian. What a great record, the first half was my favorite.

Var supergøy! Var James Bond, Disney og sassy

Something a bit different. His voice reminds me of Alex Kapranos from Franz Ferdinand.

I think he's great. I enjoy both the covers and his own songs. Definitely unique.

À deux doigts d’être 3 étoiles car j’en ai marre des vieux albums là

Orchestral, lavish, and delightfully verbose. It is schmaltzy at times, but kind of works. I need to listen to it again to get more out of it, but I like the imagery it creates.

I gave a silent fist pump when I saw this album pop up. My exposure to Scott Walker has been from no less auspicious of a bridge than the Spotify recommendations algorithm. The Jacques Brel covers I had suggested to me are so over the top I was just curious to see whether he built his whole career on that level of bombast. I wanted to expkore more but never got around to it. I was glad to find a bit more variety to temper the overbearing orchestral stuff. Strangely dirty lyrics. I think I’m a mini-fan.

Goddamn albums 100-150 have been exceptionally good. I wonder what Canadian treasure I’ll have to take it out on to get my rating average down?

Pithy lines, oddball tales, and plain weirdness for the era. His cover of Next, Next is amazing. For being a schlock merchant he is also kind of an amazing lyricist. I enjoy strange musicians and outsider artists so I kinda dug this a lot.

So, apparently Scott Walker is a swooner. He has the right voice, that timeless kind of anywhere from 50's Las Vegas to now lounge "man" voice. This, in itself, is not a problem, but much of this style is in a way edging on schlock, or at least simple boy meets girl, girl is difficult, boy tries harder or it all falls apart stuff. Scott Walker is different. More serious, less schlock, and more poignant. At first from the style and the genre and the voice I would say easy three (and a half) star turf. But with some of the lyrics in some of these songs I think it is just more than the genre asks.

I enjoyed this record quite a bit. The crooning pop songs are reminiscent of the old 50’s crooners. It also reminds me of many Christmas standards…. Without the Christmas lyrics.

Not my usual vibe, but pleasant listening

I weirdly like it. It definitely feels dated, there are some slurs and very outdated ways of thinking, and the sound of it feels old, like classic crooner/your grandma’s favorite singer. But the songs are pretty fun, and weirdly the most offensive ones are kinda the catchiest. Idk, I wouldn’t play it with people around, but there’re some bops

Stadig en meget dramatisk herre (positivt)

Elsker Scott. Han kan virkelig synge noget rigtig mærkeligt over et meget dramatisk big band score som ingen andre.

interesting arrangements and a great voice.

Arranjos refinados, barroco-pop, vozeirão, ótimas composições, algumas trilhas parecem de musical, trilha de TV ou jingle gringo dos anos 60. 4 estrelas!

Różnorodny, niesie wiele emocji

3.5 stars I knew nothing of this before getting this album. Not Scott Walker or this album. I enjoyed it. Baroque, theatrical, evocative, silly. It sounds classic and unique. I’ll listen to it and more of his stuff, although it might take me some time to remember to…

Absurd lyrics fitting into a "soundtracky" feeling album. Some of his ballads felt dreary. This album feels like an emanation for other musicians with similar sounds

It’s the british Rob de Nijs! Not sure why but I really liked this. Kinda soothing material, great for background. His vibrato is a little much though

Fun, need to listen to the other Scott’s

I just adore the cinematic sweep of these early Scott Walker records. Gorgeous, often thrilling arrangements that serve as a perfect accompaniment to Scott's vocals. Despite being a mix of covers and original material, this all feels so thematically consistent that you'd be excused for thinking all of the songs were written for this project.

313/1089 - Way better than Scott 4 was. The orchestrations are interesting and make use of all of the families with additional features like bagpipes, pitched percussion, and acoustic delays. His voice still has too much vibrato and I wasn't convinced by a lot of the slower songs.

