The Grand Tour

Most country since about the late 80's is garbage but I do like the classic artists. I've only listen to compilation albums by George Jones before, so wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy this deep dive as much. This was really good, so much so I listen to it twice.

Whenever I say I don’t like country I have to add a lot of exceptions. George Jones is another one. I like his voice, the musicians are always top shelf, and shucks, I guess there’s just something’ appealin’ about a sappy song ‘bout a broken heart.

This is a great album. George Jones' voice is one of the greatest in country music and the instrumentation here complements it perfectly especially the pedal steel. The lyrics mostly deal with heartbreak told from the point of view of someone who is almost pathologically in love with someone who treats them wrong. It lends a sense of unease to an otherwise straightforward album.

I liked it. It had a good mix of slower and upbeat songs. The 29 minute length does leave a bit more to be desired however.

Good, even great, country.

I suspect reviewers on this site will not be kind towards 1970s sad sack country, but I like this sort of thing. I prefer older country but this was pretty good. I like "The Weatherman" the most. Probably more of a 3.5 but I'm rounding up.

4.5

Well that’s a bummer.

I could listen to this all day. In fact, I pretty much did.

Beautiful country music. I love the old stuff. Worth considering for a vinyl.

7/10 just fun goofy country nothing special but still enjoyable

This is the country I remember growing up in the early 70’s in SC.

Still the greatest voice in country. Hooch and heartbreak.

A touch too close to modern commercial sounding country, but it does still have an authenticity that strikes me.

Quality country music. George has a great voice and the songs are pretty fantastic. It's just not a 5 to me for some reason. A very strong 4 though.

Again, not really my genre, but mad respect for these classic country artists. They were "real" country storytellers and singer/songwriters.

I actually really enjoyed this. I may be a secret Country music fan afterall.

The title song alone for George Jones', The Grand Tour, is just perfect and is why I think country song writers are America's best poets. Love lost sucks.

Real Country

A very surprising 4/5! This album was like seeing your long lost family. It brought up feelings of nostalgia for old "pop-country". I love the use of slide guitar, and I can see how 80s and 90s country was drastically changed due to George Jones. Best Songs: The Grand Tour, Pass Me By, Mary Don't Go Round, Our Private Life Worst Songs: Darlin', She'll Love the One She's With

cool

I appreciate and often enjoy the super-authentic old country sound, though at album length the slow pace and maudlin texture start to wear thin for me. This is top of the game though.

Old fashioned country, but well executed. It had a certain energy that just flipped it from a 3 to a 4 for me.

Solid old school country. Melancholy!

A solid set of pretty well-worn country ballads, and some more uptempo numbers as well. The last song ("Private Lives"), I more enjoyed for the unorthodox subject matter, don't think I've heard a "gossip column" teardown song before. Favorite tracks: "Borrowed Angel", "Mary Don't Go Round", "The Grand Tour"

If you had asked me as a kid in the '70s why I didn't like country music, this would have been Exhibit A. Twang twang twang. This is Bob's Country Bunker kind of stuff. However, various people in my life and the aging process over the past forty years have had me come around to a new appreciation. I find it interesting that just a few days ago I was listening to Frank Sinatra sing in 1955 and I thought, "I think this is what traditionally masculine emotional vulnerability must sound like." I had the same thought with George Jones today. This is clearly classic country at its roots. Lovely.

This is pretty much a perfect classic country album. Just simple songs sung by an iconic country voice. A sound that I would not have tolerated in my younger years, but yet it feels homey as I listen now…

Grand Tour is in my top 5 favorite country songs of all time. The rest of the album was good, but not much else on here.

4.3 - One of the strongest examples I've heard to date of good storytelling in country music. Another proof point that dismissing the genre as a whole is completely ignorant. Just listen to the the way the narrative unfolds on "The Grand Tour", revealing the detail that his wife left him and took with her their baby, is utterly devastating. Similarly, "She Told Me So" takes an unexpected twist when the singer is describing a lover who worships him but soon it becomes clear that actually he's under her spell.

Toujours bon un bon country, ca sonne et secoute tres bien, autant que tout autre country. 4.5

I'm not crying, you're crying.

The Grand Tour is essentially a collection of songs about infidelity and relationship troubles (mostly infidelity), but Jones's attitude is frequently forgiving, unconditionally loving, and optimistic. At worst, he is willing to accept that people are the way they are and there is no point in fretting about it. Even on the album's final track "Our Private Life" where George lightly chastises the public about their obsession with celebrity gossip, he refrains that he doesn't mind giving up his private life because he came to play for them. He only asks that they remember he is only human when he comes up in the tabloids. I love the old-school rural way of thinking, where sometimes we just accept things. I used to see it in my grandparents. Everybody's got their troubles, often significant, and sometimes you just have to love them anyway.

Countrypolitan rules! If the record has a flaw, it’s the lack of rough edges – it’s almost too perfect. In fact, it’s as slick, shiny and all-in-place as the man's epic hair. Ingeniously conceived and perfectly executed. There are gorgeous keyboard and pedal steel flourishes all over the place. The unifying concept would be good loving gone bad or fear thereof. The even-toned, occasionally deadpanning crooning is steadily consistent – no matter how cheekily humorous, crushingly sad, shockingly earnest or blindingly self-delusional the line. One wonders how often he smiled (or winked) when performing these gems. About as good (and polished) as country can be. “Borrowed Angel” and “She Told Me So “are the highlights (for the irony, probably) but no real duds (save maybe for the closing cut). 4.4 for 4 (I wasn’t kidding about being too perfect and it also seems maybe more like a series of songs than an album.)

