Reviews (page 3 of 8)
Southern satire against jingles. I liked the piano, probably will never listen again though.
There's a lot going on here, and it's crafted well.
Respect his talent, but not for me.
норм
Прикольно, не уныло, классная обложка, в целом послушать приятно, но опять не мое
I'm just not much of a fan of his singing voice. This really feels like it would be good material at a bar or on a cruise ship, but not much beyond that.
Good country music. Did not like it right now but would definitely come back after a few albums and rate it higher
70’s Rock ⭐️Kingfish
Couldn’t get past Rednecks, ruined the rest of the album for me.
Man this couldve been great but rednecks is so hard to listen to. I do love randy newman, such an iconic sound and great writer. Louisiana is beautiful. But man..
I think it would have been very possible to write this album without the inappropriate language
I assumed I would love this but it made truly no impression at all.
Very telling that when I heard the first song, I looked at the year this album came out and was like "Yeah, makes sense I guess." The slurs really do the songs no justice. You can still portray racism without outright saying them. Like I can't imagine wanting to record an album, essentially immortalizing yourself, saying these things, even though they are "satire." Also, how the hell was I supposed to clock that this is a concept album that's all satire? Only learned this from the comments here. And even then, it was very hard to perceive it? As a non-American, growing up I heard a lot of completely straight songs like these about living in America and being American (minus the slurs at least). All I'm saying is, satire is really hard to clock in music. As for the songs themselves, well, it's all very bland and repetitive. It just becomes background noise after the 3rd song.
It's hard to imagine Randy Newman as anything but a Disney soundtrack man, which is a huge honor but also an anchor
In 2026, we would not use the N-word even in the service of satire. And that's probably as it should be. 1974 was a much different time. "All In the Family" featured and satirized Archie Bunker, an overtly racist protagonist living in Queens. 1974 was also soon after the Civil Rights era of the 1960s when white racists were still feeling free to use the N-word as a demeaning epithet. Now, in 2026, with the Trump back in the White House, in part because young white men wanted to be free to say the N-word, Randy Newman's satire seems more fitting than ever. The music is classic Randy Newman.
I have understand the theme of the album and it was ell written. I am just not a big fan of his voice
Day 222 Fun album, I’m definitely going to dig deeper into his back catalogue. Highlights Rednecks Naked man A wedding in Cherokee country
An interesting listen - lyrics don't quite match the music if you know what I mean
An ok album. Good for the background.
This one grew on me over time. Took me about a third of the album before I recognised his voice
Racistas🤢🤮
So could a white guy get away with saying that word in 74 in the context of critique? According to about 5 critics closer to era, yes, but all of them apparently white. I'll keep searching, but check Malcolm Gladwell's Revisionist History podcast, "Good Old Boys" episode 2019 where his answer is unequivocally yes. I don't doubt there are plenty of Black commentators who disagree, I'll keep digging. But check the podcast, it's fascinating context if you at all like the album. Which I do.
I saw Randy Newman perform on John Mulaney's talk show recently and that made me see his appeal a bit more, but I still don't think I really get his music.
This guy is always going to make me think of toy story
I did a double take at first, then I was like, nawwww Randy from Toystory?! No way man, he wouldn't say that... Surely not Mr. Newman! Mr. you got a friend in me!? 15 Seconds later.. 👀👀👀👀👀 Yeeeesh. Randy man, you can't say that! I know it was 74', a different time, and like a satirical commentary on racism... or whatever.. but that shit did not age well my friend (in me). The rest of the album kinda just went onn, and onn, it all sounds the same. I liked Sail Away, and thought this one might be a little different than that one. But the only difference was that Randy is droppin N bombs left and right, on Good Old Boys. 4/10
A solid album by Randy Newman who brings some swing to all kinds of different songs, but which are firmly based in southern music with a piano at the centre. I think it swings, but I wouldn't consider it necessarily a classic.
Randy newman?????????????? definitely not in the albums i take pleasure in discovering through this site, but I'll take it. Very confused.
Cherokee amazing
I know that the song rednecks is mocking rednecks, and all, but Randy’s use of the N-word really caught me off guard. It kind of sets the tone for the rest of the album, which isn’t bad but not what I was expecting.
Every song sounds like it's from Toy Story, but then you hear the lyrics.