'If I could be for just one little hour / A cute-cute in a stupid ass way.' Scott Walker is like a midway point between Tom Jones and Associates lead man Billy Mackenzie, until he goes country on the Tim-Hardin cover and gives you his best Harry Nilsson. As theatrical as Screamin' Jay Hawkins, but in his own way a man very much keen on authenticity and pushing things only as far as they need to go, Walker is an excellent comedian - 'And never to be next / Oh, never to be next / next!' - w/o collapsing into sheer farce. As a vocalist, he can't really be doubted, but he doesn't coast on mere talent since he's a helluva songwriter and when he covers a song he covers the right one (save 'The Girls And The Dogs'). No Bowie w/o this Ohioan, too.

Hilarious

Y’all, this is some corny shit. But it is totally transporting if you give yourself over to it. The lyrics are incredible, his voice is evocative. Sometimes the orchestral arrangements are a little overmuch but I can’t really blame them when the songs themselves sound so cinematic. Actually I loved this a lot. Must-listen #249.

A bit David Bowor, a bit Robert Gpulet

What the what did I just listen to!? Music was melodic and sounded good, lyrics were a bit out there.

Normaalne

I was kinda waiting for this as i'd not heard him but knew it was here. I didnt know scott walker apart from that Alex Turner ripped him off. Turns out its not just Alex. I also hear Neil Hannon, Nick Cave and lots more. This album seems to be an inspiration for so much more that came after due to its conspiratorial and acerbic lyrics, its sweeping instrumentation and deep rich baritone. I really enjoyed this and will work through the back catalogue.

Lyrics sound like Scott was writing a musical and midway through changed his mind and made an actual album.

Wiii, Scott Walker! Sm pa do zdaj poslušala samo 4, k mi je kr ljuba. Wo, ker začetek, najbl hitri orchestral march ("Jackie"). Pa Scottov žametni glas. (Ah, očitno cover od Jacques Brel komada.) In v umirjen "Best of Both Worlds" o ljubezenskem trikotniku. Dobra izbira za po taprvem komadu. Všeč mi je naslov "The Amorous Humphrey Plugg". Sam komad pa tud. Ha, a se vsi coverji od Brela začnejo z neki hitrim orkesterskim marchom? To je zdaj že drugi z " Next". Sicer pa tak, mal jezen vajb (wiki sicer prav, da je Brel bil originalno bolj razpizden). In ostajamo pri prostituciji, ampak in a different way. "The Girls from the Streets" ma večinoma počasen ritem in tak temačen ton, kar ustreza besedilu, k raziskuje to plat prostitucije. Ful mi ma tak mal moreč, bad LSD trip vajb prva polovica besedila. Po pa tak dreamy začetek za "Plastic Palace People" (<3 aliteracija) z letečim Billyjem, vmes pa totalno drug vajb. In spet k Billyju. In spet nazaj k plastičnim ljudem, kjer ni zasanjano kot pri Billyju. Zanimiv komad. Ok, pršla do tretjega Brel coverja, "The Girls and the Dogs". Tokrat ni blo podobnega začetka, je pa še zmer tak hitr komad na splošno. Ženske smo očitno the worst. "Windows of the World" k so covered in rain je tok primerno za tale vreme zj. Sledita še dva lepa in chill komada za zaključek albuma.

Mostly covers, but enjoyed the instrumentation a lot. Scott's use of spoken word was very interesting but I did feel like it was a bit too much for some songs - although I'm not sure if that's how the songs originally were composed. Wish we'd get more of this genre today, I'd kill to have a subgenre of crooners and such still around. A few too many ballads as the album goes on for me though.

i really like the music behind the lyrics, it’s dramatic and fun. i also like the lyrics.

Old timey adventure movie vibe, I liked it

I don't always like this style of theatrical orchestrated music, but I am fond of Scott Walker due to Scott 4, and his voice is just perfect for this genre. This music would probably come off as rather cheesy or overwrought coming from most singers, but his machismo comes across quite authentically. Interesting to hear this evolution of his sound from this album to Scott 4.

Jackie was a real treat, and the rest had a great experimental vibe

Jacques Brel for people that doesn't speak French. Love it!

