Reviews (page 6 of 8)
Ok, second appearance now by this absolutely bog standard and slightly-less-than-mediocre band, so obviously the list owner seems to really like them for some strange reason. It's a classic 2.5* album, absolutely nothing endearing, but inoffensive at the same time. It's the musical equivalent of a dry Jacobs cracker, or a flavourless rice cake. It's technically sustinence, but no one's enjoying it
Awful! Worst album I've listened to so far. Made a conscious decision to listen to every track on every album but this one was a tough one to get through. Very droney and miserable without any real meaning or emotion.
Apart from the first few songs, theatrical, enjoyable album. If I could, I'd give a 3,5/5.
a bit kitschy but okay
Interesting/questionable pick for the 1001 list. Spotify shows that it only has so many plays, and wikipedia says that the one single from this album (Everybody Knows) peaked at #14 on the UK charts. I dig the orchestral background, but the only track that really stood out for me is Timewatching.
Another album from the British Isles whose presence here is completely perplexing to this American. It's competent, if not my style. Minus 1 star for taking a place on this list that could have gone to something more noteworthy.
Like if someone was jokingly riffing on being an occasionally maudlin lounge act, with over the top, nonsensical lyrics. I guess it's trying something, but it's not really good.
I like the lyrics but not a fan of the music.
Could be ok while making dinner. Some big band and big voice
This was lame as hell.
Dude loves his horse alot, just not sure I get this, musically kinda interesting but lyrically just a bit weird.
this should really be my thing and it is good but doesn't rock my world
Ok?
I love Divine Comedy but this is a really odd 2nd pick, it's not that different to Casanova and not as strong throughout. One of my least favourite DC albums actually. Of course, I still like it. Should have included Fin de Siecle or Regeneration. Or even Absent Friends. Only really In Pursuit of Happiness (remember when that was the new theme to Tomorrow's World?) and Timewatching (which is an old song anyway) stand out. I do like how If takes a horrendously sinister turn at the end. All these one star reviews though, what do you people want?
It was an alright listen I just don’t think it’s my cup of tea in terms of music. It’s a nice effort and I love the conceptuality of it but just doesn’t really hit that nerve for me. 4/10
One of the most memorably hateable albums on this list so far has been by Ute Lemper, and this guy is in league with her to do . . . something. And that is part of what frustrates me about this and Ute Lemper. I don’t understand what they are doing. Do they want to write songs for musicals? Is this crooning? Are they lounge acts? What the fuck is this? And more importantly, who is this for? I’ve been on this earth for 46 years and have met all kinds of people in that time and can’t think of anyone I have ever encountered that would be into this. Who listens to this?! https://youtu.be/ilcRS5eUpwk?si=TJiOw4Kr3usTorbO
Mostly ballads but with some rock influences here and there. It also felt a little tongue in cheek with some of the humor. Overall a good listen all the way through.
A selection of slow and sometimes sad sounding love songs, not really something i'd go out of my way to listen to, but not terrible.
Fíla þessa vel. Enn betur í öðru rennsli heldur en því fyrsta.
If any album convinces me that overblown production, an excessive swelling string section and over the top vocals don't convey much in the way of emotion, it's this album. It comes across like a pastiche of the kind of performance characteristic of 1960s/1970s light entertainment TV shows. I'm not familiar with The Divine Comedy - maybe this is a deliberate pastiche?
interesting - - but nothing stands out
Normally this guys great voice would’ve been sent to the new wave gulag in the 80s so it was nice to hear it be used for a more unique type of pop even if the music itself still wasn’t super memorable.
Don't listen to any of these retards spouting nonsense about this album being bad, this is for the lovers only. So far the highlight of this whole thing along with L.A Woman (day 16)
This album is bizarre. I don't even know where to place it. It's like lounge music mashed up with musicals but with the vocals of Depeche Mode or Morrissey. I actually like the type of music that's being played but the mashup of all of these things together made for a long 32 minutes...
Boring and sounds like Sinatra
Jacques Brel meets the Magnetic Fields = my kind of music
Nothing about this made me mad, but I found it wholly unremarkable and pretty cheesy. Like I said in my review of their other album on this list, they just sound like a Scott Walker knockoff.
Not for me. 1/5
One album by the Divine comedy was more than enough. The second one in two weeks.
so-so. I don't know much of Divine Comedy's work, but the have some better songs than the stuff on this album
Never been the biggest fan of them. Have their moments, but for me, none of them are on this album
Didn't enjoy it but it wasn't unbearable. Low 2.
7.5/10 One of the kings of chamber/baroque pop. Hannon is a treasure. Excellent album, beautiful instrumentation, great songs, great singing. Best : In Pursuit of Happiness
I liked this one a little better than Casanova. Probably a 3.5 but I'll give it the benefit of the doubt. The songs were easy to catch the meaning of, the album was consistent but approached love from different directions in each song. If... felt dated and tacky, I'm All You Need was my favourite song.
Quite original and well put together but nothing really grabs me 3.4
This was a surprisingly fantastic album. A beautiful voice that deserves an orchestral backing and music that holds the two together in simple, but feeling filled songs of love. Definitely a surprise. Definitely recommended.
Very much an album about love. Could get lost in it for a brief moments but despite it's short run time, it still feels a bit long to listen to the same pace and mood.
