Reviews (page 8 of 14)
Interesting, but mesmerizing.
interesting, quirky album. Overall, liked it a lot.
This must have sound alien when it came out in 1980. Quite experimental. I did enjoy it!
I love Talking Heads.
Great album - not my favourite of theirs but solid throughout
Börjar fan bra. Skön stämning. Tre första låtarna är riktigt bra. Bara hört deras psycho killer (som jag vet sen tidigare) som är mycket bra. Glatt överraskad! Listening wind är mycket bra (önskar att den hade lite mindre "ljud", melodin i grund och botten är mycket behaglig) Skivan tar egentligen slut efter the overlord. Men Felas riff är otroligt skön (trots instrumentellt) man märker att det är lattjo musiker.
Riktigt härlig platta som man blir glad av att lyssna på och som växer med varje lyssning. Hade bara hört Once in a lifetime tidigare men tycker hela skivan håller samma höga klass. Gillar verkligen de afrikanska och funkiga influenserna. Kommer definitivt lyssna mer på denna. Stark fyra.
There’s a consistent formula at play here. Intricate rhythmic foundation, spoken word or vocal melodies being introduced on top, followed by layered vocal harmonies to take you out. I’m here for it! This is about as mathy as my musical tastes go, but there is so much delight delivered here, it’s like a spoonful of sugar to make the math go down. 4.0
I didn't realize I knew some of these songs. I like Fela and caught some of the influence a few times. I'm not a Byrne/Talking Heads fan, but this was pretty hot. Crazy innovative for the time and the production sounds great. 4.5
Really liked this. Love the distinctive vocals. Good band.
African polyrhythms, rambling vocals and Haitian voudou - nice
didn’t listen the whole thing, but sounded goodd
ive been rating some things too high recently, like fours where there should have maybe been threes, but this actually deserves a four
Álbum creativo muy piola. Es como un electro raro, muy experimental y cautivante
Love this album. Don’t know it very well but looking forward to getting to know it better
A lot of my 4 star albums are ones that I really like but they aren’t inventive/influential enough to be true 5 star albums (this is it by the strokes for example). This album is kind of the opposite. I think I like the idea of the Talking Heads more than I actually like the music. I can see why this would be someone’s favourite album but even though I like it, I’m not sure how many times I’d actually put this on to listen to. Highs are still really high though, I’m gonna go 3.6 and round up.
Love the talking heads
Can I just get speaking in tongues already? Like this album is funky, fun, endlessly creative, and great in its own right but hearing this just makes me want to listen to naive melody again. Yes the back half of this album starting with once in a lifetime is excellent and I really loved houses in motion but it doesn’t have naive melody and I’m starting to worry that that album won’t show up on here. I’d also take the stop making sense soundtrack but I doubt that’s on this list.
I feel like it started strong and faded a little, but it's probably one i'll come back to
Hearing this album makes me feel like I'm constantly in a high speed chase. A little too melancholy in some spots for me but overall very fun Once in a Lifetime is probably the standout for me.
I didn't really like the first song too much (repetitive), but loved the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th songs. I can see how they were a vibe in the 80s - eclectic and also accessible. Both/and.
Top so far
We enjoyed this album, listened to on the train back home. That one popular song was still good (we don't remember the name). Other than that, no standout tracks but all around pretty good.
A fresh blend of funk, new wave, and early hip hop that makes liberal use of loop tracks. Sounds very much that a prelude to Eno’s later instrumental forays, though the Talking Heads deliver lots of character through vocals, guitar, and especially bass to keep songs interesting. Very cool exploratory album that still sounds exciting today. Stand out tracks include “Born Under Punches”, “Houses in Motion”, and “Seen and Not Seen”.
Fast beats, funky sounds, interesting voices and rythms. Some songs like listening wind are more hippie feeling, and the last part of the album is slower. So far 4 stars
This doesn’t feel like their best album. The majority of the tracks were kitschy performance tracks. Which, to be fair, is what Talking Heads do.
Was really liking it, didn’t realize the album ended, a Flaming Lips song auto-played after and I was like “damn I really, REALLY like this” (just really liked it)
The definition of “scaring the hoes” music
I just had "Talking Heads 77" 3 days ago, and wasn't impressed at all. In the 3 years between "77" and "Remain in light" Talkingheads have somehow moved from something that I didn't enjoy at all, to something I absolutely love, and that will enter my normal music rotation. It's faster and more upbeat, and just all around more stuff going on. Absolutely brilliant.
It never struck me before how much funk is in the compositions. It is odd music with austere vocals at times. Once in a Lifetime feels innovative while the theme is reflective of the human condition, easy to see how it was the breakout hit of the album in the US, at least.
Jep.
Classic album. A few of the biggest TH tunes ever. Crossed & Painless is an all time great, and Once in a Lifetime may be their best song ever. 4.5
Pretty awesome
I enjoyed this much more than Fear of Music, though the songs are a bit overly long. Once in a Lifetime is an obvious classic, but then I think this is a little more contemporary. It's still avant garde and embracing the Talking Heads sound, but it also is far more approachable.
typischer bass, schlagzeug, bongos - talking heads! mir haben es vor allem auch die „unfinished outtake“ am ende der remastered-version angetan.
Dieses Album gefällt mir besser als das Debütalbum. Schneller, rhythmischer.