This might be my least favorite album out of the first 4 by Scott Walker, but I was so happy to listen to it that I'm gonna give it 4, I don't care. And the song Plastic Palace People deserves it all alone.

Welp this was a weird surprise. Had never heard of this Ohio-born artist. Oddball songs even now, cannot imagine how this landed in 1968. Liked it too much to leave it on a 3.

3.9/5 I did really enjoy this

I like that this guy names at least four albums after himself. Definitely not what I would have expected from a 60’s era album. The dude loves to say ass. It felt like a musical almost.

Had Scott 4 before. Getting Scott 2 now. Liked that. Like this. I’m a Scott Walker fan, I guess 🤷🏻‍♂️ 4/5 Highlights: Jackie Best Of Both Worlds Next The Girls And The Dogs

Scott Walker has a beautiful voice, but this album was definitely a product of its time. The lyrics were interesting.

Better than I anticipated.

Not bad. I'm not fully on board with the vocal work but the instrumentals are good!

This album is so over the top and honestly it delivers. It’s theatrical, it’s unapologetically dramatic, and the lyrics are awesome. Its definitely a style that doesn’t fit every day for me but man I would buy this and spin it while doing some chores or something.

Really very good.

More like it this don’t mind if I do

Loved this. Perfect for a dinner party. Will definitely listen again. A beautiful voice right there!

Low 4 Best song: Jackie Scott 3 would of been a 5. Songs are much worse here but still great scott sound

This is the Scott Walker that I love, not the stuff of nightmares he insisted on calling music. (If this was Drift, that would be the easiest one star I'd ever give). Beautiful voice and great arrangements.

talk about a big sound! i wouldn't be surprised if this guy was frank sinatra's long lost cousin. don't get thrown off though, because some of what he sings would probably make sinatra weep... his hit single on the first track was banned by the bbc for its obscenity. regardless of the arguably tame controversy, this album is a pretty great listen. at least to me, i enjoyed it for the most part! it's traditional 20th century pop music, but it subverts your expectations by the material and energy it displays to the listener. this album smells like sweat, perfume and cigars. walker sings like a prince from a disney film. it's an acquired taste, but most of what this album offers i give my seal of approval.

A nice change of pace to some of what has been suggested recently, I think I'd potentially go back and listen to this again. Some of the reviews were right in mentioning that this sounds more like a movie soundtrack, not sure if it's because of how upbeat it starts/how dramatic it gets but it works well overall.

Absolute nutcase. It's not always for me but I love that he was out there doing this, and somehow getting orchestral backing. I think I like the Brel and other covers better than his originals on 4, but those were cool too. Next!

This is a weird one. I had no idea what to expect, and I'm honestly not sure what I got. After listening I was convinced that this was music for a play or a film, but it seems to just be a very dramatic performance. Certainly different from what I usually listen to, but super interesting.

Not my style but very talented and well executed

I have no idea who this is, or even what era it comes from. I really enjoyed the lyrics being so crass. This is like something Robbie Williams would do.

1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die: 6/1001 My first review of the decade and it surprised me in lots of different ways. The crooner sound appeals to me immensely, many of the songs are full of life, the instrumentation beautifully done. That beauty is juxtaposed against dark and taboo lyricism that was provocative, and at times certainly dated. Even still, this was a fabulous listen and I could envision it playing on vinyl during the weekend as I get a slow ramp up to my day. It's not quite fully engaging, but it is exciting at points, soothing at others. Scott Walkers voice is a bit cliche but works against this backdrop and for the sound of the time even as he pushed the boundaries of what could be vocalized in that sound. There are comedic undertones, pointed rawness, and though I wasn't fully locked in, the music kept pulling me back in even as the songs blurred together. 1. Jackie 2. The Girls And The Dogs 3. Black Sheep Boy Honorable Mention: ... Next Overall, the songs flowed seamlessly from one to the next and this album perfectly represents a crooner style that could be placed in any backroom. It didn't blow my mind or wow me in any meaningful way. There are multiple songs that stood out to me even as others never did, but I'd wholly listen to the entire album again. For these reasons I give Scott 2 by Scott Walker a 4/5

ekki hans besta, en nokkur stórkostleg lög hér.

