Reviews (page 6 of 9)
This is excellent. There's a lot of influences on here and the product is truly indie, it's psychadelic, electronic, folky, synthy, and the songwriting is distinct and surprising. The product feels personal and absurd. There's a beatles quality in that its psychadelic without the melt your face guitar. It reminded me a bit of the Todd Rundren album. There's an obvious 2010ness to this album bringing up the hypocrisy of the church but I think it's done creatively and doesn't bring down the sound. I'll probably be listening to this all weekend.
Not into this at all.
The tone of this album is insane. It goes from melancholy sadness to joking about Ripley killing xenonorphs to spewing slurs (I get the point but man that is quite a set of sentences). The bizarre New Orleans parade instrumentation in “Silver Platter Club” is comical, but is it supposed to be? That’s what I don’t get about this album. Musically it’s actually kinda great. I was prepared to hate this but the singing and playing is really excellent and the composition is fun. The lyrics go from normal lyrics to teenage poetry, but again that might be intentional. This is a weird but good album. I wouldn’t turn it off if it was on.
I wanted to like this, but some of the lyrics weee just too on the nose. Felt more like a parody album in spots.
this was kinda neat. i wanna say i really liked it, but...it was only kinda neat. i did like 'jesus hates faggots', in the same way i'd like anything that pokes fun at modern christian hypocrisy, and the title track was nice.
Excellent album with a lot of memorable songs. Interesting lyrics ranging with a big range of moods.
Average - ok.
Ein wunderschönes Album mit wunderschönen Melodien mit wunderschönen Arrangements. Wunderschön.
Another good one that I was not previously familiar with. I like the snarky vibe that he has. The melodies are interesting. Just a fun album.
2 out of 5. A bit bland but there were some nice melodies here and there. Just not for me.
It’s rare that such a bizarrely absurd mix of songs comes together as such a beautifully complete package. Some of the lyrics are so nonsensical yet flow together so well, and serious topics like homophobia and other societal issues are addressed in playful or even whimsical ways. Why this hasn’t come across my radar sooner is a mystery to me. It really is a piece of art.
Really great sound. Some clever lyrics but unfortunately I’m listening while working so I’m sure it’s worth really digging into. But overall enjoyed it.
p929. 2010. 5 stars. Fabulous collection of songs covering desire, self loathing and broken relationships. Great voice, sharp lyrics and stripped down production. And the title track is possibly the greatest breakup song ever written.
Queen of Denmark is the debut solo album by John Grant, originally released in 2010. Never heard of this artist prior to listening. This album has some really nice folk rock vibes. Towards the end of the album he trades in his piano for some synths. A lot of the hooks were very Beatle-esque and remind me of their later career hits. The production is pretty solid on here. I'm not a huge fan of the lyrics. They're a bit immature. I guess he was kinda going for a slacker rock kinda thing but it doesn't really hit for me.
like someone put boring music to someone’s high school poetry notebook could i write poetry to this? n
A friend turned me on to John Grant's song "GMF", which is not on this album. Unfortunately, nothing here measures up to that that track. I just didn't grab my attention at any point. I might come back to it one more time, just to be sure.
Not essential.
Don't think I've ever listened to anything by John Grant. He's obviously a very talented songwriter, but this isn't something I would routinely listen to.
Never heard this before. Interesting to have a modern artist use 70's style. The arrangements are okay but I don't like the songwriting it the singing. Very disappointing. Close to 1 star than 3.
This was fine. Liked a few songs, didn't love it. 3.0
10 out of 10 for sad bastard music.
Sounds like Father John Misty albeit with more major key usage. Not necessarily a bad thing, but folk rock is just so fucking bland sometimes
First few songs I thought this was a 3 potentially 4 but by the end it was lucky to get 2 stars
Listening to this album was like being at a Poetry Slam and the poet is autistic Sagittarian.
I remember first hearing "Marz" via the Midlake connection and instantly LOVING this. Sure, there was a lot of acoustic folk around at the time, but this, along with Midlake themselves and Fleet Foxes was elite. Probably a four, but it gets a bonus star for use of "Jc hates faggots" as a track title
Some honest to god bangers on here, and some genuine chuckles on a couple tracks as well. A lot of it feels like the evil twin of Sufjan Stevens.
I’m not sure if it was supposed to be, but I found many of lyrics on here to be quite funny. I liked it, but I’m not sure if it’s something I would revisit much. Favorite songs were Marz, Chicken Bones, and Jc Hates F******
I'm not entirely certain what I just listened to. If it happened to be playing somewhere I could listen to it, but I don't first myself seeking it out again. Not sure why it's on this list.
Really liked this.
No way
Sorry, bro, pass. Why is this a must hear... ??
mi è piaciuto molto, non me l'aspettavo. sicuramente da approfondire altri suoi progetti
This sucks so bad. Not an ounce of musical originality in the whole thing. Lyrics are cringeworthy. Nah, actually lyrics are infantile. Dude, it wasn't ok when John Lennon did it in the 70s, it wasn't ok when bob Dylan did it in the 70s, feel free to keep ripping off their music but leave the tone-deaf racism in the past. Trying to pull that shit in 2010 is disgusting, so dumb it defeats the attempted message of the song. The rest is varying degrees of garbage. Truly, truly awful. 1/10
Þessi er ljómandi skemmtileg, daðraði við fimmu á köflum en róaðist svo aðeins. Mæli þó absólút með.
Not quite my tempo.
I did not like it. I don't really like the solo acoustic type of vibe.
My favorite thing I’ve heard from this project so far (about 250 albums). The lyrics are quirky and darkly humorous and poetic and touching. The instrumentations range from folksy guitars to Beatlesque piano to synths, and they’re all incredible. Just brilliant in every way.
Wow. This was an experience. I don't think I'll listen again but it wasn't bad at all.
I’m only familiar with later records from John Grant, mainly Pale Green Ghosts Boy from Michigan which were both excellent. I dont know why but I assumed this wouldn’t be very good. But you don’t get on Bella Union being dull, and this is anything but. The first 3 songs in particular are one of the strongest album introductions I’ve heard. And the whole record is great for the majority, although my only gripe is it could do with a few being trimmed. It’s quite long and there’s a couple of filler tracks, BUT as with his other records I’m certain with time these will end up sounding class. He’s one hell of a songwriter and storyteller. Going to be returning to this a lot I think. 4 for now, could well end up being a 5
This was odd, half of it was a sort of moody singer songwriter album, and the other half was a scissor sistersy disco fuelled romp. The faux German song was weird. So was the Jesus one. John wasn't afraid to use offensive language to get his point across. The swearing in this album in general was unexpected, you don't hear it in music like this very often. It mostly wasn't my sort of thing, though I think a lot of these songs held up to similar artists. Couldn't help but enjoy supernatural defibrillator.
Bit long, but very entertaining and surprising. Such a wide use of instruments and styles. Reminds me of a more unhinged Sufjan Stevens (with a stronger voice) and Rufus Wainwright with the lyrics. TC & Honeybear, Where The Dreams Go To Die, JC Hates Faggots and That's The Good News were the standouts. The Sigourney Weaver song was bizarre. From the album cover, I expected something a lot more mellow - parts of the album are bananas. It is long and could do with a trim, hence the 4 stars. Really good though.
Hmm. This was pretty interesting and think I enjoyed most of it. Quite interesting lyrically. Some I'm not too sure about. I listened to it twice though so there must be something to it. Quite liked JC hates faggots. Marz was pretty good too. Strange German song in there
A real hop across styles and genre here, for someone I'd only heard of but never heard previously. He should get a more interesting name, because I think I thought he was going to be the other one, who sings songs from musicals and is a general irritant. He has mad fans. Josh Groban! To be fair, I don't actually know what Groban does either. All of this was a good lesson in opening your mind, because you might just get to hear John Grant.
Could not get into this, did not feel it at all.