first listen a grandiose album, although short
I liked the bit about hanging out with sheep in succulent pastures xx
A side didn’t catch my attention but the b side had my jaw on the floor. 👍
This was really quite weird, a bit like a soundtrack to a musical crossed with an old-fashioned crooner. I didn’t like it. Rating: 2
timewatching is kind of a dip, but can’t be denied that this is strong!! sounds great & has some of his most clever writing
6/10
Oh, Jesus, no. Not another one. I haaated the first album I was assigned from this group. I have to admit, this one is a big step up from their last piece of garbage I listened to. At least these sound like songs. I think this album is what would happen if Weird Al wrote a Broadway musical and cast Tal Bachman (remember him?) as the lead — it would be like Reefer Madness or Cry Baby but less tongue-in-cheek. The first song sounds like they listened to “The 13th” by The Cure the previous year and decided to try to emulate it, but they’re a bunch of theater nerds, so it came out sounding like Neil Diamond instead. That’s actually exactly what this is — it’s the camp of goth music with all the edge taken out of it so it just comes full circle to theater again. The guitar solos on the second song kind of slap, not going to lie. And I wasn’t expecting that heavy distorted guitar at the end of the third track. The mariachi players are doing a lot of the heavy lifting on this album. I don’t think that’s what they are, but I don’t know how else to describe the Desperado-esque sound on the first couple of songs. “If I Were You” is a blatant ripoff of the melody from “Leaving on a Jet Plane” by Peter, Paul, and Mary. “Timewatching” is legitimately beautiful, but it’s hard for a song with a cello ensemble to not be gorgeous. And the lyrics somehow manage to toe the line of being too much without coming off as insincere. It’s also the most goth song on the album. I feel like the album gets at least two stars just for this song. The music on the last track is cool (minus the annoying organ), but the lyrics are so dumb. And therein lies my biggest problem with this band. I feel like these guys can’t decide if they want you to take them seriously or not. It comes off as snobby theater kids who are too “above it all” to commit to writing a serious song so they have to disguise it in cheese and cynicism. 3/5 — I wish there was an instrumental version of this album without the dumb lyrics.
Not for me
Ok, definitely better and less wanky than I thought it would be
Sounds like the soundtrack to the annoying movie I’ve never seen
Charming little album.
Woah. wany Newton called. He said you're trying to hard to get panties thrown at you on stage. First track was actually really quirky and made me think I might like this. But then... Well. At least it's short.
Alternative/ Jazz/ Song writer. Not sure the genre. But, ok.
I didn’t expect this to be more depressing than Morrissey (which was the pick I got before this one) but here we are. Tough going, life is hard enough without suffering through this.
The excellently arranged orchestra and witty lyrics don't quite add up to a must-listen, but it is good. Best tracks "everybody knows' & "somehow" 'Casanova' is a sbetter album.
Very good production and music and mostly clever lyrics imo. It‘s only 30 minutes long, so I will definitely will give it another listen or two.
En osaa ottaa Neil Hannonia vakavasti. Ehkä siksi jopa vähän tykkään tästä.
This is the 2nd divine comedy album that has come up and it’s worse than the other one. No idea why this is in the list!
So much more swag than Casanova
Really good
A tad boring, isn't it?
A perfect slice of chamber pop with show tune qualities.
gáfumannapopp. bachbacharach. lag um hest gladdi. 3,5.
Um, OK. I don't know if I really needed a second album by the Divine Comedy. Casanova was pretty good, I admit -- but this is just more of the same, and not particularly interesting, in my humble opinion. Enough crooning.
Everyone Knows was a banger and I enjoy the whimsical lyrics. But too many slow songs.
Not very interesting
Don't get the hype
This album is looong but it was also like 25 years ago so I get it. Anyways I just don’t like it. The talent is there and songwriter to an extent is really good but just not something I like and will ever probably like.
A one-joke act that got old really quick. Sing a slightly amusing song in the faux emotionally serious style of Scott Walker. Aaaaand repeat.
Not bad, but definately not great. I didn't love it or hate it, it's just not my style of music. 2.5
Epic
A short album, indeed
idk what about casanova didnt click with me, but i liked this one a lot more. 3.5/5
Coldplay has residency on The Love Boat. Sounds like Mike Flowers is trying to make something substantial
Please. Why do I hate this man? Are there more than two albums on the list? Please, you’re ruining everything. (ntm.)
Sounds like Nick Cave but with eccentric lyrics. It's not awful, but, it's an okay album.
Chamber pop, baroque pop. An interesting album, very lush and romantic. I had a great time but nothing really stands out, just a solid album. 4/5
William Shatner vibes
kind of a laid back easy lounge pop album.
My god what utter rubbish. If you’d like to hear some actually successful chamber pop, do yourself a favor and go listen to Rufus Wainwright’s “Want One”. This album, on the other hand, should be consigned to the dustbin of history.
If I’d have just met the girl of my dreams then this record would be the soundtrack of that meeting. I guess those circumstances are what this record was made for. But I met the girl of my dreams (well a few of them before I found the right one) many years ago and the music then to accompany my heartfelt love was by Bread or Clifford T Ward. Never had The Divine Comedy down as producing a love album but this is an admirable effort. I like a good love song and there are one or two on this album which fit the bill but none come anywhere near Home Thoughts From Abroad but for me no love song ever will. A nice album which I enjoyed. 3/5 8/6/24
They didn't lie. It was short.
What a terrible name for a band. I feel like Scott Walker did this better?
This does not sound like it's from 1997. It sounds like a copy of late 70s, early 80s - just 20 years later and not any better. He's like Emo David Bowie.
What a dumb album.
Unusual inclusion but not unwanted. Some quality work but still a bit contrived.
I'm not sure what to make of this. The music was interesting, probably because of the orchestra. It was let down lyrically though.
"If you were a horse, I'd clean the crap out of your stable." Pure, simple poetry. I'm not exactly sure what this is trying to be, but I can't say it's doing it particularly well. It feels like a modern day crooner album, but it has almost no charm. The arrangements are...fine, albeit too stagnant for what should be a sweeping, orchestral suite of love songs. I like the idea, but not so much the execution.
These lounge love songs are crooned charmingly enough but they're ultimately too sleepy to truly penetrate the heart.
Tämä on outo levy. Alkuun todella vaisu, mutta hetkeksi kun päästää irti ja antaa sävelten viedä, muuttuukin tunnelma "elokuvamaiseksi". Kolme kertaa pyöri läpi ja tykkään kyllä laulajan äänestä ja kiva kokonaisuus.
Tylsä
Glad it was short. It wasn't my jam. It's funny how close it is to, and yet also how far away from, The Magnetic Fields 69 Love Songs that this short album about love really is. Same topic, proximate vocals, some dry-ish humor and yet one has all the charm, wit, and magic mix of sparkle and darkness I could ask for while the other just feels dumb. If you haven't figured it out by now, you'll be able to tell which this album is in my opinion by the rating.
Horrible
No idea what this is all about but it sounds like an album where a poet from the 70s tries to put music to his poems. Weird but not good weird. 2 stars.
Ekki fyrir mig
Surprisingly, a four. I think it hit a grandiose stride and I liked it a lot.
