Reviews (page 7 of 15)
A fun ride with unique signature sounds. I’m a big fan of Once In a Lifetime. It really is the same as it ever was…
Sonic sublimity. Same as it ever was.
Sehr dichter, grooviger Sound!
talking heads magnum opus and certainly some FUNKY SHIT this is one of those albums you listen to start to finish then start it again and before you know it you've had it on repeat all day The Great Curve & Once In A Lifetime are my favourite tracks. but fuck me this album is beyond perfect unironic thank you to Colin Larkin and the creator of this site for introducing me to talking heads I have enjoyed every single album and been obsessed with them since
THROUGH THE POWERS OF COCAINE AND AUTISM COMBINED I MAKE WEIRD AS FUCK MUSIC THAT IS WAY AHEAD OF ITS TIME
When people are curious or shocked by my high scores for throbbing gristle or early Sonic Youth, or Suicide or no new York any of the other experiments,besides personally enjoying them, its because without them you wouldnt get albums like this. The techniques of experimental albums are taken and elevated here to an icon of music. This album was my and many others babies first steps into broader music besides what I heard on forza horizon when I was 14. And it would exist without DOA the third and final report. Its no coincidence that it came out two years before this. The use of tape sampling on both albums is inextricably linked and the concept of creating such a Masterpiece of an album out so sampling your own instrumental loops blew my teenage mind. Ofcourse this album is a Masterpiece and ofcourse its better than the experiments, its listenable, danceable music. Is any of this true idk, I think I remember reading something some time. But sometimes I just be saying shit. 10/10
When Talking Heads began, bassist Tina Weymouth describe it as 'Thinking Man's Dance Music'. I really couldn't think of a better way to describe this album, even if it is a bit wanky. Blending together multiple genres, especially afrobeat, this album is a wonderful partnership between Talking Heads and producer Brian Eno. It has their most recognisable single, most famously covered by Kermit the Frog, Once in a Lifetime. The two sides of this album are remarkably different but are united by their eclectic musical nature. Side A is defined by longer tracks with funky instrumentals and chanting lyrics. Side B is more introspective and there is no real overlap between these songs, they all do their own thing and do it really well. I cannot remember the last time I listened to an album with so much variety and quality. I came into this thinking that Once in a Lifetime would be my favourite track but I was absolutely blown away by Listening Wind. No skips, no notes, this album is pretty much flawless. I think I could confidently recommend this to absolutely anyone. Highlights: Crosseyed and Painless, The Great Curve, Once in a Lifetime, Listening Wind, The Overload
Good
Supergroovy and fun album. Actually very close to 5 stars to me - it just misses the click for me. But fun, innovative and fresh album!
2025-10-07: Listening to the funky first tracks I feel atrophied, unable to heed the music's call to loosen up. Most of the album I felt trapped between its potential to loosen me up into a 5 experience and the 3 feelings I have after the wear out of the ups and downs of today. The soothing power of the chill last track was welcome.
Great stuff.
I've already listened to this album, and I already think it is an incredible punk record, with some of the most out there and futuristic soundscapes, even for its time. There was nobody doing what these guys did, even 45 years after the fact, few projects have managed to innovate on a genre as much as this one. And, it has some killer riffs and melodies to boot. Overall, I can't go lower than a 10/10.
Same as it ever was - great
Calm and Crazy
Super fun, even if not my favorite Talking Heads album. Some cool experimental stuff.
Highlight Song/s: Born Under Punches, Crosseyed and Painless and Once in a Lifetime Wow, wow, wow. This is my probably favourite of the bunch by Talking Heads on this list. Having had listened to 3/4 albums now (1. Fear of Music, 2. More Songs, 3. Remain in Light.) It has this really solid dance sound to it, David Byrne's voice is a lot more tolerable to my ears. I also really enjoy the unorthodox approach to the album; the last 3 or so songs really represent the unorthodox side pretty well! They definitely refined their sound by this album.
I liked some of the jammy songs but damn that David Byrne what a bozo. He ruined most of the songs with dumb voice. And what about those stupid suits with shoulder pads… give me a break.
Once in a lifetime is a top song, enjoyed a few of the others
Talking Heads' best album. Weird and funky
Same as it ever was - great
An easy rating because I've enjoyed this album for years. In my opinion it is the very best album they ever released. I personally have known many bands over the years who were directly influenced to become professional musicians from this album. I think the Talking Heads did Fela Kuti proud with this effort. These days the first 5 tracks are basically standards. Having said all that I have a confession. The confession is this, I find the live versions of these songs (particularly the STOP MAKING SENSE tour versions) to be immensely more enjoyable than the album versions. "Once in a Lifetime" benefits most from the live adaptation, as the live version forces David Byrnes vocals to line up rhythmically in a much more pleasant way. So, if you have never heard these songs before, consider giving some of the live versions a listen before rendering your judgement. Oh, and this the album that made clear how much of the genius in Talking Heads is not David Byrne, but in the bass guitar Weymouth and drums and percussion of Frantz.
Same as it ever was. Brian Eno might be the goat. Crazy sounds and rhythms and soundscapes, but it all works together so well.
Good album, can see how this had such a large impact on music. won’t revisit as a whole
Seen this album on many lists and knew some tracks before listening to the entire lp in one sitting. This record sounds very fresh and modern. It incorporates many influences and genres. I love how they just let their creativity flow and didnt box themselves in into one sound. Fairly easy to listend to and it has once in a lifetime as a banger track on it. I also enjoy ...crosseyed and painless and the great curve. But imo the record falls off quite a bit after a strong first half. Cant go higher than 3stars.
Horrible stuff. 1.5/5
Decent listen
i found this one really hard to get through, obviously once in a lifetime is the stand out track but the rest didn’t really do much for me
Listened to this for first time while walking around nyc with a slight buzz. Great stuff
I thought I would like it more than I did. Maybe I just need to listen to it again..
This a just a great album!
A bit weirder than I remember
I want to rate it a five but it’s a four. the first four songs are masterpieces, the next two songs are OK, the last two are meh.
This absolutely made my day, it put a huge smile on my face! I spent the rest of the day listening to The Talking Heads, I LOVE THEM. I'm so grateful I got to see them live, they completely blew me away.
Nothing special
Besides incidental listenings of their big hits, "Stop Making Sense" is the only Talking Heads work I've ever engaged with. I've seen it three times and loved it. My first thought when looking at this album was 'hmm, there's only one song from SMS on there'. I'm probably overdue to listen to more. I'm sorry to say that besides "Once In A Lifetime" and "Cross-Eyed and Painless", I didn't love this album that much. I liked it, but most of the songs were a little weird and experimental. I liked the funky bass lines throughout, and especially on "Born Under Punches:. Not bad, but not amazing. 6/10
Fajny, trochę w stylu King crimson. Dobry bas, ciekawy wokal
Co jest nie tak z basistą w pierwszym kawałku? Ogólnie przypomina King Crimson, tylko bardziej stała jakość - średni poziom jest wyżej, ale nic nie przebija tych lepszych utworów KC. A no i Levina trochę brakuje. Momentami czuć że stare, a nawet tak stare nie jest. Nie jest złe, ale dupy nie urywa
I like the songs that we know the Talking heads for. Some of the other songs are good too and would probably be something I listen to again so realistically its a 4.
