Reviews (page 8 of 14)
I loved the instrumentals for each song. Each song had its own identity but together they are all still cohesive. My favorite was Asylum!
Really good prog album. Enjoyed it a lot. 4 stars
never been a fan of supertramp and listening to this don’t change my mind. i found this album tedious... the music is mostly boring and the singer’s voice is annoying.
I like Breakfast in America. I didn’t care for this one.
meh
I’ll give it three stars for now. Some parts were a little too slow for me but I feel like it’ll grow on me after a few more listens.
Man everything about this was super solid. Beyond the normal use of solid to mean good. Like it felt sturdy. The bass thumped, and the grooves kept moving forward. I really liked this. It wasn't quite my flavor, but if the mood hit right, this could be a 5 star. Album Cover: (A) Space jail. Hell yeah.
Pretty cool album, I found it generally pleasant. It didn't blow me away at any point but it was also pretty enjoyable the whole time. Very solid.
"School" is awesome. I love the keyboard section. "Bloody Well Right" is also awesome. The saxophone is sweet. This isn't what I thought Supertramp would sound like. I am realizing that in my head I thought Supertramp and Soundgarden were the same band. "Dreamer" is also hitting. This album rocks, they have a lot of ELO energy. I loved basically this whole album. Sorry for mistaking you with Soundgarden for a decade and a half. 9/10
If Everyone Was Listening to this album, everything would be alright. And im Bloody Well Right about that.
Like this was a pretty good album, not my favorite by Supertramp but it was still pretty good, I didn't know any of the songs on here but I liked it!
Not bad. Not bad, at all.
Solid album, way better than I'd expected. Would make good car music
Prog-y, saxophone-y goodness, oh yes sir. This was made for me
Not at all bad
School is a classic song, rest pretty average...
I've heard the iconic chorus for 'Dreamer' before, but fairly sure this was my first time listening start-to-finish. 'Rudy' is a classic prog ballad, highlighting the band's ability to storytell through their songs. 'School' showcases their musical acumen, with its manic pacing and strong beat. Rating: Another 4-star 70s British album - long may they continue! Fav song: 'Bloody Well Right'. Added to playlist: 'Bloody Well Right'.
8/10 Favorite Tracks: Hide In Your Shell, If Everyone Was Listening Least Favorite Tracks: Bloody Well Right
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 8/10 Didn't know it, but I enjoyed listening to the album.
goofy asl…..prog lite
Overall pretty good, I didn't expect this to be super great from what I hear on the radio but I was nodding a long to some things here. Rudy was great and there was a nice hidden theramin in Hide In Your Shell, overall 3 stars I think, but maybe a mid 3.
Progressive, but in their own way. I want to like this more than I actually do. Bloody Well Right is simultaneously really great and somewhat annoying. Dreamer is just plain annoying. 3 stars.
Didn't know what to expect when I went into this one, but I was so pleasantly surprised. This one is good, and that is no understatement.
Not the pop perfection they would later reach, but still a solid album with some fun songs on it.
Sits somewhere in the intersection of Steely Dan, Yes, ELO and bar rock, with their own unique spin. Some of these songs wander off in ways that feel like a whimper more than a bang, but when the songs hit, they HIT. “Bloody Well Right” and “Dreamer” are familiar, upbeat hits and rightfully so. But the rest of the first half is solid as well: “Hide in Your Shell” and “Asylum” bring the drama and dynamics to perfection. And there’s clarinet for days in “If Everyone Was Listening” that makes me swoon. I didn’t have time to look and see if this was a concept album but if it isn’t it’d make a hell of a musical. I’d go 3.5 if I could, but I’ll bump it up to a 4. There’s a lot to dig into here if I had more time.
ELO without the juice? (not saying much) i'm generally not one for the prog pop style unless the songwriting is super compelling & i just don't find that to be the case here. the consistent 5:30+ minute song length doesn't do this any favors either. appropriately synthy & spacey but there isn't much that sticks out past a couple vocal moments. excited for Brunch in Tanzania or whatever its called
i first listened to this in the background while cleaning and doing various things and i was enjoying it. but now when i focus on it and pay attention to the music fully, it’s not really hitting me. i should love it, it all sounds good and well made. but it doesn’t quite click for some reason. it just simply exists. fave song: “if everyone was listening”
first time I'm listening to an entire album by them and it still feels sort of weird to me. Like I almost like them really much and they're almost exactly my cup of tea, but then something is slightly off and it makes them simply OK instead of awesome. I like the ambitiousness of this album, which I didn't get as much of a sense of on the individual tracks I've heard by them.
This was maxied so well like woow. I think recording quality absolutely peaked in the 70s. About the album. Well this is a definitive one of the sound of the entire century and it's a solid one that's worth going back to I think.
-fav song: if everyone was listening -not sure abt least fav, the rest were ok but I don't think I would relisten to them -i really enjoyed if everyone was listening...will be relistening to that one!
Good stuff
I did not get these guys when I was younger but have grown to totally love their Prog Pop sound.
favorite songs: school, bloody well right, hide in your shell, if everyone was listening, crime of the century
This is the 30th album I’m rating. I just realized I said Rio was the 27th album I rated but I don’t care enough to edit it. I’ve heard of the album before but I’ve never listened to a song. Also, I’m done talking about the songs unless they are interesting because it’s too much work. Adding to my Playlist - School, Bloody Well Right, Hide in Your Shell, Asylum, Dreamer, Rudy, If Everyone Was Listening, and Crime of the Century. Not Adding to my Playlist - Nothing. Bloody Well Right - This unbelievably good. This is amazing. That intro just sounds so good. That intro genuinely made me smile listening to it for the first time. Crime of the Century - Fantastic way to end an album. Great all around. All in all I liked 8/8 songs. I wasn’t expecting much going into this but it was fantastic. Every single song was great and this could potentially enter my top 5 but I’ll keep it top 10 for now.
Decent rock. I enjoyed this as background music while I was working, but don't think I'd sit and just listen to it. I was surprised to learn it's not a concept album telling the backstory of the perpetrator of the 'Crime of the Century' but turns out they just liked that track name best.