6/5 from Ant Hayden
Way ahead of it's time, David Byrne and Brian Eno are simply exceptional Favourite track is overload, it has that dark and hypnotic Ian Curtis feel with it, almost impossible to believe they recorded this without listening to JD before I feel I could be doing an ELO - Out of the Blue all over again and I may regret not going full marks 4.5 / 5
4.5 AND YOU MAY FIND YOURSELF, REVIEWING A TALKING HEADS ALBUM ON A RANDOMLY GENERATED WEBSITE. AND YOU MAY FIND YOURSELF GIVING THAT AKBUM A 4.5. AND YOU MAY ASK YOURSELF, HOW DID I GET HERE?! I love albums that sound completely out of time from when they were released and this is one of them. 1980? these crafty bastards. I found it a lot more groovy than first anticipated and of course ‘Once in a Lifetime’ is a big banger - even if I do prefer the Kermit the Frog version. It’s a classic. Enough talking and give me head!
no soy muy de grunge-punk y no conocía ni el álbum ni la banda anteriormente. sin embargo, me ha gustado mucho! gracias joan por haberme animado a finalmente empezar con esto
I like it. Perhaps one day I’ll love it. 4/5
Not my favourite Talking Heads album, that's Stop Making Sense, but still really solid
My opinion did change a bit since I first listened. It's a cool album. Crosseyed and Painless is my favorite from it
"Born Under Punches!" Jesus christ... that might be one of the most memorable opening tracks of all time. I fucking love that song. "Once in a Lifetime" is one of the best songs ever made. I'd need to listen to the album in full a few more times for the rest to really grow on me.
once in a lifetime!
Like this a lot more the more I heard it not my favorite album from them also not a huge talking heads guy this is still great tho mid-high 7
This album was a vibe!! It was very unique and groovy and I would definitely listen to it again :-)
At times weird but a great listen
And you might ask yourself, Why am I here? And you might ask yourself, Why am I listening to so many albums? And you might find yourself Listening to this 1980 classic And you might tell yourself, Maybe this site isn't so bad after all
I feel like I have to be in a specific mood to listen to the first 3/4th of the album. The bass tone and the rhythm is really grooving. The last two songs were transcendently dreamy, however. A great fever dream feeling
Really well done but not my type of music
I really like this album and already own it. I have heard it many times and I'm sure I will hear it many more.
Spectacular album. Docked one star for being a little too chilly in spots.
Whoa, another big one, within a week of Nas' Illmatic. As someone who casually peruses RateYourMusic.com from time to time, both this album and Illmatic are in the top fifteen rated albums of all time - that's part of where I get my "big one" designation. We've had a few Talking Heads albums, and none of them really clicked for me. Weird, fun fact: we've now received each of the first four Talking Heads albums, in chronological order. I made jokes in past reviews about my opinion improving and softening with each new album, and how maybe they could claw their way to a 5 star. This one is the moment of truth. Obviously it's got the big hit "Once in a Lifetime," but just in general, this album is so funky and full of life. The instrumentals are super crisp and detailed, and there's this good balance of variety and cohesion - they were definitely locked in. It's a sort of refined, alternative take on '80s new wave (and it's 1980, so ahead of that curve anyway), and it works really well here. Almost enough to make me want to revisit their other albums we heard, but I do think this is the mountaintop (and that debut really sucked if you ask me). Prior to today, I would definitely have considered this band overrated by music nerds, and I still kinda do, but now I sort of get it. I wouldn't call this a top 20 album of all time or anything, nor is it getting five stars from me today, but it's really, really great. I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed it and that I wanted to replay tracks almost immediately. With time, I could potentially see it ascending to 10/10 or five star territory for me. Favorite tracks: Once in a Lifetime, Seen and Not Seen, Born Under Punches, The Great Curve, Listening Wind, Houses in Motion. Album art: I'd say this one is iconic, I've seen it plenty of times before. I love the sort of digital artifact covering over each of the faces, it just seems bizarrely modern. The faces are all in a blue filter, the coverings are a bold red. Text is nice, the upside down A's are a nice touch. Cool cover. 4.5/5
This was better than I remember it. I do really like '77, but later Heads typically doesn't do it for me.
Very quirky, typical David Byrne. Some tracks with little vocals, great for background music.
found myself tapping my foot along to a good number of songs. some were really cool. i liked houses in motion, crosseyed and painless, and born under punches, and once in a lifetime's a classic. others didn’t do much for me though. i’d say it’s between a 3 and a 4, but i’m feeling generous today
Goeie grooves, merk nu wel echt dat ze inspiratie uit highlife halen. Wel meer waard dan een 4
I enjoy the random, eclectic mix of sounds, instruments. great album to listen to while you're doing other stuff-up tempo & keeps you moving
"Listening Wind"
I only discovered that I love Talking Heads in the last couple of years. This is a very good album. Listening this time proved that the first half is killer. And the second half is just good. Therefore it just misses the perfect rating. 4.5/5
Interessantes New Wave Album mit afrikanischen Einflüsse. Sehr abwechslungsreich aber auch sehr anstrengend arrangierte Stücke. „Once in a lifetime“ ist die Erkennungsmarke des Albums - jedoch nicht alles. Sehr spannend zu erhören ist „House in Motion“. Wiederholung möglich!
À couple of flat songs
Love any album that feels like it defines the sound of a band. This album just feels like the most Talking Heads album ever.
Ey once in a lifetime what a banger :D Es isch cool aber d Lieder fühled sich schnell sehr repetitiv Ah (aso in sich selber) Idk ob das Sinn macht aber ich ha s gfühl d Lieder sind sehr lang zoge. Ich check au max nid was unfinished outtakes sind (nei ich has Wikipedia nid glese) 3.9/5
Beep boop
birn under punches isch frenetisch und funny. ich mag de david byrne wo mit mir redt. finds chli lang fast 6 minute crosseyed and painless foht guet ah ich mag d perkussion. s blibt afoch ufem gliche immer? wikipedia seit afrobeat iflüss und jo gsehni scho. the great curve isch seehr viel perkussion und au easy nervös. bitzli funky? once in a lifetime kenni halt. aber riese banger. text hammer. bassline. you may find yourself behind the wheel of a large automobile. refrain iconic. ich denk so oft a "same as it ever was". flanger gitarre (orgle?) part isch huere geil. houses in motion. mega ente grüsch time. seen and not seen findi chli es nüt? listening wind. meh. the overload. langsaam moody.
David Byrne makes giant strides in giving musicians the artistic freedom to be weird as fuck, and I love him for it. Once in a Lifetime is perfect and kind of carries the rest of the album.