The Good: Just some good old boys… The Bad: Got it confused with The Dukes of Hazzard! The Ugly: The above mentioned tv series getting the same kind of crap as the album we are about to rate… Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. Today, we live in a society where too many idiots scream out of outrage about the usage of a word, or the imagery of a symbol… scream scream scream. The opening track, the first time I remember hearing it, I almost choked on my drink when I got to the end of the song… I doubt many people get that far today, because they hear a word that only certain people are allowed to use. To those idiots, I say, get off your high horse, sit down, listen to the song again, and use your f-ing brain—that is if you have one. I do have to be honest here and admit the fact that, frequently, I can’t be bothered to pay attention to the lyrics on many of the albums that I’ve had the displeasure to listen to. So, I too should get off my high horse… But not before rating this album with a 5*, not because it is that special, but because, out of oh so much shit I’ve had to listen to these past couple of weeks, it shows that sometimes something that seems mediocre is actually worth it’s weight in gold.
This is pretty good but his voice kind of gets a bit annoying 3/4 way through
It all sounds like it could be the back track to another Toy Story movie. I mean it’s fine but i wasn’t riveted
Imposible to not think of Toy Story listening to this man. Those soundtracks are surely better than this and are hopefully in the list.
This is great. I love the social and political commentary. Randy Newman's playing and singing are also so smooth and inviting. Its cinematic but also parlor / bar music. Its impossible to hate.
As someone who adores Newman's debut and Sail Away, I was shockingly disappointed with this. Not as biting in both the production and social commentary, and "Rednecks" just doesn't work as political satire if you actually give the lyrics a modicum of thought, which makes Newman's use of slurs feel more pitiful than provocative. A few songs meet his established standard, but they're few and far between. Favourite tracks: "Marie", "Guilty"
Not for me - bit dry and repetitive
Difficult one
4.5 Another album that showcases why Newman is one of the best songwriters of all time. These songs are fun, deep, thoughtful, pointed, complicated. The first song is a difficult listen, for sure, but obviously saying a lot. It’s weird to hear Newman’s genial voice say all those vicious slurs, though I think that’s the point!
Interesting concept. I just don’t get how anyone enjoys Randy Newman unironically
This one was weird. I get what Randy Newman was trying to do with this concept but…idk. Not really for me.
not my thing at all. the whole thing is insipid and the lyrics are, at first listen, inflammatory
I was led to believe that there was more to Mr Newman than just the Toy Story theme tune. It turns out that there is, but it all sounds just like the Toy Story theme tune.
Inventing a racist character so you can say slurs is such a crazy bit
Piano is nice but not my jam.
One of the most original guys out there. This album didn’t wow me so much as I just love listening to about anything he does
Randy Newman writes beautiful tunes with clever lyrics. This one probes the "southern experience". I'd like to spend more time with the lyrics but a really nice album
I feel like I need to be more intimately familiar with 20th-century Louisiana politics before I really get this album. I love how it sounds! Interesting songs, and some good social criticism.
Kinda crooner-ish singer songwriter
Ah, stemmen fra Toy story og barndom, en stemme der er svær ikke at holde af :)) et album med noget på hjerte fra sydstaterne med emner som slaveri og racisme, og ret straightforward og satiriske tekster der var ret fede. ville give 3.5 ish
who gave Randy Newman a free pass to say the N-word? He says it 8 times in the first song?? How can a song as dated as this be opening an album on this list? Completely unacceptable, even if he's in 'character'. There are other Randy Newman albums that could appear on here that aren't so repulsive and tone deaf.
Some interesting use of slurs in this… actually didn’t mind it musically though
Has more rocky billy joel energy if it was satire, pastiche, definitely dated, concept album about the American South. Unfortunate use of slurs that's absolutely not cool if made today, but they make sense in the context of a satirical taking the piss album about racists from the period. I get the point he is making, but it's good to acknowledge that while it may have entertained non-southerners or progressive southerners at the time it's not the way to address these problems today. Music is easy rocky pop with orchestral touches, has a southern-flavoured slowness and references to it
Randy Newman is a very skilled songwriter. Rednecks is, of course, the elephant in the room, using language that has only gotten more offensive with time. It's difficult to enjoy that particular song, but it is also true that Randy Newman puts out otber great tracks.
Stick to Toy Story and monsters inc
The album was terrible, but the reviews were hilarious
Brilliant album the kind of which they don’t make anymore. We prob need albums like this more than ever now.
cozy jazzy ranch rock? still need a ranch and a rocking chair to enjoy this. it's okayish, but i wouldn't go that far to say i enjoy it...