Old country is cool

This is a great country album. It’s simple approach to each song, short run time, great production, vocals and harmonies, and easy to participate in lyrics.

I just came off reviewing a 2 hour long Smashing Pumpkins album, so this album was a delight. It's crisp, concise and flawlessly rendered. The album has everything you want in a George Jones album, that affecting vocal, the gorgeous guitars, the lyrics that are a total mood. It's a pretty perfect country album. Fave Songs: The Grand Tour, Borrowed Angel, Darlin', Who Will I Be Loving Now, Once You've Had the Best, Pass Me By (If You're Only Passing Through)

Not badd

Such a comfortable listen. Just warm and soothing, like being at grandma's house.

Classic country and a great voice.

Liked this album a lot. Again, don't listen to much country but this had nice melodies and lyrics.

The Silver Fox !!! Love his songs and unique sound!

OMG so much heartbreak! I can’t believe these 11 women all left the same guy. I like this type of pure country, with the signature slide guitar, his aching voice and the hurtin’ lyrics. I was having a rough afternoon, driving around downtown (at a walking pace) trying to pick-up food donations, but it was hard to be in a bad mood with lyrics like “As you leave you'll see the nursery, Oh she left me without mercy, Taking nothing but our baby and my heart.”

I don't like modern country, but I do like the older country. This album is pretty great!

4, de fanade. Den sista sången va lite lame dock!!

Helig baserad.

Solid country album

Never heard of this one, which is nice. Country! The grand tour; absolute standard country. I quite like it, but maybe will get bored. Darlin' - slow, lovely weepy guitars. pass me by: again, lovely guitar sound. she'll love the one she's with: slow but pretty. once you've had the best weatherman: borrowed angel: quite like this, but still very trad. she told me so: sad chords mary don't go 'round: who will I be loving now: too slow our private live: has a 'cartoon' feel to it. I liked it more than i'd like to admit!

Nice nostalgic memories of this guy playing from my Nan’s kitchen radio. Overall a pretty alright album.

George has a cool voice and a lot of great tunes here. The title track is the stuff you think of when you think of classic country. Very clean production and overall a joy to listen to.

country

I dig this! Country is the OG emo

cry about it, why dont ya

I thought it was really good. The instrumentation was beautiful. The songs are well written. I gave it a second listen after. The short length plays to its advantage.

Very Neil Young vibes

Solid old school country!

Solid country

Never listened to this. I loved it. Wasn't excited to listen at all but I actually love sad guy country music. Easy 4 stars. I fucking love pedal steel. Kind of got grating even though it's a short record.

I go through waves of disliking and then craving old country music. The harmonies and the pedal steels and the drinking are either deeply lame or soothing and powerful, depending on the day I've had. This was soothing and powerful... pretty repetitive, and "Borrowed Angel" is a horrible song, but George Jones is an amazing vocalist who barrels toward rock bottom well.

The Grand Tour is another reminder of why George Jones is considered one of country music's greatest vocalists. While the album starts off strong with the heartbreaking title track, I found myself enjoying it even more as it went on. The second half is where the record really clicked for me, with songs like "She Told Me So," "Who Will I Be Loving Now," and "Our Private Life" keeping the emotional momentum going. Jones' voice is effortlessly expressive throughout the album, and producer Billy Sherrill's polished countrypolitan sound complements the songs without overshadowing them. The record doesn't rely on flashy arrangements; instead, it lets the songwriting and Jones' delivery carry the weight. Even though many of the songs deal with heartbreak and loss, they never feel repetitive because Jones brings a different emotional shade to each performance. Overall, The Grand Tour is a consistently strong country album that gets better as it progresses. The second half, in particular, left the biggest impression on me, making it an album I'll gladly revisit.

Good country record.

Nice

Standard-fare country music of its time. It's better than today's equivalent, but it's nothing special.

This is the stuff my dad loves so I grew up on a lot of old country like this. I didn't care for much of it back then, I have more appreciation for it these days. But, it still isn't my preferred music.

Some classic country for those that are into that.

Every story you read about George Jones: legendary hellraiser and all-round liability. Virtually every song on this album: “Aw shucks, I’m just a poor, decent chump pining after some floozy.” And he sings it so sincerely, you kind of believe it. (At least Our Private Life acknowledges his off-stage reputation.)

Very much not my style of music, but it wasn't bad, it was clearly well done music, just in a genre I would never choose to listen to

Simpático. Aunque el country no me gusta tanto.

Classic country, not bad sounding, but jesus the subject matter and lyrics are dodgy as fuck. Not a country one I'd choose to listen to again really.

Nothing special, in my opinion

more background to me but this guy has a great voice. I can see this guy joining the canon of classic country I like

It's country and it's relatively easy on the ear. It doesn't have the extreme twang of like a Dwight Yoakam. It's a little closer to Elvis. Not bad.

Truly lovely voice over what eventually feel like the same song.