Big day for fans of the original Scott.

not expected given only familiarity with latter scott walker. this is very showtune / burt bacharach. in a good way, but not sure if I could stand the whole album frequently.

Smooth crooning voice, just the lyrics aren't that deep or meaningful

fire

neat album. it is very crooner-ish and i appreciate that about it. very atypical for a "pop star" of the time period to go in such a direction. scott walker's voice is so great. it's got a nice huskiness that i adore. there's some good stuff on here and the arrangements are pretty lush. my only complaint is that in terms of the song quality, there's not a lot here that i would say is above "good" - it's not bad, just wish it was a bit more. either way, i enjoyed listening to it!

I think without reading in about the album itself it's about a 4/5. The controversy of being a medley of covers mixed with some other songs does bring my opinion down a little bit on it, but I wouldn't have heard them without the recommendation. With that in mind, I'll still give a 4/5 even if it is over the top at times

Lovely Scott, being extremely strange. There's no doubting that this album is packed full of ideas, many of them very good. Some of them are just weird and a little daft, but mostly this is a really great experimental album - albeit one that can't get too high a score, failing the 'glad when it ends' test.

STRONG START i love his voice

Epic

I had never heard of Scott Walker until today. I’m not sure that I’ve ever heard music like this before. It sounds like it could be a film score, and the lyrics are far more poetic and artsy than I expected it to be. The vocal talents here are fine, but that feels like the least important part of this soundscape. The bigger picture is a piece of art. Calling it an album seems too reductive.

Fucking awesome. He is so goated and his stuff has aged so well. Next has a really dated couplet in it but god damn that song is so hype

You know it you love it. Scott Walker rocks! Great writing and songs all around.

Wow. This was pretty wild for when it came out

Hey, all! SCOTT 2 here. Yeah, I couldn't help myself. Anyway! I'm a couple of days behind on my album reviews right now, so I'll try to keep this a little brief. Off the top, I wanna say this: if I'd gotten this album even just a little while ago, I don't think I would have appreciated this album as much as I did. I mean, this is an album that's all about the lyrics, and I only just recently figured out how to enjoy and appreciate that stuff. I'll tell you for a fact, if you listen to this thing without paying attention to them, it's... Y'know, it's whatever. It's fine, I guess? Maybe a little sub-fine? You get some Disnsy-style orchestration and a guy who reminds me of Engelbert Humperdink, and,y'know... Sure? I had this album on while I was writing something else, and that was a mistake, 'coz not only did I not really have anything to say about the album, I couldn't think of much terribly positive I wanted to say. So giving the first side another listen and keeping in mind the importance of the lyrics... G'woof, goodness, yeah, it hits a lot better. 'Coz y'see, it's all exercises in contrast. It's taking these teen baroque pop orchestral arrangements and pairing them up with words that, well, let's just say they're not exactly sunny. And it's really interesting stuff, honestly. I can dig it. Although that's also why I still can't be all **that** gungho for this thing. After all, I just don't normally have the kind of focus required for a record like this. I mean, it really is all about getting immersed in the words and letting it paint a cinematic scene alongside how they're sung the orchestral arrangement. I can't see myself just putting this thing on casually. It's a "me" problem, absolutely, but it's also why I can see how this thing ended up with as low an average rating as it did. Y'know, I don't wanna assume too much about people, but if I had to guess, it seems mostly people only heard that Engelbert Humperdink voice and nothing else. Still, if you're the kind of person who loves to dig into lyrics and the scenes they can evoke, this is a pretty good one. And heck, even if I'd never do it casually, I could see myself going a little deeper on this thing myself... Just not right now. I got another thing to write.