Torrada histórica. Es como una versión extendida de Hay un Amigo en mi, cosa que tiene bastante sentido porque es de este tío también
Even in a take down on institutionalized racism, it's wild to hear Randy Newman drop hard Rs
The problem with singer-songwriters whose names aren't Leonard Cohen is that I'm just not someone who gets much out of lyrics. Randy Newman's music is pleasant enough, but it doesn't really do anything to stick with me (aside from the infamous usage of racial slurs in the first song). I guess "Birmingham" did a good job of evoking Civil Rights Era Alabama without ever explicitly mentioning any of it, at least, which is something?
He has always had his own sound that’s for sure. I get his point on the first song but could done without the derogatory language to state it. It’s ok album but not sure I see it needing to be on this list.
A bit confuzling
I like his voice and the satire.
I'm familiar with some of his movie/tv tracks, so expected a bit of colorful language & descriptive language......but holy moly "rednecks" was just too much. way, way, way too much
When I joked about Randy Newman slurring I meant his words not... that 3/10
Outside of the absolute jumpscare that is that first track alone, it’s like giving a Muppet a full time job at a piano bar. I respect the wit and bite though.
One of the most meaningful satirical pieces of America and its implicit racism in music ever. A gumbo of ugliness, beauty, goofiness and brilliance.
Rednecks kind of lost me. Could never put that song out today. Otherwise, good sound. What I’d expect out of Randy Newman
I like him
Although this was far from my usual taste in music, and with “The Family Guy” jokes in my head, I still did not dislike this album. I wouldn’t go so far as to say I enjoyed it but I didn’t hate it.
A good listen, and clever satire. Birmingham was my fav song and first listen of the album with Louisiana 1927 and Naked Man being my other highlights
Pretty much what I would expect from a Randy Newman album
One of my favourites. Every song is a gem.
I don't normally catch lyrics on first listen, so I'll take everyone's word for it that this dude drops too many slurs. This was fine, nothing outstanding. 2*
Another so-so album to wade through. I keep repeating the same thing for each album on this list. Nothing offends but nothing stands out. Just generally background stuff, and I could find a hundred better albums for that particular task.
zzz...
Classical, a bit repetitive for me to listen all in one sitting. Gives that american old nostalgia vibes.
Aburrido, lineal. Parece música de película. Muy lento
People use to make fun of this guys voice and I see it now. It's funky and definitely iconic for him. Otherwise it's a piano and vocal album. Pretty chill. Not my thing but not bad.
Музыка проходная, тексты очень странные
Looking at the lyrics of the first song it's more of just how everyone put down blacks in this time period. Northerns and Southerns but yeah yikes using the slur hasn't aged well at all. The rest of the album is fine I definitely wouldn't listen to this one on my own but it was fine to listen to once. 3 stars.
I feel his entire vibe is a 3 by design
A reminder from the past. It didn’t inspire me then. It was pleasant listening.
i didnt know the toy story guy made an album, thats nifty
I have a hard time believing a white person critiquing racism while using the n-word with the hard “r” was a good idea even in the 70s. AND the music was boring! Stick to Pixar soundtracks, Randy Newman! 1.5 star.
Songs were ok. Nothing that stood out to me. Not my thing.
There is the thing that many Newman songs are a bit formulaic. Then there are his lyrics that often counterpoint the mood of the music. This is definitely an album that may had its place in the '70s, but not today. I understand the motivation behind the lyrics, but it is highly inappropriate now, regardless of the intention.
Lyrics have not aged well.
gad chli schwierig zum uf rednecks reagiere. ich verstoh satirische song aber jäh. chli sehr on the nose und explizit. birmingham isch chli weniger usgrproche. aber song guet, irgendwie stelli mer genau so randy newman vor mit de blöser und so. guilty isch vo ihm?! ich kenns nume vode joe cocker version. suuuuuuuper song! back on my feet again supeeer cool. er singt weird aber irgendwie guet. und d songs sind immer whimsical aber interessant und hend erstunlich tüüfi. rollin' sehr sehr schön mitem chörli. er liebt whisky.
