Reviews (page 5 of 7)
Not exactly sure why this is here and not even gonna argue with you if you tell me this sucks hard. But oddly ... I don't hate it - despite the fact that it's too-often cheesy, she's just a terrible terrible vocalist, it's all even a little predictable in form, but hell - it's SO late 70s in sound that it became a throwback for me and I've never even heard it. Nowhere near worthy of anything more than a 3 but I keep resisting giving it less. In the end I just like those bouncy synths and the overall sound. 5/10 3 stars.
Broken England - 7.5/10 Witches' Song - 7/10 Brain Drain - 8/10 Guilt - 7.5/10 The Ballad of Lucy Jordan - 7/10 What's The Hurry? - 7/10 Working Class Hero - 7/10 Why'd Ya Do It - 8/10 TOTAL - 59/80
I was not a fan of much of the album but Working Class Hero and What's the Hurry were standouts so a light 3 stars.
I like how it builds in intensity. Bonus points for having a banned song
I guess dating the Rolling Stones was once good for a career. This album sounds like pre-punk European protest music.
Enjoyed this more than I expected - her voice isn't great, but the tunes have an ache to them, and the rage in a couple is very sharp
This old slag does have a wizened rasp to her voice that I enjoy. I’d never heard any of her songs before and I always assumed she was just another deluded rock groupie. I fell down a bit of a wiki rabbit hole learning more about her and I’m glad to know that she was more of an artist in her own right than someone who traded sex with Mick Jagger for fame. Decent listen, but not awe-inspiring.
Bon album. Plusieurs chansons remarquables et intemporelles : broken English , the ballad of Lucy Jordan.
hey not bad! it doesnt overstay its welcome, but I cant get into Marianne Faithful's voice, which is a standout quality she has. a good one and done listen
Ah. Nice depressing music which I enjoy. Lyrics are great. Music is a little eh to me. Working Class Hero is a great cover of the ALFA John Lennon. Ez 3.5
Some solid songs, a few duds. 3.5
Never heard of this album. But it was born the same year as me. She sounds like alot of the 80's female artists like Cindy Lauper and Pat Benatar. I like the synths in this first song. Reminds me of Giorgio Moroder. Actually did kinda like this album. Especially the last one. I think I'll give it 3 stars.
Not my cup of tea, but a decent album.
Intetesting. Raspy voice. Reninds me of a few similar artists of the time.
I only own three Marianne Faithfull albums, her debut, her second (Go Away From My World) and Broken English which was released 14 years after the first two. A lot had happened in Faithfull's life between these two time periods, as Broken English was only her second album from the 70's. Her early albums were in the folk genre, innocent and gentle songs and all that soon changed with her personal relationships with the Stones and lifestyle changes (drugs, drugs and drugs) that would plague her life for the next decade. Broken English would be considered her "real" comeback album in 1979, with more of a modern electronic sound with elements of new wave, punk, blues and reggae. I first really listened to this record years ago and found it a difficult listen and I couldn't get past her voice, but listening now (for this list), I was more open minded and found the music interesting and worth exploring again. It's hard not to compare the effect on her voice through the years ( laryngitis, heroin, alcohol and probably smoking), but it reflects her life of hard living with addiction and the toll it took on her. Broken English isn't for everyone, but it is an important document of one of the musical highlights of Marianne's career...fortunately she is still recording and active.
Pretty good. Not amazing by any stretch but enjoyed it more than I anticipated
Not familiar with this artist or album. I looked at the release date and was surprised it was 1979. It feels like it would have been earlier.
Only occasionally does that cracked, rich voice coalesce into a full album. Here the title track and Ballad of Lucy Jordan do a lot of heavy lifting, elsewhere it feels a bit like a luxury Island Records solo album of the eighties, tho it was 1979.
Brings back lots of memories!!
Better than some of her latest stuff. Would listen again
Good album - it's well written and Faithfull's is very expressive. I know I have heard the title track but did not realize it was done by Marianne Faithfull. Pretty sure I have heard Working Class Hero before too.
It has a couple of great songs. I love her voice, like a classic french chanteuse, all smoky and weary. But it had its ups and downs. Can't fault it for being forward thinking though.
A perfect 3-star experience. Liked most of these songs but didn’t love any of them, glad to be introduced to a new artist but she won’t likely become a favorite. Working Class Hero was dope.
Can’t stand her voice.
Didn't bother
Good in parts
Took me a few songs to get into the album. Marianne does a really nice job using her limited vocal range to give the album a sort of folk hero sound. Musically the album is solid, but not spectacular. Good rock grooves throughout. Personal favorites were "guilt" and "what's the Hurry".
There’s a quote that I think about a lot about music criticism; One good song can make an album but one great song can break it. It’s the way I felt about Al Green’s Let’s Stay Together. No matter how good the rest of the songs were, the title track is always gonna overshadow them. Broken English has two great songs, and they bookmark the album. I think that the reason these two stick out to me is that they’re the best musically. The title track has this great slow burn, late night cold new wave sound, and Why’d Ya Do It starts off like a Berlin era Iggy song and becomes this great Clash like white reggae jam. They’re both great. And as such, the rest of the album seems to fall a little flat. Lyrically, they’re all quite good, The Ballad Of Lucy Jordan being a particular standout. Unfortunately, I think it’s also the worst track musically. The vocal melody has this classic English Folk song lilt to it, which really does not fit with the warbling electronic keyboard that provides the background. Nobody but Dexys Midnight Runners tried doing New Wave Folk, and they did it mostly acoustically. I dunno, based on the two songs I really liked, I want to really like the rest of the album, but it just doesn’t do much for me
3.5 not what I expected
Interesting lyrics, but her voice irks me.