Favorite Track: Bloody Well Right
An album that reminds me why I love this list. Not the best album but a good reminder that Supertramp exists. I feel like this album could be great but it never really "gets there." The keys are awesome and production is top notch though. 5.75/10 (2.875/5)
This feels a little like prog rock lite. I’ve heard more edge from the other prog rock albums on this list
One of those bands that I've never been completely sure who they were. I assumed American rather than British. Dreamer I knew, but I didn't know what else to expect. Solid prog influenced sound and a good set of songs. I liked this, though it's of its time and place, why not have a bit of dad rock.
A pleasant surprise!
Enjoyable but nothing stood out. Not my favourite Supertramp album.
5 This, paired with Breakfast In America, is so good.
Finely produced, bordering on sterility. They have some delightful melodies in a lot of the songs. It's sort of prog lite, which I really don't mean as a negative. They aren't self indulgent and it's all pretty palatable. Though they are quite corny with the singing about school, theatre and Jimmy Cream. Plus the vocalist with the whiny voice was somewhat annoying.
Not a huge fan, felt like a he musical equivalent of twiddling your thumbs, it was just kinda boring
I'm surprised at how much I enjoyed this - actually had this on repeat and I only knew Supertramp by their three biggest hits before listening to this. I'm not the biggest fan of the vocals, but it really worked with the desperation in some of the lyrics. I prefer this prog flavor of Supertramp, even with the pop piano and guitar flourishes. Favorites: "School", "Hide in your shell", and "Crime of the century." The title track is so timely and introspective, the sweeping melodies sound like a budding antihero growing out of the ashes, love it.
I forget what I gave this listening to it so I’ll give it a 3
I don't have much to say, this was just really nice to listen to
Wow. Supertramp is one of those bands that has always been on the periphery of my interests but I’ve never given them a real shake. A ton of really cool sounds and pieces. I’m not sure I’m a big fan of the whole, but the musical ideas with which they play are all very interesting. Adding the musical complexity of prog with the more relaxed tone of something poppier? Excited to see more of them on later albums!
I was pleasantly surprised by this one. Admittedly, I had definitely judged an album by its name (and the name of the band that produced it), but 4/5 would listen to it again.
That was one saxy Pink Floyd record. This album starts out really strong, the middle is pretty boring, then ends on a somewhat interesting note.
i thought, what's the big deal, queen already did this & then looked at the release date
Entertaining
Feels like eating a fried fish and getting mostly batter, "Rudy" is definitely a nice bit of meat though.
it made sense to me that Supertramp were biggest in Canada; there's something so hearty and melodic about their brand of prog that feels right for the area. i'm sure these songs aren't easy to play, but it honestly does make me want to sing along or play bass to it -- even if they aren't as cheery as the tracks i've heard off of Breakfast in America. honestly, a lot of the album sounds bitter and melancholic, like the feeling of a shrug and lean forward. you could call this a spiritual debut, but if you told me this was the band's last album, i'd believe you. it has that "I'm Not Marching Anymore Energy"; somehow, the band just got sunnier with each release.
Banger
Really enjoyed this album
This album is already in my rotation. Great harmonies, horns, and piano.
This was very catchy - Dreamer I'm looking at you Was never really sure where this album was going. Lots of quiet, piano songs which led into louder parts with loads of instruments I enjoyed this album and was actually kind of sad when it ended 4 ⭐️
Just amazing!! These dudes literally could do anything... I think is the perfect combination between trippy, energetic, sentimental and still complex but understandable if you are not a music nerd. And the beginning is so good just as the ending. An album filled with intention.
"Give a little biiiit, give a little bit of your looove to meeee" Okayyy fiiine, wrong album, but anyways this album is great stuff. And so catchy: "RIGHT, RIGHT, YOU'RE BLOODY WELL RIGHT". I love the use of piano on this album. The entire instrumental of the closing track goes so hard. Also they album cover is super cool. Somebody cooked here. Really I just love space-themed album covers in general. If you (the one reading this) ever make an album for the 1001 albums list, if you want to give me a good first impression, make it a space-themed cover :)
the title track is very good
Sometimes very good but sometimes only ok!
Supertramp is voor mij de ontdekking van de vorige eeuw. Ik had er nog nooit van gehoord, maar kon al meteen alle liedjes meezingen. Heerlijke muziek! Ik heb Roger Hodgson live mogen aanschouwen op BosPop, en dat was een geweldige ervaring. Topmuziek, maar vooral ook dit album is met verschillende hits is top!!
This was really pleasant and fun to listen to. I’ll be back
Excellent and a great recording. 4.5
fun
Really enjoyed this album. Only song I had ever heard off of it was Bloody Well Right, but highlights for me were School, Asylum, and Rudy.
I don't know jack about Supertramp. I sure didn't think they were a prog band. Something about their name had me expecting glam rock, I don't know. I didn't expect to enjoy it this much either.
Very good album. From Now On is a banger!
Surprisingly enjoyable and fun album. Standout Tracks: - Dreamer - Hide in Your Shell
It's pretty good. Up my street, good beats. Second most popular album from Supertrump - 1974. Need to listen to 'Breakfast in America' 1979 too.
Enjoying thisone. A couple recognizable songs. Chance really enjoyed the harmonica
supertramp lives immortal in my head
Fees like Styx
Very rock ballad, piano and sax. Not really for me.
no me gusta el rock me aburrio
Enjoyed a lot, very 70s!
Without Dreamer and Bloody Well Right this album would rate even lower on my scale. I’m not even sure those songs are even that good but they have a strong nostalgia factor from the radio as a youth. They would have been old even then but were still on our limited options for rock radio stations. I’ll be happy to stumble along those two tracks in later years for the same reasons but I would not seek out anything more from this album or the album as a whole.
найс. напомнило пинк флойд и йес
cv c’etait sympa
A little spacey and out there, better than I first suspected it would be.
Absolute classic. Loved it! Took me back to childhood years when Mum would listen to Supertramp in the car.
Zelo zanimiv
Saved 1 song to the playlist. Okay listen.
downloaded 4,6,7,8.
Enjoyed it but don’t think I’ll be returning to it
Good easy listening album. Nothing bad but not thing great either.
Pretty good, liked 4-5 songs
Didn't move a single fiber in me...
it's pretty good all the way, but never really fantastic. I like it, but I don't love it.
Not the best I’ve heard but ok
First listen. Wow! Enjoyed this one.
I’m not typically a fan of 70s rock, but this was a fun record.