hahaha ich lieb das sini meistgloste albe alles pixar-soundtracks sind ohh das tönt ja inhaltlich mega spannend redneck macht spass! au wenn de refrain fast de schwächsti part isch poah es isch huere schön!!! marie isch chli langsam aber v.a. d strings geg de schluss sind megaaa hahaha omg ich lieb every man a king es isch sicher au weg de assoziation mit chinderfilm, aber d lieder hend iwie eifach so e chindlichi verspieltheit woni megaa cool find supeeer album! füres 5i langets glaub nöd ganz aber starke 4
I've been thinking how to write this review all day, because Randy Newman put me in quite the bind. There's a lot to enjoy with this album, which I'll talk about soon, but the catchiest song on the album, "Rednecks," contains the n word in the chorus. The album was released in 1974, and Newman's lyrics are biting towards the South but don't give any respite to the North either. (The South sure has their racists, but the North loves feeling holier-than-thou when they believe they can't be racist.) I can appreciate the sentiment and purpose, because the chorus and the n word drive home Newman's point, but I sure don't feel good singing along. That facet aside, I enjoyed so much about this album. Good Old Boys is a concept album that explores the South but not in the usual manner. I was reminded of Southern Rock Opera by Drive-By Truckers (also on this project), because Newman also doesn't hold back on the problems the South has. And he doesn't see the South through rose-colored glasses, which happens all too often. For all I said in the first paragraph, I loved how socially conscious the opening track was--and "Mr. President (Have Pity on the Working Class)". Newman even wrote a song about the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 and adapted Louisiana Governor Huey Long's song, both of which were daring choices that paid off well. This album is considered a loose concept album, but I want to fight against that because Newman showed the history, politics, and society of Louisiana in 12 songs under 34 minutes. I have a few more comments. Newman's vocals are hard to describe, but I want to call them reassuring and kind. There's a lovely comfort his vocals provide. I also couldn't help but feel that his voice is pure American, though I'm sure I was influenced by the album's theme. And despite the prevailing concept, Newman serenades the listener with "Marie," which was quite the love song. I really enjoyed how he slowed down for the last song, "Rolling," a song about acceptance, perhaps even the acceptance of ignorance in life. I can hear how he influenced and was influenced by his roots rock contemporaries, like Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen. "Naked Man" has that beach/ocean vibe that I must equate with Jimmy Buffet, which frankly amused me.
I couldn't help but think of Toy Story the entire time this played. Turns out Toy Story got the couple of decent Randy Newman songs that exist, because this album was boring as hell.
I enjoy Randy even though I can see how he is formulaic and can get under your skin.
J'aime beaucoup Randy Newman. Surtout de l'album éponyme à Little Criminals.
Plutôt entraînant, mais assez quelconque. On dirait que toutes ses tounes sonnent pareil.
Pas capable de ne pas penser à Toy Story quand je l'entend chanter malheureusement. Sinon, sa voix me fait penser un peu à Craig Finn que j'adore. Ça le sauve un peu parce que sinon je trouvais ça oubliable.
It's not bad but there is something about randy Newman I always interpret as novelty song even if the content isn't 3*
His voice…..nope.
Fat man with his kids and dog Drove in through the mornin' fog Hey there, Rover, come on over
It's a bit shocking to hear the N word in the opening track, but I understand the satirical intention of the song and am aware that this album is 50 years old. I'm offended by the use of that word in any music, whether it's satire or the supposedly 'reclaimed' excuse that hiphop uses. Sad, though, that Randy Newman's legacy is likely to be as the 'ToyStory' guy rather than his great singer/songwriting.
7/10 It definitely bounces along nicely. Has to work hard not to be a novelty, but lyrically it is funny and interesting, albeit a little suspect to the modern liberal European ear on occasionm
This is an interesting one. I generally really like songs that have an upbeat sounding melody but the lyrics don’t match that tone. Like some stuff that Steely Dan and Warren Zevon do. Randy Newman does this a lot too, and I generally really like his music. But how far is too far? Like I get the point of rednecks, but I wouldn’t play that song in front of anyone else in 2026. Idk, my gut still says it’s a 4 Star album so that’s what I’m going with.
Standard Randy Newman. Interesting that modern day reviewers have no understanding of the times this was made and the statement Randy was making.
i went down a rabbit hole of researching this album, it has pretty deep meanings for example the song redneck was supposed to "highlight how Northern states often overlooked their own systemic racism while mocking the Southern United States", ill give 2 stars for the process made behind this album however its not really my type of music and vibes 3/13 songs added.
Good one boys is not very good some may say
not for me duddeee
Randy Newman doing Randy Newman, and doing it well
That was not what i expected except that it sounds exactly like what youd think a randy newman album would sounds like were you to know who he was. I loved it.