This feels like the lounge act playing at a downtown, smoky bar I wouldn’t have been cool enough to get into. Really enjoyed the vocals on this one, and the flourishes of horns were icing on the cake.
I've heard the name a squillion times, never really engaged though. Not my bag at all.
Birth year record! I'm not a huge fan of Faithfull's voice nor her interpretations of some pretty iconic songs. I'm feeling generous today, so a 3, but some days this would be a 2.
My first time hearing anything from the album. I like the instrumentation and the songs were good, but I really am not a fan of her voice. I do see the appeal however.
I read a bit about Marianne on Wikipedia and it sounds like she went through hell before recording this album. I couldn’t stand her voice but felt more sympathetic when I read that laryngitis and a heroin addiction had altered it. I didn’t enjoy this and was going to give it a 2…until I got to the last track and damn! She won me over (up to a 3, anyway). On the off-chance you’re reading this before listening to the album, that last track is very NSFW.
Unique voice. She sounds like Miley Cyrus's predecessor
First note is that I don't care for her voice. It sounds like Stevie Nicks if she smoked more.
Pop blandengue sin grandes alardes. Voz femenina sin muchas particularidades. Canciones sin grandes sorpresas
I think this one has some potential and I’m interested in revisiting it in the future. I laughed during the one sexual breakup? Song.
Ok album, I liked the music itself, the lyrics, but didn’t enjoy the singing. As an artist, she’s got great songwriting skills.
Nice beats and sound with lots of adult lyrics
Un álbum complejo, que borda entre la genialidad y el fracaso. El particular sonido de la voz de la ex-pareja de Mick Jagger, al igual que la crudeza de sus letras, puede explicarse por los difíciles años de adicción que vivió Faithfull. A la vez, el álbum adelanta las tendencias New Wave que dominaron los tabloides ochenteros. Un particular LP que destaca como una pieza histórica dentro de los 1001 que hay que escuchar “antes de morir”.
Never heard of this lady, but she's got some decent stuff on here. The last track is absolutely unhinged, scorched earth breakup song. Wasn't expecting to hear such profanity when I put this album on, and I respect the rage. But yeah, decent album with some different genre lanes represented. Not much to say, but I didn't mind this at all. Favorite tracks: Ballad of Lucy Jordan, Why d'Ya Do It, Witches' Song. Album art: Blue-d out portrait photo, with a little red cigarette tip. I love the use of color for this one, elevates it well above standard portrait/band photo stuff. 3/5
Completely new to me, and much better than my preconception!
Interesting album, I was aware of her 1960's stuff and her Girl on a Motorcycle film. But was pleasantly surprised by the wrecked voice thing going on here, brought on by too much drugs etc. Surprised I've missed this. On first listen seems a bit samey in places, but will give this a few listens in future. 3
I've had heard of Marianne Faithfull before, but I don't recall having listened to her. Pleasantly surprised, I always assumed she did a totally different genre. I like it.
Makes sense to me that she’s described in the same breath as Leonard cohen - I thought the association rested in my head solely on the title of So Long Marianne and their being near contemporaries, but turns out it’s rather with the occasionally crude & abrasive and eternally vulnerable & unrestrained storytelling musical style told over soft & dark backgrounds. On first listen the Ballad of Lucy Jordan - not written by Faithfull - stands out from its role on Thelma & Louise and because I love a good synth. Not sure it’s an album I’d put on again but I enjoyed listening to it and will pick up a few singles from it.
Pretty enjoyable sound with harsher tones and subject matter but a notable breakout for Marianne Faithful
Typical pop from the era (with more rock-oriented songs) overlayed with spacey synths and guitar, fast beats, and rustic vocals to give off cool mature vibes. It's good but didn't leave much of an impression. Favorites: Broken English, Why'd Ya Do It
I really want to like this album more but I just don't like her voice. It's nasal to the point of grating. Which is a shame because I like almost every other aspect of this album. The melodies are great, the instrumentation is wonderful, the lyrics are fine, it's just her voice that doesn't do it for me.
Solid album, not my cup of tea personally but there were parts I did enjoy. This is the only album I've reviewed so far where I can get behind every review someone has.
I think I like the production on this album more than I like the songs, if that makes any sense. Having said that, most of the songs seem to be a little too slow and long. I did really like Guilt. It's too bad she wrecked her voice.
This album was not what I was expecting at all. The first track, "Broken English" , was a great piece of New Wave synthpop that I really enjoyed. But most of the subsequent tracks seemed to be in different genres and were nowhere near as good, until "Why'd Ya Do It" at the end, which was great again. 3 stars, but they're almost entirely for the opening and closing tracks.
err... i don't know. it felt too slow and a little dull. not much more to say?
Mostly didn't really stand out, but Why d'Ya Do It? was good and unique even if it drug on for a while.
Faithfull modernizes some older styles with an early new wave approach, and, combined with her fairly rough voice, she created a pretty unique sound.
No doubt Marianne Faithfull is a survivor. She's been through everything and still came out with a decent album here. Very late 70s early 80s vibe that is somewhat dated. I prefer Lennon's version of Working Class Hero but her version is very cold, nihilistic and detached which does work. Why D'Ya Do It is angry as hell. Not perfect but pretty good.
This could be a 3 or a 4. It's quite good, Broken English, Guilt and Why'd Ya Do It are highlights. I could see myself revisit it, which i can't say for a couple of the other albums I'd rated a 3. It's a 7.5/10. There are so many little influences dotted about throughout this album, punk, ska etc. Great voice, some great production.
A great closing track preceded by 7 average new wave songs.
J'aurais bien aimé donner une bonne note mais les éléments suivants m'en empêchent : - Le nom Marianne Faithfull est insupportable, j'ai toujours détesté l'entendre. - Marianne est bien trop alcoolisée. - La première note juste arrive après d'une demi-heure, Marianne ne sachant absolument pas chanter.