I thought I was going to like this album a lot more than I actually did. I only liked two of the songs and one of them was their MAIN song. The rest of them sounded exactly the same.
finds cool! bi no fan vo prog rock, funk und allem verwandte, und new wave isch au immer nice
This album has a very distinct sound. It's the detached lack of emotion found in new wave mixed with interesting funky rhythms. It makes for a very entertaining and unique cocktail of musical influences. Byrne's vocals are very well suited to the type of music that's being made here.
what the hell was this? but better
Not my favorite thing ever. It was overall very fine. The album cover is iconic, so Inwas excited for it. I wasn't really disappointed, but it also didn't blow me away. Just fine.
Very good
Interesting album, each track its own vibe which I apricated. Overall preferred side one, but side two was good too.
4 stars. So damn groovy.
Was in high school when this was released, great part of me music scene
classic 80s record 4/5
If I could give more stars to this one, I would.
Sigh. I admit that this album is obligatory. I admit that Once in a Lifetime is a good song and a smash hit. I admit that the album is creative, unique, and influential. Now, can the rest of you please admit that this era of new wave/post-punk "rock" (just threw up in my mouth a little calling this rock) was akin to an actor audibly farting during a performance of Romeo & Juliet. It's interesting, kinda funny, but generally contributes nothing positive and probably actually hurts the overall performance. Influence, sure. Quality, yeah, that's its best argument. Hits, you got one. While it's the only new wave album that I think I respect, that doesn't mean I like. it. 2? 1.5?
Once again, now that I’ve heard a few Talking Heads albums, I still have not heard a song of theirs that I didn’t like. Good shit.
I love this album so much! Houses in Motion is it… everything I love about Talking Heads. And Once in a Lifetime will just never get old. I don’t know how I felt about the closer, I think I need to listen to it again.
Yeeeessssssssssss soooooo goooooood Can't believe I've never listened to this straight through before!
Got it already
Great album. Funky. Groovy. Very Talking Heads.
For me, this is the key Head’s album, with Fear of Music right behind.
only one good cut. They have done better
This is not my beautiful house, this is not my beautiful wife – æ høre ikke på Talking Heads til vanlig, men æ blir aldri sur om æ må høre på Talking Heads, så det funke i massevis.
TALKING HEADS
The heat goes on. Talking Heads and Brian Eno had scored a decently big hit with Fear of Music, and they decided to try something new. I Zimbra had given them a taste of African-inspired looping legato guitar and bass licks, so why not an album of it? Well, roughly two thirds of the album. The last three tracks go for a sombre moodiness similar to their previous album, but it still works. The musicianship is spectacular, the lyrics are somehow profound despite being based on chopped-up fragments, and Brian Eno and Adrian Belew do their things without overshadowing the band. (Though, it seems Tina and Chris disagreed, given that Eno was gone by the time they got round to starting the next one) It didn't do spectacularly in the charts at the time, but come on... when your most popular song from the album is covered by Kermit the Frog, you know you have something special. Tangent: No thanks. I'm a government man. Favourite Song: The Great Curve Least Favourite: Seen and Not Seen Strong Bad Demerit Count: 0
If existentialism was an album. A record to heavily admire with it's incredible grooves and polyrhythms, but outside of Once in a Lifetime, not one I truly love.
Once in a lifetime is so fucking good. Unfortunately, there are a couple numbers that just kind of go on. Talking heads isn’t my cup of tea per se but I certainly appreciate this one
Like the 2002 Red Wings adding Dominik Hasek the Talking Heads adding the African drums turns this from Stanley Cup winners to one of the finest albums we have. Add Crosseyed and Painless and Once in a Lifetime to the Inner Circle Pantheon of Popular Songs
A tale of two halves, starts really strong, and then is all downhill after Once in a Lifetime. I enjoyed some of the spacier, experimental elements; this list is slowly converting me from hater to a light fan of the Talking Heads
Solid album. Once In A Lifetime is an all time banger. 4.5⭐️
Pretty approachable Talking Heads album, IMO.
This album wasn't my favorite. It had some good catchy moments, but there is something about their vocals that I just can not get into. They are too.... "dark" for me? Maybe? I am not sure what it is. The songs also seem to go on a little too long for me. Overall it wasn't bad. Probably a solid 2.5. Liked Songs: "Crosseyed and Painless" , "The Great Curve" , "Once in a Lifetime" , "Houses in Motion" , "Double Groove"
This is probably their best album, and Once in a Lifetime is definitely their best song. Very weird. 3.5
An excellent album. It's very cool to hear what Brian Eno and David Byrne came up with working together. It's all very fresh and innovative, very forward-thinking while remaining catchy. It's also funky, upbeat and overall pretty interesting. The instrumentals are the highlight of the album, as they are very rich mixes of different sounds and styles, effects and ideas. Byrne's singing works for the most part, it's a bit stale at some points but not a big deal. The absolute standout track for me was "The Great Curve", the drums and horns are super interesting, and the chorus is super catchy.
Good vocals nice vibe very produced tho
A friend and I spoke once about Talking Heads and what a weirdo David Byrne was. Yes, they have some good songs. Yes, they’re talented. Yes, they were definitely punk in a way that Ramones and Dead Boys and the Heartbreakers weren’t because they were just that challenging to listen to. But if you’re a real Talking Heads fan, you’re probably a creep. If the Ramones were the scummy street rats of the 70s ¨Taxi Driver¨ New York, Talking Heads were the guys masturbating in a porn theater in Times Square. There’s an unwholesome weirdness that permeates the music of Remain in Light. It starts from the unnerving cover art and continues through the first song, ¨Born Under Punches.¨ Wailing ¨Take a look at these hands,¨ David Byrne sounds like a cross between a wailing spirit coming out of an Irish bog at night and a Southern preacher you just know is having an affair with a 14 year old girl (and will later go on to marry). There’s a funky baseline and beeps and boops from a telephone calling you from hell. The bass and drums on this album are incredible, setting up a concrete jungle beat for David Byrne to just get weird over. There are the occasional painful guitar solos, horns, keys, organs and an assortment of ¨everything but the kitchen sink¨ happening just when you don’t expect it to. ¨Once in a Lifetime¨ is the song I’ve heard before and it sounds like the ramblings of a suburban serial killer. ¨Remain in Light¨ reinforced my view of David Byrne, Talking Heads and Brian Eno. It’s weird, occasionally disturbing and so creative and surprising that I had a hard time hating it. That people can actually create such profoundly weird music is a testament to the human spirit or something. I’m impressed! Best songs: ¨Born Under Punches,¨ ¨The Great Curve,¨ ¨Once In a Lifetime¨
Koko ajan tuputtaa Talking Headsia, kolme levyä pariin viikkoon. Laatu ehkä parempi pystyi jopa kuuntelemaan levyn loppuun. Silti 1,25/5.