Retrospective review but to absolutely not do him justice I had no idea until seeing his Spotify profile that he is the Toy Story guy!!
There’s something to be said about having a /style/ or a /sound/ but this all just sounded like a Toy Story soundtrack. Don’t get me wrong! Randy Newman is hugely important to music and film history and I value his place in the canon, but when it comes to an album the sameness is not what I want out of my listening experience. —- SO interesting that the autoplay at the end of this album was Richard and Linda Thomason’s The Border, a fave from earlier in this journey 😌
I wouldn’t really say there were any songs on here that I enjoyed, sorry randy
This is a fantastic concept album by an incredible lyricist. His Randy Newman style of singing means that sure, the sounds all sound similar but he makes up for that with simple, beautiful country-rock arrangements. He does a wonderful job exploring both the ugly and beautiful truths of Southern America, with enough respect and care given so that southerners aren’t the butt of the joke but rather well fleshed out characters.
It feels like this should be a 4, but I will need to have repeated listens to explain why.
Craig: funny when you can understand him Courtney: Randy Newman is the Bob Saget of music
Not for me, I'm not keen on roots rock at the best of time and this record just hasn't aged well. I definitely feel some albums on this list are here for the influence they had on the wider genre rather than how good they are in their own right. This might have sounded great in 1973 but in 2026 its a dated bore and the excessive use of the N word in the first track is just cringe inducing.
I admire Randy Newman as a songwriter a great deal more than I enjoy him. He's smart, and funny, and good with a melody. And for his era, he was a bold and brave lyricist. I'm old enough to get what he's doing but young enough to still cringe at it. He couldn't, and shouldn't, do it in 2026, and it makes it tough to enjoy some of these tunes. That's a me thing, I wholeheartedly acknowledge. As good as he is, I just don't enjoy Randy Newman records all that much
No thanks
That is a hard opener. But one that shines a light on the racism inherent within the US with satire and wit. As we continue we get more political commentary done with that vevlet voice.
Wait... Is this offensive? Or genius? Or both? Not an easy listen.
Who gave the Toy Story guy the N word pass???
I now see why Woody never invited Mr Newman to a dinner party with the other toys Hes the drunk Uncle that Id always have a seat reserved for though. 4.5 stars for the entertainment value alone for those who cant detect satire
#33/1001 🇬🇧 I knew nothing of the background before listening to this record and had to read up more after hearing the first track with its use of Jew and N*****. It sounded obvious to me as satirical but will every listener at the time seen this. Musically, its an easy listen fusing blues and country with Newman's laid back vocal style. This sits in contrast to the biting lyrics. Best tracks: Guilty, Louisiana 1927, Rednecks. * Check out John Belushi's version of Guilty with The Blues Brothers Band.
Here I am, in the last week of the project, and I finally get my first Randy Newman album. I assume that most people my age probably only know Randy Newman from his work on the Toy Story movies, or possibly from a gag in the early days of Family Guy. I know his voice very well, but other than that, I’m not quite sure what to expect from this album. I guess it’s time to pull up a chair with Randy Newman and the good old boys. I thought Good Old Boys was a really good album. Randy Newman’s strength as a composer and arranger were on full display here; this album was full of beautiful music that matched the themes and tones of this concept album really well. The music here conveyed a wide array of emotions, from silly satire to the stirring emotional trauma of a catastrophic flood. The piano playing really stood out to me on this album, but I also really liked when the pedal steel guitar was used. As much as I enjoyed the music on this album, I thought the lyrics were where Good Old Boys really excelled. As with many albums on this list, the social and political themes are still incredibly relevant today, especially as the ideological divide between the north and south continues to exist, if not expand. Despite the repeated use of racial slurs, I thought “Rednecks” was brilliant. I enjoyed the send-up of the typical bigoted southerner, but the southerners rebuke of northern racism was just as accurate. As for the use of the racial slurs, while it’s jarring, I found it to be an appropriate representation of the views held by some people in the south. I came of age in Texas in the 90’s, and even well into the 00’s, I had to listen to racial slurs and bigoted viewpoints espoused by my parents in our house. My parents were decent enough racists not to talk like that in public, but it’s a sad but also accurate portrayal that people still talk like that to this day. I thought “Mr. President” was really poignant too. I loved how the narrator bemoaned his financial strain to ears that would never hear his complaints, and again, this sort of thing is all too relevant today, as people who whine about government handouts often find themselves on the chopping block of their wealthy bosses who turn them loose to increase their bottom lines. But on the flip side of those criticisms, I liked the humanity that was cast upon the narrator too. “Louisiana 1927” was the best example of this, and in another bout of historical foreshadowing, I was reminded of how our government/the Bush administration completely abandoned the needs of the people of New Orleans during and after Hurricane Katrina. “Kingfish” was great too, and I loved how Randy Newman painted Huey Long as the could-have-been savior of the downtrodden, but how he was also still a politician who could have been bought and been sucked into the political machine. My only critique of this album was that it wore on me a little bit towards the end, and I thought that the last few songs lacked the punch that the rest of the album had. Other than that though, I really enjoyed this album, and I’m excited to review Randy Newman’s other album in the next few days.