Absolute banger legend
it was aight, not bad but stopped paying attention
Only 5/8 tracks on streaming service. Still pretty good though
I'm not sure what I was expecting going into the album but it wasn't this. This is a great album! The playing, the lyrics, the album feels cohesive.
Not really my vibe, so I didn't like it too much.
10/10
I only know Supertramp from the hits, so went into this with an open mind. The first two songs inspire much more headbanging than I expected before hitting play; lots of big, chunky power chords in lockstep with the rhythm section. Eventually – and after third track “Hide In Your Shell” (a loud, quiet, loud banger) has all but thrown away the best chorus of the album by adding a theremin – the Pink Floyd via the Monkees schtick collapses in on itself; a high budget piece of regional theatre backed by an eccentric patron (not far from the truth, of course…) or the Dorking Community Players staging The Nightman Cometh.
So these dudes are badass. My only complaint would be to incorporate more instrumentation. Theyre very heavy on the rhodes/wurlitzer thing which normally I love but a lil variety would have given the music more variety and tecture. The songwriting and arranging is stellar. I enjoy the lyrics as as well. I feel like they get a bad wrap ala Styx. A soft rock joke. But I think they rule.
Classic rock that is not bad. I've heard it so many times in pop culture that it kind of blends in. It's sort of hard for me to remember listening to it because some of these songs are played somewhat regularly on a classic rock station that my coworkers listen to. I don't regret listening to the whole thing and it's not unpleasant just not memorable.
I'm rounding this up to a 4 because I really love how well produced it is, the different voices (literal and metaphorical) heard throughout the album. Great instrument sounds and use of keyboards in an excellent way, not just as background. The songwriting isn't groundbreaking and the influences are pretty obvious, Pink Floyd being the most glaring, while also riding the line of Yacht Rock. But I can't deny it's enjoyable and exemplifies this era of music so well. It's a 3.5 to me, if there was one more breakout song I'd feel more enthusiastic about 4 stars.
Sure it has some cool moments, but it veers strongly towards the flavor of prog I'm very much not interested in. Too poppy and bright, it just isn't doing it for me at this moment when I'm not in the mood for this kind of music. Also some parts of this album just feel like they are oddly quiet on streaming, it becomes jarring when it hits the longer songs and it suddenly goes quiet
3,5
Have really liked this album since I was a kid thanks to my dad!
Bloody Well Right and Dreamer are some all-time faves. The rest of the album was new to me. It is theatrical and layered, kind of like a prime Pink Floyd album with less self-indulgence. That said, none of the new songs to me managed to stand out on their own. Not as poppy as Breakfast In America, which I do love. It makes sense that that became The Big One, but this showed the promise of the band.
I knew Bloody Well Right. My Mind just goes right to the same 20 albums/bands. This will be a good exercise. Songs with guy singing lower are more enjoyable for me Extended out to to end was too repetitive
I LOVE Breakfast of Champions. I don’t love this. What is it missing? I dunno, man. It just feels less… dense? I’m used to good progressive pop having a bit of girth. Supertramp just feels a bit hollow compared to their other classic work. I’m not getting that satisfying hit of endorphins that I get during a real Supertramp banger. I think the production just feels lacking compared to their later work. It leans a little too much into the Yacht Rock spectrum than I would have preferred. It’s thier Pink Floyd moments that really get me excited. The tone of the album is darker in general than Breakfast. I wish I loved it. I wanted to love it. 3.1/5
I thought I liked Supertramp, but I've realized I only really like Breakfast in America. I like a few songs on this album, but that's all.
Soft yellow shite
Just found a new favorite song in "Hide in your shell"!
It didn't make me feel much...
Fantastic album.
Cool sound, I can see why it was influential. Not a banger for me personally, but I enjoyed some songs!
Good
This album starts and ends extremely well (except for "Bloody Well Right" which I found to be annoying). It's just the middle of the album that drags its star rating down. Masterfully produced album though
Already loved this album, so this listen did not disappoint. Standout songs include: School, Hide in Your Shell, Crime of the Century
Er det en paodi på puddel rock? Det lyder ihvertfald for dumt til at være seriøst. - Dog ikke mulig at komme igennem.
Det var meget mindre glamrocket end jeg havde forventet. Faktisk var det nok kun Dreamer der lød som jeg troede Supertramp lyder. Det var mere Prog’et og til tider en hårdere lyd. Særligt Asylum nød jeg.
Not terrible. I think it hasn't aged well, though, and now sounds like a band who didn't know what they wanted to be: pop, rock, prog. I mean I guess they knew at the time, that's just how it sounds 50 years later. There's so much great music around from 1974, but this isn't.
This was less interesting than I had thought it would be. Nothing really to say about it.
On a given day it possibly is the best Supertramp album, always a toss up between this or breakfast in America
Didn’t really touch me
Epitome of one of those Chilled 70s Dinner Party playlists. Crime of the Century has some interesting moments but on the whole is pretty inoffensive. Its not a bad album per say... however it's not exactly a good one either.
Wow - would be a crime not to listen to this
A quintessentialy 70s feel on a genre I don't know a lot about. I hear the sounds Hedwig was referencing. This was a good listen, but not my genre.
Love this. I already knew all but one of the tracks, and they're all great.
From the very first notes, it is clear that Supertramp has taken a different approach with this album compared to their first two. It feels as if every note has been meticulously considered, and much more attention has been paid to the overall sound. And even more, the lyrics are outstanding! "Crime Of The Century" comes close to a perfect album. Every composition is strong, and Davies and Hodgson complement each other lyrically well in terms of seriousness and lightness. The arrangements are beautiful—complete with saxophone and strings—and the overall sound is nearly flawless. While it is not a concept album, it feels like a cohesive piece from the first note to the last. The only criticism is that the album doesn’t feel very spontaneous. Every note seems predetermined, leaving little room for deviation. This is evident in the live performances and bonus tracks as well.
It was ok. It's what I expected from Supertramp.
Psychedelic, trippy and spaced out. Theatrical sound, with beautiful moments of musicality, carried over a backdrop of lucidity. Funky one.
Its fine
Surprisingly I really enjoyed this. This album had the right combination of good vocals and fun rhythms to keep me entertained.
Pretty nice vibes, but the recording was jumping all over in sound level
One of my favorite albums of all time. Great musicality, original lyrics and an overall very polished production.