I've never heard of this guy. I really need to listen to this again when I can focus on the lyrics b/c what I was able to catch while I was working/half listening are gold. 3.5 rounding up
This guy likes the Beatles
Re_listen
A really good album, with only the bonus tracks falling short of virtually perfect. Marz is a particular highlight, but the flawless vocals lift even more mundane songs into the stratosphere
Somehow it sounds stripped down a little bit, probably due to the folk backing band, but at the same time sounds theatrical and complex. Can’t help but relate it to Sufjan Stevens but maybe it’s just my Neanderthal brain thinking gay dudes make similar music. My gay brother and BIL have terrible taste in music though so I don’t know, unsolved mystery I guess. Really good album.
Great!
Absolute fantastic album from someone I've never heard of before. I'm so happy I discovered this album and this artist. Will definitely be listening to more. Really well done.
John Grant’s debut solo album is versatile and powerful. You can totally hear someone like Father John Misty’s resemblance in the lyrics and charisma
TC & Honeybear - Marz - Sigourney Weaver - Outer Space
Didn’t like the album and it gave me weird straight dude vibes, like in the way I could totally imagine him having mannequins and pallets of human hair in his basement. So color me shocked to find out this guy actually isn’t straight at all! The album just has that very particular 2010s hipster dude sound where they think they’re so clever and funny and deep, but in reality it’s just tryhard and cringe. Dude’s voice is not good either. Also, I don’t care if you’re trying to be ironic or subversive or whatever, but it’s not okay for white people to say racial slurs. I don’t care what point you’re trying to make. It was just one song but soured me even more on the album. This was really a struggle to get through. I started watching Instagram reels near the end because one caught my eye and I completely forgot I was listening to an album until like 30 minutes later. I’m not sure why this deserves to be on the list and why it received so much critical praise. It is nothing special. I’d say almost every album I’ve rated 1 star so far should be on this list over this. I’ve heard albums from American Idol rejects that are better and more culturally significant than this.
Favorite Tracks: Sigourney Weaver Marz Queen of Denmark
What the hell is this 💩
Insanely bad. Nothing redeeming about it whatsoever. 1/5
All sounded the same
Durschnitt. Die Stimmer beser, der Rest schlechter. 2.6
Rating: 7.5/10 Very good album overall. The vocals and lyrics were the standout: very nice vocals with honest lyrics. The instrumentation was great, folk/rock/pop inspired which complemented the vocals well. Second half falls a little short compared to the first half but still very enjoyable from start to finish. Favorite songs: Tc & Honeybear, Marz, Where Dreams Go To Die, Sigourney Weaver, Chicken Bones, Silver Platter Club, Jc Hates Faggots, Queen of Denmark. Worst song: It's Easier.
**In-Depth Review of John Grant’s Album “Queen of Denmark”** Released in 2010, *Queen of Denmark* is John Grant’s debut solo album, following the disbandment of his previous band, The Czars. The album quickly established Grant as a singular voice in the singer-songwriter landscape, celebrated for his stark, confessional lyrics, lush arrangements, and a unique blend of vulnerability and wit. Produced by the American folk-rock band Midlake, *Queen of Denmark* is a remarkable exploration of personal turmoil, self-acceptance, and resilience, set against a backdrop of 70s-inspired soft rock. ### **Lyrics** **Pros:** John Grant’s lyrical prowess is the centerpiece of *Queen of Denmark*. His lyrics are brutally honest, darkly humorous, and deeply personal, often drawing from his own experiences with addiction, heartbreak, and coming to terms with his sexuality. The album is a narrative of self-discovery and survival, delivered with a sharp, acerbic wit that makes even the darkest themes accessible and relatable. Songs like “I Wanna Go to Marz” encapsulate nostalgia and escapism through surreal imagery and a childlike yearning for innocence. The lyrics conjure up memories of a candy store Grant frequented as a child, serving as a metaphor for a simpler, happier time, away from the harsh realities of adult life. The whimsical tone is underscored by a bittersweet recognition of its unattainability, lending the song a poignant edge. In contrast, “Sigourney Weaver” displays Grant’s talent for blending humor with existential dread. The song uses pop culture references—specifically the actress Sigourney Weaver and her role in *Alien*—as a metaphor for feeling alienated and out of place. The absurdity of the comparisons (“I feel just like Sigourney Weaver, when she had to kill those aliens”) highlights the incongruity between Grant's internal experiences and the outside world, making it both funny and deeply sad. **Cons:** The intensely personal nature of the lyrics, while a strength, can also be alienating for some listeners. The specificity of Grant’s experiences, particularly his references to his struggles with homosexuality and substance abuse, may not resonate universally. Additionally, the album’s pervasive melancholy and self-deprecation might be overwhelming for those who prefer more uplifting or varied lyrical content. ### **Music and Arrangements** **Pros:** Musically, *Queen of Denmark* is a rich tapestry of 70s-inspired soft rock, folk, and baroque pop, largely due to Midlake’s involvement in the production. The band’s influence is evident in the warm, analog soundscapes that evoke the likes of Elton John, Bread, and early solo John Lennon. The arrangements are lush and expansive, featuring a blend of acoustic guitars, piano, mellotron, and intricate harmonies, all of which create a nostalgic yet timeless atmosphere. The album opens with “TC and Honeybear,” a delicate ballad that gradually builds into a sweeping orchestral climax. The song’s structure mirrors its emotional arc, starting with a gentle piano line and gradually incorporating strings, brass, and harmonized vocals. This progression creates a sense of intimacy that draws the listener into Grant’s world. “Where Dreams Go to Die” showcases Midlake’s skillful orchestration, with its blend of gentle acoustic guitar, mellotron, and subtle percussion. The song’s arrangement complements the lyrics’ exploration of disillusionment and the death of idealism, with the music slowly building in intensity to mirror the increasing emotional weight. **Cons:** While the album’s retro aesthetic is generally a strength, it occasionally borders on pastiche. Some critics have noted that the heavy reliance on 70s influences makes certain tracks feel overly familiar or derivative. For instance, “It’s Easier” and “Chicken Bones” bear such a strong resemblance to their 70s forebears that they can feel more like homage than original compositions. Additionally, the album’s consistent mid-tempo pace and reliance on similar instrumentation can lead to a sense of monotony over its 50-minute runtime. ### **Production** **Pros:** The production on *Queen of Denmark* is polished and meticulous, with a clear emphasis on creating a warm, analog sound that complements Grant’s songwriting. Midlake’s involvement as producers and backing band ensures a cohesive sonic palette throughout the album, allowing Grant’s voice and lyrics to take center stage. The use of vintage equipment and recording techniques adds a layer of authenticity to the album’s 70s-inspired sound, making it feel both nostalgic and fresh. The production particularly shines in its attention to detail. Each instrument is carefully placed in the mix, creating a rich, layered sound that rewards repeated listens. Tracks like “Silver Platter Club” feature intricate arrangements where the interplay between piano, strings, and vocal harmonies creates a lush, immersive listening experience. The clarity of the production allows each element to be heard distinctly, yet the overall effect is one of cohesion and unity. **Cons:** While the production is generally excellent, some listeners may find it overly polished. The album’s slick, radio-friendly sound contrasts sharply with the rawness of Grant’s lyrics, which might feel jarring to some. In certain tracks, the pristine production can come across as too smooth, potentially dulling the emotional impact of the songs. Additionally, the consistent sonic aesthetic might leave listeners craving more variety in terms of production choices. ### **Themes** **Pros:** Thematically, *Queen of Denmark* is a deeply introspective album that explores themes of identity, self-worth, and redemption. At its core, the album is about John Grant’s journey towards self-acceptance, grappling with his past mistakes, and coming to terms with his sexuality. The lyrics are often laced with dark humor and biting sarcasm, which serve to both mask and highlight the vulnerability at the heart of the album. One of the recurring themes is the struggle for self-acceptance in the face of societal and internalized prejudice. “Jesus Hates Faggots” is a stark confrontation of the homophobia Grant faced growing up in a conservative environment. The song’s blunt title