Une Marianne des plus alcoolisée viendra nous crier au visage "Je suis pas bourrée juste un peu pompette" pendant environ 40mn. Marianne finira l'album inconsciente, en boule dans la baignoire de l'appartement.
Didn't hate this, but didn't really care for it either.
5/10. Eh, not in love with it. I can sort of see the appeal, though
Was gonna rate this lower but the extremely raw tone of Why’d Ya Do It piqued my interest at the end. 5/10
first time listening
pleasant listen
Ägt skivan en gång i tiden. 3 låtar höjer sig över mängden.
fé
This was pretty good. Was not familiar with her or her music, though I'd heard her name.
I got a nicotine buzz just listening to Marianne's vocals. Turns out the qualities of her voice were the bi-product of turbulent life circumstances, this album marking the artist's reemergence from a downward spiral, and marking a stark transition from her past musical persona. Kudos to her for pulling it together for this album (and beyond).
There's some decent tracks on this album. Broken English is a fun song - she's pretty talented and an interesting song-writer (Why'd Ya Do It - vulgar but interesting story there I'm sure). She lived an interesting life! Being homeless and addicted to drugs/battling anorexia before releasing this album. Good for her.
2/8, 25%
Perfectly ok to listen to
Top 3 Songs: 1 - Why'd Ya Do It (8) 2 - Broken English (1) 3 - What's the Hurry? (6)
Meh
kind of dull at times but much more interesting than i was expecting it to be
Patchy - some good songs
She had a crazy, eventful life and it's all distilled into her distinctive raspy voice. This was a great comeback album for her and a huge departure from her "As tears go by" days. The singles on this album are bangers - Broken English (featuring Steve Winwood on electric keyboards!), Ballad of Lucy Jordan and Working class hero. Why'd ya do it is also pretty raw and raunchy. Solid effort and deserving to be on this list.
I liked most of the songs, Why'd ya do it as favourite. Difficulties with the vocals though.
Working class hero saves this from a 2 to a 3
this was a lot better than i expected she sings with so much emotion in her voice. would listen to it again eventually
funny
Gute wenn auch alte Musik
It feels like an album ahead of its time, but at the same time it fails to take me to the places that the music I like does. That said, Lucy Jordan is one of those unique songs that always mesmerise me. It depicts a very coherent picture and it hits me in the guts, probably because of identification and similar realisations to the Lucy’s.
Better than expected. Would not have picked this as 1979, it's got a far more modern sound about it to me. I only knew of her as Mick Jagger's ex (ok, that could be lot of people), and knew the first song. Working Class Here cover was great. Emotive voice, she's not hitting highs but sings with passion.
Not for me
Not my jam, but totally see the appeal. I enjoyed reading the backstory of the artist and what they went through leading to this albums release. Brain Drain was enjoyable.
Right after Jimi Hendrix, Frank Sinatra, and Miles Davis, I got some new wave. Gotta love this random algorithm.
I wasn't really feeling this until the final track, "Why d'Ya Do It?" and then the whole album I'd just listened to finally gelled.
Look, I know there was supposed to be an, "I'm not dead yet" comeback album and, because she'd been through some stuff, we should cut her some slack. And, okay, I will cut her some slack but it's still not that great. The songs are just okay and none of them are really grabby. The production is so-so and the vocals... well, that where the slack comes in because they're... a bit rough to put it kindly. I think this album is mostly notable because of Marianne's story and not because of the music itself. And that's problematic as I'm here to rate albums and not biographies. Best I can do is a slack-filled 3 stars. But I'd watch the biopic on Mrs. Faithful. I'd even pay theater prices to see it.
Don't judge an album by it's cover hey? Seen this a million times and always assumed it would be sultry, bluesy, deep, meaningful and interesting.
Really unique voice, I genuinely really like it. Every song has it's own charm, and the lyrics are great. Also cool album cover. Fave track(s): Brain Drain, What's The Hurry?
The music is interesting and appealing throughout. The vocals were, for me, very hit and miss. Clearly a storyteller -- some songs are gripping -- but for most songs the vocal delivery falls flat rendering the songs boring when they didn't have to be. The album art, grimly blue and black and a bit fuzzy but with one incandescent spot (Why'd Ya Do It) is quite apt. All that said, full props for such an amazing comeback. 3.5
LP
not bad
Not sure about this one. I know the name but didn’t really know what to expect, it wasn’t this though. I like the production, bluesy, funky, electronic - didn’t expect any of those things. Just not a fan of her tone, somewhere between Tina Turner, Cortney Love with a sprinkle of Dolly Parton at times! She wrote half the tracks? Could be a 4 for the over all vibes, could be a 2 for her tone and the covers so we’ll have to split the difference and go with a 3
An ok album, good for background music.
I wasn't feeling it.
This is the first time I've ever given Marianne Faithfull a fair chance. Love the synthy / new wave vibes, I just feel sometimes the songs are slightly forgettable. Starts out with a bang for sure!
Post punky a la the Slits. Some new wave and blues influence here as well. Middle of the road for me. Favorite tracks: "Guilt", "Why D'ya Do It?"
En del riktigt bra låtar. Och flera inte riktigt bra låtar.
I kinda like it.3.5
Not only did this album resurrect Faithfull’s career - I’m sure it might just have saved her life as well. Her raspy and emotional vocal suits the rock/punk/new wave aesthetics, but we have to reach “Guilt” before everything really starts paying off. The following “The Ballad of Lucy Jordan” and the closing “Why’d Ya Do It” are the absolute highlights with the tom toms and the guitar sounding especially great. There are highs and barely any lows on Broken English. But there’s a bit too many mids where I’m just not that invested.
british boomer picks another punk rock folk lady singer. shes cool. she is energetic, feisty, angry. i get it. this one belongs as “should listen” but it also feels a little stale. some reggae rhythms. some folk. some blues riffs. its fine i guess. she cant sing, which is fucking punk. cool. i guess its fine. i dont know. good pick british dad?