Seriously good songwriting, epic conposition and equally stupendous production. They do not make music of this caliber in the modern era and it fucking shows. Scott Walker paints detailed scenes with his words and phrasing that teleport you into the story and allow you to go along for the ride. I'm a fan of this album and find it so soothing to enjoy a long drive with this as a soundtrack.

"Scott 2" is the second solo album by American-British singer-songwriter Scott Walker. Baroque pop is the musical genre and that's that. The album is an assortment of pop cover songs, selections from Jacques Brel and original songs. Commercially, it reached #1 in the UK and was critically well-received. A charging beat and orchestra open the album in "Jackie." It's a Jacques Brel cover. Walker's baritone vocals are quick and dramatic. He almost raps in spots as he dreams about living a life of luxury with brothels, drugs and other assortments. A song about remaining grounded. Walker covers a contemporary song in Tim Harden's "Black Sheep Boy." A traditional band with an acoustic guitar and drums with strings in the background. Hey, we got baroque folk. He's back home to rest but that's all; he'll be heading west. Swirling strings open "Plastic Palace People." Walker seriously signing. The song changes pace. There's an air of pyschedelia. Walker describing dreams of a child fearing the bleakness and phoniness of adulthood. There's a really creepy element to this song. Walker's voice goes deeper and sadder in his cover of Hal David and Burt Bacharach's "Windows of the World." Vibraphone and soft strings. A boy yearns for the rain of the day and shittiness of the world would go away. This album is beautiful sounding. Walker's baritone vocals are strong, emotional and dramatic. He sings, talks and raps some. It's a very eclectic selections of songs. The orchestral music is juxtaposed with mentions of brothels, losing virginity, drugs, nightmares, dreams and romance. The story-telling style in the songs reminded me of Leonard Cohen for some reason although the music, voice and story content couldn't be further apart. I liked his other album in the challenge "Scott 4" slightly better but this is a very good album and worth a listen for anyone.

I dig it.

Очень красиво, а какой голос!!!

Weird, but you cannot deny the production and ambition

I love how dramatic and bitchy this is. Will definitely listen again.

Never heard of before, loved the orchestral accompanimente and lyrics

I think I loved this, it was like it's music for a made up movie and it's just a real joy to listen too but you have to be in a specific mood and I'm not actually too sure what mood that is, still I had a riot

7/10. Great voice, kept it interesting. Good overall.

I love Scott Walker (not one of the best from his self-titled releases but it’s great)

Ridiculous and brilliant at the same time.

Big personality singer with backing instrumentals that highlight the highs and lows of the performance. Some of the lyrics just don’t match the vocal style and almost give a “I’m make this up while I sing it” feel. Other than that it’s great and at time a sincerely great experience. 7/10

Хорошо

Deep, thoughtful ideas contained within a pop sensibility. https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-scott-2-by-scott-walker?r=4ztyq&selection=eed57597-2c03-43d6-a8ac-c0819f95dfa5&utm_campaign=post-share-selection&utm_medium=web

being a cursory fan of a couple of Scott Walker's later albums, Scott 2 offered me more of a look at his origins, in a very different sort of musical lane. compared to the terrifying experimental music he would make in the latter stage of his career, this is a total cakewalk. that being said, it's not without its quirks. the lyrics, especially on the Jacques Brel covers, are often overtly sexual and a bit maudlin. they come across as something akin to show tunes, especially because of the grandiose orchestrations that are an omnipresent feature of the music. this is tagged as Baroque pop, but the inspiration seems to be less Baroque and more Classical, or even Romantic at times. my highlight, apart from the minor hit "Jackie", is the sensational arrangement of Henry Mancini's "Wait Until Dark". strong 7/10.

New to me. Who knew??

Interessante, ma va in calando.

I absolutely get why people love Scott Walker... this is so strange and weird and dark and beautiful.

Surprised how much I enjoyed this, some excellent sampling.

Divertidísimo. Amo lo épicas y gloriosas que se sienten las canciones de Walker. Si en el 4 parecía que escuchábamos la música de un western, en este sus temas nos hablan de amores imposibles y desesperados, de amor desgarrador por aquella persona que vino a enseñarnos que cuanto se podía amar, para después irse y dejarnos la vida vacía para la eternidad.