and lyrics are a powerful statement of defiance, turning the hateful words he internalized as a youth into a cathartic expression of anger and pain. The song’s stripped-down arrangement allows the lyrics to take center stage, making it one of the most emotionally charged moments on the album. Another key theme is the tension between nostalgia and disillusionment. Throughout the album, Grant reflects on his past with a mixture of longing and regret, as seen in songs like “I Wanna Go to Marz” and “Where Dreams Go to Die.” These songs explore the loss of innocence and the realization that the idealized past can never be reclaimed. This theme of disillusionment is further explored in the title track, “Queen of Denmark,” where Grant lashes out at those who have wronged him, but ultimately turns the blame inward, acknowledging his own role in his unhappiness. **Cons:** The album’s thematic focus on personal struggle and self-reflection can be emotionally taxing for listeners. The relentless introspection and the often bleak subject matter might be overwhelming for those who prefer music that offers escapism or positivity. Additionally, some listeners might find the album’s themes to be too narrowly focused on Grant’s personal experiences, potentially limiting its broader appeal. ### **Influence** **Pros:** *Queen of Denmark* has had a significant impact on the singer-songwriter genre, particularly in how it blends confessional lyrics with lush, vintage-inspired production. The album helped reestablish John Grant as a major figure in indie music and influenced a wave of artists who similarly use their music as a means of personal expression and catharsis. Grant’s fearless exploration of his sexuality and mental health in his lyrics has resonated with many listeners, particularly those who have faced similar struggles. His willingness to tackle taboo subjects with a mix of humor and sincerity has paved the way for other artists to approach difficult topics with a similar candor. The album’s success also demonstrated the enduring appeal of 70s soft rock and baroque pop, genres that had fallen out of favor in the mainstream but found new life in the indie scene. *Queen of Denmark* helped to revive interest in these styles, influencing artists who seek to blend retro sounds with modern sensibilities. **Cons:** While *Queen of Denmark* has been influential, it has also been somewhat pigeonholed as a niche album, primarily appealing to those who appreciate its specific blend of 70s nostalgia and deeply personal lyrics. This has limited its influence in more mainstream circles, where its sound and themes might be considered too esoteric or niche. ### **Pros and Cons of the Album** **Pros:** 1. **Lyrical Depth and Honesty:** John Grant’s lyrics are brutally honest and deeply personal, offering a rare glimpse into his struggles with addiction, sexuality, and self-acceptance. His use of humor and irony adds layers of complexity to the emotional themes. 2. **Strong Musical Arrangements:** The album’s 70s-inspired arrangements, courtesy of Midlake, provide a lush, nostalgic backdrop that complements Grant’s songwriting. The instrumentation is rich and varied, with a careful balance between acoustic and electronic elements. 3. **Cohesive Production:** The production is polished and meticulous, with a warm, analog sound that enhances the album’s nostalgic feel. The attention to detail in the arrangements and mixing creates a cohesive and immersive listening experience. 4. **Thematic Consistency:** The album’s themes of identity, self-worth, and redemption are explored with depth and nuance. Grant’s introspective lyrics and emotional delivery make these themes resonate powerfully with listeners. 5. **Influence on the Genre:** *Queen of Denmark* has been influential in the indie singer-songwriter genre, particularly in how it blends confessional lyrics with retro-inspired production. It has inspired other artists to approach difficult topics with similar honesty and candor. **Cons:** 1. **Potential for Alienation:** The intensely personal nature of the lyrics, particularly the focus on Grant’s experiences as a gay man, may not resonate with all listeners. The specific references and themes might be alienating for those who cannot relate to Grant’s experiences. 2. **Overreliance on 70s Nostalgia:** While the 70s-inspired sound is a strength, it can also feel derivative at times. Some tracks border on pastiche, lacking the originality that might be expected from a debut album. 3. **Lack of Variety in Tempo and Mood:** The album’s consistent mid-tempo pace and reliance on similar instrumentation can lead to a sense of monotony. The emotional weight of the lyrics, combined with the uniformity of the arrangements, might make the album feel overwhelming or repetitive for some listeners. 4. **Polished Production:** While the production is generally excellent, it can sometimes feel overly polished. The slick, radio-friendly sound contrasts with the rawness of Grant’s lyrics, which might dilute the emotional impact of the songs for some listeners. 5. **Limited Mainstream Appeal:** The album’s niche appeal, both in terms of its sound and themes, has limited its influence in more mainstream circles. It may be too esoteric for listeners who prefer more accessible or uplifting music. ### **Conclusion** *Queen of Denmark* is a powerful debut album that established John Grant as a distinctive voice in the singer-songwriter genre. Its blend of confessional lyrics, lush 70s-inspired arrangements, and polished production creates a deeply emotional and immersive listening experience. While the album’s intensely personal nature and reliance on nostalgia might not appeal to everyone, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. *Queen of Denmark* remains a landmark album in Grant’s career and a significant influence on contemporary music, celebrated for its honesty, humor, and emotional depth.
Awesome album from someone I've never ever heard of before. It was witty, some silliness but still profound. I must have listened to it four times in a row.
It was better than I expected, but it’s probably not anything I’ll seek out. I think it would have been a bigger hit in the 90’s
Kinda gay but in a good way
Decent songs but questionable titles
Albums like this is why I continue with the list: Never heard of this guy, and looking at the album art, I had already concluded that I wouldn’t like it. But I love it Mix Bowie with America, Rufus Wainwright, and Great Lakes Swimmers and you have this compelling pop/singer-songwriter album.
Nice voice but lousy songs. Am not aware of Czars and after experiencing their leas singer I will not be researching them.
Amazing
Nice album.
The kind of music your friend would show you in high school and you would obsess over and then you’d go to a concert and it’d be empty
So compelling. Loved it.
Meh
Pretty fucking boring. Debo decir que el comienzo del disco auguraba mejores cosas. Las melodías me hicieron pensar que tal vez estaba frente a una mejor versión de David Gray o algo así, pero si bien hay un cuidado en las armonías y los ganchos, nada de eso resulta en canciones memorables.
J’aime le côté sans fard. Pour la musique, je suis entre deux: parfois, je trouve ça recherché et mélodieux; parfois, ça me semble inutilement ornementé et aller dans toutes les directions (cabaret, électronique, prog, orchestral…)
This was ok. Nothing special but it was listenable.
This gimmick of singing in a serious, earnest tone about wild, silly things has been done before. (Jonathan Coulton comes to mind.) It's good for a chuckle and a single listen. There's also some (I think) actual serious songs and social commentary here. Favorite track: Chicken Bones
unexpected reat album. had many interesting and catchy moments!!! 3.5/5.0
All of these songs have provocative and deliberately weird lyrics over pre established popular songs. Like “chicken bones” is just sweet child of mine” right? And “Sigourney Weaver” has a teaspoon of “free bird”, no? But there is some brilliance in the raw honesty of the style. It’s Adam green meets Mika, meets the eagles somehow. Interesting stuff.
Jueves de últimos fríos en Argentina y toca hoy artista desconocido. Tranquilo, marida muy bien con éste clima y con las mañanas. La voz de John Grant es relajada y dulce y, sumada a los arreglos musicales, se vuelve poderosísima. Se cuelan sonidos Beatles ("Silver Platter Club") y hacen que todo se vuelva más hermoso. Gran hallazgo.
Not even sure where to start on this one. First why is it on this list, it cannot be top 1,001. It was not bad, but Grant is all over the place and I can’t tell if it is satire or serious. It is middle of road as there have certainly been worse on this list.
He was singing why don’t you take this out on someone else. He did and it wasn’t good. This album could have been salvaged if it was like the first couple songs but no that didn’t happen. Therapy is what he needed and he briefly mentioned someone else going to it but not him which was the problem. This album was a mistake. Lastly, I don’t understand the love for him. I could continue on that but I don’t want to because of the pitiful attempt at music this was. As you can tell in my comments, I am making an attempt at how the album progressed.