I liked this overall. Appealing voice, kind of Tina Turner-like, and interesting songs for the most part. However, sometimes when I look at the album details on Wikipedia and I see 11 different songwriters involved and 13 musicians involved, it makes me think that what I'm listening to is less of an artistic vision and more of a product that's been produced for me by a faceless corporation. This album sort of feels like it's in the middle of those two extremes. 3 stars.
3.5
79/100: Truly a very, very good album. This album is good fit mostly one reason: Marianne Faithfull's voice. With that being said, I can see how you might hate her voice, I find it incredibly beautiful and unique. I've never heard a singing voice quite like this until I turned this album on this morning. Somehow her voice is both raspy and soft at the same time. Really cool and unique sound.
Listened in the car, liked some songs! Might be better for a rainy night at home
She has an interesting bar singer voice. It works well for background music, but not much else. It doesn't move me.
3.6 - This one's got all the trappings of a late career record from a fading rocker (see also my reviews for Emmylou Harris and Dennis Wilson): a) expensive and subtle studio production and sound engineering, b) vocals that betray nicotine addiction, c) vague lyrics with whiffs of sex and drugs, d) subdued instrumental arrangements that complement, and don't distract from, the energy of the geriatric artist, e) just enough trendy sonics of the day (synths, electronics, etc.) to keep things "hip." Throw in a compelling backstory of redemption for the artist (up from addiction, homelessness, etc.) and you get this record. OK, all my cynicism aside, "Why'd Ya Do It" is one of the better songs I've heard that expresses hot rage directed at an unfaithful partner.
Her voice is likely an acquired taste that unfortunately I have yet to acquire. The album itself isn’t terrible, towards the end the songs become less exciting.
it was fine, her voice was a little too gravely for me.
This was a weird mix of things and stuff. A little Stevie Nicks, a little good, a little bad.
Decent album. Kinda annoying voice after a while
Have Guilt & Working Class Hero saved on my Spotify already. I go through periods where I like Marianne's voice and others where it's just grating to me. Overall I like the album but can never make a decision how much I actually like it upon revisits, so probably a 3 for me.
Not sure why is this here
Eight consistent tracks and overall a pretty good record, but really nothing more than this.
Very bluesy, I can hear the rolling stone influences. Unique voice.
Rockig, leicht, unaufgeregt
at the age of 37 kinda sticks to your brain, huh
For 1979, this album felt a couple years ahead of its time. However, this is also one of the few albums where the background of the album is just as interesting as the actual music. Mariannes personal struggles since her previous album definitely give the album an extra weight it wouldn't have had otherwise
Pretty average album but last track is great "why'd ya do it" lyrics are 👌👌
Fairly indifferent about this… not great, not bad!
Fractured listen due to bike ride and needing to listen on YouTube. Nothing super memorable but nothing terrible either
I have nostalgic feelings for the ballad of Lucy Jordan, and I enjoyed the sister morphine cover. Generally fine, but not super memorable
There were parts of it I really enjoyed, and I loved that version of Working Class Hero. Other songs faded into the background though.
her voice on this album is the most unique part! you wouldn't think someone should sing with such a voice, but with the new wave and song contents, faithfull makes it work. it's somewhat off putting at first; her voice definitely grew on me. but she brings a certain charm to the songs. "the ballad of lucy jordan" rather grabbed me. i wasn't aware shel silverstein ever jumped into song lyrics (though it's clear this is his style), but i dug faithfull's version of the song very much. an easter egg for me is steve winwood on synthesizers! how neat.
Marianne Faithfull was new to me, but I found her to be intriguing. Her first album was released in the 60s and was quintessential 60s pop. Then, into the 70s, Marianne went through a rough patch, which led to her heavily abusing drugs and suffering from an eating disorder. As a result, her voice was permanently damaged and changed. In 1979, after mostly a decade of musical inactivity, she released this album which was an extreme deviation from her norm and a culmination and reflection of these many rough, life changes. This album was categorized as "new wave", and while I can hear those qualities, I felt like the album had a lot of other musical genres on display that were often even more prominent. Regardless of genre, the album was pleasantly dark and edgy throughout. This was coupled with Marianne Faithfull's raspy voice, which I loved. The songs themselves were a bit hit or miss for me. That said, Broken English and Witches' Song were both faves; the latter gave me strong Stevie Nicks vibes in musical and vocal style as well as lyric style. I'd clock this at about a 2.5, so rounding it up to 3.
Plenty of pain here, and her ink belongs to be read.
Not my favorite new wave/pop album. Some things were executed well such as the songs ‘Guilt’ and The Ballad of Lucy Jordan’, but overall, I found that this album was not as engaging as other new wave music from this time period. However, this album does represent a triumphant return for Marianne Faithful after 12 years without an album and bouts of drug abuse and homelessness so something should be said for that.
Some bops! But not full of them.
Alrighty then - Reverend Father Ace Ventura (Pet Detective)
Ah, we're at last graced with a British invasion album. And I have to admit that this is very different from what I expected. I Googled the artist and even though there are these piercing songs about classism and discrimination she was apparently linked to royalty or nobility in Europe and dated Mick Jagger? What is all of that about? I don't know, but this album was solidly enjoyable. Nice melodies, great lyrics, just okay vocals. 3 stars for me, but a strong 3 stars. Fave tracks: "Broken English" and "Working Class Hero"
Stand out Tracks - Broken English - Working Class Hero - Guilt
Interesting sound from the period between the 70's and 80's
Classic.
album qui fait partie des oublis instantanés
Better than I expected
better than expected for early 80s new wave
Цельный альбом с парой неплохих песен, которые под настроение очень даже могут зайти.