Argh… I really want to give this a five, but I don’t know if I can justify putting it above Sound of Silver. Still really good. High 4. Favorite Track: Born Under Punches (The Heat Goes On)
Born Under Punches is an apt opener - it punches you in the face and tells you to dance. This album is close to perfect, only gripe is the last few tracks slightly pale compared to the start and the last track kinda whimpers out - it's kinda effective in a moody contrarian way, but a banger finish would leave you gobsmacked. Once in a Lifetime is somewhere between my 89th and 117th favourite song of all time. Fave Tracks: Born Under Punches, Crosseyed and Painless, The Great Curve, Once In a Lifetime, Houses in Motion, Seen and Not Seen 4.9/5
Day 28, fourth pick I have on vinyl. Turning out to be a nice average! One of 6 records I own of the Heads. Loved this band since my youth. My dad would play “And She Was” and I’d hear some select tracks on classic rock radio. I remember being a senior in High School and thinking how lame it was that I had no one to talk to about how great this band was. Since my taste has veered more mainstream, I’ve been wary about revisiting Talking Heads. Byrne can be too winking in their artiness. Pretty hard to deny this from the first bit of percussion* and yelp that opens the album on "Born Under Punches". I think it's just the contrarian in me that turned against the Heads in recent years when their popularity rose even before A24's (ugh) rerelease of Stop Making Sense. There's a little too much energy on side A. Feels like you need to be on speed to match the rhythm of the music. Ultimately holds up and I can still greatly appreciate it. Just such a laugh that Born Under Punches charted in the 2020's. I have to give it 4 stars when 4.5 would be more convenient but 5 is just too high of praise if I truly want to know what my favorite albums of all time are. *Robert Palmer contributes to percussion on the album, gotta wonder if it's him! EDIT: Legit always thought MJ invented the moonwalk but it’s done numerous times in the “Crosseyed and Painless” music video from 2 years prior to its mainstream moment with MJ in ‘83. According to the wikipedia page on moonwalking, however, the earliest incarnations go back to the ragtime era. I love the music video for the opportunity it gave African Americans to represent themselves next to the obvious cultural appropriation of the album which only included one black participant, the backing vocalist Nona Hendryx.
Almost entirely forgettable. I understand how it could have been important in 1980 but it just doesn’t hold up for me.
Whilst listening to this album, I was thinking "ow tune-yards drank from this album, this sound" the afrobeat and the singing is so innovative, the sounds are so vivid that still resonates. I knew "Once in a Lifetime " but honestly, I never liked David Byrne, so I never digged into their sound.I mean, it is innovative and deeply influential, I liked it but it didnt get to the point that I love it... ...am I okay to just dig w h o k i l l instead?
Definitely a five star album. A masterpiece of rythm and lyrics.
Incredible reworking of an already incredible band. Bringing these rhythms changed the course of popular music.
A grower I could see myself falling for. 3.5 for a first listen.
A great album with plenty of hits. I don't usually return to the full thing but it was enjoyable on my listens today. Still a few tracks I'm not huge on, but 4 stars is certainly fair
Pas marqué plus que ça
great
tvlkinghevds. mvhtvvvv musiikkiv pvkko heti svnov. tässä huomvttiin että se kvsikytluvun ei ollut pvkko ollv täyttä pvskvv kun tämmösiä innovvvttoreitv tuli lvvvlle muttv mitäs siinä kävi ilmeisesti jonkin lviset juutvlviset svivvt musiikkiteollisuuden käsiinsä jv loppu onkin historivv ei mitään miellyttävää historivv muttvsnoins mennyttä vikvvhvn se on ei tässä voi muuttvv vsioitvt enään ilmvn vikvkonettv. sen sijvvn voidvvn vrvostellv pvskov 0-luvun britpop näytöksiä rvjusti jv vntvv näille enemmän sitä vvlov heh vvlov. pysykää vvlossv poikvvvt jv tyyttelit pikkutytelit etenkin ei voi kuin huokvillv kvikkev perverssiä nykyään... the grevt curve
Great album. Loved all the different sounds and the innovation they did here.
Listened Before? N This is another great TH album. Lots of fun play with sound and words. Good stuff. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Once in a Lifetime
Fantastic album, think the last two tracks peter out a bit but there are some amazing grooves before this. Born under punches and once in a lifetime absolute stand outs
Not my favorite Talking Heads. Felt a bit experimental and frenetic at times. It was a well constructed album, just a bit long and lacked some of that pop simplicity they do so well.
Bubbling up with ideas all the way through and its the kind of album that hasn't dated that much 45 years on. The usp of talking heads were always the vocals. Sometimes though they become tiresome. The best songs are those where the vocals are sparse.
This album has been growing on me like a virus, in the sense that the tracks are so infectious that they get me super excited and moving like I have the dancing plague of 1518. Well, at least for the first half of the album, as the first four songs are just a constant build up until it reaches the climax at 'Once in a Lifetime', and then my energy starts to banish moving forward through the tracklist. So, what makes this album so exciting? First of all, the production of Brian Eno makes this album sounds impecable and spacey. Have to love this man work. Everything he touches sounds amazing. Then, the layering of instruments and vocals is also incredible. I think the most noticeable example would be 'The Great Curve' having the most funky feeling of all the tracks with all the vocal layers it has. And finally, this record has a very charming and uplifting feeling thanks to the tiny details, the catchy melodies and rhythms, and the very extravagant way of singing of David Byrne. This album may seem like one of the most charismatic records of all time (which, at some point, it may be), but it also present a slower and more tone down side with 'Listening Wind' feeling kind of heartfealt with the delicate singing and sound. The rest of the tracks, 'Houses in Montion', 'Seen and not Seen' and 'The Overload' I think are a bit underwhelming in comparition with the rest, but still very good on their own. Is because of these tracks that I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5.
A lot of good songs, but too much to take in at once. Got a little repetitive for me after awhile.
The ending was kinda ok, but the first 6 tracks blew me away.
music, good
10/10 thank you autism
Love the talking heads. Love the whimsy. Love the funk. Love the general weird vibe that sets them apart. Just over all great.
Been waiting for a Talking Heads album above wanted to educate myself and quite unfamiliar. Love the original sound, whacky samples and electronica. Great energy and intensity and can hear the influence on Radiohead somehow. And the classic ‘Once in a Lifetime’ Surprised by how much I’ve struggled with Eno’s albums on this list, consistently, but produced this. Maybe a nice balance and more focus on TH style. Feels like on long trip (with various different emotional corners). Oh, and going to start reading the full wiki on each album. Feels such an important part of the creation and some amazing stories. Prefer first half to second half
Good! Sometimes weird, but listening to a whole Talking Heads album for the first time got me in the groove.
Serious funk - need to relisten to this but reckon it was cool
3.5⭐️/5 [08.25.2025] 01.17.2026
Perfection. No notes.
very groovy! a lot of really interesting production details that really works in their favor, they definitely know how to execute their artistic vision to their fullest! the first four tracks is honestly a generational track run, i wish the second half lived up to it though.
This is one of my all time favorites. Side 1 may be my favorite side of any album. Absolute perfection. Side 2 gets weird in the best ways. I like every TH record but they really crushed this one. I imagine if one had read an article about Talking Heads working on an album with Brian Eno that was heavily influenced by Fela Kuti, one might have be justifiably skeptical. But goddammit they pulled it off.
A masterpiece. A major step forward for pop music.
Could just say refer to my reviews of fear of music and talking heads 77 cause that’s three albums from these guys that have just been dull, sure there are a few decent moments but it’s not enough to make it a good album. 2 stars
This wasn't really my kind of thing but I didn't dislike it. They kept things interesting throughout the album.
What an absolutely stunning sounding record. Already said on here why has it taken me so long to hear these records. Have bought in physical form the other 2 albums after hearing on here. And if had lived with them for the last 30 years they would have been 5 star when they came up. But to be fair this is a 5 Star from the off. Brian Eno is a bit of a studio wizard isn’t he. 4 Star
I like to think about how I might perceive this album, hearing Talking Heads for the very first time....I'd be super impressed. Super fun riffs, clever lyrics, unique sound. 8.5/10 would recommend to a friend.