I really liked the majority of this album. His voice was great, the musicality was great, it sounded really smooth and polished. I loved the differing varieties and feels to the differing songs. The only critique I have is track 10. I get what he was doing with it but at the end where he just said a bunch of slurs I just felt that kinda ruined the song for me. He had accomplished his goal so far throughout the song without that being necessary so I just don’t really know why he added that at the end. Otherwise very nice album.
musically & vocally, the opening tracks had me interested. but the lyrics were.....random? odd? I mean-Sigourney Weaver?? was this supposed to be more stream of conscious or tongue in cheek? just don't get it & will I ever listen to again-nope
This ones interesting. Maybe what I thought fleet foxes should be with the orchestral pop. He does it better with clever, sometimes too clever, lyrics.
Gostei de algumas músicas, mas preciso ouvir dnv pra ter certeza que é algo que ouviria mais de uma vez, mas ao todo como álbum não gostei
John Grant's debut solo album "Queen of Denmark" aims high but ultimately falls short. While Grant's distinctive baritone and quirky songwriting show promise, the album suffers from a lack of cohesion. The Midlake-produced retro sound often overwhelms Grant's lyrics, which range from clever to cringe-worthy. Standout tracks like the title song hint at potential, but they're lost among meandering compositions. Grant's exploration of personal themes is admirable, yet the execution often feels heavy-handed. Despite moments of brilliance, "Queen of Denmark" is a royal affair that fails to consistently engage or impress.
3.5/5
Took me a whole to listen to this in full. Wasn't hitting at first but actually it's pretty good.
Oh wow that random n-word drop. Was actually liking it, shame.
I was on the fence, until: I feel just like Winona Ryder In that movie about vampires And she couldn't get that accent right; Neither could that other guy
Would you call this "proto Father John Misty"? I haven't checked out the rest of his catalog yet, but FJM did debut 2 years later in 2012 and this album feels like it was the foundation before Tillman added all the strings and additional orchestration that usually fill all his albums. All in all, it's an ok album albeit not that exciting. None of the songs really popped out at me or excited me in any way. It's just solid mid.
++: TC and Honeybear, Chicken Bones, Leopard & Lamb +: Where Dreams Go to Die, Silver Platter Club, It's Easy, Outer Space, Queen of Denmark +-: Marz, Sigourney Weaver, Jesus Hates Faggots -: Caramel 7,2/10
Beautiful and smooth musically, very clever and insightful lyrically. A new discovery and I already love it very much at my first listen.
This was a surprise. Kinda silly, but beautiful folk
No way! I was saying just two days ago that I need to become acquainted with John Grant’s music, after discovering Big Special are supporting him on tour. I can definitely hear some Rufus Wainwright in there, and Father John Misty probably owes him a debt too. The pretty, bittersweet ballads are the highlights for me, though I also appreciate his sardonic lyrics on other tracks. All in all, a positive introduction to John Grant. Looks like I’ll be diving deeper into to his back catalogue in due course.
Wow. How depressing.
Interesting concept, a bit Zappa-ish.
I was not familiar with John Grant before listening to this record. A Father John Misty-type who is a bit more worldly and literate. There is candour and sentimentality as well as a darkly humorous point of view that I appreciate. For Grant, the only way to get over the fact that your mother calls you a disappointment (on her deathbed as her FINAL WORDS, no less) is to laugh. Working with Midlake, John Grant produces a soft, tender album about growing up in the Midwest, confronting your sexuality, and witnessing the promise of liberal idealism curdle before your very eyes. The Elton John comparisons are apt, not just for the foregrounding of the piano and Taupin-like lyrics that feels more like prose, handwritten letters, and notes-to-self. There is a glammy, cosmic quality in the synth flourishes that run throughout the album and a self-deprecation that is wrapped up in some in-your-face behaviour. "Chicken Bones" has a bouncy, late 90s cabaret but is just so laugh out loud funny. If I go back to any song off this record, it will definitely be that one. Feels like an album he had to make. B+
hmmmmm a bit weird but entirely inoffensive, at least inoffensive sound wise. lyrically it is def offensive but i lowk fw dat
Only slightly better than Nick Cave and he sucked.
Recht melodisch
Decent songs, but I felt the last songs of the album were quite unnecessary. Maybe there's a thematic element here that I missed. 6/10
A beautifully produced album of melancholic, almost depressing music, which ultimately, just doesn't do it for me.
I actually really enjoyed this album! Live and tenderness, piano and synth with drifting sounds. Good singer and overall satisfying.
... why, though? What makes this an AYMHBYD? Seeing who had a very big hand in this album's production, why is this here and not Midlake's "The Courage of Others" from the same year? Like, if I were that band, I'd be rather pissed. There's competent and fairly pretty songwriting on here, but it all leaves me wanting for more. Or with some tracks less, actually.
Did not know John Grant before this album but I was absolutely blown away by just how damn great it was!
Ég þekki auðvitað til Johns sem nýs Íslendings og mér finnst mörg lögin hans mjög áhlustunarvæn. Þægileg og róleg og stundum fínir textar. Mér finnst þau samt oft á tíðum vera mjög lík. Á þessari plötu er reyndar meiri fjölbreytni en ekkert sem mun fá mig til að hlusta á John nema bara í útvarpinu.
Surprisingly good. Instrumentals and vocals work well together here.
A wonderfully exciting album from John Grant. Some very solid vocals as well as the overall production. There was some interesting dialogue to say the least which kept me engaged all the way through. Best - TC & Honeybear, Sigourney Weaver, It's Easier, Outer Space, Caramel, and Queen Of Denmark Worse - no bad songs 3.50-3.75
Too personal. Don't think I needed to be involved in his therapy session. And a bit show tuney at times.
Some good tracks... could have been a 4 if some of the weird ones weren't included
Debut de John Grant. Un tipo que tanto en solitario como con los injustamente olvidados Czars merecen un lugar privilegiado en cualquier discoqueta. Tuvo desde su publicación una recepción extraordinaria de crítica, que no de repercusión en ventas ni reproducciones. Uno de los mejores álbumes de 2010, y los hubo muy buenos: The Black keys- Brothers, Best Coast- Crazy for you, Joanna Newson- Have one on me, Twin Shadow- Forget, Tracey Thorn- Love and its opposite, Caribou- Swim, Vampire weekend- Contra, Crystal Castles- Crystal Castles, Sufjan Stevens- The age of Adz, Kanye West- My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, The National - High Violet, Delorean - Subiza, LCD Soundsystem -This Is Happening, The Drums - The Drums, Arcade Fire -The Suburbs, Janelle Monáe - The Archandroid, Deerhunter -Halcyon Digest, Beach House - Teen Dream, Radio Dept. -Clinging to a Scheme, Belle and Sebastian- Write about love, Lana del rey- Lana del rey, Sade- Soldier of love, MGMT - Congratulations, Band of horses- Infinite arms, Superchunk- Majesty Shredding, Elton John and Leon Russell- The union...
I didn’t really get this. It wasn’t unpleasant, but it just seemed off. During Signourney Weaver I keep expecting him to start singing Free Bird by Lynyrd Skynyrd, they’re so similar. I liked the song Queen of Denmark, but it’s a bit late at 50 minutes to start being good.
There were some interesting sounds that made me want to check out some other John Grant songs. Maybe it could grow on me. But otherwise, it's a solid 3 star album.
This album was experience! I enjoyed the vast majority of it. I really liked 'outer space'. But then some of it was a bit weird for me. There were some very interesting lyrics, which would probably get this a higher score if I had time for a relisten. Also I imagine it would be a good stoner album
Really enjoyed this. Slightly too long but there's some really interesting stuff on this, if he'd cut out a few songs it would have been perfect for me.
Really like this!
1/5. It's like Father John Misty, but bad.
The album is mostly annoying to listen to. Was powering through it worth it for two pretty good songs? Not really. Maybe I'll check out a different album from John Grant.