Classic country. Was a good album; had a depressed/downtrodden George Strait vibe.

The Platonic ideal of a 70s country album. Not what I choose to listen to normally, but I can appreciate it. 3.5⭐️

It is fine forlorn country music

With 30 minutes not that grand.

Kind of fun country album.

Netter Country der 70er nicht schlecht aber auch nicht mehr.

No sé

Think it's a little unfair to give this lower ratings. Sure, it's pretty derivative and not interesting, but it's absolutely fine! +1 because this sounds like something my grandfather would play, miss that guy.

Another stereotypical country album that's pleasant to listen to but not very interesting or exciting.

Average country album 3/5

Classic country

George Jones has a good voice, and nothing on this album sounds bad. I just find country from this era a little boring.

Bit same-y but I liked the vibe.

fav songs: the grand tour darlin' pass me by melancholic, direct, lonely 50/100

Solid country album

George Jones is not one of my favorite country music artists but he is definitely one of my favorite country music singers. The guy was kind of a clown. He drank and coked himself into a multiple personality disorder (see Mike Judge Presents: Tales from the Tour Bus episodes on Jones for details), he abused his spouses, he was frequently too messed up to perform for people who had bought tickets to his shows and arranged a baby sitter and what not, his albums are marred by schmaltzy arrangements and annoying strings, and he was kind of an all-round disaster. Here is a story about him that may be partly true or completely false but it is funny and so I don't care. George showed up at Waylon's house drunk and high and started tearing up the place. Waylon got some rope and tied him up until he settled down. George allegedly told Waylon "I'm the greatest country singer alive." To which Waylon replied "Yeah and you're tied to a fuckin' tree." But when he starts to sing I forget all of that. He didn't really write any of his iconic songs but he definitely sings them like he lived them. There are few singers who can put so much feeling into their songs. George Jones was a mess but with a voice like his, I can look past almost anything.

didn't need to be on this list. sorry

solid bit of country, more of a 2.5

Not a country fan, but this is classic and his voice is like AI country old guy. Probably a 2.5 for me but bumping.

If you're into country music, this is probably excellent. I'm not, really, and I mostly enjoyed this.

Já tivemos álbuns melhores de cowboy. Queria dar 2,5 na verdade

да нормальный альбом это кантри и большего я от него и не ожидал есть цепляющие мелодии, атмосфера приятная, вокал и инструментал соответствуют стилю есть хит могу переслушать если будет такое настроение хорошая добрая троечка 3.2

Hey - not bad, George! I enjoyed this one. Not something I would pick out to listen to, or buy at the local record store, but glad to have listened to it.

we used to a yearning nation (im not even american)

Not bad.

Quite enjoyable at time. Other times kind of boring, but never bad

Can’t really complain about. It was pleasant. Nice voice and I think the music was all good. Didn’t really stick out though, other than the last song. That was a fun one.

I do like a little bit of country music and this is a nice listen that's easy on the ears. Thankfully, Jones's vocals on this album are minus the affected southern twang of many male country performers . Three stars. 1. "The Grand Tour" (4/5) 2. "Darlin'" (3/5) 3. "Pass Me By (If You're Only Passing Through)" (3/5) 4. "She'll Love the One She's With" (3/5) 5. "Once You've Had the Best" (3/5) 6. "The Weatherman" (3/5) 7. "Borrowed Angel" (4/5) 8. "She Told Me So" (3/5) 9. "Mary Don't Go 'Round" (3/5) 10. "Who Will I Be Loving Now" (3/5) 11. "Our Private Life" (4/5) Total - 36 Average - 3.27 322/1001 176/322 albums reviewed were new to me.

not my cup of tea

I would rate it high for the genre. Love a short little album, was good to listen to for the time I was listening. Probably not going back to this one but wouldn’t hate to hear it out in public at a state fair or something. Season: Late Summer Favorite Song: Pass Me By (If You’re Only Passing Through)

The Grand Tour is a great way to open this album. This whole work comes off genuine and like it has some substance. He really makes the line "I'm getting weak from being strong" land. I can picture a bunch of emotionally disconnected guys sitting and listening to the line and nodding along.

A perfect example of a type of music in a time and place. A solid album. Something like this belongs on a list like this. I don't have any complaints. The guy has a great use of his voice as an entertainer. A splendid use of syllables and punctuation. I could see this taking more time to grow on me.

I went into this album wanting to hate it. When I heard the first track I said “ugh, country,” but this dude is a certified actual yearner. I couldn’t help but feel with him, yk? I dig it. Fav Song: Our Private Life

By the first song I'm all ears as it sounds lovely and George has a truly beautiful voice. But by the middle of the album this already feels a bit too overwhelmingly saccharine sweet for me. I liked the song Weatherman though.

He de decir que, a pesar de que no me guste mucho el country, no estuvo mal.