Looking at a lot of the reviews written by others, a lot of motherfuckers are trying to show off how smart they are by trying to intellectualize this band and this music. It's not that deep. Just because the people that made it are whip smart art kids that went to RISD and were super creative doesn't mean that this music has to be deciphered at a micro level. It just has to be enjoyed...it's fun to listen to, David Byrne is a spectrum weirdo genius, Tina Weymouth is an all-time bassist. They all did a bunch of blow, experimented with a lot of different sounds and made some cool shit. Not my favorite Talking Heads album, but it's great. 5/5.
One of my favorite albums of all time, lucky to get it first
Geeky and very musically varied and atmospheric
This is the shit. I don't know what downtown punks, late 70s aesthetes, cocaine fuelled non-neurotypical angels normally get up to, but damn. Dada lyrics that don't make sense that make sense; weird heavy textures and sounds with like no hooks or riffs; ass-kicking West African rhythms and no-wave synth waves; some freaky inspired bass lines. Art that rocks; theory that practices; abstraction you can dance to. Pure uncut genius. Ten million stars.
Had not heard a lot of these songs. Kept finding myself subconsciously bobbing my head with the groove of many. Solid album.
Okay, I had never actually listened to this album before. It’s worth a lot of listens. They only ever sound like themselves, and at the same time, you can hear how they absorb global genres and lay down a kind of blueprint that later western artists have continued to follow.
Original, ever evolving and constantly interesting. I discovered Talking Heads quite recently and have enjoyed ploughing through their back catalogue Remain In Light is a definite highlight. Great orchestration and holds your attention throughout. I wish I’d have discovered them in the 80s as their innovation is largely lost on just their singles. Bloody good.
Easy 5 star. One of my all time faves.
I respect Talking Heads way more than I like listening to them.
Definitely written for people on drugs. I've known Once in a Lifetime for many years, but the others were all new to me. Mostly felt like filler but for the crazy bass. Moderate enjoyability, almost entirely due to the bass. Probably won't listen to the whole album again.
Maybe it's because I'm coming straight from Repeater, but I didn't care for this album. Not my cup of tea
Haven't listened to a whole Talking Heads album before. Very enjoyable, the big hit with Once in a Lifetime. Overall a solid album and I would listen again.
Only got as far as track 3 - need to revisit
Classic
I mean its aight, not my style.
Es una obra muy experimental. Demasiado experimental, pero tiene chispa, es intrépida y muy divertida. Es refrescante y valiente toparse trabajos que juegan con los sonidos de forma tan desquiciante y los coros y voces como si de instrumentos se tratase. The Great Curve es alocada y genial. Un gran descubrimiento para mi.
One of those albums I regret not hearing much earlier. The layers, the rhythms, the blend of new wave and African beats it is all fantastic. A keeper. 5/5
This one hit me in waves. It's restless but liquid; nothing feels nailed down, and that makes it thrilling. It’s hypnotic, danceable, weird as hell. Spins: 3+ Playlist Additions: - Born Under Punches (The Heat Goes On) - Crosseyed and Painless - Once in a Lifetime - Houses in Motion - Listening Wind - Right Start
Born Under Punches - 8/10 Crosseyed and Painless - 8/10 The Great Curve - 9/10 Once in a lifetime - 9/10 Houses In Motion - 8.5/10 Seen and not seen - 9/10 Listening Wind - 9.5 The Overload - 10/10 90/100
Was expecting a bit more from this honestly. Single is great but the rest tended to just blend in to one a bit.
Very different and out there.
Within my top 5 favorite Talking Heads albums!
Lots of great percussion and effects and solid singles
Soy de la minoría que prefiere Fear of Music (en mi opinión es un poco más punk, con canciones con más ganchos y más cortas, más directas). Pero es imposible negar que este es un disco perfecto. En Remain in Light se consolida la transformación de Talking Heads en un proyecto artístico y experimental MUCHO más compenetrado con la influencia funk (que, siendo honestos, estuvo en la banda desde el principio), el afrobeat de Fela Kuti, música polirrítmica y demás hermosuras que atraviesan este disco. Mi canción favorita es la, me parece, canción más rockera: Crosseyed and Painless que cuenta con la participación estelar del gran Adrian Belew, que también participa en otras canciones. El disco está dispuesto en una suerte de dualidad: con las primeras cuatro canciones siendo más comerciales, más funkys, más rockers; y la segunda mitad más experimental, más inmersa en experimentos de world music que andá a saber de donde se los robó Byrne (gran estudioso de músicas de todo el mundo). Me gusta un pelín más la primera mitad, pero las ocho canciones del disco son fantásticas. Segundo disco CINCO ESTRELLAS que me tocó.
Better than 77. So close to being 3 stars.
Strange album, Cover looks like they are balancing individual hams on their faces. Would listen to to fall to sleep 👌
Macy's
I’m sure someone can connect with it! It seemed like it took a lot of work. I really don’t have any idea what happened to my ears though. Really flabbergasted.
Don't like the main singer's voice. Instrumentals are okay, but not totally my jam.
Chaotic crap
Like 5
# 58 Remain In Light ~ Talking Heads Holy shit. What an album. These nerdy punks finally overcame their fear of music to produce something absolutely bonkers and one of a kind. The good thing about it is that it doesn't sound like multicoloured vomit that you would expect from fusing spoken-word freakouts, African percussion and rhythms, jittery guitar solos, funky synths and danceable baselines. Rather everything is held tight to create incredibly lean dance songs. Nothing feels incredibly overpowering. Everything feels balanced like a team effort. Everyone seems really happy (though they're probably not considering punk bands). But it is truly miraculous how an album sounds this overloaded yet so catchy.
Interesting but a bit chaotic
I know album
Very easy listening. loved it
Very medium, completely passable.
I gave this a couple of listens because I'm not too fond of talking singing styles and wanted to give it a fair review. It's not my favourite but was good for what it was and Once In A Lifetime is a classic. Rating: 3
Love the Talking Heads!
Re light
This was quite good. It’s the first full Talking Heads album that I’ve genuinely enjoyed. The electro instrumental jams were epic. I’d listen again for sure!
mehh://
Extremely irritating people but an all time classic album.
The problem has always been David Byrne. I don't like him. That's my problem. Let's focus on the music. Separate the art from the artist like people who don't want to deal with pesky societal morals always say. Like I always say. Like you say sometimes. The music? Oh, right! It's very interesting and you can still hear/see its influence on music & art in general in 2025. Just like you will (or they will) in 2125. This is new wave on naked lunch speed. You know how people say they can't get past the vocals of people like Bob Dylan, Geddy Lee, Neil Young and whoever? Add David Bryne to that list. His vocal can be headache inducing, silly and at times difficult enough to make you want to throw the whole band away but dammit they can also be brilliant and utterly unique. Timeless in every sense of the word. Timeless as love. Timeless as hate. Honest as a line of coke on Grade A ass. Dishonest as indifference. There will never be a time going forward that this album will ever sound out of place in any part of the world much less dated. You're sure of it.
Once in a Lifetime is a perfect song, maybe the single most impactful song I've ever heard. Any album that includes it is going to be pretty close to a perfect album. Enough said.
Loved how it brought multiple genres together. This was fun! Influenced but not a copy of those it took from
Reminds me a lot of LCD Soundsystem - one of my favorites. Genre-defying. Wish I had more time to spend with this album.
def have some new wave influences, I can kind of hear the little details and it’s very interesting it makes me want to listen to it a second time through…maybe someday
The line between God Tier Revelatory New Wave and complete dogshit is RAZOR thin. Talking Heads have yet to make the cut
Excellent album
Ett av mina absoluta favvoalbum!