I really really liked this! I've never heard of this guy before but his music was v interesting (and he has a lot of songs about being gay)
Loved it
Interesting album. Great distillation of the feelings of alienation and stress that come with addiction and coming out. This is what Father John Misty wants to sound like. Rye, cheeky lyrics that cut and orchestration that makes you stop what you are doing to listen.
It's ok I guess......... I like the chill sad/reflective vibe. It's not world shattering. Why is it on this chart?
Me sonaba Marz. Me ha gustado mucho. Indie folksoft rock.
I only knew one or two John Grants songs before this. At first I wasn't sure I was into it but now at the end I think I may have loved it. Very unique way of delivering lyrics. A varied album in style and storytelling. Read up a bit about him, seems like a really interesting and progressive guy. Appreciated that his songs spoke about queer love. Some beautiful songs in here. Emotive, heartfelt, humourous, dramatic at times.
Good stuff!
This was a really pivotal album for me in my teens as I realised what popular music can be outside of radio rock songs. Combining a singer-songwriter style with some glam elements and a hefty dose of electronics, Grant expertly crafts a spacey melancholy world where dreams go to die. There is a deadpan wit amongst the heartbreak on songs like Sigourney Weaver and Chicken Bones and, while a couple of songs in the second half don’t quite land for me, it all builds towards the stunning title track
June 18 2025 a ver, never heard it 1. Tc & Honeybear. Nice, intro medio x pero la voz tipo cocorosie darksita le dio un buen plus. I liked it pero weird, pero I liked it. Song 6.9 de 10. 2. Marz. Beautiful, yeah! "I wanna go to Mars" as I facebooked long ago finally can be justified. Pero el disco es 2010, not sure about the status. 3. Where Dreams Go To Die. Too mellow 4me. Cute but not my thing. Skipped ending. 4. SigourneyWeaver(?). Boring af. 5. Super ladilla. 6. Entretenida, pero no genial. Coolcita. 7. It's Easier. Sad, not fun, skipped. 8. Bored, mate. 9. Jc Hates Faggots. Tienes potencial en el intro, don't fuck it up, pleah... Yeah, nice one. Buen like! 10. Good job con el synth, didn't like the song fully, pero su ending tuvo nice. 11. Nice one, not amazing but enjoyed it. LIKE 12. Boring, skipped. 13. Este pana se lanza unos temas que parecen memes, this is one of those temas, podría ser tranquilamente Töôrnst Hülpft from Chic Tweetz. Bueno, el bridge de saxo tuve calidad. Mal tema tho', skipped lo demás 14. Supernatural Defribilator. Sonido igual al anterior. Shite still. 15. Gay, boring. 16. Dreamy, pa sleepy, not great. But escuchable, lots of echo and whispers. Like solo porque algo similar me gustaría. Ehh... 2.9 pero merece el 2.
Brilliant. I hadn't listened to this, though had listened to some other John Grant. There are some exquisite lyrics in this album...
Not bad, but such odd lyrics. I think I liked it lol. Track 9 was a surprise to say the least. Good but odd.
-it sounds good -great instrumentation -John is a talented soul -at first sight, I thought I wouldnt enjoy this. Oh, how wrong I was -weird album cover -it sounds like an 80s album, even if it was made in 2010 -favorite songs: TC & Honeybear, Marz (<3), Where Dreams Go To Die, It's Easier (<3), Outer Space, the title track -least favorite song: Caramel
I just enjoyed this album a lot. It was cool how the title track at the end had parts that were way more intense than the rest of the album, and it the ninth song was an interesting juxtaposition of music and lyrics. But I’m just giving it five stars because of the enjoyment factor.
Love it
Beautiful piano
Can't say i got a lot out of this, just really not my style. Felt like it was all meshing into one as it went on, a bit of fire or passion anywhere on here would be nice.
I understand and empathize with his background. Some lyrics are even funny and engaging, like Sigorney Weaver…Winona Ryder’s bad accent lol! But overall it’s not something I would listen to again or engage with. Style is too soft and boring.
Life’s too short for this vanilla tripe
Trippy stuff, would listen again. A melancholy filled album with some nice piano, songs go from quite dark to goofy with silly lyrics. 3.5
das ist nicht meine musik
Not really any standouts here, but I think I might like some of his other work
A pretty unique singer-songwriter album with a deadpan singer and some pretty odd lyrics. Some good melodies. A couple of the songs are strong, but there’s a lack of variety and kind of an unsettling vibe about the whole thing from the album cover on down. Slurs never help either. Best song: It’s Easier
Funny, catchy, and open-hearted. Another one I might've missed without the list. To be honest, I'm not sure how this one ended up here, but I'm glad it did. Highlights: Marz, Sigourney Weaver, Chicken Bones, Silver Platter Club, Jc Hates Faggots, Leopard and Lamb, Queen of Denmark
How have I never heard of John Grant? I found this album to be incredible! From the first song you can tell John Grant is gay and he has something tortured inside him trying to come out. There is a lot of humor in this album but also a lot of self-deprecation, two of my favorite things but not always combined well to make good music. But thankfully John Grant teamed up with Midlake for this album and the music is as beautiful and interesting as the lyrics. Come to find out I have many more John Grant albums to discover and I plan to one day, but I am thankful this was thrown at me because it was a beautiful little surprise.
album cover low key ruins it a little; not into first song album is overall unmemorable, I don't care for his voice much and beyond the chorus of where dreams go to die I wasn't wowed at all album dragged on, lost interest towards end not for me
The music is fine, but sounds very close to tracks released decades before. I really had a feeling that entire riffs had been lifted, but I can’t really place any concrete examples. Then there are the lyrics. Surely the dude can do metaphors that don’t involve fruit loops, or caramel, or chocolate. Why is everything candy or movies? Congratulations on finding the edge to say "shit", and "fuck" a lot though. We even get some racial slurs. All of the edgy 12 year old tropes, and the he's even bad at swearing convincingly. There's just nothing worth listening to, or reading here. Edgy teenager stuff even if he was technically older when he wrote it. 3 for the music, minus 2 for the lyrics.
5/30/24. Very surprising gem that came across today! Very personal and emotional songs, catchy but not cliche. Instrumentation and lyrics are fantastic. Might have a new favorite for the next couple weeks.
Day 9 of listening to 1001 albums, one day at a time. John Grant is one of the most creative writers I’ve have ever listened to. This album is a lot of things but every single song has a way to captivate you and so many ways. A lot of this album is talking about his homosexuality and his relationships which feel very touching and personal. But also understanding the context of this album and its John trying to understand himself after leaving his band and thoughts of suicide. This album bounces around a lot but I think that is why it’s so great it not exactly a project that needs to be all one idea and that’s what makes it perfect.
there's like 2 good songs that don't annoy me
This album sucks. Terrible lyrics, complete cheese ball. You feel like sigourney weaver in Alien bro? Dude this shit is unlistenable. Instrumentals are okay I guess.
really good - interesting songs, interesting premise, strong ambient finish minus for the weird german song
Джизус ненавидит педиков - единственное что я отсюда вынес
Bad poetry with mediocre music
Really unique sound.
He's got a good voice and the music is played well by talented musicians. But I listen to these as I'm getting ready to go to work early in the morning. And although I don't expect to be feeling like the King of the world when I leave, what I really, really don't want is to be feeling SUI(FUCKING)CIDAL. And I'm only 2 tracks into it. It's gone.
Just terrible. Lyrics are just silly and put to random generic background music.
This is yet another reason why I am doing this 1001 albums challenge. On paper, I should avoid like the plague, with echos of Supertramp and all that 70"s softy shit. But this is extraordinary in it's mellow vibe and beautiful tunes. All songs are of a very hogh quality, but if i jad to pick a couple of standouts, then 'Marz' and 'Leopard and Lamb'. I love his voice. A 5 star surprise.
Meh, forgot it was on. It’s just bland & doesn’t have anything that stands out
4.8 - I always liked a few John Grant songs, but listening to the whole album, what a journey! I thought it was stunning and have been thinking about it loads since I listened to it last week. Will be listening to more, love his voice as well.