Gran álbum, una obra musical indispensable para los fans del género rock progresivo, increíble que haya salido hace 50 años y suena tan fresco y relevante ahora como en aquel entonces.
Seuraavana päivänä en muista tästä enää mitään… se ei ole hyvä merkki. Tunnejälki on haalea, ”ihan ok”. Hieno albumin nimi kyllä, ja muistaakseni lähti ihan suht lupaavasti mutta ei noussut mitään hyvää koukkua.
Kiinnostavan sympaattista: bändi rokkaa kuin joukko hämyjä, jotka eivät jaksa kehitellä huilukuvioita. Vaikka biisit eivät olekaan loisteliaita, useammasta saa kiinni. Kokeile esim. viimeistä raitaa.
There is something so goofy about this. A fake rock band for a broadway musical about count from sesame street.
I really liked if everyone was listening and bloody well right.
Very Bob’s-Burgers type of album.
pretty cool, definitely going to give it a few more listens
Incredible. Every song on the first half of the album is a banger. I should listen to it again to gain appreciation for the second half of the album.
Great album. I don’t listen to a lot of supertramp but I liked this. Good rock album.
Not their best album - prefer Breakfast in America. Some nice sections but by the end of the album it seems like everyone has gone to bed and they have been told to turn the music down. Reminds me of going to the prog rock concerts with Larry - not always hits but we listened anyway.🙂
This was hard to dislike, and it had all the right parts, but something is just slightly "off" with all of the songs here somehow. It's like the band has taken the best parts of other contemporary bands, then mashed them together in some way that just doesn't sound right to my ear. I'm going with 3 stars, as there wasn't anything awful here, but there was also nothing that really stood out, not even the only track I already knew.
Very 1974. Lumpy, bitty, and dull.
love supertramp
As músicas são uma jornada na história contada. Minha favorita é Crime of the Century, o instrumental nos últimos segundos da música são transcendentais. O riff do teclado com as cordas e o sax ao fundo é a melhor parte.
pre: I just realized this band hashes to the same bucket as Cheap Trick in my head. I have no idea if I've consciously heard any of their music before I almost didn't listen to this, I started skipping in the first track. But there was something in the second track that made me stay with it. There were parts of this that I liked and parts I didn't. It feels like what would come out if someone was tasked with making an album that was clearly rooted in the 70s without being prog, punk, disco, funk, hard/blues rock, etc. 2.5, rounding up to 3
I like it slightly more than some other albums of this genre, but it’s still not my jam… 2 stars
Another keyboard driven “prog” album. Nothing new here. This one sounds like a poor mix of Pink Floyd and Yes. This territory has been covered already. Nothing to see here, move along…
Combining the worst of jazz and rock we aren't off to a good start with a prog album... Overall says nothing that Pink Floyd hadn't in the preceding decade. Bloody Well Right has moments of groove ruined by tenor sax noodling. Rick Davies and Roger Hodgson's love of the keyboard. Hide Your Shell is years behind Bowie, who was already looking past glam with Diamond Dogs. Listening to this you can literally hear John Lydon straining to rip it up and start again. Asylum is an over orchestrated ballad mitigated only by some wild vocals by Davies at the end. The album single Dreamer is the standout, with a catchy hook leaning into their London accents. Nonetheless the structure of the track betrays it, the lack of verses means it cannot claim its place as a successful straight pop song. Rudy has some great classic rock moments but ultimately repeats the mistakes of Bloody Well Right, occasionally sounding like Kenny G had wandered into the wrong studio before quickly exiting. If Everyone Was Listening and the Title track are pointless prog ballads. Like all prog most of the tracks are needlessly over 5 minutes with over-complicated structures and are in desperate need of a producer with a razor blade.
I'll give it a 2.5 rounded up. A little long but inoffensive
Surprisingly enjoyable for me
Oh my god the instrumentals are awesome! The vibes are great, the lyrics are great. This is a very good album.
7/10 fave: school
Kinda cheesy, kinda corny, kinda good at times. Not my fave
Very 70s
Mediocre Tramp Last song probably saved this from being 2/5
70s. Enough said.
I really liked the title (and last) track in particular, but everything else was... kinda just fine.
Not a big supertramp fan. Meh album overall
## In-Depth Review of *Crime of the Century* by Supertramp *Crime of the Century*, released in 1974, marks a significant milestone in the evolution of progressive rock and pop music. This album not only solidified Supertramp's identity but also showcased their unique sound, characterized by intricate melodies, philosophical lyrics, and a blend of rock and jazz influences. Below is a comprehensive analysis focusing on the lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence of this iconic album. ### **Lyrics** The lyrical content of *Crime of the Century* is rich with introspection and social commentary. The album features eight tracks that explore various themes such as isolation, societal pressures, mental health, and the quest for identity. - **"School"** opens the album with a critique of educational systems, portraying the pressures faced by students. The lyrics convey feelings of frustration and disillusionment with societal expectations. - **"Bloody Well Right"** serves as a response to the previous track, showcasing a more defiant attitude. The interplay between Hodgson's and Davies' perspectives throughout the album highlights contrasting views on similar themes. - **"Hide in Your Shell"** delves into personal struggles with loneliness and the desire for connection. Its poignant lyrics resonate with listeners who have faced similar emotional battles. - **"Asylum"** presents a more abstract narrative about mental instability, using metaphorical language to depict feelings of entrapment and confusion. - **"Dreamer,"** arguably one of the most accessible tracks, reflects on escapism and hope amidst despair. Its catchy chorus contrasts with deeper themes present in other songs. Overall, the lyrics are notable for their depth and complexity, inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences while engaging with broader societal issues. ### **Music** Musically, *Crime of the Century* is a masterpiece that blends elements of progressive rock with pop sensibilities. The album features: - **Instrumentation:** The use of varied instruments, including piano, saxophone, harmonica, and guitar, creates a rich soundscape. The Wurlitzer electric piano plays a pivotal role in defining Supertramp's sound during this period. - **Song Structure:** Each track exhibits sophisticated arrangements that combine melodic hooks with intricate instrumental passages. For instance, "Asylum" builds tension through dynamic shifts and rhythmic variations. - **Vocal Harmonies:** The dual lead vocals from Roger Hodgson and Rick Davies add depth to the songs. Their contrasting vocal styles enhance the lyrical