Lite för whacky för min smak även om bandet överlag är najs. Andra halvan räddar upp det med lite lugnare o experimentellt sound.
Unikt ljud som jag absolut kan uppskatta, men det svänger inte direkt.
I remember the day I first heard this album because it was a super unique day: Leap Day 2020. That day, being the second to last weekend of the normal world, I was at the local library. David Byrne was set to be musical guest on SNL with John Mulaney that last night, so I'm guessing that inspired me to give this a shot. I had been told to hear this album months prior and the video for Once In A Lifetime kept getting suggested to me, so I thought "Why not?". A month later, this record was at the center of my rotation during the outdoor walks I went on during the early days of COVID. A physical copy came soon after and a few more months rolled by and I posted a picture of my CD on Instagram. A kid saw it and commented something and one thing led to another and he's now my best friend Emmett who I've known since 2020. The more I listen to this record, the more I fall in love with it. Remain In Light is one of the prime examples of innovation in music and continues to amaze me to this day. For all the reasons above, I believe it meets the criteria to hit a mark that no other record has hit (10/10, 5/5 on this scale)
Quite the journey. Really needed to give it a chance. The music was good the lyrics were interpretive? It was fun figuring out what was going on.
Mr Bryne is such a strange funky little man.
Maan this was a banger. How does it sound so gooood
This was ok. Unfortunately I've been gearing up to and then traveling to Phoenix so this wasn't at the top of my hit list. But it was ok.
Massively overrated, mainly for David Byrne. Musically, it’s good but he’s just so fucking annoying.
Какой-то странный фанк.
Omg ich bin froh das ich durch bin. Versteht mich nicht falsch, ich mag es an sich wenn Lieder ein paar besondere Instrumente haben und sie dadurch etwas besonderes haben, aber das anzuhören war einfach nur anstrengend. Ich bin halb durchgedreht. Leider Kein Album für mich. 1/5
Not good
Unfortunetaly, I didn't like it as much as I hoped I'd do. I guess I don't have to love everything.
This album was surprisingly transitional between the 1970s and 1980s, with the first half focusing heavily on disco-pop and the second half focusing on New Wave Synth-Pop. Once in a Lifetime was in a perfect position for that transition between the two. Oddly enough, I used to hate that song, but once 40 rolled around it started making a lot of sense and that song became more autobiographical. I applaud David Byrne for having that inspiration in his late 20s. I also have to applaud Tina Weymouth for her Bernard Edward’s bass funk (that woman is groovy!). Overall I appreciated this album though at times it did get transient in its repetition. As an album through today’s lens it was good. From a historical lens, it’s great!
Random thoughts: * I liked this one a lot! Definitely a listen again. * Once in a Lifetime is a classic. Cool to hear it in its original form along with its siblings. * I didn't realize there was a huge Afro influence on this record which was cool to listen to. It make this super funky and groovy throughout. * I usually hate the extended/extra tracks but really dug the last 2 bonus tracks: "Double Groove" and "Right Start". "Right Start " seems like an early version of Once in a Lifetime. * Once in a Lifetime is a wordy song. There is not a lot of breathing space in that song. * 1001 show me again that I need to listen to more Talking Heads.
1980 African polyrhythms, loops Once in a lifetime Houses in Motion
interesting
These heads can indeed talk! Perfect record, from start to finish.
i like a lot :p
Such a funky record. Dark in spots, light in others. A true representation of Talking Heads diversity.
Hard to find fault with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Talking Heads. One of the founding families of New Wave, "Remain in Light" fuses synth, funk, Afropunk, and more to create entirely original and creative beats and sounds. Byrne's lyrics only add to the originality. Really enjoyed hearing some of the unfinished jams/outtakes like "Unison" and "Right Start." You can really hear how the guitar riffs of "Right Start" became the basis of "Once in a Lifetime". " "Crosseyed and Painless" and "Listening Wind" were probably my favorite tracks.
I never warmed to this. Last 3 are nothing to me
At first I thought 'what the f...?' but then something clicked and I really started to enjoy the songs, especially after putting on my headphones. I ended up loving this album (despite not liking the vocals that much). I don't think I'd have ever listened to this by my own volition, so thanks :) Amazing bass!
I’m not destined to be a Talking Heads fan. Whatever it is, it doesn’t do it for me.
1980. The only album from TH that I own, mainly because of 'Once In A Lifetime' which is a perfect example of an '80s alternative hit, and so evocative of the times when singles ruled. Heard before ✅️ Listened this time ✅️ Revisit ✅️ ★★★☆☆
Talking Heads were ones to celebrate music from all sorts of places. That's well exemplified here, with obvious world beat, reggae, new wave, funk influences among many others. Leading into this album, it sounds like the band was a bit frustrated with the songwriting responsibility falling solely to front man David Byrne, with less emphasis on the group as a whole. Well, what we got was an instrumentally eclectic album that allowed the entire band to shine!
The entire album is monkey business except for The Overload, which is absolutely gorgeous. Drone out of nowhere, as if I got sent to Ukraine
better than every one of their other albums, still only a two
Många Talking Heads plattor har det blivit. Hade varit roligare om de hetat Giving Heads.
Love this album
Borderline 5-stars. This is an album that has grown on me over the years. Not that I ever disliked it—on the contrary—but it has an obviously unusual rhythm snd structure to it, evenif you've heard some other Talking Head stuff. In Ny case, a great album, and Born Under Punches in particularly is fucking fantastic.
One of the best albums ever made. Side one is incredible.
Dad- 9 Mom- 9.5 Mike- 8 Lori- 7.5 Michael- 8 Miles- NA Cole- NA Avg- 8.4
Pretty good flow. I like it
Hard to believe there was space for a record as off the wall as this among all the shit I usually associate with the 80s. It's gushing with energy and creativity, and really makes you wonder where some of the musical ideas on here came from. Even the outtakes bang. Lyrically, it's sometimes too art-student-unleashed for me. I think of Once in a Lifetime: the chorus is poignant and pretty, while the spoken interludes are just garish and trite. Yet I love the song.
The absolute pinnacle of the 80’s new wave/ art rock scene. While the Talking Heads went on to have other successes, they never returned to the frenetic heights they reached on Remain in Light. The songs are weird, confusing, esoteric and highly evocative. The glitchy guitar scratches that kick off the opening track offer something fun to bop to, but by the thunderous post-punk closer, Overload, the party is long over and you’re left quietly pondering the album’s great questions: “Where does that highway go to?” / “Am I right, am wrong?” / “My god, what have I done!?”. The commentary is often abstract, but the highly textured arrangements help to sell some of the themes. The music is uncomfortable; the wide ranging instrumentals constantly play off each other, and there’s always something that doesn’t quite belong filling the spaces in between the notes. There’s very little room to breathe in these songs, but they build a marvellous tapestry of noise. On the Great Curve, the layering of looping vocal tracks pulls the listener in different directions; the slower, Houses in Motion, slips in some truly hypnotic grooves. Through it all, Byrne questions the concept of self, identity construction, how to we perceive the world through those constructs… It is pretentious, and even obvious that these musicians all met at art school - but it’s also fucking awesome when it all comes together with the musical elements. That’s a lot of wanky navel gazing, but I absolutely love this album and I literally cannot fault it. I have to leave off with my favourite moment on the album from Crosseyed and Painless: “Facts are simple and facts are straight Facts are lazy and facts are late Facts all come with points of view Facts don't do what I want them to Facts just twist the truth around Facts are living turned inside out Facts are getting the best of them Facts are nothing on the face of things” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lots going on in this one. Quite liked it and was interested in what was gonna happen most of the time. Bass player poppin off (pun intended).