This album is about a guy who has been single for too long, living in middle America. He is on first name terms with the postie, and thanks to him the friendly morning greeting they share always drags on a bit too long. He eats at the same diner at least three times a week, and has asked the waitress every question under the sun about her personal life, so he now feels like he can offer her advice and joke about her deadbeat boyfriend. She doesn’t particularly like it, but she realises she might be the only human interaction he gets most days, so she tolerates it. Desperate for grandchildren, his mother organises a date for him. He takes her to the same fucking diner and spends most of the night talking about the waitress’s life. The date gets drunk on cask wine, and ends up making the mistake of sleeping with him. The next morning, as he sits in his armchair, she hands him the newspaper, thanks him for a good night, and leaves. He heads to the diner for brunch and tells the waitress all about how wonderful this girl is, and starts to explain, in heavy detail, what their future holds. The girl from the date makes excuses not to go on a second date, and the promptly shacks up with a local rancher with a drinking problem.

Some great story telling amd kept thw album short. A bit repetitive ovwrall though

George Jones had a great country voice and this album was enjoyable enough but I have no idea why it’s on this list. Absolutely nothing essential about it

Not overly my thing but I do like the steel guitar throughout

Its good, I think it will sink in more upon a relisten or too. 3.25

I like George Jones well-enough and this album was listenable enough.

3/5 - This is some country-ass country. Seems utterly indistinguishable from the hundreds of other country-ass country songs from this time, but I was pleasantly surprised that an album named as grandiosely as "The Grand Tour" clocked in around 30 minutes, which is a fine amount of time for this.

Heartbreak with a pedal steel guitar. I feel like this should be listened to on a 8-track in an old Chevy beige and brown two-tone pickup truck. It’s a fine example of this style of country. I appreciate the short songs. They really are all very similar though.

Pretty uninspiring country

A bit too country but I liked it

After getting The Pogues yesterday I can't help wondering who would win a drinking contest between Shane MacGowan and George Jones. Musically I have more affinity for the fomer. I'm not really much of a country fan but the vocals here were smooth and I am partial to a bit of pedal steel which features prominently on this record. This classic 60s and 70s country is pleasant to listen to at least which isn't really the case with modern pop country.

this has the weirdest bass drum sound i’ve ever heard. i am very mixed on this. some of its very pleasant, some of it i don’t really care about. i do love lap steel guitar, but sometimes its a little corny here. just a little too yachty.

Country isnt my preferred genre but he is very easy to listen to. The bass and drums are consistently present on most tracks with various other instruments that come in depending on the song which adds some variety even though the songs do have a similar feel. Its easy going and emotional like I think country music tends to be and his lyrics are soothing and welcoming. If I wanted some sit around at the bar playing pool type energy this wouldn't be a bad choice.

There were almost too many George Jones albums on Amazon Music to count, but not this one! I opted for one of the many “Best Of” compilations, and I generally enjoyed it and could listen to it about any time, although I don’t love it. My best guess is that this would be a three star album for me.

Back when I was a kid, my dad loved George Jones, I think he owned every record of his. I did not like him or any country music, I was rock and roll or nothing. Listening now it's a little easier on the ears and maybe it nostalgia talking that gives this 3 stars

For someone who is picky about country music I thought this was pretty nice. I wish I could give it a 3.5 but oh well.

Lät väl trevligt. Oförargligt.

Another country singer who I shouldn't like, because I don't like the genre, but I kind of like his voice. Weird. But I'll give him a three just because I think his music fits his voice and that ultimately makes his music work.

Aye man this was a nice collection of diddlies. Someone’s daughter put that THANG on George, he was in love!

5/10

Nice voice, good storytelling, but I'm not that info country so I won't come back for more.

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘎𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘛𝘰𝘶𝘳 is a straightforward country album, rooted in traditional songwriting and emotional delivery. George Jones’s voice carries the material with ease, giving the songs a strong sense of sincerity. At the same time, the album stays very close to genre conventions. While it’s clearly well made, it doesn’t offer much that stands out beyond that. It’s solid country, but not something that leaves a lasting impression on me.

Is this the epitome of Countrypolitan? Or the ultimate mournful country collection? Maybe both at once! Not my favorite stuff, but it’s classy.

Solid classic country! Short and to the point tracks, easy to listen

sure

The grand tour - 4 Darlin - 2 Pass me by (if you're only passing through) - 2 She'll love the one she's with - 2 Once you've had the best - 3 The weatherman - 4 Borrowed angel - 3 She told me so - 2 Mary don't go 'round - 4 Who will i be loving now - 2 Our private life - 4

I messed up and listened to the greatest hits album (which contains The Grand Tour) instead of The Grand Tour itself. Well, 16 songs later I understand why country music got the reputation being about broken relationships, sadness for things lost, and drinking. Lots of drinking. One song out of 16 was happy, and it still had lots of drinking. The Grand Tour was probably better but I can't listen to any more country today.

# Album Name: The Grand Tour # Artist: George Jones # Rating: 3/5 # Comments: Lovely Voice George has. Its an easy listen but doesnt really move out of gear. # Top Tunes: TGT # Would I listen to it again? Hmmmmm

bof

If I heard a single song from this album on the radio, I'd probably think "hey, that's alright country!" A full album is a bit much, and I grew tired of the same shtick by about the 5th song.

Grand Tour is a good song. Overall is a very typical country album. It's less than 30 mins so no complaints on length. 2.5/5. Raising to 3.