Really had a great time with this, listened through twice. Fave Tracks: TC & Honeybear, Marz, Where The Dreams Go to Die, Sigourney Weaver, JC Hates Faggots, Queen of Denmark, That's the Good News 4.7/5
I saw John Grant in the Exeter University student union when he was touring pale green ghosts, shortly after he'd announced he was hiv positive. It was very moving.
Ok, this is a charmer. Totally reads like the Michigan sound. You can hear all the influences on this record, without anything being a direct rip off. There’s SuperTramp and Elton John, mixed with Beck and Father John Misty. But somehow it works as one coherent sound. And the lyrics are fantastic.
Really interesting album with experimental music. The highlights were "Tc and Honey bear", "Chicken Bones", and "Queen of Denmark". Wasn't sure if I'd like this album, but glad I did.
This album has an ineffable feel of not giving a shit. Freed from expectations of being "great", Grant has created an album that's distinctly good. It's personal. It's funny. It's serious. There's a German techno parody dropped in the middle of it...
Sitting here feeling like the emperor's got no clothes on. My music taste can roughly be summed up as '6 music dad', so I was hyped to finally hear a John Grant album. And it's like... Twee melodies and teen philosopher lyrics? Maybe I just don't get the references. 1* for the album and 1 additional star for the admittedly very fun Sigourney Weaver track.
Not familiar with him before this, really enjoyed this album. Unique song, mix of acoustic with some synth/electronic. powerful subject matter too
Way better than I expected from the cover. I thought it would be some overdone arty piece. Totally more chill.
Pleasantly surprised by a lot of this but what was all that weird German stuff towards the end 😂
I've never heard of this album or this person. I'm listening to the song "Queen of Denmark". Is this parody? We have a singer songwriter thing going on here. I assume the piano is his weapon of choice. These songs are really good and it's a nice listen. There's noticable a lot of playfulness in the lyrics. Sometime the music is very dramatic and the lyrics seem a little goofy at the same time. Maybe this guy is autistic. It's all very straightforward. There's a song about religion here and it goes pretty hard. Looks like this guy knows what he's doing after all. So after listening to the song "Sigourney Weaver" it clicked with me, the slice of life, storytelling style here is similar to Mark Kozelek/Sun Kil Moon. It's all a bit weird but engaging and interesting. The music is often times very dramatic and I'm getting Pink Floyd vibes every once in a while. This is really good. 4/5
Stupid lyrics with boring music. Perfect combo
Brits love trash
Really like this!
The vocals were just blah, but the lyrics were good.
a bit pretentious but good musically i guess. 3.5.
I’m really torn on this—I like it and I don’t like it at the same time.
This is interesting and kinda weird, one to revisit perhaps someday
Liked
It was never that interesting, but ended album of the year for several music magazines. Was it such a bad year?
It's not awful, but the lyrics went from feeling sort of whimsical satirical just winging it towards just overdoing it so instead of a potentially interesting message it's just bashing you over the head with...whatever this is. My planned rating for it dropped over time, from 4 down to where we are now. I'd like to call it inoffensive but at times it seems to purposefully strive for the opposite. The song I liked the most was Queen of Denmark, but I'm not sure I'd enjoy it in a vacuum or if I just got worn out on floaty synths over the course of the album and was just into the big guitar punches.
Something I had never listened to, but I think could easily hear more.
I can only assume the “three bean salad” John speaks of in ‘JC Hates Faggots’ is the podcast.
It gets an extra star for that weird German accent song
This was a pleasant new album. A bit over the top lyrically in a few spots, but that's hardly a complaint. 3
Alright this was just miserable. I don't know what is going on. I tried but the first song was like 10 minutes about some honey bear, I don't know, not fo rme.
nicht so meins
has a song called JC hates the f slur
Solid but something about the lyricism bugged me. He’s trying to be cheeky, I guess, but it comes out very clunky to me (Sigourney Weaver probably the biggest example) (2.5/5)
Definitely not for me. I don't really like this style of songwriting that's just "Let me say a bunch of words that don't really go together but over a pretty piano or guitar sounds profound." To me, it just sounded like a local punk band writing over some generic singer songwriter melody. This album took me 2 days to get through solely because it was so monotonous and boring. 3/10 Would I listen again? No
Better than I expected from the reviews, but still not very entertaining as an album.
The missing link between Randy Newman/Harry Nilsson and Father John Misty, which I love tho there is some pathos missing.
It was beautiful and haunting melodies. The lyrics were interesting and different but also strange. I have mixed feelings, I didn't not like it but also don't love it. I appreciate the talent behind it, but don't think I would listen again. I think I would need to listen a few times more to really appreciate it but I am not sure I want to...
Beautiful, dramatic, and just odd enough to be very original. Good stuff! I especially liked Where Dreams Go to Die and Queen of Denmark.
Well this album was quite a lovely surprise. Not knowing of him, I had no idea what to expect, and really got into it. Quite a journey of heartache and love and quirk and even Sigourney. So beautiful in its emotion and its weirdness, I loved it!
Listenable, but nothing of note here.
I liked the sarcastic humour. Silver Platter Club was the standout for me. The JC song was quite controversial, my goodness. I wouldn’t listen to another John Grant album in a hurry but I also wouldn’t complain if I heard another track of his.
What da hell
never heard of him, not adding to MY. list ...
Kind of boring
"Outer Space" is the standout track.
эклектично; местами Джон Мисти, местами евротреш, местами мы будем говорить плохие слова но это сатира; мама сказал что вот такую музыку она больше всего и любит; так и не поняла откуда мне так знакома аутер спейс…
This was a great listen. A deliberately humorous album a lot of the time, some songs like “Sigourney Weaver” were a delight. (One song’s whole gimmick was an unexpected use of several slurs — not as effective in my opinion.) Musically a lot of the tracks sound strangely familiar, but difficult to place; one example is “Chicken Bones,” whose main hook is basically the verse in “Sweet Child O’ Mine.” Chord progression and song structure similarities like this happened a few times, but I wouldn’t say that’s strictly a bad thing.
1.6
Between a 3 and a 4 here. Most of the music in this album is amazing while the lyrics are questionable at times. Some tracks are also a bit lackluster and I thing they could be cut out, but overall a vibe.
Singer-songwriter folk indie pop. A weird collection genres, it touches on a lot of sounds. Mostly acoustic guitar with the normal bass and drums accompaniment. I was a pretty big fan of the singing, not so much the lyrics. They felt very honest but in the same way quite childish and weak. There was a lot that I liked on the album, I don't think any song really stood out as being the worst. But also none of them really stood out as being greater than the rest. Just an overall solid enjoyable album. Might revisit, maybe I was missing something. 3.5/5
This guys voice is good enough, but man, those lyrics take you out of it.
Sounds old school af. Catchy hooks and choruses that sneak up behind you with a small rock and hit you in the head!
Lovely piece of work whilst also being too long and drifting too much in parts.
Ik ben normaal niet zo vaak in deze hoek (folk/pop/singer songwriter) te vinden, maar ik kan er normaal gesproken best goed naar luisteren. Ik kan me niet voorstellen dat er geen andere artiesten en albums te vinden zijn die ook in deze hoek van het muzikale spectrum zitten en het nog wat beter doen dan dit. Kortom: Ik durf gerust te beweren dat dit een snobkeuze is. Waarschijnlijk speciaal vanwege track 9 gekozen. Na track 12 (de titeltrack) had het moeten stoppen, want die track sloopt al het tempo eruit en het album is met 70 minuten sowieso te lang. Daarna wordt het ook weer extreem edgy, omdat ie een soort homoseksuele Duitser na gaat doen. Man man man. Ik zou met een wat gunstige afronding een 3 gegeven hebben als het na track 12 stopte. Helaas doet het dat niet en ontspoort het een beetje richting het einde. Daardoor wéér 2 sterren.
nice album, reminds me a bit of what i enjoy from jeff rosenstock. pretty unique, 7/10
This is a good album, and each individual song is fine. Possibly many are a four (Sigourney Weaver for example). But at over an hour it's much too long and suffers from the chocolate box effect: after twelve of such rich musical fare the delight has diminished somewhat through sheer repetition.