This kinda stuff is jut really up my alley sometimes, y'know? This orchestral pop crooner thing. I'unno. I mean, don't get me wrong, it's more Bublé than Sinatra, and it wears out a quite bit during the last half of the album, but I found the first half just so much fun and the record (true to its word) is pretty short anyway at only half an hour, so I'm still able to come out of this saying I dig it. And the first track, melodically, really sounded to me like it could be sung by the guy from Sparks, and that's a non-zero factor.
A little bit forgettable, but at least the orchestration is great.
I’m somehow at a 3. I pretty much wrote my opinion of this album around Track 3, and even though Tracks 5 and 6 kind of picked up for me, this album is just aggressively OK. To copy and paste what I wrote after listening to “Someone”: I’m at a weird point with this album so far; it’s technically sound, the production is good, and his vocals are fine, but nothing is blowing me away. Every song is nice to listen to so far, but when you really dig into it, it’s all just homages to the past. This song in particular felt like a cheap version of a 60s Frank Sinatra trying to do a 90s Bond theme, which is fine on paper, and in terms of the execution here, was done pretty well. It just didn’t really have the charisma or a unique personality to really make this song work. Objectively, the horn section in this song was bombastic, it was glowing, it represented the sort of heartache and loneliness the song was going for really well… but I just didn’t believe in the song. Really, I just don’t believe in the album. It’s not that these are bad songs; they’re all fine, they’re decent to listen to, and the instrumentation gives a great energy to each track. The problem is that nothing truly stands out on its own; everything feels taken from another artist. In terms of the album’s structure, everything just blends together. If you do the big bombastic instrumental part in every song where the strings swell and the vocals hit a fever pitch… then no song feels special. When nothing feels special, you just can’t believe in the album. There is a skeleton of a great album in here, but this just never really sheds its skin to become something that actually stands out. It’s aggressively OK, and no higher than a 3. It definitely doesn’t feel like it belongs on this list.
Nice enough.
The joke is on us.
2.5
Thank God it really was a short album
Odd album
Ugh. No.
4.5/10
Everybody knows, only song I liked.
Quality vocalist gives adequate performance of uninspiring love songs.
Tender, poignant, and humorous. Scott Walker could have learned a lot from this guy.
Lovely music, some wacky lyrics. My first thought was omg this is Irish Scott Walker. And then it occurred to me that the Magnetic Fields made a similar concept album (69 Love Songs). This album came out first, though, so maybe the Magnetic Fields took the idea as a challenge (how many songs can *you* write about love?) and dropped the mic with a 3 volume album clocking in at almost 3 hours long . Okay, that's about a different album, but my point is, if this album inspired Stephin Merritt, it gets props from me. Sure, I have never actually listened to the whole 3 hours of 69 Love Songs, but I love what I have heard. Ooh interesting tidbit - I am seeing on the Wiki page that one of this album’s bonus tracks is actually a Magnetic Fields cover. AND 69 Love Songs is on the list so we’ll all get to listen at some point 👏👏👏
Silly, witty, and romantic popish music.
Chamber pop as a genre is kinda new to me. I think it's got promise. This guy, though. I actually laughed out loud at some of his lyrics. Maybe I was supposed to, though?
Catchy killer album. Not sure if it’s to be taken seriously. Reminds me of englebert humperdick.
fun and campy! would probably have gotten a 4 if i was deeper in the throws of love when i listened
It sounds like the singer from Floater doing a bad impersonation of Frank Sinatra. The lyrics are so comically bad that I genuinely had to check and see if they were joking. They were not.
Спустя неделю после прослушивания остались приятные впечатления, но я не помню ничего из альбома.
A bit slow, sappy, and saccharin. No change of tone or pace. i get that it sounds like the late 90s Britpop underneath but it sounds like a lighter version of what the Artic monkeys started doing with their lounge music, not my favorite.
A bit overwrought but I enjoyed moments.
This was a ho-hum background album that blended too much into what I've already heard.
I found track 3 kinda charming and track 4 a bit clever. Otherwise not my bag.
Really, really disliked this. Aesthetically, sonically, lyrically. Oof.
there was so much weird stuff (respectfully) in here. not something i probably would have come across outside of this exercise
This was going so good! I was really enjoying the orchestral power and the theatricality of the music, but then there was that weird song about "If you were a horse, I would clean the crap out of your stall...", "if you were a dog", etc. The lyrics turned me off so much that I'm taking my rating down an entire star.
I would ask why and how this album got on this list, but I'm guessing it has something to do with the repeat references to Scott Walker I found in reviews.
decent enough, short albums are always a plus too
This sounds like an album of music from a broadway play, and actually if that were the case I’d probably like this more. I started to get more on board with this album at the song “If…” which is where the vocals became more tolerable for me but the instrumentals and lyrics are still too campy for my tastes.
Liian myhäilevää. Tavoitellaan satumaisuutta (musikaalimaisesti) pelkäämättä korniutta, vaikka pitäisi. Pitkästä aikaa tekee mieli inhota, vaikka ihan niin voimakkaita tunteita tämä ei herätä. Onneksi oli lyhyt.
Huonoa Disney-musiikkia aikuisille.
Divine? No. Comedy? Perhaps. Short album? Not short enough.
Found this one just a bit droll, not sure why it’s on the list.
Cansionsita de amor no pls
Meh.
I was surprised by this album, since I hadn’t heard of the band. Because my previous album was Eminem, I was excited by the first track and settled in for a good listen. The way I feel about this album is this: the lyrics are not strong enough to give them attention but the music alone isn’t interesting enough to play the album as background music. Again, like so many on this list, it really needed tightening. An editor or a strong voice offering direction could have saved this.
Uh not bad but not my jam
Album 386 of 1001 The Divine Comedy - A Short Album About Love Rating : 2.5 / 5 I like some odd stuff. Some nice baritone crooning. From the 90s but sounded as if it would have been a couple of decades earlier. A nice roadside attraction.
Didn't grab me, never heard it before. Rather cinematic.
That became quite annoying quite quickly. More gen x shite.
I’ll be in the minority and say I loved this. It was way better than Scott Walker, IMO. The lyrics weren’t dumb, they were purposefully ridiculous at times. I liked it.