The Grand Tour 3.4 Darlin' 3.3 Pass Me BY (If You're Only Passing Through) 3.2 She'll Love the One She's With 3.3 Once You've Had the Best 3.3 The Weatherman 3.4 Borrowed Angel 3.1 She Told Me So 3.3 Mary Don't Go 'Round 3.2 Who Will I Be Loving Now 3.4 Our Private Life 3.4 Score: 3.3

Not even reaching the half hour mark, this album passes by without having the chance to wear thin on the listener. You would really have to hate country to struggle to get through this. The songs all follow a similar structure and there isn't much variation in the sound. He clearly wasn't trying to make a Sgt. Pepper's and this is just a collection of old-time country songs with no overarching narrative. Jones has a strong handsome voice and the production is slick. With lyrical themes such as drinking and girls, all the country clichés are here. I usually like my country music to have more grit than the polished sound that you would find on here, but this is clearly well-made. This won't convert anyone who already can't stand the genre, but this made for pleasant listening as I started my weekend.

Pretty nice

Decent album - chill and good harmonies, but nothing sticks out across the songs.

Soms heb je hier albums waarvan je zegt: Ik had liever geen muziek aan staan dan dit. Bij het genre country heb ik dat zeker ook meegemaakt. Bij dit album is dat net niet het geval: Ik vind dit album luisteren leuker dan geen muziek aan hebben staan. Dat is echt het maximale wat ik er aan compliment uit kan persen. Het is zwaar vergeetbaar en met z'n 28 minuten ook snel voorbij. 3 sterren omdat ik me niet irriteer, zo simpel is het blijkbaar.

Honestly, this was not really my thing, but historically I can see the value!

Pure and simple gospel based country, best heard through an AM broadcast on an old radio.

He's an honest man but I wanna die

Weighing in at a mere 28 minutes, this album is short and sweet, a classic example of old-school country. I dig Jones' voice, but the album can get a little repetitive. It's all heartbreak and honky-tonks, perfect for a sad drive or coffee, but it doesn't really break the mold. It was alright, but it sounded super cliche to me. The pedal steel and the sad lyrics about divorce make it feel a bit dated. "The Grand Tour" and "Once You've Had The Best" are good, but the rest kinda blend together. It's a cool little piece of country history, but it could have used some more variety.

i mean it’s fine

Many country ballads perfectly nice but nothing exceptional

Classic country. Shared with m and p

Meh not much of a country guy. This wasn't that bad though.

A safe and unobjectionable country album. I'm not the target audience for this, but it's fine.

Inoffensive country crooning but hard to imagine an occasion when I'll want to put on this album. 'The Weatherman' and 'Our Private Life' were my top tracks.

I am not a fan of Country music. That being said, the early stuff is much easier to listen to than the bro-country that's everywhere today. I do get really weary of the pedal steel guitar, though. I have the utmost respect for anyone who can actually play the damn thing, but the sound grates on me. Regardless, this is a well-crafted album even if the style is one I never reach for. 3 stars

pretty, a bit too country for me

This is old school country w a heart

Uusi tuttavuus mutta kyllähän näitä country laulajia riittää. Ihan jees. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Another one where I'm smelling the honky tonk while this is playing on the jukebox. The opening track had me asking "George, what did you DO?" Lovely, soulful, sad country.

Decent country. Not terrible!

George Jones is very, very good at one specific type of Country Ballad.

Decent honky tonk country

Classic country album

Music to mosey to. 2.5 for me, but I’m feeling generous today, so 3 it is. Has a decent heart.

This will be short. It was a fun country album. It was short. It didn't really do much that made me want to listen again.

Every track is an example of an expertly-crafted country song.

If there's one thing this project has taught me, it's that I actually enjoy Country music. Well, mainly the older golden era of country like this record portrays. This is a really nice album, very smooth and easy to listen to. George has a wonderful voice that carries such a deep and rustic harmony, while playing over a gentle and well-thought collection of guitar melodies. This was a really nice listen.

When I think country music, I usually think twangy bastardized rock music about tractors, but that's not at all what I got and I was pleasantly surprised. I couldn't help but laugh about how most, if not all songs were about the same topic, but at least it's not whiskey and horses and tractors! I won't listen to this again, but I see now thay country music is its own thing that I could enjoy if I took the time to find my gateway artist. 2.5/5. Wasn't bad at all

Old-fashioned traditional country -- not my favorite but not unpalatable

Not half bad!

Country is such a good genre i have no idea if this is a good version of it but man its enjoyable to listen to.

Enjoyed more than I expected as it isn't really my genre

Very typical country music, actually not too bad.

Pretty run of the mill country. Kind of boring sound, it’s not bad by any mean but not my cup of Joe. Good writing, just not exciting and I’m not always in the mood.

Something comforting about this ol country, I probably shoulda given it more time

Some of the subject matter was a lil questionable but a very fun and easy listen with nice vocals and a gorgeous country sound.

Not a country fan, but still enjoyed this.

Not my genre

A pretty run of the mill country album. Just enough pedal steel to be good without getting gimmicky. My main gripe is none of the songs stood out in particular so it mostly passed me by. The vocals are good though. Weak 3.

Good stuff

One of the smoothest country albums i have heard. He really is the OG

He has a good voice. 70's country isn't my normal thing, but this has a good sound. That said, there is nothing here that makes me go WOW! In fact the subtle misogyny in some of the tracks was hard to hear.