Caramel
This sounds like if AI understood how to make generic ass music. Its not necessarily bad, but only people who listen to this are NPCs
I had never heard of John Grant. Neither had you. Offerings like this make me question this list’s premise because there are surely 1001 records better or more important than this one. But anyway. The first minutes of his music I’d ever heard was me pressing play next to “Marz” because it’s a featured track. I’m in no way capable of rating or assessing his music after a casual listen, but I can hear his talent. Still, it’s nothing new or special; to put it another way, I can listen to other artists to find this. This record doesn’t sound like a 2010 product or an artist operating in the 21st century. That’s its charm and perhaps the albatross around its neck. I’m sure John Grant has found an audience somewhere or his music wouldn’t exist. I’m sure they appreciate his voice and wit more than I can. I hope so.
Went from "why is this on the list?" to "I dig this song" right around Chicken Bones. 3.5
Like two of the first three songs, then the album completely petered out to ridiculousness.
Interesting. Never heard of him. Could probably like some of his music.
At first I didn't really know what to do with this album. It showcases a wide range of emotions, musicality and styles and I didn't feel it was an album as a whole. But slowly with listening a second and third time (only the album, not the lesser 4 bonus tracks) it is really growing on me. The Midlake flute and subtle orchestrations in Marz, the anger in JC Hates Faggots - writing away the hypocrisy of religion and homosexuality in his youth -, the humour in Chicken Bones, it all fits. I'm also glad that the album balances the heavier songs with the fluffier. An album that will go a few more times into rotation after this last 24 hours. I'm intrigued.
Lovely
Some pretty good stuff here but some weird lyrics as well. Thought about going 5 stars but ultimately couldn't do it.
This was a very good record. Highlights were the title track, "sigourney weaver " and "outer space" .
Loved this - had only heard a couple of tracks before so it was a real treat. The vocals are gorgeous and melodic, and the lyrics mix some deeply personal and vulnerable topics with... space? It's weird but it works. The instrumentation is also a nice blend of folky sounds with electronica and more a psychedelic style, evoking influences from The Beatles to Bon Iver. Highlights: JC Hates Faggots, Outer Space, Sigourney Weaver, Silver Platter Club.
Actually quite nice, didn't know it before!
Deargod this was boring and terrible
Enjoyed it. Listened to the whole thing twice.
Not sure what to make of this. Some of it seemed quite good, but some of it sounded like a bad Simon and Garfunkel tribute act.
Mixed bag really
Fun lyrics but wouldn't choose to play it
Trash. Boring, unoriginal,
What a remarkable album. This one is not perfect, but it has an eclectic charm to it. A lot of the lyrics and vocal melodies are downright clumsy and trite, but then it'll swing wildly and connect. What is consistent throughout is the backing provided by Midlake. I centainly hope one of their albums made it onto the list (they didn't). This is just different enough, crazy enough, bold enough for me to take an interest.
enjoyed it, have never heard of artist or album previously. Felt like would hit better on certain days depending on mood etc.
Pretty good. Strange lyrics.
Some really beautiful lush moments
At first I found the album unspectacular. It didn't sound bad, didn't bother me, reminded me in some places of bigger hits by others. Otherwise it seemed boring. But then that changed. A couple of very funny things happened and the album became interesting. I will listen to the album again.
I think that rampant homophobia, the christian theocracy and general bigotry is a huge problem not just in the US, but world-wide. I don't doubt Mr. Grant had a tough time being gay growing up, but his garrulous use of slurs that don't apply to him comes off like a vapid suburban teen and the music suffers for it. There's something so frustrating about a white man using the N-word like this. It's so tone deaf and insipid. It's lazy. If you want to shock people, learn word play, don't just rattle off a string of slurs. I can see how this music would appeal to some folks, but I just can't looks past the painfully simple, skin deep musicality. This music borrows a little too much from the music that inspired it. Entire riffs and motifs are pulled from other songs 30 years prior. I think my major problem with music from the last couple decades on this list is a lack of measurable impact they have on music today. This music has already aged fairly poorly, it's not classic at all. Are there bands out there today citing this album as being seminal for them? Perhaps there are, and I'm just not clued in. Very possible.
Started off well but descended into a poor Elton/Bowie derivative. I didn’t think the lyrics flowed well, he was just saying stuff.
Muzikaal en fijn om naar te luisteren, maar mis een nummer dat je grijpt.
I was fully expecting this to be a bad album, but it's actually really good folk (even if it is occasionally weird/odd). His voice is perfect for the genre and vibes. I don't really appreciate the use of slurs in any music. But outside that, this is a great album.
The description of John Grants music on Spotify immediately made me feel apprehensive about listening to this album. It did not sound appealing at all. About halfway through the second song I was absolutely hooked and in love. This album is a true masterpiece
Quirky and more like a comedian playing a guitar. Not my cup of tea
Obviously very talented and at times captivating. But ultimately not really my style.
Hat was, aber auch nicht übermäßig dieser Soft Rock.
Never heard of this before, it was interesting. Slow melodic songs, interspersed with electronic synths, it was a style I hadn't heard before. Lyrically, some of its depressing, some sarcastic and sparky, overall something you should listen to the lyrics rather than just the music. It was pretty good
Bittersweet strawberry marshmallow bullshit
Wow I just don’t get it. Nonsensical lyrics. Though there is a decent melody sense here it isn’t made special by mundane arrangements. Voice is pleasant enough. So far, out of all the albums I’ve heard on this 1001 list, this one’s critical acclaim is the most surprising. Again, I just don’t get this one.
This is just sad white man with guitar music. A lot of it is so bland, I have to concentrate hard so it doesn't just go in one ear and out the other. Some of these tracks are outright obnoxious, like the self-pitying and whiny Silver Platter Club or the "lol twee movie references" of Sigourney Weaver (not to mention the series of ethnic slurs on Jesus Hates F******). The B side tracks add some synths with nice tones I guess? At least The Sensational Alex Harvey Band was bad in an interesting way.
This entire album feels predictable in its melodies and lazy in its lyrics. Like not in a guilty pleasure bumblegum pop way. In a guy doesn’t realize he isn’t all that deep way. In a guy doesn’t realize he has written a parody song of a type of guy way. You can’t just lean on the subject of your confessional folk pop album and not follow it up with any talent. I was willing to give this a 2 bc at least some of it sounds pretty but then he just said a bunch of slurs for no real reason.
Non-smug Father John Misty
I'm not familiar with John Grant, or this album, but I enjoyed its overall sound. The songs were varied in style, but they all had a softness to them that I liked. The vocals were really good, and the arrangements were unique and fun. The songs were a strange blend of pop and folk music, but it worked really well. The lyrics were strange at times, but really well written, and I especially liked “Sigourney Weaver.” I think my biggest gripe against this album is that it was a bit of drag at times, and there are other albums from this era of indie music that I’d rather listen to. This album is well made, and I can see how it got so much critical recognition, but I can also see how it may not land with everyone.
I had never heard of John Grant before and I love this. I'm a fan of Harry Nilsson and Father John Misty and this fits squarely into that niche of grand pop/psychedelic folk rock with real lyrics that go from achingly raw to bitingly funny in a blink.
Du folk un peu cheesy mais parfois joliment fait, comme “Where dreams go to die”. Ça reste assez plat et sans éclat, voire pénible sur la fin avec deux titres différents mais pires (“That's the good news”, “Supernatural Defibrillator”), et un dernier morceau vaporeux chiant de presque 8 minutes (“What Time”) pour rester sur la certitude que non je pense plus réécouter cet album en entier, merci.