Like many Talking Heads albums, the first listen feels a bit cold, a bit impersonal, but it’s on the subsequent listens the music reveals its raw, beautiful humanity. Once in a Lifetime is one of the great songs of my life. I transcended when I got to see Byrne himself perform it on a Broadway stage, I’ll never forget it.
Classic
This is what happens when a bunch of RISD art students are shown rock ‘n roll and African polyrhythms. Walks a very fine line between accessible and interesting. The layering is incredibly complex but meshes so well together. “Once In A Lifetime” is the obvious single but “The Great Curve” is a beast of a jam, and “Houses in Motion” has such a slippery guitar part. Incredibly impressive.
Great album. Timeless hits, a unique sound and lots of weird going on. David Byrne is a genius 8.5/10
Good upbeat album and I was kinda fucking w/ it. The Great Curve and Once in a lifetime, great songs. The rest of it felt like a fever dream.
I definitely like More Songs about Buildings and Food more than this one, but it’s still a good album. They just have such a unique style to them that no one else can replicate.
I’ve never listened to a talking heads album fully before, very pleasantly surprised
3rd talking heads album on this list so far. This list has made me really appreciate their music and how much of a powerhouse they are as a group. Another very good album here. Flows nicely and has alot of memorable songs
I'm too lazy to listen to Talking Heads...they are so 80s that it tired me somehow. However, this specific album was a happy surprise. I don't know if the pressure on the 80s radio made their singles sound so different from the entire album, but the songs I found inside "Remain In Light" do not sound like what I expected from Talking Heads. They are much more powerful and less generic synth-pop. It's still 80s songs, but at least it's much more enjoyable.
Pretty good toons. Funky ass songs that feel like a fever dream. Once in a lifetime is a highlight but the ending is a bit disappointing. 4 stars.
Way better than Fear of Music! Funky, catchy, weird: great!
own
Classic Talking Heads, great album!
Good album. Didn't know much about the band before listening to the album. Tina Weymouth lays the groove.
Brian Eno Produced? Fela Kuti inspired? David Byrne at the helm? Yeah I’m thinking that this slaps.
Loved this, so much to hear especially the percussion and beats. Once in a lifetime is the only immediate banger but the other songs really grew on me with time.
Solid album and definitely one I will come back to. Once in a Lifetime is a certified slapper and one of the best songs from the Era of this style. Really enjoyed the varying use of styles and instruments. Some of the songs weren't as good as others but the album as a whole is really good.
Pretty odd sounding, but also catchy. Love all the instruments and Once In A Lifetime is a classic
Got better on the second listen. Then worse on the third. Once In A Lifetime is a top 50 all time song, but the rest of the album be so different. And sometimes better.
I love new wave but I have never been a fan of the Talking Heads. This album didn’t really change that for me, but I gained an appreciation for some of their work I wouldn’t have been exposed to otherwise. The album didn’t have a ton of songs I enjoyed on it, but it was very cohesive.
Solidly enjoyable end to end. Needs listening to again. Once in a Lifetime is the only thing that jumped out on first listen (and I've heard that one before).
Interesting, a bit too funky for my listening and not sure when I'd actively listen to it again.
This album made me want to dance! The beginning of the album was a little reggae and I liked it. Another group I was not that familiar with. I'd heard of them, but knew nothing of their music.
Stone cold classic TH album, but second in line to Speaking in Tongues.
good
First-rate. Interesting and different. One forgets how funky they were/are/could be. “Born Under Punches” is just killer groovy. “Crosseyed and Painless” also great and "Once In a Lifetime" is a pop song for the ages. Last few cuts maybe shade slighttly us into longeurs territory, but this was a worthy successor to what came before and maybe one's personal fave among a strong catalog. The dynamic and layered complexity feels richer and more ambitious than the previous records, but also a touch more forbidding. Overall, though, aesthetically intriguing and fucking fun, too.
Arty. Nerdy. Chaotic. Ambient. Really solid. Tina Weymouth is just outstanding on bass. They're all good players. Pleasure to hear Adrian Belew on this. Not quite perfect but still a worthy listen.
Delightful. Once In A Lifetime is a five star song.
Talking Heads have always been a favorite of mine. Since they rereleased Stop Making Sense and we went to see them, they’ve been top of mind in the house and I gifted a first pressing of that vinyl to Shea for Christmas. Remain in Light hasn’t ever been my favorite of theirs and this is my first time listening to it in awhile. I was pleasantly surprised at my enjoyment of it!
think this one is a grower and not a shower. i really liked a lot of it but it is a little off the beaten path for me. i think if i listened to this again, i would like it more. as it stands, it's still pretty good!
Impressed with the experimentation throughout the album. Sometimes it creates amazing songs (Once in a Lifetime), other times less so, but either way I applaud the creativity.
Always enjoy David Byrne...
Truly a quirky album, but a heck of a lot of fun. David Byrne is not a stellar singer, but the crafting of these songs use his voice to good effect. That, along with a production that incorporates a diverse mix of excellent musicians, results in a very entertaining collection. This is an album that I, in the right mood, will pull out and play again
Wow, never heard this album and it rocks! First few songs are TH at its best. Wish i could have seen them in concert, must have been incredible.
Great, influential album from an underrated band.
The Fela influence is unmistakable and amazing.
It is a fun album. Really getty sound
Funky
They scared a lot of people back in the day, but hindsight let’s this album stand it’s ground. Layered instrumentation & memorable grooves. I’m addicted to the opening song on this record there’s like 3 separate perfect melodies going at once towards the end of it
Talking Heads 11 year run was truly something special. Remain In Light is a great album in the middle of their discography. They had already hit their groove and proved to be one of the most unique rock bands ever. First half of the album is loaded. Second half is still strong and full of unique sounds. I personally prefer Speaking in Tongues to RIL but this was a complete joy on a re-listen. Anybody who hasn't delved into Talking Heads needs to do themselves a favor. 4.09 stars
Love the instrumentation on this album. Such a fun listen through, not a single song I don't enjoy, although not quite deserving of a 5 to me.