I picked this up on vinyl when I was a teenager, specifically for the title track. The album as a whole is actually nothing like the title track, which is probably why teenage me never really listened to it. That's really too bad, because that's actually one of the weaker tracks on the album. Musically, it turns out the album is quite good. Lyrically and musically mature, the songs mix acidic social commentary with pointed sexual politics. Fave Songs: What's the Hurry, Witches' Song, Working Class Hero, Broken English 3 4 3 3 3 5 4
You ever feed your dog meatloaf and afterwards wonder if perhaps that wasn't your best idea? My dog ate two pounds of Manwich and spent the next two days shitting. Her stomach could be heard across the room churning and gurgling. The first song on this album reminds me of those two days. The album isn't terrible, some of it reminds me of a remedial Cindi Lauper or some polished Slits. The 80's vibe, though it's outdated, brings some enviable and unique nostalgia. What's the Hurry? and The Ballad of Lucy Jordan along with Why'd Ya Do It are good. The Working Class Heroes cover is terribly awful. I'm convinced the person who made the decision to include it is the same one that suggested the flatulating synthesizer be used on the title track. RIP Juno
weirdly catchy low key post punk electro vibes. some startlingly crass lyrics to spice things up
An interesting, up and down album for me. Some songs were really great, while others didn't resonate. Maybe it was just how I was feeling when I was listening, but even though I enjoyed the rough gravel of her voice, I couldn't get lost in her songs the way I wanted to.
Not bad, not great. The backstory on the album and Marianne's career is interesting . Would listen to it again but not anytime soon.
would never have listened without this list. Probably not going to listen to much more Marianne Faithful although I wouldn't count it out either, why'd ya do it is a great way to finish off the album.
It's a good album. She only had a very few hits back in the days that I can remember. Her style is unmatched. She is unique and I can listen to it w/out the urge to skip to the next song quickly. I call that success.
Speak to me in broken englishbhh 3/5
acceptable new wave
Overall, this album is okay. Her voice kinda got to me after a while. But- I really dug a couple of the tracks, especially Why'd Ya Do it?. It's cool that she did a Lennon cover and that she used poets' lyrics (including Shel Silverstein), and that Steve Winwood played keyboards. (and that she dated Mick Jagger) Solid album.
Interessante la voce quasi roca, pungente. Non mi dispiace, ma non trovo niente che mi colpisca particolarmente. Bella la cover di 'Working Class Hero'
Good overall album. I loved the instruments and vocals were good as well. I’d dig this on a road trip especially on long stretches of open highway.
Not really a fan of this one, some songs were okay.
I see what she's going for here, but also am not a huge fan of the vocal delivery.
Одна очень классная песня и очень приятный звук.
6.5/10
There is definitely something catchy about this record, still one spin aint enough to figure it out
Wat rauwe new-wave met R&B/pop-achtig kantje. Niet onmiddellijk mijn smaak
Broken English is considered the best album of Marianne Faithfull. If the songs are not written by the artist itself most of the time the artist has great qualities in performance (vocals, instrumentation, deliverance). I cannot find these on this record. It's ok and the songs don't stand out either.
Bekende naam, maar nooit gedraaid! Stem vond ik wat moeilijk te verteren, maar het was niet slecht.
Interesting album. I did not know any of the songs.
Impressive album which helps her stand out from her peers.
Lots of spoken word albums in this list. I really didn't like this album very much. I though the music and the backing band were good, but couldn't get into the vocals at all.
3/5 it’s not bad but nothing stands out as great.
Lush instrumentation with some brilliantly written songs. However, quite a few of the deeper cuts fell flat for me.
3.5, nice and moody
Not keen, not like proper rock
Not for me, though I did really like the tracks Guilt and Why'd ya do it
Some interesting stuff in there. Not what I was expecting.
i don’t know why but i’ve never liked marianne’s voice but after years again i’ve decided to give it a shot and see how it’s going and i kinda liked it lol
Poignant lyrics with buckets of emotion. Songs feel like they are longer than they are.
Bizarre lyrics. Well produced.
Enjoyed this far more than I expected to
Not very exciting but bearable
Surprisingly different to what I imagined. Fantastic voice and some great songs, even managing to pull off a cover of Working Class Hero. Will def revisit
A really good surprise - album builds after a slow start - enjoyed the music and lyrics - would revisit
Wasn't quite sure at first listen, but it grew on me throughout the album. She's quite the storyteller, and the vibe is kind of cool and chill. Listened during a nap, and it was nice! 3/5.
Never heard of it. Not bad
Després de caure al pou de la heroïna, viure al carrer i perdre la custódia del seu fill amb Mick Jagger, Marianne Faithful va ressucitar d'entre els morts amb un àlbum amb que trencava el seu estil anterior basat més en el folk, i es va llençar a la piscina de la new wave, aconseguint el seu àlbum més rodó i reconegut.
I like the dark ambience throughout, you can tell her life truly seeps into her vocal delivery. However, no song is really bringing something new.
Bon album mais ressemble trop a d’autrs chose. Il en a des millions d’albums comme cleui la. Des fois ca se demarque plus qune ´autre. 3
Rock, folk. Pasable.
The first half of the album is a 2. The second half of the album is a 4.5 Maybe split the difference here?
Such a distinctive voice and style! Fave track - "Guilt"
Good album. Great voice. Like a David Gilmour solo album with Marianne on vocals.
Fav Song: Witches' Song
good new wave sound but vocals are a little rough
Just nothing that stand out or makes this album remarkable in any way
Didn‘t know this cover of „working class hero“. Quite liked it.