Some of the music wasn't bad, but the vocals didn't seem to fit it well in my opinion. The lyrics were kind of stupid to me at times too. Just a bizarre album to me. 2/5
I don't know if it's beautiful, boring or annoying because it moves between the three so frequently I don't know how to feel. 3 it is.
This album is not very overwhelming, but it’s not a bad listen at all. Favorite Tracks: “Timewatching,” “Everybody Knows(Except You),” and “I’m All You Need”
a boring album about love
This is my second Divine Comedy album I've gotten on this generator. As stated before, this guy wrote the theme song to Father Ted, as well as the song "My Lovely Horse" which was used in the show. There's a song on this album where dude is singing about being a horse. Made me laugh given the fact he also wrote "My Lovely Horse". Dude loves horses apparently. I love this guys lyrics. This song called If I Were You (I'd Be Through With Me) he says: If I were you, I'd end my days, In fields of stupid sheep just grazing, The grass so succulent and sweet, If I were you I'd be through with me This dude loves barnyard animals in general. Makes sense given the fact that he's from Northern Ireland, and there are a fuck ton of sheep up there. I really love this guys obsession with singing about animals. The final song on the record, I'm All You Need, begins like this: Don't look a horse in the mouth, Don't let a frog get you down, Dragging you round like a dog on a lead, I'm all you need... This guys fascination with horses is hilarious. Favourite songs: I'm All You Need, Everybody Knows (Except You), If..., If I Were You (I'd Be Through With Me) Least favourite songs: Timewatching, Someone 3/5
If is a new favorite
I quite enjoyed this. Instrumentation kept me interested, and the tone seemed playful and joyful when it needed to, and morose at other times. Reminded me of Pulp in a lot of ways.
No sé de dónde vienen esas reseñas de 1 estrella
Not my favorite. Beautiful voice. Songs about love pretty ok, but honestly the writing is kind of weird. I feel like maybe a cultural thing... He is from ireland and singing about looking horses in the mouth... But extra points for sounding like a lounge singer singing beautifully in an empty bar.
Why is this here?
Everybody Knows
I see that this album is not very popular and do I think that this album is a masterpiece? No, not at all. However, I felt it to be kind of tongue and cheek at times which I appreciated and I'll admit that it was an entertaining listen. You know, I really loved the ending of "I'm All You Need" and I was a big fan of the horse element. Really added another level of charm. I've already said this but I really wish there were half star ratings because I would give this a 3 1/2 stars but I'm tired and don't have much time to think so I'll round it up to a 4 because life is short and I have no time to be a hater!
Lately, it feels as though I've been wandering through a desert of 2-star albums. It has left me yearning for something to quench my thirst for musical creativity and depth. "A Short Album About Love" by The Divine Comedy appeared as an oasis in this landscape, offering a refreshingly unique sound that I wasn't at all prepared for upon my first listen. The album's distinctiveness caught me off guard, prompting not one, not two, but three successive playthroughs to fully immerse myself in it. The Divine Comedy is undeniably niche, blending quirky lyrics with compositions that stand out from the mainstream offerings. The lyrics, while unusual, have a wit and charm that is amusing. As for the lead singer's voice, it certainly made an impression. His vocal quality occasionally brought Morrissey to mind, yet there was something uniquely compelling about his delivery that stood out on its own. Calling this album "stunning" might seem like high praise, yet it feels wholly appropriate given the experience it provides. "A Short Album About Love" isn't just a collection of songs; it's a journey that surprises, delights, and challenges its listeners. While its distinct sound and unconventional lyrics might not cater to everyone's tastes, for those willing to dive into its depths, the album proves to be a rich, rewarding experience. Favourite Tracks: In Pursuit of Happiness, Everybody Knows (Except You)
As advertised. About half an hour of crooning love songs. Not bad. Pretty sure this guy wants to bang a horse tho.
It grew on me on the second listen. Not bad if you keep an open mind
absolutely dreadful, irredeemable, it’s existence on this list is a confounding mystery to all with ears
These songs would sound a lot better with a different lead vocalist.
2.5/5⭐️ Best song: If… Worst song: Someone Comments: Kinda silly
Is he stalking this girl or does he just really love horses? The world may never know.
I’ve always found The Divine Comedy funny - and this mini-album features “Everybody Knows That I Love You.” For that alone, 3 stars. But since I had a good time with the rest of it, I’m bumping it up to 4. And also because I’ve given 4 stars to other albums that might not be as good as this one, so I have to give it that rating. Darn, I’m starting to compare the ratings I’ve given to one album versus another - this isn’t good, this isn’t good at all - I think I’m going to start questioning all of this once again :'-(
Whackadoodle. Super funny. Very strange. Didn’t love. Didn’t hate. I want a horse.
Sweet, enamel-eating love songs. Even if you're not diabetic, it will kill you. Boring. 1/5
to give credit where credit is due, i genuinely thought a short album about love was going to be like 69 love songs. the divine comedy kept their album at a tight 30 and it was appreciated. without the orchestral backing, i would've found this album lacking, but the orchestra aspect added such beauty and even made up for some not-so-good aspects, like the lyrics. i mean, what was up with lyrics from "if..."?! "if you were a dog, i'd feed you scraps from off the table"???
I got strong Rufus Wainwright vibes from this artist and album, from the orchestral pop motif down to the sultry, crooning vocals. This wasn't bad by any means. From a composition perspective, it actually seems quite well done and deeply emotional, with an air of tragedy. I am not quite sure if this falls closer to a 2 or a 3 for me, honestly. But it's somewhere in between. I will err on the side of positivity because unlike some albums on this project, this intrigued me.
Nice album but not for me
I was surprised at how grandiose this album was but it just couldn't get under my skin.
I suppose your liking for this can be broken down to your tolerance for: a) The sweeping, orchestral Big Pop sounds of the 1960s, and; b) Neil Hannon's oaken, stentorian baritone, an eccentric and seemingly anachronistic voice for the time of the Divine Comedy's pomp. If you like both - and I do - there's much to enjoy here. It's graverobbing, undoubtedly, but the larceny is done with immense brio and elegance. A dialled-down Hannon evens sounds tender on 'Timewatching', and would you believe it? It's beautiful. Any road, I'm always going to look favourably on the composer of 'My Lovely Horse'.