This album has a crazy energy, it kind of makes me happy
Known before: Yes Standouts: The Great Curve Once in a Lifetime 7.5/10
Known Before: Standouts: 3. The Great Curve 4. Once in a Lifetime 8.0
Known before: Band Standouts: 04. Once in a lifetime 06. Seen and not seen Rating: 7.0
Very good album. Enjoyed the entire thing
behind the wheel of a large automobile/10
Endelig. Mer stabilt enn forrige album, psykosen hadde kansje ikke kicket inn helt her. Men god damn det er så digg. Det er groovy, det er weird og jeg føler tekstene så jævlig hardt. er nå blitt fan av talking heads
80s alt weirdness in the best way possible
Classic
This is a pretty cool album, but it seems like there’s a fair amount of filler songs.
אלבום מעוד מעניין וכיף להאזין אליו. מאוד פאנקי ומיוחד. בהחלט היצירה הכי טובה של הראשים המדברים.
Nice album
Definetly one of the better Talking Heads records!
I totally get why Bowie was a fan...The lyrics are ridiculously pretentious, but the delivery is so lighthearted, yet intentional... It's interesting! Can't really rank from one listen. 4/5, might give this band another shot.
actually p good
this is how good summer home could be if they let me in the band. a classic. 4/5
Interesting concept album, integrating the African beats. It's not my favorite talking heads, but the highs are pretty high
A classic.
Lovely!
How did I get here?!
oooo this is a weird album i like it
Great jam, super funky and quite iconic.
Great record, love all the samples, synths, and harmonizing vocals on this album. Once in a Lifetime is the star, but the rest of the tracks do not miss.
They would be ahead of their time in any era. Good album. Some iconic songs.
Nothing like this. So very good. Seen and Not Seen is great. Let's not even mention Once in a Lifetime.
The electronic noises are hilarious. This is 1980. So it's like all this shit was new and so they just are playing with the random sounds. Has an underlying kind of funk rhythm to it. I don't particularly like it. But I also don't hate it.
Eclectic but very accessible, so cool that all of the "looping" was manual. Definitely gives it a human feel, even if it's subconscious. Liked this a lot. Favorite track: Crosseyed & Painless
While I didn't LOVE every second of this album, it reinforced just how original, arty, interesting, and damn good this band was. No question that David Byrne's vision drove the band from a creative perspective, but the culmination of these four members made them something special, and the more I go back and listen to their records, the clearer that becomes. Unapologetically quirky and intellectual and odd, they are also accessible, funny, and melodic. Great band, solid album.
One of the nice surprises with this exercise is that it's made me a Talking Heads fan. I already knew this album and enjoyed it well enough, but it's been cool to arrive here now that we've listened to three other TH albums, so I could hear it in context. I dig the Fela-Kuti-inspired-but-not-appropriated vibe they've got going on here. And I love the crazy guitar solo from Adrian Belew on "The Great Curve." That final track is menacing and dark and I'm so there for it. Great stuff.
Always a joy to revisit Talking Heads' brilliance.
“Once in a Lifetime” is one of the best songs of the 80s and is my go-to whenever I’m near a TouchTunes. It never fails to make people smile and sing along with “same as it ever was…”. The rest of the album doesn’t *quite* meet that standard. However, ever since seeing “American Utopia” (David Byrne’s recent Broadway contribution), I have a new appreciation for Byrne’s creativity and fusion of musical styles. He also mixes music and message very well.
I enjoyed this album much more than the food and buildings album.
I really enjoyed this album. Although the vocals could be annoying at times (in my opinion), the concepts and songwriting were really creative. I loved the synth computer / guitar noise SFX!
talking heads is very unique, good solid album
Enjoyed it, which kind of surprised me. An array of instruments used made it even better 4/5
Funky or sometimes not so funky backing track that repeats throughout entire song - one of those albums where the music DEFINITELY matches the album cover. Voiceover or repeated snippets of melody are layered over track - definitely worth a relisten. Fave tracks: Born under Punches, Once in a Lifetime, Seen and Not Seen
It’s a classic. At least for me. One of the first albums I bought on vinyl.
Greatly appreciated this one popping up in the generator, as I’m on quite the Talking Heads kick at the moment. Love this album - it’s quintessential to the band’s discography. Silly, funny, at times scary, and endlessly groovy. Standout tracks: Born Under Punches (The Heat Goes On), Crosseyed and Painless, Once in a Lifetime, Houses in Motion 4.5/5
nice
#2 fav talking heads album
Great album.
Smá Before and After Science og smá Lodger, og kannski gráðu of mikil David Byrne rödd (fíla samt samgöngustefnuna hans: Hjól og Citroën DS). Er að fíla pólýrytmann og fjörið á A hliðinni mikið, en B hliðin er aðeins of þunglamaleg fyrir mig í dag. Tæpur fjarki held ég.
People come for Once In a Lifetime, but stay for the absolute, unrelenting, forward velocity of The Great Curve.
I like it but not mind blowing probably like a 4.5 or 4
African beats/syncopations, loop patterns. All analog baby!
This album has some funk. Not for nothing, but Bernie Worrell of Parliament/Funkadelic played with the band on the ensuing tour. It also draws on producer Brian Eno's ambient work (there's a straight line from Music for Airports to the atmosphere of the sound m album's closer, The Overload). It's a lot and it's often weird -- and you should listen to it. Thanks to Eno, Talking Heads take this album to explore rhythms, melodies and structures common to West African (especially Fela Kuti) and North African music (Arab influence, in particular). Bearing in mind that these four came up through the same New York scene at CBGBs that incubated New York Dolls and the Ramones (keys/guitar man Jerry Harrison previously played in the Modern Lovers), you need to imagine this as a close relative of punk, even if it may not seem so immediately. It's just less-distorted and departs more from the early rock & roll song structures. Tina Weymouth she Chris Frantz kill it all record long. They're an underrated rhythm section outside of the New Wave world. Singer, guitar player and chief songwriter David Byrne is in fine form as well, pushing the envelope of that a front person does in popular music. Remain In Light does occasionally drift far enough into experiment to lose its emotional resonance. The record drifts out on a pair of songs that communicate dread, but you'll need a few listens to start feeling the what and the why of it. Talking Heads polished up a product that sits in the middle of a Venn diagram with bubbles for West African dance, King Crimson and CBGBs. It's weird. Not every track is a banger. But everything has a purpose here and you should listen to this if you wonder what kind of creative bravery went on as the NYC punk scene faded from the popular eye. A classic, but a challenging one.