dialogues present throughout the album. - **Production Quality:** Produced by Ken Scott, the album showcases exceptional sound quality. The meticulous attention to detail in recording techniques allows for a dynamic listening experience that captures both subtle nuances and grand crescendos. ### **Production** The production of *Crime of the Century* is often cited as one of its strengths. Ken Scott's expertise brought out the best in Supertramp's sound: - **Recording Techniques:** The band recorded at various studios in England, methodically selecting the best takes from numerous sessions. This approach ensured that only the most polished performances made it onto the final cut. - **Sound Design:** The incorporation of sound effects—such as schoolyard noises in "School" and train sounds in "Rudy"—adds a cinematic quality to the album. These elements create an immersive experience that enhances thematic depth. - **Mixing:** The mix balances vocals and instruments effectively, allowing each element to shine without overshadowing others. This clarity contributes to the album's overall impact. ### **Themes** The overarching themes present in *Crime of the Century* resonate with listeners on multiple levels: - **Isolation and Loneliness:** Many tracks explore feelings of alienation in modern society. Songs like "Hide in Your Shell" poignantly express these sentiments. - **Societal Critique:** The album critiques various societal structures—education ("School"), mental health ("Asylum"), and materialism ("Bloody Well Right"). This critique remains relevant today. - **Escapism vs. Reality:** Tracks like "Dreamer" highlight the tension between seeking escape from harsh realities versus confronting them head-on. ### **Influence** *Crime of the Century* had a profound impact on both Supertramp's career and the broader music landscape: - **Commercial Success:** The album was Supertramp's commercial breakthrough, reaching high chart positions across multiple countries. Its success laid the groundwork for future albums like *Breakfast in America*. - **Critical Acclaim:** Critics often regard it as one of the defining albums of progressive rock. Its intricate compositions and thoughtful lyrics have influenced countless artists across genres. - **Cultural Resonance:** Themes explored in *Crime of the Century* continue to resonate with contemporary audiences, making it a timeless piece that invites new interpretations with each generation. ### **Pros and Cons** While *Crime of the Century* is widely celebrated, it is not without its criticisms: #### Pros - **Lyrical Depth:** The thought-provoking lyrics invite listeners to engage deeply with personal and societal issues. - **Musical Complexity:** The blend of genres and sophisticated arrangements showcase Supertramp's musical prowess. - **Production Excellence:** High-quality production enhances listening experience and showcases each instrument effectively. - **Cohesive Sound:** Despite varying themes, there is a strong sense of unity throughout the album due to recurring motifs and instrumentation. #### Cons - **Pacing Issues:** Some tracks may feel drawn out or overly complex for casual listeners seeking straightforward pop music. - **Divergence from Mainstream Appeal:** While songs like "Dreamer" gained popularity, other tracks may not resonate as strongly with broader audiences. - **Perceived Filler Tracks:** Certain songs may be viewed as less impactful compared to standout tracks like "Bloody Well Right" or "Dreamer." ### Conclusion In summary, *Crime of the Century* stands as a landmark achievement for Supertramp and progressive rock as a whole. Its intricate lyrics, innovative music production, and exploration of timeless themes contribute to its enduring legacy. Despite some criticisms regarding pacing or mainstream appeal, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. This album not only reflects a pivotal moment in Supertramp's career but also continues to inspire new generations of musicians and listeners alike.
Ya oficialmente en mediados de diciembre, vamos con Supertramp, banda que sólo ubico de nombre. Siento vibes a Genesis pero más poperas. Nada más para agregar. Hasta mañana.
Was unfamiliar with Asylum, Rudy and the title track. I have owned "School" for quite some time and love the ethereal beginning of the song when it pops up randomly in my rotation. Crime Of The Century is worth a deeper listen.
Although I'm no stranger to '70s AOR, I only know a couple of Supertramp songs, 'Take The Long Way Home', 'Logical Song' and 'Give A Little Bit.'... none of which are here, but 'Bloody Well Right' sounds familiar too... can you imagine a pop song today going for 1:38 before the first vocal comes in? A Sabrina Carpenter song would be almost over by then... BWR got to 35 on the charts, anyway. That continual plodding sixteenth-note electric piano sure shows up a lot, doesn't it? You have to be patient with this record, and buy the aesthetic... it doesn't work for me, unfortunately. The 'go for what you want but the world is controlled by evil people' vibe throughout feels pedestrian 50 years later. "If Everyone Was Listening" is a nice '70s ballad I'd never heard. "Bloody Well Right" is the standout track for a reason.
Got mildly jaded when “Dreamer” came on and I realized my brain has been conditioned to imagine it alongside a commercial for a 2012 Mazda crv that has a child wearing a space helmet in the backseat gazing out the sunroof (jk it’s actually an Apple vision commercial which is worse) But great album
Definitely a cool band and some cool tracks but I kind of got lost in the jams. I know they have better songs to come though
Well, that was bloody well right fun. Theatrical, with some Elton John and Pink Floyd spread throughout, but with their own unique flare. 3.5.
Notes of Beatles, ELO, Pink Floyd. Pretty enjoyable, but not sure if I’ll come back to it. Breakfast in America and Brother Where you Bound is where it’s at!
This is tough, Bloody Well Right is such a jam. And, beginning with Rudy, the end is great. Fuck it, gets a 4
Perfect 2.5 for me. Not unpleasant but also not very memorable. Unlikely to listen again but wouldn’t complain if someone else put it on
4/5. I already loved this album before starting this list. Anything progressive rock was already in queue. And although this was a repeat listen, there are some songs on here that I am not a fan of: Dreamer and Everyone was listening. Just don't vibe with me. Everything else is really good and worth it. Since it is about 1/5th of the album I'm not including, even if everything else is great, it can only get a 4. This album is not for everyone and even if you hated the whole thing, I would get it. It feels like toned down progressive rock, like they are trying to be complex but not going far enough. It is a relatable album though, especially in your younger years, about feeling like a nobody and wondering what your part in all this is. And in this day and age, I think we can all relate to that experience. A good listen overall, and love to see it here. Best Song: Bloody Well Right, Asylum, Crime Of The Century
Like a weaker mash up of Queen, 70's Elton and Pink Floyd. Not without merit but not enough for me to come back. A low 3.