This is decent, very dramatic and a bit soap opera-esque. The lyrics don't do the album too many favors, as I am sure others have noted. I did like it overall, and it is short enough to not overstay its welcome. Looking at the artist's information, it seems he also wrote songs for the recent Wonka movie, which feels appropriate with these songs.
Love this lots! I was just listening to Neil Hannon singing with Ute Lemper the other day and remembering how much I love him and The Divine Comedy. I don't say this often, but I wouldn't have minded a longer album about love.
I listened to this multiple times thinking it might change my like to a love...I just never got there...
I think we’re at the point in this project where 75% of my notes are going to start with, “Really? [insert name of artist] again???” Other than my being surprised that I must listen to (at least) two (and a half if we count Ute Lemper’s Punishing Kiss) albums by The Divine Comedy before I die, I really enjoyed all the theatrics. We’ve had some dramatic outings here in the last several days and I am here for it!
My biggest complain about “a short album about love” is the ‘short’ part. Fortunately, the 2020 Reissue more than doubles the runtime with some additional great tracks, including a Bert Bacharach/Hal David tune (Make It Easy On Yourself) - something I’ve wanted to hear from The Divine Comedy since listening to the previous album. What can I say, this album is a glorious collection of love songs! “Hey, don't be suprised, if millions die in plague and murder, True happiness lies beyond your fries and happy burger.” “I told the passersby, I made a small boy cry And I'll get through to you if it's the last thing that I do.” “I need to be someone’s somebody.” “If you were a horse I'd clean the crap out of your stable And never once complain.” “And if I were you I wouldn’t let the shit you get from me get the better of you.” “When I fall behind in the quest for pleasure I shall treasure this short time with you.” “Don't look a horse in the mouth, Don't let a frog get you down, Dragging you round like a dog on a lead, I'm all you need.” I LOVE this album! TERRIFIC!
Nach dem zweiten Lied schon keinen Bock mehr gehabt, wtf. Es ist so schlecht, ist das ne Parodie?!
Didn’t care for it…seemed average
I tried, but I really couldn't get into this. It had no appeal to me in any way.
Great album not something id listen to but great 👍🏾
Hadn’t heard of this before. There was definitely some morissey influence. Decent overall.
There are many and much worse albums on here.
This was weird, experimental but very poignant, goofy kinda bizarre lyrics mixed with lots of mentions of horses. I kinda dig it. 3.3
I liked the slow melodies, but the voice annoys me. I don't know why. It's distracting.
Not my jam
Second Divine Comedy album from this site. Liked the first one better.
A rock opera about possessive love. Very well orchestrated music and tragic, sometimes troubling lyrics. Great juxtaposition between the music and themes
Didn't know them. Love it.
Chamber pop is one of those genres that is very distinctly its own thing. Even if it borrows elements from many other folk-adjacent pop genres, when you put on a chamber pop record, you know what you are getting. And there have been people who have mastered this sound. Sufjan Stevens definitely comes to mind. So I was interested to hear what a different artist’s take on the sound was, since I have very little experience with it. And the title of this album does not lie. This is a relatively short album, that is entirely made up of love songs. Truth be told, these are probably some of the sweetest and most sincere love songs you will find from the 90’s. This is composed of very ornate and decadent sounding orchestral instrumentation, with building horns and swelling strings. But the addition of more folk and even soft rock guitars and drums creates a nice in-between. Honestly though, this isn’t as consistent as I would like it to be. Some of the songwriting feels plain in comparison to the more emotional and powerful moments. I also feel like the singers voice throws off the album a bit. It is another one of those voices that takes some getting used to, and I wasn’t fully there by the end. Because this is so short, it maybe doesn’t get enough time to really play around with its own ideas. But it also doesn’t overstay its welcome, so if you aren’t a fan of this sound, you won’t have to suffer for very long. Rating: 6/10
Sounds dated, of its time.
Not for me
Just don’t like his voice. I’ve tried.
I adore this man's talent! Fun writing, creative sounds, and through the test of time! I like the other stuff too
Love the Divine Comedy!
Nice sound
Really good band.
Я помню, что много раз крутила этот альбом по кругу, чтобы понять его прекол, но в итоге каждый раз просто ела кактус
At first I did not think this album was going to be something I enjoyed but as I went along for the majestic ride I found the orchestral pop to be endearing. I especially enjoyed the closing track with its dissonant chords and near transcendent heights it reaches at its crescendo.
I have not heard of this album or artist before. I didn’t know what to expect from this album and I’m still left a bit confused on how to feel. The songs were slow and supposedly about love which isn’t typically what I listen to. Alas, I found a couple songs that were nice to listen to: Someone, and If… I probably won’t listen again unless it’s for background music.
ranged from boring to annoying and back for me
It was ok. The music was good and the vocals were good on most songs
will revisit this
<insert clown emoji> Additional star for only being a half an hour of cringe(I only endured the first 15 tho)
An LP with very lush arrangement, ultimately let down by the corniness of its lyrics and the age of its aesthetic. Without any electric guitar, and with more sultry things to say about love without all the cheese, it could have gone further. That said, the LP is dulcet and inoffensive to the ears, and relatively well-produced.
It's better than the other album by TDC on this list, but it's not for me. Less annoying though.