Nice for someone who likes random Electronic noises in the background
Such a funky record. You can really hear the afrobeat influences they were into at the time. Aside from the obvious hit, all the other songs are really solid as well. They also kept a bit of their punk edge on some of the tracks.
Always had a soft spot for this album
Pretty great! Versatile, creative, funky, cool.
After listening to this album I felt the odd compulsion to ask myself, "Where is my large automobile?"
Brilliant brilliant brilliant. Is there anything better than Once in a Lifetime? It is just a tiny bit long, and could probably have done with a little more quality control, but we're nit-picking here.
do prefer the quirky upbeat first half but really really enjoy everything here and i do think it’ll grow on me further standout- once in a lifetime 😝
pretty iconic but some of the songs are a tad too long
Quirky, weird, autistic and wonderful
Groovy
Good shit, proto LCD. His vocal gets a bit annoying at time for me tho.
took me a few listens to fully get it but man I finally understand why everyone loves this so much. production is absolutely incredible and complements the already great songwriting and performances. best tracks: once in a lifetime, the overload, born under punches
Never got too deep into Talking Heads and definitely never listend to this all the way through. Was jamming for the first few songs but then slowed way down and a couple of songs were hard to get through. All told a very good album.
This is what I’d expect from a Talking Heads album. Eclectic and weird. But I vibe with it. Couple of classics in the middle.
4.25
Talking Heads at their best. Be sure to listen to the deluxe version for outtakes that highlight the musicianship on display.
Fantastic display of New-Wave, Post-Punk, Funk, Art Pop while all still very danceable! Talking Heads is a very out there band but when they hook you, they reel you in fast. I'm digging them more and more and this might just be my favorite of theirs. 8,5 out of 10
First half is great, mad music you can't stay still to. It sort of loses its way a bit, but I think maybe it's a grower.
"Remain in Light" by Talking Heads is an iconic album that defies categorization and stands as a testament to the band's experimental prowess. Released in 1980, it's a revolutionary fusion of rock, funk, and world music that redefines the boundaries of pop. Tracks like "Once in a Lifetime" and "Crosseyed and Painless" showcase David Byrne's enigmatic vocals and the band's innovative instrumentation. The album's production is a dense and rhythmic tapestry, with Brian Eno's influence adding layers of sonic complexity. "Remain in Light" is an auditory adventure that rewards repeated listening, as its intricate patterns and thought-provoking lyrics continue to reveal themselves.
Reminds me of some later pink floyd work, especially at 34:30 mins. Cool soundscapes, decent singing. Very listenable.
Generally considered the best Talking Heads album… I think this is a way more interesting album by a Western musician incorporating Afro beats than Paul Simon’s “Graceland.” I still like the more punk-y “77” and “More Songs…” albums by TH just because I like late 70s punk more than world music. This is still a great album though.
This is easily their best album by several orders of magnitude. Going all in with the afrobeat influence and toning down David Byrne's annoying mumbling makes this the only Talking Heads I can listen to without wanting to rip off my ears! "The Great Curve" is absolutely the best song of their discography. Sometimes I think the only reason people like "Once in a Lifetime" more is because of the great music video. They're both amazing songs though. In fact, all of the first 4 songs are masterpieces. Album takes a nosedive into the shadow realm in the second half though. "Houses in Motion" is boring, but fret not, because "Seen and not Seen" is even more boring! How about three boring tracks in a row? The Talking Heads have you covered - four boring tracks in a row, take it or leave it! It's more of the generic Talking Heads bullshit that I've had to endure two entire albums of ("77" and "Fear of Music"). Boo. Get the funk back on. That makes this album really hard to rate. If this was just the first half, it would easily be one of my favorite albums of all time and a clear ten outta ten. Adding the second half into the equation drops this to something like a 7/10. Gonna listen to Fela Kuti's "Zombie" for the hundredth time now.
I did not want to listen to this since I'm not a huge David Byrne fan. But, I was proven wrong. Really enjoyable listen.
Not the best TH album, but you can get a sense of how ground breaking they were in the time.
Classic stuff
Great album, consistent sound, dance vibes throughout.
joyful yet resoundingly melancholic! very charismatic
Growing up I didn't love all Talking Heads songs, but I always loved Once in a Lifetime. It was probably the first song of theirs I remember ever hearing. It is still magical. It's the fourth song on this album but damn if each of the ones before it isn't awesome too. I didn't know about Fela Kuti until listening to this list but he rocks. You can totally hear their homage to him and African sounds on these first four songs. Really cool and unique (Crosseyed and Painless might be more second favorite on the album). I don't love the second half of the album as much, probably the beats just aren't as good. But Houses in Motion (best beats of the last four songs) and Seen and Not Seen have pretty neat lyrics and vocals (weird and wonderful David Byrne) and The Overload is sneaky good (the droning sound, fit for Joy Division, doesn't quite mesh with the rest of the album's style but it's cool nonetheless). Very solid album but not quite great in my opinion.
Going into this, the only track I knew off the top of my head is 'Once In A Lifetime'. Listened to tracks 1-4 on the way to work and each one absolutely slaps. The constantly repeating instrumentals were absolutely a precursor to the repetitive hip hop beats of the 2010s. I get hyped every time I hear a guitar solo start because of the unpredictability of it. Track 1 also has a wild synth solo. The harmonies and backing vocals are incredible. After listening to the whole thing, I like just about every track minus 'Seen and Not Seen' and 'The Overload'. The first half of the record is incredible, and 'Houses in Motion' is a solid anchor to the second half. I will revisit this one often.