It was a chore to get through. I just don't get it. One extra point for ”Rudy” and the piano part in ”Crime of the Century” that was sampled in Dance2Trance's ”Hello San Francisco”.
School is a great song and I especially love the piano solo. The build-up to it makes it pack a punch. I thought it was very interesting to have the lead vocalists alternate like that. It's quite refreshing.
Solidly meh. Nothing stood out as great, but also nothing god awful.
A lot more progressive than I thought it would be, with a solid pop rock base. I enjoyed a lot of the more extended jams.
Magari non un 1/5 ma rispetto agli altri senza dubbio.
Light 6
Mi aspettavo qualcosa che mi facesse dire “Wow, meglio dei Trammps, questi sì che sono Supertramps!” E invece no. Ma bell’album
Super delicious
Appealed to my 70s upbringing
Pretty darn good
It was ok
Only knew a couple of songs on this album but really enjoyed it
One specific transition bumped this from 3 to 4 stars for me.
Of this record! I actually own the album and I think that it is great musicianship, good hooks, and awesome music. 4/5.
It's alright. MUCH prefer Breakfast In America.
Crime of the Century is Supertramp's third album, and their first to find critical and commercial success. Their first two albums were primarily filled with longer, prog-rock compositions; for this album, the band moved more toward pop formats, with shorter songs and a focus on melodic hooks. The result produced a few of the band's first hits, like "Dreamer" and "Bloody Well Right." These catchy, upbeat tracks have become defining examples of early prog rock, with the technical elements and elaborate orchestration typical of the genre.
didn't impress me much.
Too much and not enough at the same time. But I'll give it a 4, it's was intriguing.
Some of the albums on this list are just so boring I am actually fascinated. This is one of them.
A pretty good album, loved the song Dreamer.
Shit Pink Floyd. I like the outro to the last song, but it's a real slog.
This is an album
Great musicality, fun tone, love the bombast, a good time.
Good music, and a unique song. Nobody sounded like Supertramp.
Quintessential 70's, great vibe, and a concise track list. Really enjoyed!
decent, have already listened to it a few times. crime of the century is definitively my favourite track.
Meh
Not quite as good Breakfast in America but overall a really strong album. Dreamer is a jam.
Had a few good moments, but overall just didn't care for it. Was mostly waiting for it to finish.
what I expect of prog rock
fairly ok
Well now I know I've always gotten Supertramp confused with Cheap Trick. Supertramp is much better.
#422. If you're only going to put one Supertramp album on this list, I'm not sure this is the one I'd pick, but it's uh... fine. It's ok. It's not terrible, but I definitely don't find myself getting all that interested while listening to it. 3/5: yeah. Song added to playlist: Bloody Well Right I've created a playlist on Spotify that consists of the best and/or my favorite song from each of the albums in this book. This list can be found here if you are interested: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7MAXDGLWlwLkFLb8veGfkA?si=FqkQQPgZTFWG0jAUJXLFZA&utm_source=copy-link
Thanks remind me why I hate prog rock
Went faster than I expected.
3.5, more pop than I expected
It was just OK.
Not bad. Another one of those albums that's probably better in small chunks. Best tracks are Bloody Well Right and Crime of the Century. 3 stars.
Seria o melhor supertramp ? Ou ao vivo em Paris ? Acho que este, tem pelo menos 4 ou 5 megahits! 5 estrelas fácil.
This record is a poppier Dark Side of the Moon or a less speedy Can't Buy a Thrill. It's fine but I prefer those records if I'm being honest.
Not bad very cinematic
Super creative progressive pop full of unexpected moments that fit the music perfectly. Probably Supertramp's best album - which is saying a lot for band that pretty much only made good music.
I really enjoyed this. Not sure if it's a concept album but felt like one. Lots of range. Big scope. Catchy. Soulful. Supertramp fan!
Not sure what I’m missing with this one. It feels and sounds extremely insignificant. I don’t dislike much, if anything, about it, but there’s not a single element of this band or record that I haven’t heard done better (and more memorably) a thousand times before. 3/5
I did not enjoy this. (Okay, it was better in the last few tracks - I listened with headphones the next day. It’s somewhere between 2.5 and 3, I guess.)
It’s not exactly my cup of music
Loved it!
3.5/5. The songs that hit, really hit
LOVED THIS ALBUM. Huge fan of the loud bombastic orchestra sounds.
interesting
"Dreamer" ein absoluter klasse Song. Die anderen kommen nicht ganz ran, aber insgesamt ein gutes Album was ich mir gerne angehört habe
Crime of the century ist top. Ansonsten nicht so mein Ding.
Lame
Grea prog rock/art rock album with some pop influences. The production of the album is top notch. The ending song, the self-titled Crime Of The Century is a really great way to finish the album. Other song I loved a lot was Dreamer. Overall a very good album.
1001 Albums #9 Actually really surprised me but I heard hide in your shell and I was sold on this album without having heard the rest! Best song: hide in your shell
Well played and very good in parts, but ultimately I find the vocals completely devoid of soul and melody
If Breakfast In America is also on this list I swear to fucking god man. Still no Seger.
Ok
War ganz cool! Etwas rockiger als mein Geschmack aber cool
very pink floyd 70s core lol
Anyone else feel weirded out by this? It's just such a weird mix of nostalgia and melancholy and maybe even some drugs. Typically the 70s are always a groovy time but it just seems kind of too mellow here.
Absolute gold.
9/10
Started off strong and then I just started losing interest as the album went on. The music is good, but the songs are drawn out.
I like their sound but nothing stood out as memorable for some reason.
Way better than I thought it was going to be. I knew "Dreamer" before going in, but the rest is also great. I've listened to Breakfast in America in the past and I think I actually prefer this album. First half of it is weaker but second half delivers. Liked songs: Hide in Your Shell, Dreamer, Rudy, If Everyone was Listening
👍 not bad
Skemmtileg plata. Hrikalega öflug tónsmíði og soundið er crisp.
Þessi munnharpa í byrjun er íkonísk. Góð lög inn á milli, en í heild fannst mér þetta hins vegar ekki skemmtileg plata. Supertramp eiga mörg skemmtilög, en þessi plata var ekki að heilla mig.
4 star potential?