Interesting vocals, the last song was like O.O Kind of a trip, to be honest.
I could take or leave the vocals, but I'd listen to an album of just the band grooving. Some fun, if somewhat forgettable songs here. Best track: The Ballad of Lucy Jordan
I understood most of it, not so broken after all
Solid
Great songs, reminded me of blondie and I love that. The ballad of Lucy Jordan is my standout for sure.
On first listen, not seeing the classic status. But her voice has a way of worming its way into your brain as it moves above the close-to-post-punk beats. Certainly could be a grower, but for now more interesting historically than musically.
nicht mein Ding, mag die Stimme nicht.
Lahm, wohl eher wegen der Hintergrundgeschichte relevant
I don't know anything about Marianne Fathfull, or the background of this album, so I can't appreciate it as a comeback album. I didn't particularly enjoy it, both from instrumentation and vocal standpoint. The working class hero cover was nice, but I also don't listen to the original often. However, Why'd you do it was a banger and will be going on the playlist.
Didn't know what to expect. First track wasn't bad then it descended into drudgery.
was quite interesting but not captivating. Liked few tunes more than expected.
There are a perfect number of tracks for any user-created setlist, and that number is 10. After oh, about 6 or 7 years of making 10-track sets, a key contributor hit upon the brilliant idea of running stats on the sets, so we could better understand our own humanity. after some shit-talk about repeated tracks and bitten swipes I realized, with horror, that I had put the same track on two consecutive sets, and the worse, that it was the most recent two sets I had made. Adding insult to injury, I hadn't included the track either time because it was good, but only because it featured the unfunny novelty of featuring unexpected swearing. Yes, Marianne Faithfull track. I am now repelled by the track and somewhat also repelled by Marianne Faithfull. It isn't her fault . It's my fault. Only my fault. This is a review of me, not of her.
Nothing particularly interesting about this. I found it pretty average on all levels and lost interest quickly.
Artiste connue de nom. Je n'apprécie pas vraiment sa façon de chanter, et je trouve que l'accompagnement a mal vieilli quand il est plus électronique. J'ai rapidement laissé l'album en musique de fond (pas désagréable par ailleurs) et fait autre chose. Donc pas de seconde écoute envisagée. =>2/5
I liked a lot of this instrumentally, but couldn’t crack the vocals, her style and delivery, at all.
Nothing stood out to me
Reminded me of Tina Turner in a weird way, but not as soulful and way more unhinged.
Sounded like an even more broken down Stevie Nicks and not in a good way
Pretty cool but nothing amazing
Two Mars bars out of five. Mars Duo.
4/10
This woman sounds like a witch in a Disney movie.
Kind of forgettable. Wasn't necessarily bad, just not incredibly interesting either. 2.5/5 Won't listen again
I don't think I understand this kind of music... it all sounds the same to me. I feel a little bad because it was really fascinating to research her and her life.
Not really necessary though interesting, rickie lee jones is the true messiah of this style
Couple of good songs on here but it's a bit wonky.
Sounds like George Costanza's mom smoked a billion cigarettes and then made a kinda edgy album
I didn't love this. Faithfull's voice is really an acquired taste, I guess, and I just haven't acquired it. The instrumentation was good, but didn't really stand out to me. The vocals and lyrics were a little... odd. Like I said, I didn't love it, and I was kinda glad when it was over. Two stars.
Not special, a bit boring
Unfortunately, this album is super forgettable. None of the songs are particularly bad, but there isn't even a standout that may be worth a respin.
Certainly interesting, but not sure I ever see myself revisiting it again.
lento, tipo funk, no es desagradable pero es muy meh,
This wasn't my favorite. I wanted to like it. The back half got better but the music plus her voice just wasn't clicking with me.
But for a relationship with Mick Jagger, this album would not be here. The Working Class Hero Cover is the highlight, but it's an all-time great song, so . . . I am ordinarily a big, big fan of a powerful female "smoky" voice. But Marianne's is, by her own admission, a product of cigarettes, heroine, and poor health from years of self-abuse. I find it really unfair to talented women to give Marianne credit for that. Influence 3. Quality 3. Hits 2. Intangibles 2. As I said to myself when Metallica used her on Load, who the hell is that? 2.
I approached this record with trepidation. I’m certain I’ve heard Marianne Faithfull before (I think it was on Rock and Roll Circus), and I didn’t care for her vocals, and that was before the addiction and homelessness. Her “masterpiece” comeback here is insipid, banal, uninteresting soft rock music. How it won nominations and awards I will never understand. She shows absolutely no emotion on these tracks. At least the Ballad of Lucy Jordan was average. This album does not, in my opinion, belong on this list. 2 stars. Very close to giving it a one.
It's fine and working class hero is a good cover but beyond that...
More an album for who the person is rather than the music
Þetta var ekkert spes 😬
I listened to this while I was mowing the lawn so probably not the best environment but it was exactly what I was thought it would be. I didn't find anything amazing but generally "nothing" songs for my liking.
Those voice cracks does not sound cool lady
Eh?? I don't get it.
Um what. I listened to her 60s stuff to get some context and compare how her voice changed. Sure, the croakiness lets her express her emotions better, but...do we need this? Do we need to listen to this before we die? And the lyrics...what? I kind of liked "Guilt" and "Ballad of Lucy Jordan"....those lyrics were bearable. And "Working Class Hero" is originally a John Lennon song. But by the end, the album just really went wild, and not in the fun way. In the very uncomfortable way. I'm giving a 2 because I like the Winwood production.