A really good Album, really like the style of all of the songs, they all have a good tune/beat to them. I liked Tc & Honeybear and Where Dreams Go To Die, Sigourney Weaver a lot. Chicken Bones was also really catchy. But my favorite was Queen Of Denmark it's really good and has a nice melancholy feel to it.
Ouain po pire po pire pour du rock indie
This was recommended right after I'd gotten zooted. Ideal.
I liked the album well enough. Grant has a very good voice and the arrangements are well polished. Nothing stood out to me though. I would listen to this again but I probably wouldn’t seek it out.
Probably too clever for its own good; post-pop pseudo-70s/80s art stuff. No thanks.
Man's dropped the hard r in a song and I was not expecting it lol what a ride
Feels like I’m listening to the soundtrack to an animated web series from 2010 . 7
Starts off strong but then falls apart.
Witty and blunt!
It was nice
I’d give this a 3.5 if I could. I knew of the chicken bones song well before listening to this album. I like the quirkiness of the lyrics.
You're overreaching.
This is what I'm here for. Discovering artists with unique sounds that transcendent genre and defy musical conventions
I liked this one! Funny, smart songwriting; cohesive vibe across the album without letting every song sound the same.
This album took me completely by surprise. I didn't listen super attentive, so the first song sounded like it was going to be some sort of pretentious love album. But it was a really wild ride, lots of swearing, and maybe even some low-key slander-like - or at least quite offensive - comments regarding certain topics. Love it! It's not often that I comment about lyrics, but that definitely is the most interesting part of this album. So many weird (in a good way) songs with various themes and wordplays going on. The cool part is that it's not only the lyrics that are interesting; the songs also contain memorable and catchy melodies, ranging from slower more mellow acoustic songs to more up-tempo ones with some electronic elements. Overall this was a very fun record to listen to and I'm glad I heard it. I'm going to go out on a limb and give it a weak 5 because we've had very few 5s in general, and I think this record really stands out among the crowd and deserves some recognition.
This was one oddball of the album. I was quick to pawn it off as an album filled with love songs or some pretentious songs. To be honest I wasn't that impressed in the beginning. Then "Silver Platter Club" came on and I figured it sounded more fun! The rest of the album was an eclectic mix of tracks. I honestly don't know what I feel, it balances on being super annoying and actually really good. Some of it feels like it hasn't aged too well and has that really 2010 edgy vibe to it ("JC hates Faggots"). It's like Bo burnham, Pink Floyd and Bright Eyes made a colab. I will give it a 3 because i honestly can't say what I think. It was definitely an experience.
When I first saw the album cover I was not expecting good things, but it grew on me!
Wasn't sure what to expect, but I quite liked it!
4.25
3.2
Alussa kuuluuu happoradion hittibiisiä, ja sitten kolmannessa biisissä tv sarja raidin tunnaria, että viulun säröä, Y&V lunesta. Neljännessä biisissä kuuluu oh lord i cant changeee, This boy's too young to be singing The blues, ah, ah ja mahti keikka taivaassa biisiä.. kaikki uskomattomia teoksia tähän asti.. Caramel on Tout'luniversin mourningia... en suurin fani euroviisu pelleillylle... Viimeissä biisissä ollaankiin echoesin suurissa vesissä increible.. Lyriikoissa keikutaan suuntaan ja toiseen... tämä harmistuttaa monia.. heh hyvä jso kuuntelit harmistuspäillä.. hyvä...
Huh... lots of indie stuff that should my bread and butter but again just fine. A little long.
A more polished version of something like Magnetic Fields' 69 Love Songs. An interesting combination of unmediated shower thoughts, rhyming doggerel and slippery images.
I’m very conflicted on this album as it boarder on brilliant and absurd. It’s like nothing I’ve ever heard before but at the same time seems so familiar - familiar enough that I sometimes think some artists might have a case for copyright infringement. Often the lyric writing is very creative and unique, but then there are songs that I thought were Weird Al parodies in their silliness. Definitely going to have to reflect and then come back to it.
Put lyrics aside, music is pretty ok considering it's a 2010 album, although nothing new either.
Honestly, it's pretty dull. It started in first gear and then never got out of it.
This is an example of one of those albums that lulls you into a sense of tranquility until you realize how dark the lyrics are. Pretty good all things considered.
Album art had me prepared for some weirdness. And that it was. Also apparently something that I thoroughly enjoyed. This is the kind of stuff I was hoping to get out of the 1001 Albums experience. Strange eclectic music from an artist that I never would have stumbled upon without some guidance. Good shit.
Who is John Grant, and why is he the Queen of Denmark? Formerly of the Czars (a band I've never heard of before), Grant moved from Denver to New York City and decided to work on solo material. This album is his solo debut. It tackles personal issues of addiction and coming to terms with sexuality, which shows a lot of Grant's depth in this album. As for the music, it takes a little while to pick up. I wasn't quite hooked until Sigourney Weaver, and the quality was spotty after that. Some songs have a tendency to be hokey rather than good. Nothing against Grant's songwriting or performances, I just find he's at his best with a full band driving a lot of the emotion. Queen Of Denmark hits it's peak with the last few songs on the album, and makes me wish Leopard & Lamb was expanded on a bit more. An album that gets better as it goes on. Feels like a lot of feelings swimming around in the soup and trying to sort things out one way or another. Potent listen at times. That said, it's importance is perhaps overexaggerated.
It's a no from me, dawg. Stinky poo poo.
"Chicken Bones" is perfect. Songs: The music is beautiful and the lyrics are odd. Personal and aloof at the same time. There is something engaging about the vocal melodies on this album that remind me of songs from the classic rock era. Production: The flange/chorus effect on the vocals make everything sound like John Lennon's vocal on Across the Universe. The backing tracks sound authentic and are absent of whatever ugliness was happening with recording in 2010. Performances: Solid.
Without knowing to much of Grant or The Czars I think it's a decent listen but more for the background.
Yeah, left me a bit cold. Some songs were catchy enough on first listen but most struck me as pretty disposable. The writing had a “ad jingle” ephemeral vibe that made it a bit forgettable overall.
20 y.o. Tom would have liked this more. Holy shit the song about Jesus really fucking hits the ear hard.
Seriously, what the fuck was this? Trash. I have quite a broad spectrum of music I will listen to. I didn't finish one song. My ears are bleeding from the torture!
I really like this album, I love the overall sound, the humour the instrumentation, lots of great tracks. It's quite refreshing as a lot of this list is similar sounding rock bands.
If i wanted something bland id rather eat my moms tomato soup
What a great album by someone I had never heard of. The instrumentation was pure, like, 1976 bliss, with refreshing lyrics. I'm a fan, whoever this person is.
Ok, echt goed gemaakt, maar niet mijn ding.
I definitely had very low expectations for this but it was better than I was expecting. Kind of odd and out there, not at all straight indie folk and soft rock as it's assigned genre's suggested. I dug it!
I’d never heard of John Grant (or the Czars), but I really enjoyed this album. It’s like a cross between Harry Nilsson and Father John Misty. Will definitely listen again.
Difficult to understand why this album is on the list. Not innovative, not bad, not great. Just middle of the road.
This was a new one for me. Didn’t know what to expect but I really liked it
Still don't like gay
an entire album in the spirit of the last song wouldve been amazing
Queen of Denmark is fairly middle of the road. Lyrically Grant can be pretty awful. Childish almost. Marz is especially bad. But overall there is a strong Beatles crossed with Father John Misty and I don’t hate it. KC Hates Faggots is shockingly vulgar but who doesn’t like an anti-Christianity song. 6.0/10
Good album, a little strange at times. I'm gonna need a few more listens to fully appreciate this album. I enjoyed it a lot though.
A window into the soul of a troubled individual outlines a wonderful folk debut.
Great album, really enjoyed Sigourney Weaver and Queen of Denmark, 8/10
3.5
•Not owned: Streaming •Smacks of way too much whimsy for me to forgive that its best parts are (kind of) Nilsson rip offs. •1.5/5