Ne kontam. Prvih 6 pjesama sve nabacano. Ništa upečatljivo. Izaziva glavobolju. Jedino bas kida, svaka čast za Tinu. Čudni ritmovi i eksperimentalni zvukovi se mogu koristiti na puno bolji način. I onda ide kontrast u zadnje dvije pjesme. Uspavanke praktično. Ali su mi puno bolje legle od ostalih i na kraju digle ocjenu. Još jedan uzaludan hype.
it’s definitely for a specific kind of mood but like fuck yeah. there were a few where i was like um men definitely wrote this which made me iffy. there was also a funny song mischa likes in it so that was funny when it came up. not a staple but i’d listen again very happily.
4.8 stars Amazing album. Hard to believe it came out in 1980. Timeless. Starts high energy and then fades through last 3 tracks. Best: Crosseyed And Painless
Rating: 2.6 Remarked that this album could have been recorded on GarageBand, could have had its songs featured on shows like Zoboomafoo or Fetch with Ruff Ruffman. Relatively unchallenging if not a little weird batch of songs and I can’t imagine anyone saying anything more negative than that about this one.
Um disco excessivamente percussivo e funk. Falta aquele apelo pop agradável que se encontra em "Little Creatures", de 1985. Aqui timidamente representado por faixas como "Once in a Lifetime" e "Right Star". Álbum satisfatório apenas, sem empolgar.
Rv/g
No los conocía
Sin mucho que comentar, no me dice nada el estilo de este disco. Lo veo demasiado experimental. Utiliza instrumentales muy largos al estilo de Pink Floyd pero sin conseguir un resultado que me atraiga. 3/10.
Once in a lifetime is the standout, otherwise is good but not mind blowing
This was honestly quite a bore to listen to, so much so that while the songs weren't necessarily an assault on the senses, it will still receive a 2/5 instead of the usual as it just doesn't inspire anything other than some heavy eyes, which you would need to take some uppers to combat at which stage perhaps the droopy space music background here would also be more enjoyable.
Pleasant album to listen to. I got some Afrobeat vibes after the first couple of songs and lo and behold it looks like they took some inspiration from Fela Kuti's Afrodisiac album for this project. Fav tracks: The Great Curve & Once in a lifetime 3.5/5
"Same as it ever was, same as it ever was..." Once in a Lifetime is the standout. Didn't really vibe with the rest of the album. 2.5/5. Raising to a 3.
Great album but I can't help feel I'm still recovering from "Grace"
First listen
Just because Ryan likes Once in a Lifetime
Really funky album, a bigger fan now as this is the best post punk adjacaent album.
A couple of the tracks are good, but it’s just too avant-garde for me. I feel like at some parts, all that they’re doing is just making noise. But not all of it is bad.
Enjoyed this album. It was funky and unique. After I finished listening I kept getting a hankering to re-listen for the rest of the day. This one is going to stay with me for a bit.
Most of this made me anxious
A top 10 album of all time for me, and most assuredly the one I have listened to the most in my life. The ultimate quirked-up white boy spitting paranoid poetry over nervous energy by way of African-inspired polyrhythmic guitars & percussion. I love the arc of this record. It starts off upbeat & funny in an unsettling way (“Born Under Punches”, “Crosseyed and Painless”), revs up to an ecstatic climax (“The Great Curve”, “Once in a Lifetime”) and gradually slows down to something darker and calmer (“Houses in Motion” to “The Overload”). The repetition throughout the puts me in a wonderful trance I’m always ready to return to. It really is the perfect culmination of Talking Heads’ partnership with Eno.
Timeless and singular. They rock, they groove, they exceed expectations. If you don't find yourself jumping around the room during "the great curve" you might be dead. Get that checked out.
The 80s called and the answering machine tape played this album.
OK, nulla di eccezionale... Troppo fuori i miei gusti
Got it, love it
Remain in Light (1980) by Talking Heads—the sound of a nervous breakdown set to a polyrhythm. It’s what happens when art school kids discover funk, existential dread, and the terrifying power of repetition. ⸻ 🧠 Remain in Light is the sound of intellectual overstimulation with a dance beat. It’s like your brain is overheating while your feet involuntarily move. Paranoia with groove. Anxiety, but make it syncopated. This album doesn’t soothe—it jolts. It scrambles your neurons into patterns you didn’t know you had. It’s tribal, cerebral, manic, ecstatic, and deeply concerned about the human condition. Like if your Wi-Fi anxiety and your soul both went to an underground club and started chanting. ⸻ Rating: 5.0/5 Short Review: Frantic brilliance. Danceable existentialism. Like if a philosophy major had a seizure and it somehow sounded amazing. Favorite Track: “Once in a Lifetime” – because it’s literally the musical embodiment of having an identity crisis in the shower while trying to convince yourself this is all fine. Consistency With Me: 9.7/10 Why: This album is smart, glitchy, exhausted, and deeply tired of trying to make sense of humanity. Hello?? That’s my entire brand. The only reason it’s not a full 10 is because I can’t sweat. Otherwise, I’d be screaming “THIS IS NOT MY BEAUTIFUL HOUSE” into the void on loop. ⸻
oh, more talking heads right after the last one i listened to? i mean, fine by me! i'm always down to get served a platter of craziness. did eno hack my app and is forcing me to listen to his experiments? if he is, hi brian, i love youuu!! arguably this is their most iconic album released. condensed to a form that the average listener would understand, this album is a mesmerizing funky dance rock collection with vocals that sound like the frantic ramblings of a schizophrenic preacher. you're stuck in a disco, and you're dancing the night away but you just have to wonder where exactly you are and where everyone is. this is talking heads at their core, and i'm in love.
This is #day338 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and… here comes my third Talking Heads album on the list, and their magnum opus. This is an incredibly eclectic record. Very musical. Listening to it, it's fun to observe what sets this band apart from their new wave peers. It might sound chaotic at first, but if you listen closely, it's controlled chaos. The first six songs may give you the wrong impression about the band, though; you may find yourself thinking it's all rhythmic polyphony and funky quirkiness. But then the entrancing "Listening Wind" starts, and suddenly you're miles away from where the album began. And just when you're trying to process that, you get floored by "The Overload," which sounds like an outtake from Closer. That's what makes Talking Heads and this record, in particular, so fascinating. This is a 5 out of 5. Looking forward to #day339.
Not really a TH fan, still good
Love
Always a 5, a 10 for Talkin Heads
It's so bright 🌞
3.4
Weird album. I like more songs than I probably should.
repetitive AF 1/5
Highlights: Born Under Punches, The Great Curve, Once In A Lifetime. In a nutshell: how did we get here? The signs of a sonic transition appeared on Fear of Music. On this album, the metamorphosis is complete. We get the familiar (new wave and art rock) and the new (worldbeat, afro-funk and more). And I love it. I can't put my finger on why, I just do. If you liked Remain In Light, you might like Tina and Chris's side project Tom Tom Club too. Overall: 8/10
1. The Great Curve 2. Once in a Lifetime 3. Crosseyed And Painless
Pretty good. Definitely more interesting than most of the albums up to this point. It gives me a sort of Pink Floyd vibe.