I needed this. I haven't had nearly enough prog rock as of lately, so I'll gladly take an album like this. I think Crime of the Century is a pretty solid album. Don't get me wrong. This is not the best prog rock album ever made. It doesn't have to be. Not every album is going to be on the same level as something like The Dark Side of the Moon or In the Court of the Crimson King. However, all I wanted from this album was some pretty good prog rock. Fortunately, that's what Supertramp have given me with this album. I like the singing. It kind of reminds me of Yes or Electric Light Orchestra. I know ELO isn't really prog rock, but I can make cross-genre comparisons, can't I? The writing is pretty good. There's some general theming here that makes the album a cohesive experience. It's a bit of a vague theming, but it's there if you listen hard enough. The sound, of course, is great. I like the keyboards especially. They really elevate songs like "Dreamer" to make them better than they would've been with weaker keyboard work. Overall, this is a pretty good prog rock album, which means I like it more than many of the albums on the list. 4/5.
I would rather be smacked in the head with a rock than have to listen to this tripe again.
No identity besides "made in the 70s." Some undeniable hits, radio and movie-friendly songs. It sounded like a cover band of some of the great prog rockers but nothing to make them stand on their own. Another in the nebulous wave of this Era of music.
3.5 stars
For some reason, my 21 year old son *loves* this band. It’s just about OK in my opinion
Very good album from start to finish. 4 stars out of 5
Look, I tried… alright? My heart sank when this popped up, but in the spirit of things I thought I ought to give it a go. I don’t like any of the Supertramp that I’ve heard over the years, but I hadn’t heard this album. So… who knows? I knew. This is bloody awful. So polite and smug and dull and plodding and… polite. Ugh. I even hate the cover. Some poor sods were 14 when this came out and so were at the age where this became ‘their music’ and they can’t separate it from that nostalgic wash of primary cultural value. I pity them. Alan Partridge never mentions liking Supertramp, by my recollection. But you can bet he does. Just not enough to even mention it. The sound of washing the car on a bank holiday Monday. In tiny shorts and a shirt you wear for work. Horrible.
To me, it feels like there is a lack of identity here. Had someone played this album for me without telling me what it was, I would not have guessed all these songs were the same band. However, I can't say there were any tracks that I disliked, but I definitely preferred the more synthy/proggy ones. My standouts: School, Dreamer, Rudy
Wanted to like it more than I did
Was surprised when I listened to this. It didnt sound like the SuperTramp O had heard in the past. It's got a great sound- very technical instrumentation and more varied lyrics and sound from song to song. I found myself enjoying it- I did find myself hoping for a standout hit. Overall- very solid album. Probably 3.5/5, but not quite a 4
Crime of the Century is an interesting album, proggy but poppy, pink Floyd-ish. I find it never really hits the highs that seem possible, it almost holds back a bit. 5.9/10
Loved this. Very 70s. Like a manic, less introspective Pink Floyd.
Way better than I thought it would be
Music for people who don’t really like music.
Solid ‘70s pop band doing a prog album. I feel like this is a niche of a niche genre within itself. It’s fun, it’s good, it’s cute. I’m not blown away. Sometimes, it comes close to B-tier ‘70s prog rock, but other times, it feels like Theatre Kid Music™️. Flip a coin. Either way, it’s not going to change you life. Give me Breakfast in America any day, and I don’t even know if I’d consider that album essential. But at least it’s more kitschy and more fun and definitely more relevant than the mid-ness of Crime of the Century.
Very self indulgent, why do bands in the 70s need to include "listen to me play my instrument" parts on every song.
Pretty good!! Pink floyd-y
4-5
The crime of the century is that I’m just now hearing this cinematic masterpiece in audio form.
I thought I was going to hate it I found it annoying at the start it was beautiful i see the hype now
in theory, as a former prog kid who knows and enjoys many of Supertramp's radio hits, I should be really into this. but for some reason, it just didn't leave a whole lot of an impression. the scope of this band's ambition is in full display from front to back (kudos to the sharp production on this album, which presents these complex studio arrangements with pristine clarity!), and there's plenty of moments across these songs that I think come together in a really satisfying way (the end of "Rudy" probably being my favorite example), but on the whole I find it kind of unfulfilling. in trying to reach a middle ground between the complexity of progressive rock and the accessibility of pop, it sort of compromises on both ends. many of these songs aim for a kind of theatricality and camp that feels somewhat kneecapped by the band's need to play things so straight. it may grow on me with repeated listens, and I'm definitely interested in seeing where the band took this sound on their later 70s output, but I do have to wonder why this album was chosen for the 1001 over one of their later ones. I feel like I'm still hearing a band finding their footing, despite a few standouts like "Bloody Well Right" and the title track. some great saxophone solos too! strong 6/10.
3☆/5 10.23.2024
Cool!
It's okay. The hits are bangers. The rest sound like they're stuck in that lead singer's squeaky purgatory.
Very nice music - reminds me of Pink Floyd, I had listened to some of their later work (eg The logical song) which is more pop. Best songs: School, hide in your shell The lyrics haven't aged that well though, to the point of occasional cringe ("So you think your schooling is phony")
very good album, really enjoyed and would like to listen more.
Piano is amazing
Some recognisable tunes
I thought this was pretty good - some of the songs were quite a bit too long. I didn't know they sounded that way in 1974 - it feels definitely more of a 1978-9 sound.
This was only okay. Honestly I find Supertramp just a lil creepy/uncanny. I like some of their stuff musically but maybe it's the vocals that just make it feel "off"
Awesome
amazing. every song has such interest and depth. i've always though of supertramp as bland 70s dad rock, but this album is so fun and unique
A classic album.....