A Short Album About Love is a mini-album by The Divine Comedy, released in 1997 as a companion piece to their previous album Casanova. The album consists of seven songs, all of which are about different aspects of love, such as happiness, longing, regret, jealousy, and devotion. The album was recorded live with a 30-piece orchestra, giving it a rich and lush sound that contrasts with the witty and ironic tone of Casanova. The album opens with In Pursuit of Happiness, a cheerful and upbeat song that celebrates the joy of finding love and being loved. The song features a catchy chorus and a playful piano solo, as well as some humorous references to pop culture and literature. The singer, Neil Hannon, expresses his gratitude and optimism for his relationship, singing "I've got the world on a string / And I'll do anything / To be with you". The second song, Everybody Knows (Except You), is a more melancholic and tender ballad that deals with the insecurity and doubt that often accompany love. The song is about a man who is deeply in love with a woman, but is afraid to confess his feelings because he thinks she doesn't feel the same way. The song has a simple and elegant melody, supported by a gentle string arrangement and a soft drum beat. The singer, with his deep and expressive voice, conveys his frustration and longing, singing "Everybody knows I love you / Everybody knows I need you / Everybody knows I do / Except you". The third song, Someone, is a dramatic and passionate song that explores the theme of obsession and infatuation. The song is about a man who is so consumed by his love for a woman that he loses his sense of self and reality. The song has a powerful and soaring chorus, accompanied by a majestic orchestral crescendo and a thundering drum roll. The singer, with his intense and operatic delivery, expresses his desperation and madness, singing "Someone, someone / I've got to find someone / Someone who'll be everything to me". The fourth song, If..., is a whimsical and romantic song that imagines various scenarios of love and happiness. The song is about a man who fantasizes about different ways of expressing his love for a woman, such as writing her a poem, taking her to Paris, or marrying her. The song has a charming and playful melody, enhanced by a lively flute solo and a cheerful trumpet section. The singer, with his smooth and crooning voice, expresses his creativity and affection, singing "If I wrote you a symphony / Just to say how much you mean to me / What would you do?". The fifth song, If I Were You (I'd Be Through With Me), is a sarcastic and self-deprecating song that acknowledges the flaws and failures of love. The song is about a man who realizes that he has been a bad partner and that he doesn't deserve the woman he loves. The song has a catchy and upbeat melody, contrasted by a bitter and ironic tone. The singer, with his witty and cynical voice, expresses his guilt and regret, singing "If I were you / I'd be through with me / I'd have told me where to go / A long, long time ago". The sixth song, Timewatching, is a nostalgic and sentimental song that reflects on the passage of time and the memories of love. The song is about a man who looks back on his life and his relationship with a woman, and how they have changed over the years. The song has a slow and graceful melody, complemented by a warm and soothing string section and a delicate piano accompaniment. The singer, with his soft and tender voice, expresses his nostalgia and gratitude, singing "Timewatching / We watch the time / And I love you more than I can say". The seventh and final song, I'm All You Need, is a confident and assertive song that declares the strength and endurance of love. The song is about a man who reassures his lover that he will always be there for her and that he is the only one who can make her happy. The song has a fast and energetic melody, driven by a pulsating bass line and a vibrant horn section. The singer, with his bold and charismatic voice, expresses his conviction and devotion, singing "I'm all you need / And I'm not afraid to say / You're the only one who can make me feel this way". A Short Album About Love is a diverse and impressive album that showcases the versatility and talent of The Divine Comedy. The album covers a wide range of emotions and styles, from the joyful and humorous to the sad and serious, from the simple and elegant to the complex and grandiose. The album is a testament to the power and beauty of love, in all its forms and facets. The album is a masterpiece of orchestral pop, and a must-listen for fans of The Divine Comedy and lovers of music in general.
Really shit, every song is identical
2.6 not a very enjoyable album for me.
Too much horseplay.
I enjoyed this quite a bit and hadn't heard of them at all. I am chasing down their other stuff now.
Forgettable.
This is a very appropriate album for Valentine’s Day, and it very much does what it says on the tin. Seven bitter sweet songs about love, with orchestral arrangements, clocking in at just over half an hour. This still has some of the quirkiness and humour of other songs by the Divine Comedy, especially the references to horses! If you were a horse I could ride you through the fields at dawn Through the day until the day was gone
This is way too theatrical and orchestral, in a bad way. Maybe it's ironic? Anyway, it sounds pretentious and vain. And kinda boring.
This came as a surprise. I never before heard of this band. Pleasing songs with a fantastic instrumentation—both the arrangements and the execution in collaboration with The Brunel Ensemble.
I have never heard of this band and had zero expectations. Unfortunately, it is one of the worst albums I've ever heard.
Wow... I have a heard time describing how I feel about this. I guess it must be quite genuine, and he is obviously quite sad. But at the same time it just gets too much and become cheesy instead for me, almost to the point where it gets a bit pathetical. I envision him sitting (much like the album cover) inside his room alone and feeling sorry for himself, which is reflected in the music. I guess I am supposed to feel sorry for him or find some songs beautiful, but I don't. Maybe I am just too cynical, I don't know. Either way, I wasn't very fond of this, neither of the theme nor the chords or anything really. The singing was fine, but it got quite moany after a while, as did the album.
I could barely get through the first few songs. It just felt annoying. The crooning singing style with bland pop. It feels like listening to music used for commercials. The latter songs saved it from being a one-star but it was really close. Just pretentious, whiny and bland. Some of the orchestral arrangements towards the end of the album was its only saving grace.
It never made me care about anything he sang.
i respect him but it’s a no from me, dog.
It was pretty soothing, I liked it
After listening to this three times I was still unsure about how to score it. So I put on another album from the same era - Catatonia's International Velvet. Fuck me, that blew this pile of pretentious horse shite away. How the actual fuck is this on this list but Catatonia aren't? Just listen to the two albums back to back ffs. It's not even close. So, any thought of a potential 3 disappeared in the time it took for the opening chords of Mulder and Scully to finish. It's not a 1 - somewhere buried deep inside this is the makings of half of a reasonable Belle and Sebastian EP. The muted horns, some of the orchestration when it's not too over the top, the guitar break with the horns behind two and half minutes in to Everybody Knows (the best thing on the album, although it vocally lacks drive let alone the groove and swagger that Murdoch would bring to a song like this (and the fun and variety B&S bring)). The whole vocal line throughout is a bit Val Doonican at times. More rock and roll please. And less overblown orchestra - it's nice when it's subtle, not when it gets over the top. Timewatching in particular is all a bit dire. And don't get me started on the fucking horses and dogs. There's something in there. But so much shite to go with it.
I kinda dig it. It's a bit weird (the horse lyrics) At times but I dig that vocal style and it doesn't overstay its welcome. 3.5 rounded up.