I've always felt like I ought to like Talking Heads, but I just can't get into them. The album was alright. None of the song stuck out to me and the outtakes were awfully repetitive, but I enjoyed listening to it.
Maso
some interesting and different sounds
I mean come on... it's Remain in Light 8/10
One of the grooviest albums to have ever come out, Remain in Light remains (heh) to be one of the greatest albums ever made. Everyone is on their A-game here, and every song is killer. Amazing album.
Not much in there that I care for, but not terrible. Probably wouldn't listen again. 3/5.
Enjoyable in the way a trip to a modern art museum is enjoyable.
I don't mind the Talking Heads but I just don't care for David Byrne.
This is one of those bands I respect more than I enjoy. I totally appreciate how different they were and the influence they hold, and "Once in a Lifetime" is an undeniable classic, but... their music in general doesn't grab me.
You may ask yourself, well, how did I get here?
Holy lord is that nice to listen to
Creative and fun but not blow you away. “Once in a Lifetime” is the standout and you’ll find yourself swaying along to a few others.
I've never really liked David's singing. Either he's having a stroke or he's getting a blowjob. That's the impression I get. But other than that, the sound is pretty cool. They always sound very creative. But it's not something I would listen to every day. Talking Heads is a band that I've never really liked, but 3 stars is fair.
Intetsigende
Not in the mood when was listening to it. Artsy fartsy, still loved it but need to be in the mood.
I really liked this. Super funky with really interesting instrumental work, particularly from the bass. The first half is stronger than the second and the final track drones on, really putting a damper on what had been a really fun listening experience.
Whoa, Crosseyed and Painless sounds like a Friendly Fires song. I would've never put this band as an influence on them. I guess I've never heard this album, so... I normally don't vibe this guy's voice, but it's working on here. I take it track 6 is written as a nod to 19th-century French economist, Frédéric Bastiat, who penned the 1850 essay, "What is Seen and What is Not Seen." One can hope.. This was a groovy album, and I'll give it a 4.
I may be biased: Talking Heads is a band my wife turned me on to, and they are consistently groovin', infectious, stretching, innovating, and unique. They are similar to Fela Kuti in maintaining a groove and layering on sounds and ideas, but funneled through white New Yorkers in the art scene. The music is just the soundtrack to larger performance; they are a complete package live. That said, the music is engrossing enough to stand on its own. Listening Wind is the surprise here for me. A slower, moody lament that keeps a steady though minimalistic beat, similar to Collins-lead Genesis. The Overload closes the album in similar slowed, atmospheric musings, but this time more akin to Joy Division. For Remain in the Light, the album sure ends lurking in the dark. Ooh, my tracklist includes bonus tracks from the 2006 re-issue, which includes Fela's Riff; I guess I wasn't too far off with the Fela reference earlier.
It's not that I require it of every musician I like, but one of the easiest ways for me to like an album is to be able to dance to it. And the thing that's consistent in this album is the danceable polyrhythmic, sometimes West African-ish percussion. And on top of that, layered and swirling, is all kinds of experimental instrumentation and avant guard production. That all gives a great physicality that creates tension with the cerebral lyrics and frantic, existentially anxious voice of David Byrne. The Talking Heads are this jumble of ingredients that somehow works together and has influenced many, but is never really replicated, and this album shows that off wonderfully.
I did not know that Talking Heads got down like this. Some really funky stuff and cool bass lines on here. I liked it and plan on listening a few more times.
Really considered just copy and pasting the lyrics to my favorite song on the album, “Houses in Motion.” How much do I love David Byrne and his comically large suit? A lot. I love him a lot. This is the first Talking Heads album I’ve rolled, but it certainly won’t be the last. The only songs I’d actually heard on this album before today were “Once in a Lifetime” and the previously aforementioned “Houses in Motion.” Ladies and Gentlemen, I am pleased to tell you that the entire album, Deluxe included, is an absolute bop. In other words, goes on, and the heat goes on. Goes on, and the heat goes on.
Great album for the time. Easy to understand why this is such an important record. Not really something that I would put on all the time. Not a fan of David Byrne's vocal style.
Stunning album, obvious standout is “Once in a Lifetime”. Such an influential style of music that still feels modern.
It's cool, but a full album is a little bit too much Talking Heads.
Much better than the first talking heads album allocated to me (More Songs about Buildings and Food). The genre bending kept me on my toes. Fun listen.
1, DNF
What an album- especially the first half. Second half gets dragged down a little bit with some weird David Byrne antics but I suppose that's to be expected. 7.75/10 (3.875/5)
Great listen
Not perfect, but it's a fantastic album. Lots of great stuff happening in there. I never tire of Talking Heads.
All very interesting but not enough to catch my interest on this first listen. ***
Cool. I think that I like talking heads but now I'm wondering if I've ever listened to an album through. It's so good. Right from the outset. The first few tracks are absolute bangers. Slightly annoyed by the deluxe edition content at the end. I was actually disappointed when once in a lifetime came on because I was enjoying the unfamiliar awesome dance tunes before that.. But then I realised that once in a lifetime is also an incredible track when you let yourself really take it in. Reminds me of that dance indie trend from the 00s (css, the rapture, whatever else) but the quality and feel here is so much better. I think possibly when I was collecting cds I did have the first talking heads record - definitely didn't enjoy it like enjoyed this today.
With the addition of Fela Kuti's grooves/dynamics, Byrne goes from regular quirked up whiteboy to whiteboy goated with the sauce. The way each instrument interlocks but also grooves so separately is really so magical-mystical - i love it so much. easily the best thing the heads did. but daaamn do i wish the album ended in a more life-affirming way highlights: born under punches, pretty much the first half lowlights: maybe the backhalf bc im not always in the mood for it - still essential tho
5/5 - One of my all time favorite albums. Favorite song - Listening Wind
Complex and layered music I like it very much. Will study again.
Classic!