Zanimljivo, nisam nikad ovo slušala, samo Breakfast in America. Možda znam neke pjesme ovako rendom, bumo vidli. Cover vrh, izgleda da je to postala norma dobrih albuma na ovoj listi 😜 U jbt dobro mi je ovo!! Baš fina peglica, drži mi pažnju cijelo vrijeme, dosta fino iznenađenje. Treća stvar, i dalje dosta vajbam na ovo, nije mi nimalo teško slušati, naprotiv. Ovaj album bi mi mogao biti jedan od velikih otkrića s liste kojim sam se nadala kad smo krenuli s projektom. Prekul! Nisu mi sve pjesme u cjelosti dobre, ali overall baš zabavno i zanimljivo - puno zvukova, efekata, jako spacey isto, a nije psihodelično, što mi je baš refreshing za to dobra. Lajkam! Par puta već mi se dogodilo da pomislim kao okej, možda mi je malo splasnulo oduševljenje, početak albuma mi je bolji itd., ali onda dođe Crime of the Century i odlijepiš. Realno ovo će morati biti visoka ocjena: 5/5 ili 9/10. Premišljala sam se za 4, ali brate samo Crime of the Century zaslužuje peticu ko kuću, uz sve druge odlične stvari. Baš dobro iskustvo! 🙏🏻
Ma ovaj album je baš dobar. Sjeo mi je lijepo nakon ovih zadnjih par koji baš i nisu Bloody well right mi je top Pick za sad. Inače, preslušali smo ovaj album za vikend, ali nisam mogao prosuditi, pa slušam opet na slušalice i baš je dobra odluka. Sve pjesme za sad mi krenu isto, onak britansko prepričavanje situacije, ali onda to tako lijepo razviju Zadnje dvije pjesme kidaju Baš dobro, nekako sam znao da je ovo super bend, ali sad sam se uvjerio na svoje uši
7/10 Jedan od albuma koji sam si morao drugi put pustiti da se dogovorim sa sobom jel mi se svidja ili mozda ne bas toliko. Kljavice i gitare im na trenutke bas super zvuce, vokal me u par momenata mrvicu udavio ali mi je vecinom dobar. I zborno dok pjevaju je super, cak me na Parcelse podsjeca nekad. Cuje se da su vrsni muzicari i da sve ima glavu i rep. Iako mi fali neki hit na albumu ili stvar sa vise muda, najdraze su mi Bloody Well Right i Asylum. Na prvo slusanje su mi bili pomalo kenjkava verzija Steely Dan-a i kao neki heartbreak prog rock, ali ih ipak necu tako zapamtiti. Prvi dojam - ne bas, a vec na drugo slusanje su mi dosta popravili dojam. Pomoglo je sigurno i to sto danas nisam mamuran i umoran od vikenda vise pa eto. Bend kojeg stavljam u ladicu - zelim jos njihovih albuma poslusat.
This is at best nothing. It doesn't rock hard enough for rock, and it's pop enough for pop.
Solid sound well done.
Just too prog rock and Pink Floyd lite for my taste. I prefer their more commercial stuff.
This is fine, but it all sounds like mediocre Pink Floyd B-sides. Except for school, that track fucks.
Not really
Supertramp hat hier kein Verbrechen begangen. Im Gegenteil: das ist ein Geniestreich. Hier sind keine Mainstreamnummern (Ausnahme vielleicht Dreamer) drauf, sondern wohl durchdachte kleine Symphonien. Es beginnt mit "School" eine unglaublich komponierte Nummer mit einem spannenden Aufbau, der zum Höhepunkt führt. Aber das ist grundsätzlich die Struktur auf diesem Album, die so verspielt und genial umgesetzt sind. Natürlich wechseln die beiden musikalischen Kopfe ab, die dadurch verschiedene Musikstile einbringen. Und das auf allerhöchsten Niveau. Das Album flacht nie ab, besitzt keinen Lückenfüller und lässt den Hörer Staunen und jubeln. Wer das Album bereits kennt, kriegt sich wegen der Vorfreude auf bestimmte Soli, gekonnten Spannungsaufbau und explodierenden Höhepunkten nicht mehr ein. Davon gibt es unzählige.
Fun at times, but mainly I wanted it over with. 2.5 stars.
Ambivalent would be the way I feel about this album & band. Didn’t want to like it but some of it I do. Just like their more successful “Breakfast in America”. And for some reason I confuse this band with REO Speedwagon.
Good time but not essential. The singles are good
Not a big prog rock fan. But still not bad.
Track 1: School (8/10) Outside of doing this list I've been listening to lots of prog rock so I'm very happy to get this album. I love this first track, the vocals are great and I enjoy the instrumental break in the middle. Track 2: Bloody Well Right (9/10) They hit gold with that chorus. The saxaphone is also stellar. Track 3: Hide in Your Shell (7/10) This was a very talented group of musicians. I don't think this song stands up to the first two but the instrumentation is impressive and I thought the last minute was great! Track 4: Asylum (8/10) The best song on a lyrical level so far. Great end to the first side of the record. Track 5: Dreamer (9/10) I don't know about the rest of the world but this song is a staple of Canadian rock radio so I've heard it all my life. It's such a classic. The vocal harmonies and the keyboards are highlights, and the song hits that perfect pop song length of 3½ minutes. Track 6: Rudy (7/10) This one was, again, impressive from a musical standpoint. Wasn't super into it for the whole time though. Track 7: If Everyone Was Listening (7/10) Pretty nice little track. Didn't wow me. Track 8: Crime of the Century (8/10) Awesome ending to the album, with some nice piano bits and my favourite saxaphone part on the album. Overall: 8/10 This didn't excite me as much as I hoped it would, especially cause I adore Breakfast in America and was shocked that it wasn't included in the list. That being said, this really is an amazing album that I'll need to give a few relistens to. The first half was much better than the second half. Fav Song: Dreamer Least Fav Song: If Everyone Was Listening
I love it!
Its got some hits
Super fun for the most part. A few times it just kinda felt like background music but it was definitely an enjoyable album to listen to. 6.5/10
Totally unique, wonderful, and vibrant rock album. Very pleasantly surprised by this one. Love the harmonica, piano, guitar, lyrics; all of it. Just hits right. I don’t know how the replay value will be. Standouts: everything but Dreamer.
Pretty great. Had this album for years and never really gave it that much of a chance.
My uncle used to be a bit of an audiophile back in the day. He had a fancy turntable and big speakers, and when we went round, he’d put records on to show off how good it sounded. This was one of those records. Technically fine, but lacking anything that grabbed me in any way. This is typically overblown 70s pop prog and I couldn’t tell you what any of the songs were about. I did like the ‘bloody well right’ bit and I think ‘Dreamer’ must have been a single.
The best known songs are honestly pretty entertaining. The rest occilates between a not-so-bad pop version of prog rock, and boring and overblown prog.
Really nice mix of prog and pop. Fun and engaging listen! Will definitely be returning to this in the future