Ok
Niet heel interessant
Really didn’t like it .. the lyrics are kinda terrible
Shit sucks!!!!
made me irate
Terrible, boring, uninspired gen x love songs. Shit sucks! Only doesnt get a 1 because some of the instrumentation is decent and its short af
Little generic, but nice enough
Sounds like a musical, some epic orchestration. Overall, it's ok. Not sure why it's on this list. 2*, not 1* because it's not total garbage like some albums on this list. Highlights: everybody knows Like wtf is this: If you were a dog I'd feed you scraps from off the table Though my wife complains If you were my dog
This feels like They Might Be Giants met Jonathan Coulson, went to England and wrote the wackiest lyrics about love they could come up with, and then performed with an eye rolling, muscle pulling, wink as Frank Sinatra for hipster chamber pop, but demanded to be taken seriously, even though the word Comedy is right there in the band's name. Not funny enough to be funny and not serious enough to be taken seriously. Just more terrible Nick Cave-ous stuff. The Divine Comedy feels like an acquired taste that I cannot seem to acquire. Or an acquired disease I need penicillin for. I understand what they are doing, but it just seems like a pointless exercise in juxtaposition and irony. "If" is an uncomfortable creep fest. It's like Hannon heard Radiohead's "Creep" and said "Here, hold my tea." The difference being that I think Cannon is trying to be earnest. Not here for the Schmaltz. What circle of hell am I in? This is another one of those albums that makes me feel like we are being trolled by the list maker.
You know what they say; good things don't last forever. I'm not saying that because of the length of this album, although it is quite short. I'm saying that because I had a really good streak of albums going, and now it's over. This album sucks. Well, okay. That's a bit harsh. I'm not a fan though. Let's start with the positives. As far as instrumentation and sound go, the album's not that bad. The chamber-pop sound does work fine enough. The singing is also tolerable. It is basically just a worse Frank Sinatra though. I have two main complaints with this album. Problem 1 is that it has absolutely no reason to be on this list. Apparently there's another album from The Divine Comedy on here, but that one, from what I've read, has an argument to be made for its inclusion. It's not a great argument, but it is an argument. But this? I see absolutely no reason for this to be one of the top 1001 albums to listen to before you die. Like, why does The Divine Comedy get two albums on here but Weezer and MF DOOM get absolutely nothing? That doesn't seem fair to me. Finally, let's talk about this album's writing. It's bad. Straight-up. I don't get it. The album starts out innocently enough. The writing isn't great, but it's not horrible. Once you get to the song "If...", then things start going downhill quickly. That song just sucks. The line "If you were a tree I could put my arms around you and you could not complain" seems pretty rapey to me. The last stanza about a dog is just straight-up creepy. And the horse lines. Horses are brought up in two songs, with another being implied to be another horse song, and the way he sings about this subject makes me worry if this guy wants to pull an Enumclaw (DONT GOOGLE ENUMCLAW HORSE BY THE WAY). Overall, this is just not worthy of being on this list. I don't get it man. 2/5.
Fine, nice songs performed well, but nothing to come back for.
The song "If..." is hilarious. The rest of the album is mid.
Really unlistenable, just not my style at all
Neil Hannon is one of the most underrated songwriters of the last 30 years.
Wants to be the Magnetic fields but not as talented.
I don’t know why this band has 2 albums on the list, let alone 1. This one is slightly better than the other but doesn’t need to be on here.
I enjoyed this album. It was calming..almost melancholic.
Why
Odd
Never heard of them, but has a classic rock feel. I liked it. Kind of a Doors vibe.
The guy can sing,and the songs have some decent, if simple arrangements, and theres lots to hang your hat on here, but oh my, the lyrics are dreadful, and completely ruin what potential there was. Were the Divine Comedy camping it up deliberately?
Overall I couldn't get into this album. I enjoyed someone quite a lot. But it just didn't fully come together. Nice music but the singing didn't quite catch the grandiosity of it all. Light 6
A tad too mushy, wasn’t feeling it. Didn’t really like any songs or melodies. Decent 3
pretty corny
Sounds OK but disappointed it's not really in the style I know them for. The lyrics are kinda silly but the music doesn't put you in the mood to laugh.
It was very meh
Man discusses his sexual fantasies involving animals over the Final Fantasy VII soundtrack. So cheesy and melodramatic that it loops back to being genius. Sinatra this, Scott Walker that, I don't remember either of them singing about how they'd clean your crap if an evil witch transformed you into a horse. I had a great time listening to this. Exactly as advertised, this is truly a short album about love. Underrated gem, dare I say.
Love love love it, uplifting and wry all at once
For all it’s grandiosity, it’s still feels slight. I want Better lyrical content to match the ambition of the musical content. I understand these are short love songs, but I still feel like they deserve something more.
More songs which lean heaviliy into arching eyebrows, cheeky winks and knowing nods. That Scott Walker vibe hangs over this album like his suits do over his skinny frame. Rather than a Casanova, he's more likely to be the person hiding in the cupboard having a wank - I'm guessing that's the point? Best Songs: In Pursuit of Happiness; Everybody Knows (except you); If...
I feel like this album is from a Broadway musical.
I have no idea when I’d listen to this. 80s love ballads with a 70s Tom jones big band sound. Not for me
The last album from these guys on this list, I turned off for being trash. This is as bad as Casanova was, but I still don't understand why I'm listening to it. There's way better comedy or parody albums out there. Maybe their label paid to be included in the list.
I liked some of the song, but not all of them. Also, many seemed very similar in sound to me.
A Short Review About An Ok Album (2.5/5)
i guess it really is a short album about love
Do people actually enjoy this? 1.71
Love with a restraining order.
lovely horses
Holy this this band got another album on the list? What the fuck..... yeah it sucked. But hey it's short which is great.
Crooooooooooon you irish fecker
Lovely little album
Decent music but nothing too inspirational aside from the guitar line in I'm All You Need which captured my attention.
Gear: Meze 109 PRO Mix: dynamisch, detailreich und ordentlicher Soundstage. Besonders beeindruckend für eine Live-Aufnahme! Musik: wenigstens ist es schnell wieder vorbei Wertung: 🍺(🍺)/5
Melodic, some lovely chord changes and really nicely produced. Almost crooner like in his vocals. Also, half an hour? Take 4 stars mate.
Overwrought, pretentious and cheesy all at the same time. “Everybody Knows” was the best of the bunch.
crazy song to start the album with. after the first 2 i thought it was going to be a 5 star but the rest weren’t as good. except for the last one. still super good though
A top tier Short Album About Love 'Everybody Knows (Except You)'
This was really weird and unexpected but I love crooning so 5 stars hell yea
This album is a bit of a mixed bag. Musically it's trying to put an older style of music - orchestral pop of the likes of Burt Bacharach - a more modern (for the 90s) twist. Production-wise it's very good - learning it was a live stage recording. Lyrics are quirky but not sure if their deliberately absurdist like They Might Be Giants. I'm kind of conflicted with this one, not sure if I genuinely like it, or like it in a "so bad it's good" way. Everyone Knows and If I Were You are the standouts on this one.