It's like an old old dream, I slept while listening to it. Cinematic music but in a weird mode sometimes. The music and voice are amazing, lyrics maybe not so much. Nice btw.

Interessanter Stil, fand ich insgesamt gut. Hatte so n bisschen was von Frank Sinatra Sound, aber ein paar Jahre näher an die Moderne gebracht.

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

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

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.

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?

Totally thought I rated this one! Pretty interesting songwriting and English Jacque Brel covers.

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

Ya know….i was gonna give this a 1 but fuck it. I laughed, I gasped…it’s so freakin weird. Good job Scott.

This opens with a bang on the song "Jackie." I'll always love the lyrics 'in a stupid ass way." Particularly without how much of the opening song sounds fitting for a western. Best of both worlds also is a very dramatic but uplifting sounding song. This seems if Sinatra was less jazzy and a little bit more baroque pop to me in a good way. Black sheep boy is a more straightforward singer songwriter acoustic tune. This really is an orchestral, beautifully sung and performed record. I know he got very experimental towards the end of his career but this just is a classy album.

Täkkäsin yllättävän paljon! Jotenkin tällänen rokimpi tom jones 4/5

This rules. Scott Walker is evidently doing just what he fancies here. Baroque pop, Big Pop, call it what you will - I like it, especially when served with a twist. I wish I could sing like this. Lush orchestration. I prefer the Sensational Alex Harvey Band's version of 'Next'.

Another interesting special album with tongue-in-cheek humour that contrasts nicely with the grandiose orchestration. I liked this more than the other Walker album.

Nice mood-setting background if the time is right

first listen effortlessly timeless

Can't deny his voice. Hard to top Scott 4 though.

I enjoy Walker’s ultra-horny ballads.

wow. i was not prepared for this one. i love how bleak the lyrics are under the guise of being "normal" 60s pop-crooner tunes. but then often the tunes themselves devolve into near chaos. i'm not sure if i enjoyed this album, but i definitely admired it. and it's sending me down a Scott Walker rabbit hole. The dude recorded with SunO))))! Wild stuff. Looking forward to hearing more from this guy.

really liked the first song

Enjoyed it more than I expected. Love the grandiose story-telling.

Sehr schönes Album, eine Stimme wie Honig ohooo! relativ schnulzig, aber weil es gut aufgebaut und konsistent ist, passt das schon Baroque Pop trifft es ganz gut

Fuck yeah I love Scott Walker. His music is very nostalgic for me. When I first got back from Australia and was trying to move back to Brighton I discovered Scott Walker by catching the Last night of the proms and they were doing his music. I was a bit drunk too which enhanced the experience and just loved it. Joanna (not on this album) is one of the most gorgeous pieces of music. This album was a delight, I didn't know an awful lot of it. Best of both of worlds, just beautiful. The chords he uses and the orchestral accompaniment is so rich and thick. There were some songs I didn't like so much.. slightly odd one about comparison girls and dogs. It's very pro dog, which I am too but it was also very anti girl, so a bit tricky to know what to make of that. I want to give a 5 star as I love Scott Walker so much but there were a couple of songs I didn't much care about which must have to make it a four

This was cool. I didn't know this guy but loved this album. Really individual. The opening track was great, really gripping and took me by surprise. Next was also a standout track. Good stuff.

Pretty cool actually

Loved it! I like the guitar and the production a ton. The first song was really engaging. His voice sounds super authentic, and his style was sort of musical theater-esque which I dig. 8.5/10

7/10 - Pretty enjoyable but the songs kind of flowed together.