Hearing Randy Newman say the N word is just way too weird. I truly only know him from Disney work (and I Love L.A.), so it's interesting to hear how that's really HIS sound that Disney 100% just latched onto. This is as satirical and “punk” as piano driven singer-songwriter music gets, but not my style or vibe. Plus one star for having the balls to debut it at the ASO. 2.5⭐️
Fun, pleasant and enjoyable. 3.5/5
Always liked Mr President but there’s nothing else here to match it and a lot of it sounds badly dated.
Quite good. 3/5
ummm I think he could’ve got the message across without saying that one word tons of times…
Ummm did he just say the N word?
This man went on to do some legendary soundtracks and as a film lover always appreciate that. This was only ok though. Him and nepenthez the only 2 who have escaped uncancelled for their symbolic use of a certain derogatory word.
Listening to Randy Newman feels like it should be accompanied by a montage of Buzz and Woody, which makes it feel very innocent and comforting. Even though at the heart of it this is an album about racism and the Deep South, which isn’t very innocent at all
Discovering Randy Newman albums has been one of my favorite pleasant surprises of this project. This album (especially the opener) is way darker than expected (never thought I'd hear the guy who wrote the Toy Story music use the N word in a song). Still, it's a powerful demonstration of songwriting and creativity. Highly recommended.
I'm not a huge Randy Newman fan. His stuff all sounds quite samey but this was an ok listen
To be clear, I’m not listening to Randy for the music. The music is good but it’s not the vibe I go searching out. I have no problem listening to it, the compositions are quality and it’s done really well it just not my thing. Obviously that doesn’t matter anyway because I’m actually here for the lyrics. Late 60s early 70s, Randy had few who could touch his incisive wit and takedowns. One of his most successful approaches is to inhabit his “victims” and this is an album that takes that tactic and runs with it. Examining America by becoming a cast of characters from the Deep South, each opening up and revealing various traits, flaws, vices and most notably prejudices. It’s a masterclass; hilarious, thought-provoking and heart breaking. Unfortunately it’s also still relevant 50 years later.
Randy is a mad man, I have to give him my respect. He may sound like he's had a stroke but it's oddly poignant in a way.
2/4/26. My honest first exposure to Randy Newman outside of Toy Story, have to say I'm shocked in the best way! The first track really caught me by surprise, and throughout really loved the sound and storytelling. This may become a new hidden gem for me.
Ok I get the idea but this is unlistenable for me.
It's satirical sure but I'm not sure that means it's worthy of all the accolades.
Randy keeps calling me the n-word … 5/5
They don’t make singer-songwriters like they used to.
More of the typical Randy Newman sound (Wild that he used the hard R on Rednecks, but given the subject matter, it makes sense.) 3.5 bumped up to 4.