Easy listen, not bad, not great for me. No real change of pace from one song to the next.

this is a little too 90's-00's (shocker) country for me, but I enjoyed it overall

Fine

I don't have any problem with this one, I have to be in a particular mood to listen to it but it's at least real country music and it's probably worth knowing about.

Big time downer listening to old country coming off of The White Stripes, but I’ll try to be objective. Listen, I like old country music, but more of the “outlaw” flavor like Waylon, Willie, Cash, etc. Guys like George Jones, Conway Twitty, and Ray Price all sound the same and the songs are the same. They sing about constant heartbreak in the same twangy voice. This was just OK and will get the lowest of 3/5s because it wasn’t bad, just boring. Any album like this is pretty much maxed out at that number.

Three stars, pretty decent vibe but not my fav country album

I love older country music way more than more modern country. I feel like it’s super emotional and personal and quite beautifully written. A lot of country sounds the same to me, including this one, but I still think it’s pretty good.

Great vocals but not my thing as most of the album is so slow and dreary. The last 3 songs were more upbeat and I almost liked them.

surprisingly enjoyable for the genre

Chill but needs more banjo

short one today. I really like old country music however this was just alright. Not very upbeat.

Better. Would have been a 4 star if remixed with 70s 3d feel. The sound is excellent but flat and boring now. Listen to Roger Whitaker, his records sounds amazing.

Alright

Golden voice and immaculate vibes from the Nashville country machine - a touch of schmaltz, a heap of twang, sad heartbreak songs all delivered smooth and buttery.

The generator has done well, pushing me to listen to something I would never has chosen. Honestly, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this, maybe as I knew I was committed to listen through. The lyrics were entertaining, music easy to listen to.

fun - ok sound

This is who was supposed to play at that Country and Western bar in The Blues Brothers

I’d probably enjoy the songs more separately than in an album. It does get a bit samey although I liked the sound. Also alcoholism is bad but that lawnmower story is insane.

extra star for featuring the Grand Tour, the best sad country song about a house (followed closely by Hello Walls and House With No Doors). the rest of this is extremely standard, but it's standard because George Jones created the standard. I like some other artist's versions of these songs better, but I'm not mad to hear George Jones pretty much ever.

Short and sweet. What an outstanding and gorgeous voice George had. Favorite track: Darlin'

This is some emo country

Pleasant enough and a nice voice. Probably the best country album I have got on the list and that is saying something! A bit of a similar feel between the songs, but particularly enjoyed the change of pace for ‘Our Private Lives’ which was probably my favourite on the album. Enjoyable listen. Felt cosy and pleasing (3.5)

Kinda meh

Good ol' George.

3/4

FNV radio-core. 3/5

Pretty generic but solid background music

George is one of the country greats. This is a decent album.

Let's appreciate that this is George Jones' 50th album release. He was 42 years-old when this was released in 1974, i.e. he had more albums than his age. The country music industry was sure different back then. To me this is just really good ol' boy country, with some Bakersfield influence on those sad cowboy songs. The eponymous hit "The Grand Tour" is an absolute heartbreaker about divorce and an empty house. Jones' performance here and throughout the album feels honest and vulnerable. Considering his alcoholism and dwindling popularity around this time, he really embodied the sadness that is prevalent. He probably knew a reckoning was approaching with his wife Tammy Wynette. Outside of this, I'm struggling to comment on the quality of songs since I'm not a country music expert. I found it enjoyable, though nothing sticks out as groundbreaking.

This was so brief and yet very entertaining. I managed two listens ! Obviously some outdated messaging about tradition marriage roles here. But I honestly was surprised how head of the curve the last song on the album is about celebrities’ lack of personal life. If only he knew about TMZ.

This is some classic old school country. As much as this is not a favorite genre of mine, this is so representative that I completely agree with it being on a “must listen to” list.

Good

Well Im also not the biggest country fan, but in recent years, Ive sort of found myself enjoying corner pockets of the genre. That being Orville Peck, or a little bit of Keith Urban. As long as its not main stream country, or pop country, that shit is not my jam. George Jones however I did not hate! I think because its of a different time, before country became what it is today. I really enjoyed the song The Grand Tour, it was very ballad like, with some grandeous sounding measures. Also really liked the pedal steel guitar, which is such an interesting instrument that can usually only be found within country, and is almost associated with the genre (except for a few exceptions, looking at you Spongebob). Anyways, I enjoyed this, would listen again if I was in a twangy mood. 6.5/10

Some perfectly pleasant love ballads here, but it felt pretty one note.

I'm not gonna come back to it, but I'm not mad that I listened to it.

Country music isn’t my thing

the grand tour- 5 darlin- 5 pass me by- 5 shell love the ones shes with- 5 once youve had the best- 5 the weatherman- 5 borrowed angel- 5 she told me so- 5 mary dont go round- 5 who will i be loving now- 5 our private life- 5

Classic country

dont listen to much country but sounds like George is purty in the pockit of it, nice

really difficult fighting the urge to spell his name as George Geones

You could train an AI on this for how country it is. Nothing to distinguish it, nothing to knock it. Coward's 3.