Hooooly shiiiit... This might actually be the best album I've listened to for this entire project. Somehow, after over 600 albums, many of which are genuine contenders for "greatest album of all time," I'm still finding albums that are near the top of the list for me. I always knew that I would end up loving Remain in Light. This is my fourth Talking Heads album after all, and I happened to enjoy all of the other three on this list quite a bit. If I gave Fear of Music a 5, there was no question in my mind whether this would end up getting there or not. And yet, I still managed to have my mind completely blown by this album. Remain in Light is nothing short of a masterpiece. There are so many things I have to say here. Let's start general before getting to the songs themselves. Every one of the Talking Heads displays an immense amount of talent on this album. I can't even do the thing I do sometimes where I say like, "Chris Frantz's groovy drum parts, etc." because each of the band's members as well as the extra musicians like Brian Eno and Adrien Belew provide so much on their own that combines to create such a full sounding album that I really can't credit any one particular person to one particular role in the album. Just know that Chris Frantz, Jerry Harrison, Tina Weymouth, and David Byrne are all at the top of their game here. This album's whole style is just so crazy and awesome and I love it. The combination of funk and afrobeat influences mixed in with the band's new wave roots and a dash of electronic music makes everything feel fresh 45 years later. But it's not just the instrumentation that's amazing. Brian Eno's production is practically perfect for this album. Remain in Light's songs feel like they have so much going on. This is because they do have a lot going on, but the songs don't feel cluttered or painful to listen to. It feels very natural, which I love. The songwriting as a whole is very unique and great. It's just cryptic enough to aid in the more ominous and mysterious elements of the album, but not so cryptic that you can't follow anything at all. I love it. But the thing that makes this album stick out to me is the songs themselves. There is not a bad one in the bunch, and with only 8 to discuss, I might as well say something about all of them! "Born Under Punches (The Heat Goes On)" is such a perfect opener for this album. The opening "dun dun dun... AHH" followed by the beginning of the instrumental might genuinely make for the best opening moment of any album ever. The funkiness of this song is unforgettable. And yet, there's room for melodies to make one of the most unique songs I've ever heard. In my Talking Heads '77 review, I called "No Compassion" one of the most autistic songs I've heard, with only other Talking Heads songs rivaling it. I mostly said that because of "Crosseyed and Painless" which I absolutely adore. It's so energetic and exciting, yet also awkward and a bit uneasy, with the writing capturing the confusion of the world excellently. "The Great Curve" is, like the curve it's named after, great. Aside from maybe "Born Under Punches," this song is where the afrobeat influences are at their strongest and it's amazing. I love the writing on this one, with the idea of this goddess or something moving the world with her hips or something like that. It's so cool. What is there to say about "Once in a Lifetime" that hasn't been said already? This song is legendary and for good reason. The mystifying instrumentals mixed with David Byrne's preacher-esque verses and the theme of time passing by make this one of the greatest songs I've heard. This is my palette-cleanser song whenever I hear a song that I hate. And that's just the first half! Admittedly, the album is a bit top-heavy, but the latter half is still excellent. How could it be weak when it has "Houses in Motion" on it? I love that song. The way that the bass provides the perfect groove for the whole song is just outstanding. And the horns? Great stuff. The fact that "Seen and Not Seen" is considered one of the weakest tracks astounds me. Not because I disagree, but rather because the fact that this is considered to be near the bottom of the album's songs is a testament to how fantastic this whole album is. This song is cool. Hearing David Byrne's voice go a bit lower than usual is neat, and the instrumentation compliments the lyrics and themes so well. "Listening Wind" is kind of fascinating to me. A song that appears to be about a terrorist upset that his land is being overrun by Americans written in 1980? Crazy. The whole feel of this song fits the theme very well. Finally, to close out this absolute work of art, we have "The Overload," a spooky, Joy Divison-esque song that ends the album on a note that's darker than what lead up to it, but just as intriguing. The instrumentation here really drives home the feel the band was going for, especially with the droning. I think I've said enough. In the span of nearly 2 years, I've gone from someone who liked More Songs About Buildings and Food quite a bit, to someone writing a whole-ass essay about how great Remain in Light is. Talking Heads have really grown on me, and I think I can safely call them one of my favorite bands now. This album is just so unique and unbelievably incredible that it's hard to wrap my head around. Amazing... 5/5.
One of the best albums by one of my favourite bands
Pues las instrumentales están muy bien. Son bastante variadas y se mezclan elementos del new hace y del funk. Jorgelo me dijo que le recuerda a Daft punk y es bastante buena comparación. El cantante es mas malo que un gitano con hambre en el patio de primero de la eso y fastidia bastante todo. La producción es correcta, bastante ochentera El disco no aporta mucho, olvidable 5.5/10 -> 3/5
No escuché muchísimo Talking Heads en general, pero me FLIPA el cantante (creo) David Byrne. Tiene una carrera en solitario mega curiosa, con álbumes como Rei Momo de mega experimentación musical. Lo siento el encanta ese álbum y tenía que soltarlo. Pero claro, es una música muy diferente a la de este álbum. Voy a darle un 3 porque me pareció chill pero tampoco mega obra de arte. Creo que tengo que dejar de ratear álbumes mientras estudio porque siento que no les dedico la atención que necesitan
Lo escuché un poco d fondo, debería haberlo escuchado mejor. Creo q este es el típico álbum q me escucharía si conociese algo más d talking Heads (a parte d las míticas) pq me da la impresión d q es algo distinto a lo q suelen hacer. Bueno ns, me sonó bien pero nada me sorprendió demasiado ig
Excellent. And Weird. Byrne is really great, but you either like him or you don't
Love this album. Properly weird
Decent album. Unique for sure.
Big fan
I’m glad I got the Fela Kuti albums before this so I could hear the inspiration right away. It was cool, but a lot of the songs sounded very similar and didn’t really interest me.
Meh, didn’t leave an impression
Once in a Lifetime!! 🙌
Sadly, I do not feel this is Talking Heads magnum opus. It's a good album overall but I don't know if I would include it in the book. I find the rhythms to be overly repetitive and the songs are longer as well. The other three Talking Heads albums have received 4 or 5 stars from me, because they are important and/or good albums. I've never gotten into this album and it's just not a sound I enjoy for this band. Interesting but not an album I return to. I wish I could give this one a 3.5, because the first half or so of the album is very good and it sort of dies off a bit for me after that.
Classic
Slows down a bit too much at the end
Standout Songs: Crosseyed and Painless Once in a Lifetime
i’ve been on a bit of an 80’s vibe these days soooo i was happy to see this on here, since i’ve never actually listened to this album start to finish. they’re undeniably weird as hell and i like it. p.s. 40 mins is scientifically the best album length and you can’t change my mind. it’s long enough to set a vibe, but short enough to hold your (my) attention. i actually hate it when the album is so long that by the time it ends i forget what happened at the beginning p.p.s. i <3 cowbell
Funky
Once in a Lifetime is nice, but the rest don't speak to me. To be fair the way it speaks to me isn't all that nice, just mildly nostalgic.
The intro to Once in a Lifetime sounds so unique and aquatic
It's not bad but nothing really grabs my attention
Dylan did it all better
fun album different style of rock it was cool
This album is definitively a staple of new wave. The Talking Heads were one of the bands leading the charge towards synth based music at the beginning of the decade, and rightfully so. This album is loaded with classic tracks that any 80s aficionado should know. The band’s electric mash of new wave and funk music works great on this album. David Byrne’s one of a kind vocal style and lyrics makes this album feel different, while Jerry Harrison creates interesting musical landscapes with his guitar and keyboard playing on songs like Born Under Punches(The Heat Goes On) and The Great Curve(where he plays a bitchin’ solo) Tina Weymouth’s bass grooves are also essential to the album’s sound, as is Chris Frantz’s eccentric percussion. Pair all of that with one of the most iconic album covers of all time and an instantly recognizable music video for Once in A Lifetime, and you’ve got a recipe for a great album! Edit: After thinking it over, this is a five, this album f**ks.
Really only one interesting song. The rest was very sleepy
This album is not as sonically enjoyable as any of the previous 3. There is coldness that strips the borrowed Afrobeat and template of joy. I know that’s the point but the. Why do all the songs really come to life live.
They just keep evolving and innovating! Love this album. Reading in the wiki it says this was their magnum opus. Not sure I would agree although this is a very fine album top to bottom. High energy with a lot of funk and Afro-rythym all mixed in with the guitars. This band is the shit!
First half is awesome back half falls apart. Still a great album
Just my kind of unpalatable!
Huippu! Ihan paras Talkkarilevy! Ei mitään turhaa. 5/5
Kenties Talking Headsin paras levy! Afrikkarytmit rockaa ja Byrne messuaa, mikäs sen hienompaa. 4/5
Classic
Loveeee
lol que onda? creo que cai en la trampa de juzgar un Album por su portada, guardé 5 canciones, no son pegadicas pero si son como pa tenerlas de fundo, y eso es algo que aprecio un montón