It's definitely an interesting one. I don't even know how I would classify it other than not my cup of tea. It's not as bad as I expected it to be but the everything about is kinda forgettable outside of the lyrics. She's got a very unique style that I can appreciate Highlights: Guilt, Working Class Hero
Marianne Fartfull. Yea, not my best work but I didn’t care for this at all. 2 stars
The groove in Brain Drain is enough to save this album.
Liked a few songs, mixed bag
theres flashes of greatness. the production is very interesting. i do not like her vocals, too raspy and pitchy for my taste. some songs were reminiscent of the abba sound. this was interesting but i dont think id listen again. 5/10
I didn't particularly love Faithfull's voice in the 60s, but this is just a struggle.
Pretty basic, everything that one hit wonder
“At the age of 37 she realized she’d never ride through Paris in a sports car with the warm wind in her hair.” The Ballad of Lucy Jordan sure made up for a lot of the rest of the album but ultimately could only do so much.
Kinda boring honestly
Not my cup of tea. The individual pieces were great, but the execution of it all together was unappealing. Even the cover art is beautiful.
Ok aber für mich kein Highlight 2/5
I loved the first song but then it fell off a bit
I actually think the world has enough of english already
Some of the most pedestrian pop I’ve ever heard. Boring, uninventive, and the lyrics seem wildly uninspired.
Her life is way more interesting than this album.
I didn’t hate this as much as I thought I would. I don’t mind her voice. Some of the lyrics are witty and clever, some are just angry. It didn’t drag on too long either.
Her voice is like listening to nails on a chalkboard. The music is ok. Nothing remarkable. Overall this album is a drag to listen to.
Almost went 1/5. Didn’t enjoy this.
Her English isn't the problem.
Meh.
I didn't like this album that much. It's such a shame after I had 2 great albums this week. "Why'd Ya Do It" is surprisingly good, and the rest of "Broken English" should've been like it. The synths ruin the album as they don't fit Faithfull's vocals. That sucks, as I'm usually the guy who likes electronic music. 2 stars for "Broken English".
Such a strange album, not at all what I expected or liked!
Less than 24 hours after listening, I can't really remember any of it besides a general ethereal vibe. Would never relisten, so...
I came into this not knowing anything about the artist or what to expect. Her voice is so full of pain and emotion and after reading the wiki article I understand why. Marianne lived such a hard life before creating this album. This album must have felt like the sun coming up after a long cold moonless night for her. Unfortunately, it's not something I enjoyed listening to. Despite her courageous battle with drugs, heartbreak, and sickness, this album is average at best. This is pre 80's pop and you can hear the sounds and synths that led into prime "80s Pop Sound". 5/10
2.5 (36:25, 8 tracks, 7th album, 1979), New Wave (British) Overall I think she benefited from her dark past, guess she was a major recording artist/actress in the 60s. "As Tears Go By" (1965 - British Invasion) broke her - it's an OK 60s bubblegum song, melodic with high vocals (definitely not this album - she roached her voice) - video is a black and white young blonde (in the style of the times) with breasts very pointed and pushed very high. Sex appeal no doubt helped. British of course. Dated Mick Jagger, broke up (1970), fell apart ended up homeless and addicted to heroin but somehow made a comeback. Had moderate success in 80s and 90s kept recording into the 2000s. Died Jan 2025 (78) Glad I listened - however I don't see any major genre defining or other reason it should be on this list. Wavering 2 or 3, not the worst 2 but . . .I liked some of her earlier work better (checking out Marianne a bit). She was rated the 25th Greatest Woman of Rock and Roll (VH1 1999) so maybe I'm missing something? Rolling Stone ranked her 173 Greatest Singer of All Time. Ended 2, downgrading because context is greater than content on this album. If was going to give Dylan's Blonde on Blonde a 2, I can't fathom giving this a three. I just hate Blonde on Blonde and I know I'm supposed to love it. . . (by the way upgraded to 3, but barely, that was yesterdays album.) Album cover I believe is her, dark blue with a hot red ash cigarette - it's not a bad cover. Marianne Faithfull’s major comeback after years of drug abuse, homelessness and anorexia, first release since Love in a Mist (1967). After ending her relationship with Mick Jagger in 1970 and losing custody of her son, Faithfull suffered from heroin addiction and lived on the streets of London. Her voice was lowered and cracked from years of smoking and drug use. Musically, Broken English is a new wave album with elements of other genres such as punk, blues and reggae. The backing band of Barry Reynolds and Joe Mavety (guitars), Steve York (bass) and Terry Stannard (drums) had been formed in 1977. The album's title track took inspiration from terrorist figures of the time. "Guilt" was informed by the Catholic upbringing. "The Ballad of Lucy Jordan", originally performed by Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show, is a melancholy tale of a middle-class housewife's disillusionment; Faithfull's version became something of an anthem and was used on the soundtracks of the films Montenegro (1981) and Thelma & Louise (1991). "What's the Hurry?" was described by Faithfull as reflecting the everyday desperation of the habitual drug user. The last track "Why'd Ya Do It?", is a caustic, graphic rant of a woman originally conceived as a piece for Tina Turner. Faithfull convincing him that Turner would never record such a number. The song's profanity and explicit reference to oral sex (which earned the album a “Parental Advisory” label on some versions) caused controversy. Faithfull notoriously performed the title track and "Guilt" on Saturday Night Live in February 1980 where her voice cracked and she seemingly strained to even vocalize at times. Track list - ** singles 1. **"Broken English" 4:35 2. "Witches' Song" 4:43 3. "Brain Drain" 4:13 4. "Guilt" 5:05 5. **"The Ballad of Lucy Jordan" Shel Silverstein 4:09 6. "What's the Hurry" 3:05 7. "Working Class Hero" John Lennon 4:40 8. "Why D'Ya Do It" 6:45
Good musicians and good music but The voice are broken
Meh ?