Fantastic, forward-thinking new wave from the early ‘80s. Easily Talking Heads best.
One time when David Byrne was on SNL, John Mulaney told Loren Michaels he'd be performing Once in a Lifetime and Loren dejectedly went “awww I was hoping he would do Letting the Days Go Bye" and that cracks me up. Anyways I love this album. Well, the first track is a little underwhelming to me, the repetition doesn't add much substance, but the entire rest of this record is a total boogie. Besides OIAL I really enjoy the great curve. David is a total kook but unlike Zappa his kook connects much more than it misses. Indelible sound. I think this album also marks an elevation in the nuance of his trademark sound. There's more depth. Would go 4.5 if I could
While I do think Once In A Lifetime is overplayed, this album is pretty solid. My complaints about Byrne’s voice and delivery still hold but this was fun enough to warrant a 4.
Innovative and exciting shift for Talking Heads. David Bryne has always made challenging music, often outside of mainstream conventions. Maybe this is how this album started out. Marking a bit of a transition from earlier "punk" (a term I apply loosely to TH mostly because of where they grew up performing) to a world music sound. The record's incorporation of African rhythms into pop/rock music is transformative. While every track may not be great, those that are make this an worthy entrant on this list. Falls a little short of a 5 for me. Would give it 4.5 if I could.
Pretty good, but still not exceptional to me. Speaking in Tongues will get the 5 from me assuming its on here. Having said this, the Talking Heads are clearly a unique band.
Such a great start to the album. Love their Debut album have been meaning to listen to more of the Talking Heads. Once in a Lifetime is an absolutely banger. Will update once I've finished the album. Update: Great album, great from start to finish. Will need listen to more of their music.
Delightfully quirky and groovy, this album really feels like Talking Heads have found their sound. Great album
this one it was very fun to listen, I love how upbeat it can be with a lot of different instruments, very rich
Great album, so pleased when it came up! Still sounds fresh and current
i liked this. some weird but good vibes
After the first TH album left me underwhelmed, this was a pleasant surprise. Although they bite P-Funk quite egregiously, the grooves are legit, no faking the funk here. A charismatic lead singer would put this over the top, but alas, we can't always have it all. 4 talking heads out of 5, mostly for the consistency of the songs. 👹👹 👹👹
Klassikko
I probably need to listen to this a few more times to get a better feeling about it, but I only managed a single listen. There are tracks on here I know of course - Once in a Lifetime naturally. But I did generally like it. I do like a west African rhythm (and there should, obviously, be way more African music on this list in general) and that really helped. I'll listen to it again I think, just not sure how frequently.
I like this album, it is weird but entertaining all the way through. They just kind of throw it all at the wall and jam.
It slowed down in the second half, but the first half was pretty solid. It's probably a lighter four because of that second half, but oh well. I'm more excited for their other albums. My favourite song was Once in a Lifetime.
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would, not having previously been into Talking Heads. The overrall feel is funkier, more rhythmic and experimental than their earlier work and some of the tracks are quite hypnotic and the musicianship (aided by one or two guests) is impressive. Once In A Lifetime is the standout and probably more comprehensible lyrics wise.
Love it. 4/5
Enjoyed
Very very good
Pretty cool but felt like it dragged towards the end. Solid 4.
Not quite a 5 for me as I don’t feel inspired by a few of the tracks, once in a lifetime is obviously GOAT tier
Nice and relaxed, very good for passive listening with groovy beats and comfy vibes.
Yo dawg I heard you liked the 80's so we put some 80's in your 80's music and it turned out weird as hell.
Sot Born under punches Cross eyed and painless The great curve Once in a lifetime 4/5
Nice surprise, it´s almost addictive to play again and again. So a beautiful 4 stars.
Love it.
Fantastisch
Slaps. Will definitely listen again
Toujours aimé les Talking Heads, ce sont toujours des propositions singulières. Il y a un petit côté intellectuel dans la musique, mais sur certaines pièces on arrive à entrer dans le corps.
Love it. Amazing production.
Так, я зачем-то решил пойти в ревью и Федя чёт начал говорить, что любители 10-секундных треков возмутятся. Возможно это была отсылка на мою хуевую оценку, но хуй там, тут затянутость вполне оправдана очень вкусным звуком, который отправлялся в мои уши с улыбкой от удовольствия на моём лице. Более того, давно думал самостоятельно познакомиться с толкин хэдс, так что я только радЪ. Но все таки на 5 рука не тянется, ибо лично я не буду упоминать этот альбом также часто как крафтверк условный. Но 4+ абсолютно заслуженные
Talking Heads once again prove they were more than prepared for the impending decade as they craft one of the decades finest mashes of pop sensibility and new wave twee that brings both joy and a tad bit of introspection. Glorious stuff.
Такой американский фанк рок 80х. Осень атмосферное звучание
Primera escolta d'aquest àlbum i m'ha sorprés, té un punt tribal i hipnòtic que atrapa si li dediques temps i atenció. La barreja de rock, electrònica, música africana i loops de baix inacabables, sona per moments divertit, per moments hinòspit, i el més important és que la barreja acaba sonant coherent, tot i la disparitat dels seus ingredients. Sembla mentida que aquest disc tinguit més de 40 anys, sense dubte estava avançat al seu temps. La producció d'Eno és sublim.
Pretty great record, although it kind of peters out toward the end. Once In a Lifetime is still a brilliant song that I never tire of.
This is a great album. When the Talking Heads are on they are unstoppable.
Bristling with energy, this quirky jerky music is a real classic.
Yeah, this is pretty good. Once in a lifetime is the one everyone knows, but the rest of it just goes down nicely.
Favorite track: Once in a Lifetime.