Everyone needs to stop putting ballads in non ballad focused albums. They're always terrible. In this case they're partially sexist and just sound terrible. The actual country songs are alright generally like 3 stars. Our private life however, is genuinely an amazing, righteously angry song that sounds happy, and raised this album up 1 star

Soothing voice. There's a churchy sound to the album.

George, listen. I know that the storytelling in country music isn’t always meant to be taken at face value, but you can’t open your album with a sob story about how lonely you’ve been since your wife/kid left you and then also include a song about knowingly sleeping with a married woman on the same album. It makes you sound like a hypocrite and I can’t empathize with you at that point. I suppose The Grand Tour is a pretty decent listen overall, though. The one song you actually wrote here ("Our Private Life") was a favorite of mine. Even so, I don’t think I’m invested enough to check out your 79 other studio albums any time soon – I’ll leave that to someone crazier than me. Highlights: The Grand Tour, Once You’ve Had the Best, The Weatherman, Our Private Life

I dont care much for country but this isnt bad. Leagues better than modern country

7/10

Honky tonk my baby left meeeee

Ok album.

One of Country’s greats. Almost a stereotypical artist but a true pioneer. Definitely has the market cornered stylishly.

2,8 - In weiten Teilen eine öde Country-Platte, aber wenn des Tempo schneller, steigt auch die Qualität und dann macht es durchaus viel Spaß. Highlights: The Weatherman, Our Private Life

Fine for what it is. What it is is meh.

Holy shot. That is just great. A 3.

3/5. Dat is country he

Certainly can't say this man didn't emote. Voice of a drunk barfly that surprises the crowd with angelic vocals. Wish there were more upbeats like THE WEATHERMAN and OUR PRIVATE LIFE. I'm at a 2.5 stars, but those tracks pushed it to a 3 for recording purposes.

Sappy wife guy singing to his wife

It's country. More interesting than most I suppose. 3/5 #203

There's something very endearing to me about this era of country music.

This was alright

Well it’s been a fantastic journey for me with this project, as this album is my last honky that I will tonk. This one is safe but has a few moments where it’s genuinely moving and effective. 6/10

ganska mysigt

They don’t make real yearners like this anymore. He kind of sums up some of my favorite qualities of country music: a smooth voice, heartache, and longing. These days, I veer toward the more folk side of these sensibilities, so I don’t think I’ll come back to this album much. But I appreciate it, and this would’ve killed in my 16-year-old room.

I think this was alright. I’m glad I was exposed to it and it’s clear this was an influential honky tonk album. But I found many of the songs to be relatively similar, and I didn’t really feel like any particular tracks stood out to me.

Nothing wrong with this, old school classic country.

I never really cared much for George Jones. Perhaps it was because growing up in the 70s the only songs I heard of his were the ones like this album that were drenched in sappy slide guitar and overuse of strings. But, I will say that his voice is instantly recognizable and all his own. Utterly unique. Still, this album just seems like he’s singing the same song over and over. Same feel. Same tempos. And while the title track is the clear standout, once I got to the end of the tour I realized I didn’t remember any of it. A fine listen in the end, but not near as exciting as reading about his drug-ridden booze-soaked personal life.

Not my typical go to but decent songs and well performed. Next time I feel like drinkin’ some whiskeys and feeling sorry for myself, I’ll be putting this on. 2.75

Rounding up in honor of my father in law. Good album, not great. Do enjoy that unmistakable George Jones sound. 2.75/5

Oerhört ojämnt. När han får till det så får han till det så in i helvete. Som i "Mary dont go around", den är verkligen fantastisk på alla vis. Men däremellan är han.också nästan en patisch på sig själv. Allra värst är "Our private life" som ju är en "Jag mår illa" i hurtfrisk countrytappning, den är direkt pinsam. Många av balladerna förstörs också av outhärdliga stråkar som gör dom onödigt kletiga. Men tre kanonlåtar och två rätt bra, räcker ändå för att styra upp en trea

Jag älskar George Jones sätt att framföra sina sånger. Men problemet med honom, och flera andra högproducerande crooners från countryns guldålder, är att de gjorde många fantastiska låtar, men sällan riktigt starka album. Här finns guld, t ex titelspåret och She told me so, men också dussinlåtar som George Jones kunde spotta ur sig av redan innan han hunnit dricka upp sin första förmiddagsgrogg. Men… han var i alla fall en av countryns bästa röster, så alltid värd att lyssna på.

Det är inte lätt att hänga med i George Jones diskografi. 80 studioalbum hann han med att spela in. Det här är hans femtionde. Vem vet hur ert står sig mot övriga 79? Lite för välpolerat Nashville-sound för min smak. Titelspåret är klassik hjärtekrossare country; med rader som She left me without mercy Taking nothing but our baby and my heart Men tyvärr med lite väl smetiga stråkar. She loves the one she's with och Once you've had the best håller inte måttet. Överlag saknar jag lite blod, som Person hade sagt. Svag trea.

Totally serviceable country album

It’s pleasant, which can’t be said for a lot of other country music

Exceptional!