Not that familiar with Scott Walker's work but really enjoyed this. While the melodies and arrangements must have sounded very old school in 1968 (with some of the songs not sounding out of place if in a Eurovision competition) the lyrics and highly sophisticated and very adult in the subject matter. Scott Walker's voice is just fantastic, with Best of Both Worlds a particular highlight

This is a total blast to listen to. Lots of funny, sometimes bawdy stories and the kind of lush orchestrations that you hear in a lot of pop from this era, but rarely this clever.

strong and pure voice,

the conflation of big band, musical, and pop mixed with some tastefully crass lyricism at points just make this a fun album to listen to. big fan

very great baroque album with some great lyrics and lush isntrumentals, i can kind hear his later years in this album which is weird. 7.7/10

Solid wall of sound. Love his voice. Corny but fun. A solid listen. 3.5 stars

pretty nice album

Really enjoyed it. Never heard of it before but music was good!

Fascinating - so blue and weird, but very evocative of Jacques Brel

What genre even is this? I have no frame of reference. It is either a 2 or a 4

4/5

The second album in a tetralogy that would cement his legend as the crooner to end all crooners for those who lean on the avant-garde tip, Scott 2 sees its titular creator not only further refine his shtick but spread his wings to expose increasingly strange (at the time) tastes. With one foot in the door of his beloved Brel songs and the other in his formative songwriting process, Scott holds a mirror to show us what was, what is and what eventually will be. It's the best of both worlds. Favorites: Jackie, Best of Both Worlds, Black Sheep Boy, The Amorous Humphrey Plugg, Next, Plastic Palace People, The Girls and the Dogs, Window of the World.

Brani Preferiti: - "Jackie" - "The Girls from the Street" - "The Girls and The Dogs" Note: Il fatto che ho ascoltato questo album per la prima volta senza fare troppo caso al testo, per poi accorgermi di quel che dice e risentirmi l'album con attenzione è stato un momento estremamente comico della giornata. Scott ha una bella voce e con la musica d'orchestra molte delle canzoni sembrano essere dei sottofondi musicali per lounge o film hollywoodiani. Sono rimasto sorpreso da quanto ho trovato piacevole e divertente questo disco.

The entire b side is all skips and the lyrics are such 60s European bullshit but the wall of sound production is just top notch and Jackie's a fucking killer opener.

It’s good, brassy, bold. It ain’t quite Scott 4 though.

This was pretty damn nice really. Sometimes in teeters on being too theatrical for my personal taste but an enjoyable listen. Fav track: plastic palace people 3.5

Not my kinda music, but this one is damn beautiful

Really enjoyed this.

Really good.

I have always found Scott Walker's solo material odd (but in a great way). I like the orchestral, theatrical pop he embraced quite a lot. It may be over the top and overly dramatic, but that is the point. Jacques Brel, who is covered here, is like Bacharach on steroids. As a period piece it is a good listen.

What an absolute pleasure to listen to this album.

The content did not match what I expected from a late 60s songwriter album.

Okay, it looks really simple - thanks to this list I was introduced to the magnificent person, Scott Walker. After listening, twice, to the album "Scott 2" I have fallen into the deep hole of googling everything related to Walker in his career. I am absolutely amazed by his uncompromising standards and most importantly his amazing voice. How can a person like this make a fabulous rendition of "Jackie" by Jacques Brel, to collaborate with drone metal kings Sun O))) years later? This is just simply an enormous achievement. Going back to "Scott 2" - I didn't like every song, some of it was a pretty boring "French Movies Song From 60s" stuff, but when he surprised you, there was no coming back. It's not the best album in the world, but it opened another door for me, and just because of that I will remember it for a very long time.

4.0 - Disjointed and much better as a sardonic takedown of big band crooning pop music, a sort of mash-up of Tom Jones with Frank Zappa. In that vein, “Next”, a Jacques Brel original, is a standout gem, the lyrics of which read like existentialist “lost generation” poetry. That song, as well as “The Girls and the Dogs” show that I’ve clearly underestimated Brel as a songwriter. Walker himself proves his songwriting chops on “Plastic Palace People” and “The Bridge”, both filled with their own striking images. Then there are a couple of detours into earnest big band crooning that I find paltry: “Wait Until Dark” and “Wisdoms of the World.”