I’m stuck on a 3, though I really do think it's worth listening to. I appreciate the attempts at satire on this album; loosely, Randy Newman’s messaging & political stances come through well, even if the actual messaging used can range from batshit methodology (never let the Toy Story guy drop the N word with a hard R ever again, please) to decently earnest pleading. I think Randy Newman tackles the subject matter on these tracks with a decent amount of tact for the time, when white southern audiences were still legitimately speaking like this, for better or for worse. However, satire is only effective to a certain point when you’re speaking to a primarily white audience – I think this album disregards the black perspective just a bit too much, with Randy ironically falling into the trap he satirized really well in the 3rd & 4th verse of “Rednecks”. I have to imagine some of that disregard is intentional to sell the southern ignorance that’s meant to be portrayed on these tracks. I just think there’s too much of it; take a track like “Louisiana 1927”, where the disregard & the ignorance is a driving factor. There’s no pushback on the character’s isolated perspective at all, leading to a disjointed focus that hides the messaging of the track a bit too deeply, especially since a lot of it earnestly focuses on the suffering of that flood. Randy Newman’s writing is sharp, yes, but it lacks the same direct wit as someone like John Prine, who often made himself unmistakably clear. Past that, I just don’t think a lot of the tracks here are super musically compelling. “Sail Away” was able to get away with some softer, out of the way instrumentals, but this album’s orchestration lends itself to a sort of homogeneity, where every track ends up feeling the same despite a decently robust attempt to add some variety in styles. Since the lyricism doesn’t have the full bite to make up for it, and since Randy’s dryer vocals don’t feel as potent because of it, then the entire album suffers & feels longer as a result. This is only 33 minutes, but it doesn’t really fly by like that. Hence, a 3. Not a bad one, and one I could fully understand going as high as a 5 for if the lyricism has that bite for someone else that it didn’t quite have for me, or if the instrumentals just click more nicely. However, it's also one where I fully understand why it has the rating it does. Randy Newman doesn’t get a pass for using the N-word like that, even with some decently guided intentions, but even if he had censored himself, I just think the rest of the politically-driven tracks on this album are comprised of observations that other people would satirize better & make much more potent & lasting tracks out of in the future. Sorry, Randy. It’s just a 3 for me. I do recommend it though.
I didn't know him outside of You Got a Friend in Me. The whole album is very political and meant to confront a lot of civil rights issues at the time. Very good, carries through his soul.
I didn't realize that this guy existed outside of Pixar. Overall the songs were fine.
This is a hard album to review. On one hand, it sounds like a Randy Newman album. If you like his musical stylings, this album is in your wheelhouse. On the other hand, it's a concept album about racist southerners told from the perspective of the racist southerner. There's not a lot of replay value to an album that begins by so casually dropping hard N words right out of the gate. Even getting what he's going for in this album, it still feels ichy. Steve Earle attempted a similar feat by recording Ghosts of West Virginia about people he didn't agree with politically. He succeeded in making an album that you don't feel the need to wash off afterwards.
Not the album but Randy is sharp and clever.
Ok two things: firstly every Randy Newman song sounds like "You've Got a Friend In Need". I thought that years before he put it out! Secondly, this is a concept album, and I've got a real problem with concept albums. They tend to be what can be politely called a "wank". This exemplifies the worst of the concept that is the concept that is a concept. The idea and the execution are clunky as fuck. Is Randy a tad overrated? Shit yeah. You've got a concept album in need, you've got a concept album in need..short people got no reason, short people got no reason...
Good Old Boys is a great example of Poe's Law; "that, without a clear indicator of the author's intent, any parodic or sarcastic expression of extreme views can be mistaken by some readers for a sincere expression of those views." Which can make the title track pretty uncomfortable listening. Malcolm Gladwell did a good job of unpacking the complex history of the track on his Revisionist History podcast (https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/revisionist-history/good-old-boys). I do note that lots of white people seem to love an excuse to use the n-word, so I worry about anyone who seems to enjoy this song too much. Not racist, but number one with racists. Plenty of people have also observed that Randy Newman songs all sound the same, but I don't mind the gently rolling New Orleans feel of his oeuvre. There are plenty of musicians who have built whole careers off of a body of work that is all basic variations on the one song. So I don't hold that against Randy, except to say that I don't feel the need to own more than one Randy Newman record. I quite like the sentiment of Guilty -- been there, done that. And that dissonant string arrangement is genius. But otherwise, this a concept album about a really unlikable character. 2.5 stars, rounding down because you can't listen to this without a contextual lecture first.
What the fuck
Pretty cozy.
Like watching snooker on a black and white TV, without the bright colours (of Toy Story) this didn’t have a huge amount of appeal.
Particularly unspectacular, middle of the road fare. Didn’t find it bad but fell into the background quickly because there was very little that demanded active listening to it.
Thanks to Toy Story, Randy Newman is a completely underestimated and misunderstood songwriter.
Nah
really nice album, good vocals and songs overall
Is it just me, or would all of these songs sound better sung by Ray Charles?
First Listen; 2.5; Funny at first, but sort of wears a bit after a while and some of the songs sound the same. Favorite Track: Rednecks
Quite nice. I find his voice ok and unique but his music is nice.