Zzzzzzz... Its very short though so kudos for that.
Seriously, a second bizarro album from this artist? Art thou sane? Or you trying to drive us crazy?
chamber pop more like chamber pot if I were a horse I'd still give this a bad review
I can’t stand this stuff.
Another album that I can recognize as being "Good", but just isn't my taste. I wouldn't mind listening to this but I'll never seek it out. The dude has a nice voice, though.
Icky
This is exactly the kind of album that tries me crazy. How was this group on this list twice
A bit twee and knowing. Everybody knows is great. Didn't really take to the rest but it sure does have some lyrics "If you were a horse I'd clean the crap out of your stable". Will give it another go.
Is this a serious album? Or deeply unserious? It's only thanks to this list that I now understand this builds on Scott Walker's legacy. It combines orchestra, over the top crooning, and absolutely ridiculous lyrics. The reoccurring themes that stood out to me in this 30 minutes: mostly dog and horse metaphors. This is theater farce. Is it interesting? Sure. Would I repeat it? Nope.
I did not enjoy this album. I am glad it was short. It was like Frank Sinatra, but not as catchy. Also, not in the 50s, this album is from 1997! So many greats in this decade, and this album is not one of them. Favorite Song(s): N/A
Ok
I really didn't get it. It wasn't bad as in 'The Cramps' type bad, but it was so bland that I just forgot it was even playing. Nothing memorable or even slightly toe-tapping good. I made it all the way through so for that it gets 2 stars.
Man, that guy loves horses!
2/5 way too gentle for my taste
More enjoyable than most of these croony types, still not my thing
4.4 - never heard of this and absolutely loved it. Felt like a very random album for the 90s. Definitely will listen to more
Hmm not sure I like his voice. Scott Walker vibes. This seems like its tongue in cheek, but I'm not sure it is. Does this guy want to be a horse? Is this an album about bestiality? Timewatching is so dreary. So much prefer I'm All You Need. This song is great. He's well into horses though. Fave Songs: If..., I'm All You Need 2.7/5
Was going to give it a 4 but giving it a 5 to balance out everyone who's given it 1 or 2 because "the lyrics are silly"
Sounds big, like musical theatre. Most memorable lyric: “If you were a horse, I’d clean the crap out of your stable.”
An interesting sound. But why does every cute pop song about unrequited love need a 13th and 14th movement? A little precious. A little over-wrought. Tediously self-indulgent.
lovely
It’s a hard tightrope to walk - bridging a gap between swooningly earnest romance and knowingly humorous cynicism. But with great songs. And an orchestra. This is the absolute apex of Neil Hannon’s Divine Comedy, where the band synthesised The Smiths, Scott Walker and 60’s pop into something truly magnificent. Only 7 tracks, each one perfect. In Pursuit of Happiness is breathtaking in where the orchestration runs to from the single guitar it starts with. Everybody Knows is just a great pop song - and has a genuinely laugh out loud line about making a small boy cry. Someone just a great love song about longing If… I wrote about this for my English A Levels. Just so clever the way the nasty heart of the song is hidden inside what initially seem comedic lyrics. If I Were You is another great pop song Time watching is an update of a track from his first album and is starkly dramatic with just the strings and his voice. I’m all you need another great orchestral piece I wouldn’t change a note on this album The covers of Johnny Mathis’ Feet and Make it Easy On Yourself on the extended edition are well worth checking out as well
Ok but doesn't really move the meter for me.
Just okay. It seems like a strange musical.
Here is a prime example of why I wanted to start this project: To discover some unique hidden gems like this mini album. It's definitely niche, but 'a short album about love', and the Divine Comedy, is a real treat. Imagine a Bryan Ferry/Paul Banks like crooning on quirky songs about love running through a familiar vien of Jens Lekman and the Magnetic Fields backed by some impressive orchestration with a crisp brit pop sheen. This is my crude attempt to describe what I hear. And no, this isn't meant to be taken too seriously. It's supposed to be a bit campy and definitely fun, helmed by what I can gather is a bit of a savant.
I actually get it! Years of listening to this music as a teenager and all the way through I was like ‘oooook then.’ This time around, his voice is so gorgeous and the lyrics, hilarious and darkly satirical. Coming back around for this lot.
eccentric
Listened to a few songs. Wasn’t terrible music, but wasn’t feeling the comedy aspect
I like the use of organs, horns, and especially strings on this album. It creates a very retro feel, a la Billy Joel’s An Innocent Man, but mellower (and, in my opinion, far inferior). Unfortunately, the commitment to a 50s/60s-era sound means the percussion (and instrumentation as a whole) isn’t very interesting. The vocal is often brash when loud and very weak when quiet; it doesn’t ever find the right timbre. They’re fun songs, but there’s plenty to fault. The main limiting factor preventing this from being higher than a 2 is that “spark” – anything exciting or inventive. Also, the solemnly-delivered lyric “You’re a horse, I’d clean the crap out of your stable” made me take the album a lot less seriously. Key tracks: In Pursuit of Happiness
What a gem! First impressions: this is Hawksley Workman if he were from Ireland. Stylistically, it's uncanny how similar, yet unique these two artists are. This album is a feel good record and its accompanied by beautiful music. The strings and orchestration are lovely. I'm unsure if they are real, or synth... But regardless, they are placed perfectly. And they really add emotion to the vocals, which are full of emotion and range. Vocals remind me of Danny Elfman in Nightmare Before Christmas. That might sound silly, but it's a positive. The way he uses his voice, that alone, conveys depth and emotion that gives his lyrics a sense of honesty. I think I'd like to revisit this album despite it not being something I would typically throw on.
Bah c'est pas nul mais c'est pas mon style
Insipid music
3.3/5 Reasonably enjoyable. Best track: Everybody Knows (except you)
Not for me. Couldn’t get past song #2
Solid album with a rich orchestral quality Fantastic discovery for me, offering a captivating musical experience
I loved the instrumental in this album but that alone wouldn't make me relisten.
Lounge singer wannabes. Not even sure what kind of person would listen to this.