Not generally a Talking Heads guy. Not quite my vibe, but I can enjoy this album. Very original and in a good way, for the most part. Not much to dislike on this one, except for the range is a little low. 4/5
I don't care much for the lyrics or Byrne's vocals, but the early electronic tunes with reggae vibes are nice.
Not their best but an early indicator of where they were headed. Still has some great songs but they played them far better live (Stop Making Sense) than the studio versions.
I really like Talking Heads. The overall feeling I get from all TH stuff is ‘batshit crazy’ but this album feels like a bit of a journey. From the upbeat openings to flipping it in the end and being pretty downbeat. Enjoyed this a lot.
Ganske fett!
Interesting and weird
Mycket bra men lite jobbigt.
❤️
Very much enjoyed especially the drums
Bar none, this is my favourite Talking Heads album. What it took them to get there is fascinating, and the collection of songs that resulted is yet another example of Brian Eno pushing artists to be more themselves by trying new and different things.
Big Fan, although my problem is I grew up with "Stop Making Sense" as my go to... This is that kind of thing you wish there were more of, but had there been, perhaps it would be less special.
I'm pretty sure I've listened to this album in its entirety once before, and on the first listen, I wasn't terribly impressed. However, this time through, I have a newfound appreciation for it. I'm always a fan of David Byrne's vocals, but this time, I really noticed how similar this album is to the works of LCD Soundsystem (the longer songs, the looping beats, the complex layering of sounds, etc.). Talking Heads were just on a completely different level than most of their peers in the 80's, and this album shows that. Once in a Lifetime is one of the best songs of the decades, but I think that Houses in Motion really shines on this album too.
They r so quirky, dance white boy dance !!!!
Yah. It's talking heads.
Two of their best songs on here. Otherwise, not my favorite Talking Heads album.
Very high 4!!!
Este disco es una aventura.
Some Songs are too much for me. Arrangement wise. But most of them are some funky sh*t. Born under punches. Once in a lifetime. Of the 3 Albums i got so far, i knew all of them. But they were a whole different experince this time round.
LP
You can't really go wrong with Talking Heads. Even the filler tracks on this album stand up well while listening to it in 2022. Can't really add anything new that's already been said about 'One In A Lifetime'... one of the perfect songs.
I've had a few Talking Heads' albums now, this one was my favourite
Grooves on this are pretty nutty. Some lulls, but when the production/instrumentation is at its best - it’s truly great
Good stuff
Classic record that every music lover should check out at some point. It's just as fun as it is quirky.
Mega classic o banger
New wave rock, lidt punk, lidt funk, holder sgu egentligt
Not my favorite Heads album (always been partial to the first, and Fear of Music is a serious contender), but damn if this isn’t incredible. Still has that firesome energy and artistic spirit that makes their earlier stuff soar, but the experimentation throughout is undeniably charming. Sounds as good as ever. A-, maybe drop the minus?
A really good example of a more mainstream new wave sound. Great social critique with nice dark undertones.
I've listened to this album on so many top lists and heard how Talking Heads are a GOAT band but I just can't seem to find the interest for myself. I can acknowledge they are great musicians and pioneers in the new wave era, which I love. Just too silly for me at times and hectic arrangements can't keep me interested.
weird and good. fun and interesting instrumentation.
Good album
I don’t usually like 80’s music but this was good. I think the synths aged fine
Fun album
Vibin
Absolute favorite of mine. Nothing more to say. Favorite Songs: “Born Under Punches”, “Once in a Lifetime”
3rd album I heard of them and now I’m a fan.
Classic. I really enjoy a lot of the tracks here and could listen almost anytime
fíla þessa
83/100: Oh man, I’ve been waiting for a Talking Heads album for a while now. The only two Heads songs I’ve ever really listened to are “Once in a Lifetime” and “This Must Be The Place,” but I’ve always been curious what their albums are like. Needless to say, I was super excited to get this album today. Upon first listen through, I could confidently say that “Once in a Lifetime” was the best song on the album, but that was kind of expected going in. What did surprise me, though, was how different every song on the album sounded. This is such a rare thing in music—especially in my experience throughout this project. Most songs on an album tend to blend together and I find myself having a difficult time remembering which was which. The Talking Heads completely avoided this issue on “Remain in Light.” The only connective tissue between each song was that they were all equally “weird.” That “weirdness” is exactly why I loved this album so much though, each song is like a good time distilled into 4-5 minutes. The tone is infectious, it’s impossible not to smile and tap your foot while listening to this album. That’s what music should be.
Another first for me. What a great album, energetic and creative, full of interesting passages and effects. Listened to it three times!
I fucking love New Wave and I fucking love Talking Heads. HOWEVER This album is extremely front-loaded imo and suffers towards the end. I’d give it a 4.5 buy we’ll go with four.
I enjoyed this album quite a bit, and more than "Fear of Music." "Once in a Lifetime" is a choice classic, and the rest of the album sounds both interesting and enjoyable.
I knew only the one track on this album, but I very much enjoyed being introduced to the others!
Definitely an 80's album but you can hear the punk influence coming through. Some great experimentation with other genres, Massive Attack must have been influenced by The Overload. Once in a Lifetime is a classic but I think my stand out track is Crosseyed and Painless.
This album exemplifies what makes the Talking Heads Great. The mix of absurd and meaningful lyrics paired with strange synth instrumentals creates some unique music. Remain in Light starts out with a bang with three great songs in a row. Unfortunately, the album slowly loses that punch and fizzles out by the end. Best Songs: Born Under Punches (The Heat Goes On), Crosseyed and Painless, Once in a Lifetime, Worst Songs: The Overload
It's the Talking Heads. Same as it ever was.
Enjoyed this, very fun funky feel
Overall pretty good. It's got the classic "Once in a Lifetime" but I also liked "Crosseyed and Painless", "The Great Curve" and "Houses in motion".