Great voice, interesting album. I’m glad I heard it, but 2 stars feels right for this list
2/5/26. Busy day so didn’t give this the full attention it deserved, but was decent. Ballad of Lucy Jordan was the standout track for me.
Not my type.
I thought it wasn't very good and then realized that this was written in the 70's so maybe it's not that bad given the era. That got me thinking... Why is this on the list, but there are no albums by Heart?
good, pas vraiment ma came, trop 80s mais j'ai aimé Guilt
I just couldn’t get into the vocals or lyrics here, otherwise it would be a good album. The instrumentals were pretty good though, 2/5
Not really my thing. Like a bluesy, discount Joan Jett with a voice that grates on me a bit.
Really mid album. Nothing stood out, didn’t really hate anything. Just a slight ennui. 4/10
Didn't enjoy
I wanted to like her but I don’t :// Also re the album cover don’t smoke friends, risk factor for like every single thing in medicine except ulcerative colitis #funfact
This is respectfully not my sound. Fun fact tho I was a waitress at a restaurant called Broken English in Chicago
"Broken English" title track vocals reminiscent of an angry tipsy woman singing karaoke; very 80s sound for a late 70s release so I guess it's probably quite inventive. "Witches' Song" adds a second drunk karaoke woman but takes a step back in creativity. Karaoke definitely seems to be the overall vibe of the album - I just have a picture in my head of Marianne wandering around a bar invading people's personal space and "singing" aggressively at them. It's reasonably inoffensive in terms of the actual musicality - a couple of decent guitar hooks and bass lines, I just feel like I'd enjoy all of the songs more if they were sung by someone with a better voice. Favourite track probably "What's The Hurry?" even though I still think the singing is the worst aspect. "Why'd Ya Do It" close second, it's a bit too repetitive musically (breakdown is OK) but the lyrics are amusing.
I don’t like her straining voice. First 3 songs all sound the same. Too bad because the bass is cool in some of her songs but just not the vibe or relatable.
Honestly? Kind of boring. Working Class Hero was probably my favourite track. Sister Morphine which is on the deluxe album is definitely a great track as well.
had a good start to the album but i feel like it fell off as it went on
Goes nowhere interesting and is very repetitive. Came out a decade before Cohen's I'm Your Man (which it reminded me of) but nowhere near as good.
Meh
Det ödsliga lätt elektroniska ljudlanskaper passar fint med Mariannes lite spruckna pratiga sång. Som i titelspåret, Guilt och versionen av Working class hero. Jag önskar mer var så.
Album med artister som varit nere på botten och rest sig genererar per automatik gott renommé. Förtjänar de nödvändigtvis goda omdömen? Nja, det tål att diskuteras. Här finns absolut en del bra låtar. Bra framföranden är det dock ont om. Ett grundläggande problem är förstås att Faitfull har en dålig röst. Den må vara sprucken, sargad, men revanschlysten. Men det går inte att komma från att det låter som en gnällig kärring som kedjerökande på balkongen gapar åt kvarterets ungar som lite för högljutt leker dunkgömma. Skivan finns förstås i hyllan. Inköpt för en billig peng på nån mässa. Brukar vara lätthittad i reabackarna. Inte så konstigt varför.
Den här skivan har aldrig fastnat hos mig. Jag köpte den i en reaback på rekomendation av Lars B Persson för säkert 15 år sedan. Hennes röst är väl tillräckligt egen, men det saknas låtar som verkligen tar tag i mig. Bäst är nog avslutande Why'd ya do it.
It's OK, but it's definitely one of those albums that is on the list because of historical context. I enjoyed reading about it more than listening to it. 2⭐️
I feel like I could see these songs being played at a farmers’ market. A tambourine and drum machine would probably be involved. These are not compliments. I really sorta hated all these songs. And don’t really have an constructive feedback, so…
Not my thing
her voice is so grating to my ears, i’m sorry women
This one didn’t do it for me. Working Class Hero stood out, as well as the namesake headliner. I liked the instrumentals well enough but never loved the vocals or lyrics.
The Good: We won’t have to worry about getting cheated on… The Bad: Faithfull isn’t the same as faithful... The Ugly: Trying to put back together the English… I really tried to understand why I had to listen to this… I really did, and I still don’t understand it at all. Could it be that the list of 1001 is not really about good music, but could be about lyrics, which I am not paying attention to?.. I am glad for Marianne that she was able to put her life back together, I really am. However, this album was a bit tough to get through… Regretfully, I will have to rate this at 2* because I can’t honestly see any redeeming qualities to this except for a kudos for getting one’s life back on track!
Great
It's alright? It kind of passed without me noticing it did.
Well produced and well written music, but I'm not really into it.
Nothing exciting about this one. 2 stars
I didn’t love this nor did I hate it. Working Class Hero is definitely the stand out but over all this album wasn’t for me and won’t be remembered.
Please can I have a good album at some point, this week has been MISS after MISS
Didn't really like it.
First time I've really listened to Marianne Faithful. I've always known of her, but never sought out her music. It's not bad. I also listened to one of her earlier albums which I actually like better than this one, but I'm not particularly interested in seeking out her music again. A case of the music is okay, but just doesn't connect with me.
The bass lines are great. The rest is unspectacular.
did not demand nor capture my attention
The voice was hard for me to get past.
She's cool and this is a raw album with some great pieces, but the title is apropos - just so anti-snooty that it's snooty.
Didn't pung my socks.
Some decent songs. Not really a lot to say about it. Good if you like a raspy voice, I guess.
I put it on and it quickly faded into the background- it never grabbed me with either joy or anger - until that last track which was just shock for shock’s sake without any art to it. Would have been a 3 before the last track.
mediocre album from a mediocre actress and singer. had it all at her feet but addiction took it away. sad