Majestic songs performed with appropriate emotion. Mostly accessible and conventional arrangements, with only hints of the creative vision that would only fully be revealed much later in his career. Still, this is a great album on it’s own

Heat!!!!! Känns långt före sin tid men samtidigt ba koolt? Idk... måst lyssna mer Scotty

This feller has an incredibly wobbly voice and some odd lyrics. Pretty good.

I am obsessed with this album hahaha. It has the drama of a musical. Very theatrical lyrics and ensemble. Rather than singing along with the composed music, it’s very clear that the music is there to emphasize and compliment his voice. and his vocals are so strong. Fun!! Slay Scott The girls and the dogs was my fav

Walker sounds like a mix between Nick Cave and Frank Sinatra and I am here for it. It’s a little monotonous, but still very pretty music, would listen again. B

Why don’t people like Scott Walker he’s so awesome, there’s a tonne of covers which brings it down a little but it’s still great 4/5.

His first album is a 5, I think.

Musical theater ass album. Scott, buddy, this is commercial music in the 60s - not Guys and Dolls. Now with that being said, this cat is fucking cooking! 2 albums within 3 days using Spector’s wall of sound technique is kinda crazy!

I adore Scott Walker. His is the voice I wish came from within me when I open my mouth to sing. This is a fabulously (over) dramatic album. Only reason it’s not 5 star is that it’s probably the one I return least of his first 4 albums. But that is an endorsement of the quality of the rest of those albums rather than a knock on this collection

I like older, weirder Scott Walker, as a rule, but this still has much to recommend it. The Jacques Brel covers, in particular, go hard! Fave tracks - "Jackie", "Next", "The Girls and the Dogs"

Scott Walker may very well have one of the best voices of all time. While I don't quite jive with his music, I can recognize his outstanding talent. 4/5. Favorite Track: Jackie

Shagging the remains of an abortion out of your ex girlfriend is a wonderful remedy for grief. This record is the perfect soundtrack for it.

This is quite enjoyable, in an over-the-top and theatrical way, complete with its questionable lyrics. Jackie is clear and away the stand out track.

The tragic charm of a bygone lounge crooner, weaving tales of lost love and a childhood scathed. "Next" hit me especially hard, and "Come Next Spring" was a perfectly bittersweet closer.

very good

Rating: 7/10 Best songs: Jackie, The girls and the dogs

Though this album of (mostly) covers doesn't hold a candle to his creative breakthrough "Scott 3," I always enjoy Scott Walker. Some of the lyrics are hilariously coarse, especially considering the time period. "Plastic Palace People" hints at the direction he will go in next and is a standout track to me.

Très bon comme baroque pop, fait un peu penser à du Engelbert Humperdinck, très smooth, parfait pour un souper de weekend en famille.

Jackie is kind of a banger. Scott Walker has a really pleasing voice. The song lyrics seem very risque for this time period.

Genius and over indulgent is the same breath. I have never warmed to Scott Walker completely but hi influence on so many bands I love is inescapable

I'm surprised that this one has such a low rating. I think it's pretty good. He has an impressive voice, and the orchestration is great. I am a sucker for strings. My favourite songs were Next, The Amorous Humphrey Plugg, and The Girls and The Dogs.

I admit that I had never even heard of Scott Walker. Interesting listen, for sure.

Theatre kid core

3.5

Pretty good, not an all time fave but I still managed to like it a lot

Unexpectedly a lot of fun!

Scott Walker is great. Haven't really listened to any of his records before but found this charming and grounded and pretty enjoyable. I like the mix of originals and covers, which as I understand it, this was the last one of his records with such a balanced mix. Always down to check out more of this stuff.

I liked it better than Scott 4, the previous album I heard on this project. The baroque pop stuff is always solid in my book, even if it's a little kitschy.

He has such a good voice! I don’t even like genre he’s doing and I was swept away!

Scott est absolument gigantesque. Seulement, Scott ne propose pas de country dans son repertoire, l'auditoire américain décérébré du générateur ne peut donc apprécier cet album.