Love the groove, very fun album with some songs I actually recognized! The funky basslines really had me moving, 8/10
A classic album that I find a bit overrated. It starts off incredibly with poly-rhythmic masterpieces. Side 1 is a wild ride and it only gets better with Once in a Lifetime, an absolute classic sluce of 80s goidness that remains fresh today, kicking off side 2. Then things take a turn towards the atmospheric, droney and dare I say monotonous. The one song that does stand out is Seen and not Seen, but the other three I find eminently forgettable. All that makes for a 4 🌟 album in my opinion.
Not my music preference but not a bad album
So varied in song style. While some tend to share in the rhythm styles, it feels like each song is a singular and unique creation. There seem to be some sounds that foreshadow songs that will come later, however. But that last track is completely unique in the outright creepiness of it. So unlike anything else I’ve heard from TH.
One of the New Wave greats. Born Under the Punches acts as a great opening number. Once in a Lifetime is always a welcome play as well.
3.75
Such a fun album! As almost always, it was my first experience with this band, but man, what a pleasure. Such a nice ride, I felt like on european trip through safari. Another mixed genres album, that actually struck a gold. I think this is a type of album that is very consistent throughout the whole length of it. Starts with 'Born Under Punches', with a very distinctive African-sounding beat, that never leaves and actually sounds even better on few of the instrumental tracks. Couple of slower songs fitted in between also doesn't distract you from the roller coaster ride that is this album. The only problem is that the album is too consistent for its own sake. There is no stand out song, that I could remember. The most known one is 'Once in a Lifetime', but it wasn't anything special in my opinion. So in future, I will listen to the whole album, and not just few chosen songs.
I don't think I'll ever figure out this album
i thought this was a very complex and interesting album. Give credit to Brian Eno and his production expertise in helping to put this together. There are so many merging musical sounds and styles, and it works. One aspect I read that I thought was unusual and amazing was that while the music was recorded in the Bahamas, the lyrics were not written until after the band returned to the US. David Byrnes' lyrical style is immediately identifiable. My favorite tracks were Born Under Punches and Once in a Lifetime, although the entire album is very good.
This album was super fun! Talking Heads always have some good hits but listening to their album was a whole new experience! The album was so wacky but in the best way possible! Standouts include Once in a Lifetime, Burn Under Punches, Houses in Motion, and Fela’s Rift
3.5/5 fun but strange if you are paying attention more.
Arrangements are complex and frenetic but structured. Love the Afro funk influences and crazy sounds. End of album kind of dragged.
Þetta er gott stöff.
Ivanova nocna mora
Ivanov najbolji bend, prvo mu je najdraži Brian Eno pa Talking Heads. Odličan album.
Nothing like what i have previously listened to, i really enjoyed the new wave rock or whatever genre this is. It isn't really something I would listen to casually, but it is a very good album
Remain In Light starts of really well and keeps delivering quality high energy song one after another, but then it quiets down and ends on a bum note. If the track list was re-arranged so the best wouldn't be all in the first half, then it would have made a more interesting experience. Definitely the best track is Once in a Lifetime which sidenote watch the music video to see some awesome dance moves. Crosseyed and Painless is also increadibly funky and awesome.
Didn't think I liked this album so much based on previous listens, but this time around I found myself grooving along to the whole thing.
I loved the start of this album, wasn’t so keen towards the middle and unfortunately didn’t get back for the last couple of tracks. Nevertheless a perhaps generous 4* for the brilliant first half.
I’ve seen this album so much but never herd it I really hope it’s good… The album kicks off with born under punches ( the heat goes on), it’s a really interesting song quite funky but in a really “ messy” kinda way. Yeah probably not my kinda thing but still cool enough to keep me interested. Crosseyed and painless is next, yeah it’s cool. Still really odd my only criticism is that the rattling sound on it gets annoying if you focus on it too much. Side one ends with the great curve, it does sound much the same as the last two but I think the application of this song is better with this cool tribal drumming type sound throughout and the extra vocals at the chorus are cool. Side 2 starts with once in a life time, I think I recognise the chorus but the song itself i’am not too sure still good though and while i’am here I really like the African inspired sound on the album really makes it a unique listen. Houses in motion sounds the most different so far but i’am not sure if that’s the best. I still liked it just doesn’t feel as “colourful”. Then for the song seen and not seen, this is really strange it’s just talking over a beat but too slow to be rapping. So yeah it’s fine I guess. Listening wind has a really cool intro ( which carries on to the song) and honestly a nice pickup from the last two (where my enjoyment started to slip). The album concludes on the overload the slowness here reminds me of the last song on joy division’s unknown pleasures. And while this song isn’t as good as that one and it does drag at 6 minutes it’s a good departure. Overall, it’s cool, very artsy, but a unique and interesting sound, shame there’s only 8 songs.
I really like this album. Groovy, layered rhythms (almost like Afrobeat) with unique vocals. It's well mixed, too. The vibe does kind of change towards the end though, and I miss the energy that's in most of the albums in the closers. The closing song sounds like a Joy Division thing, which isn't bad, but is out of place with the rest of the album. 4/5
Classic.
David Byrne is a musical genius. The Talking Heads take everything I dislike about dance music, art pop, and new wave and do it in a way that I actually enjoy. This isn't my favorite of their albums, but it is a great album from a great band. "Once in a Lifetime" might be my favorite of their songs overall though. And if for some reason somebody is still reading this review and hasn't watched the Stop Making Sense film do yourself a favor and watch the amazing art that it is.
I love Talking Heads and was obsessed by them after seeing Stop Making Sense when it came out on video. That said, as brilliant as this album is, it is tainted by the sheer pretentious of a couple of songs. Talking Heads were always more than just David Byrne, and the other three are geniuses in their own right. This is the point with Talking Heads where Byrne really starts to dominate and they are lesser for it
This is a great album that you can tell is towards the end of their run
3.9
Just some talking heads. Pretty good art-pop
Didn't listen to all of it but liked what I heard.
Not my favorite Talking Heads L.P. But a good one none the less