The Grand Tour is simply a very pleasant country classic with a few truly exceptional songs. George Jones proves his strengths as a performer across The Grand Tour, with clever, classy and instant classic country tunes delivered in his wonderful baritone. Everything that makes this album great may be best exemplified in the title track, a grand, classic country weeper. However, there are some other really great tracks here. The Weatherman is energetic and fun. I'm a big fan of the lapsteel on Pass Me By. The chorus on she Told Me So is a great example of the unique and clever writing on display here. And Our Private Life is a really interesting, sort of tongue in cheek song about the consequences of celebrity culture. It's also, incidentally the most fun you can have on this album in my opinion, I'd probably love dancing to this one in the right setting. There's plenty to love here. I will say, the strongest song here may be the first, which I have mixed feelings about. Also, this isn't all the sort of country I gravitate towards. Despite that, there is something undeniable about this, and I liked it a lot.

Enjoyed more than i thought i was going to

Oh Lordy this some of that old school cowboy music

Not my usual style but this was easy listening and I can totally see this on in the background in the right setting.

Не разобрался, не тронул.

Some grand ol' country. And western? Lush vocals, big arrangements, plenty of heartache.

I love how the drums sound on The Weatherman.

Might listen again.

Low 3 nothing wrong with it

Country Elvis wasn't really my style.

Solid country album but a little too mellow. Love George’s voice though.

Pretty, simple

I don't tend to see myself enjoying country albums but this one was sweet, very Elvis in how George sings (and looks) and the music is very much pop country but the result is a pleasant and short album that feels comforting to listen to in a similar way to 60s baroque pop. It's a nice listen

Ok this one is kind of frustrating, I'll explain. Half aware of George Jones, first time really listening (am I going to keep saying this?). Lots of ballads in here, seemingly all the same time signature and chords, but, every once in a while, George plays a sped up tune and it's so much fun. The Weatherman and Our Private Life "slap" as they say. If he had a full album of those I'd be all for it. Just too much sap in this one. Almost a 2 but the other songs elevate it.

Average sounding old school country album before the genre imploded. I think the lap/slide guitar playing is quite nice and he's got a generally agreeable southern accented voice. The wikipedia entry for this album reveals a lot of personal drama between George, his ex wife, and what I guess was a falling apart marriage involving a third guy who co wrote some of this. It weirdly comes through since all the songs are about being a mess emotionally. The universe had it out for this guy in a weird way. Fairly generic but not poorly executed by any means.

George Jones is a legend, this however is just ok.

Sure! Best Song: The Grand Tour Rating: 6/10 Stars: 3/5

Fun little album. That's about it

This album was a lot like sex: kind of fun at times, but ultimately unimpressive, forgettable, and over way too soon.

Super smooth voice, music is ok (but not exactly my kid of thing). I don't have the ability to discern how good this is in terms of the C&W legion, but on a pure 'musical' level it is neither amazing or shote (to me, at least). This screams 3 stars, so that's what I'm going to give it.

Good enough for what it is, I guess. Honky Tonk music usually either annoys me, or leaves me unimpressed. While clearly on the unimpressive side of Honky Tonk, this album was at least quite pleasant background listening.

Old school country is infinitely easier to listen to than what's considered "country" nowadays. George Jones has a great voice and the music is fine, but I just can't get into this like I can other old school country artists. Favorite tune: The Weatherman

Not quite the thunder bolt that Loretta Lynn was, but another slice of seventies country that's a great listen. Always go for the uptempo numbers over the ballads.

Very good

It was grand. It was a tour. It was George.

From a lyrical and songwriting standpoint, this is great. But the way that the songs are rendered on the recording feels a bit hokey and dated. I feel like this album could really take off if some other artist covered it though. Like a pop-punk version of this album would probably be killer.

A lot of sad songs lol

Could see it going to a 4. Since it reminds me of that Joe Ely album i like. Classic country

I recognise he has a good voice but this genre does very little for me. I wouldn’t ever sit down and listen to this by choice (other than on this project of course. And, oh boy. the lyrics make me cringe so hard. 2.5

Þetta er allt í lagi. Stutt plata sem betur fer.

Alls ekkert svo slæmt kántrý.

Didn't know a lot about George Jones before listening to this. Classic 70's country, rich story telling and deep emotional vocals. Nothing flash but excellently delivered. If you like country tearjerkers you'll love this album

Perfect country album. Songs were super well crafted and no fat. He’s got a great voice. Pedal steel. Song lyrics r about being lonesome. Just don’t know if it’s something I put on, but if I’m ever in the mood for this you are my first call grand tour by George jones

High quality writing playing, and performing. You can see why he is so highly regarded in country music after listening to this album.

Every song on this album had a similar sound but yet could easily be separated from each other. A distinct George Jones sound that was easy to listen to

Good album, very solid overall. 6.1/10

3.5

Does exactly what it says on the tin. I just don’t particularly care for this style of tin. And I don’t know enough about country music to know if this is particularly good or whether it’s a case of “we must have a George Jones album on the list”.

If I enjoyed old school country, I feel this would be great

I love George Jones’s voice

This sure is an old school, cryin' in your beer style country album. Must be foundational or something. Good singer, but didn't care for what he was singing, in general. 2.5* rounding up, as it wasn't particularly irritating.

A little on the boring side but I was feeling it??? A good background noise album.

country is not really my genre, but this was nice enough

Not a country fan but the album is still simply a feel good nice listening.

Vildt god stemme og kunne godt lide produktionen!

Short and concise album, but not a bad song on it. very enjoyable country album.

A few familiar tunes.