The n word must’ve been said like 50 times
Are ruining small towns all over America.
I was hoping for some nice wholesome Toy Story adjacent songs, so track one was a bit of a shock. I think it's well intentioned but Jesus it sails close to the wind. The rest of this was pretty uneventful compared to that one.
1/2
It's like a bunch of variations on the Toy Story song! Distinctive style but a bit redundant. Still enjoyable 3.3
Þessi plata er örlítið meira grípandi við fyrstu hlustun en Sail away, en þær eru annars nokkurn veginn á pari. Og parið er mjög fínt.
Fuego
damn hard R in the first song
I know that Newman writes good songs. Or at least, I have read a lot of people whom I admire saying as much. But I just have no patience for this style/voice nor satirical songwriting in general. I agree with him politically and share a lot of common background, but this early Americana or whatever thing...ugh.
It's oke. Keikiasi, maniau man pasigirdo tam tikri dalykai lol.
Nice and short, pretty enjoyable. Feels like the soundtrack to a comedy movie.
Before listening to this album I was thinking I’m not super keen to hear songs from Toy Story today, then I listened to the way he dismantles and takes the piss out of rednecks, wealthy people, the government and the French, and was surprised and impressed. Sorry Randy, I was not familiar with your game
2.5 I've already forgotten it
2/5 + I like Newman's voice - lyrically offensive, musically pretty tame - i just wasn't very interested, just nothing too memorable to me
Didn't like
ohhh so racist… turned it off after the first song
What the Monsters Inc. soundtrack would sound like if the entire movie took place in that trailer they send Ralph too.
A sound that is uniquely and distinctively Randy Newman, paired with some engaging songwriting, all pretty good but nothing quite memorable enough to bring it to the higher step
A real time capsule. Probably not going to hear too many songs like this anymore. For better or worse. On his merits, I like Randy Newman. But I always feel like I should be watching Ken Burns’s Baseball when I listen to him.
Honestly, I was a bit taken aback by hearing the same voice who sung about Buzz and Woody immediately singing a song about Red Necks and N-words.
Guter Start, auf Dauer (und das obwohl das Album ziemlich kurz ist) allerdings recht eintönig und driftet in Hintergrundmusik ab. Reicht gerade so noch für 3 Sterne.
Die Platte hat bestimmt gute Texte, aber musikalisch ist mir das hier oft zu seicht und easy listening. Ein paar gute Songs waren aber doch dabei.
Fand ich eigentlich super. Auf die Länge ist es aber zu viel zu gleich gewesen.
Es fing vielversprechend an und ist dann ganz schnell auf das Niveau "Belangloses Gedudel" abgestürzt.
Fängt stark an aber kann sich nicht über die Zeit tragen. Zu viel repetitives, da ist mir jetzt nicht direkt ein Song im Gedächtnis geblieben.
Genius. Deserves 100 stars.
Randy Newman’s voice brings me to anger. I don’t get it…at all.
GOING IN: Not fussed really LISTENED WHILE: walking the dog FAMILIARITY: New to me SKIP RATE: Played it straight through REPLAY VALUE: Once was plenty DISCOVERY CURVE: Slow burner this one ALBUM ARC: Pretty even, consistent VERDICT: Better than expected BODY'S VERDICT: Toe tapping situation My Rating: 3 First thoughts: Yikes... wait, what... explicit... dark... fearless... witty... musical... funny... shame... clever... The music is sharp, funny, and broadly American sounding rather than just Southern rootsy, which helps make his point that these failings reflect all of America, not just the South. But there's a risk here. Not everyone will catch that Newman is performing these characters, not endorsing them. I've given this a 3 rather than a 4 as I don't think I'll ever listen to it again, but I'm glad to know it's out there in the world.
not crazy about the strings or the ballads. i prefer sail away or little criminals
I don't get the love for Newman, some ok tunes, but nothing great and the weird ones are weird.
There is some really funny stuff in here. Naked man is the clear highlight for me. Also a big fan of Louisiana. This could be a 5 if I could understand what Randy was saying half the time. Don’t laugh at his mighty sword!
Randy Newman built a pretty great career by wrapping some pretty dark and terrible lyrical material with some wonderful melodies. For example, Rednecks being that catchy is fucking diabolical. It’s a good thing history came to an end thirty years ago and none of this has any continuing relevance anymore. Very much a cultural artifact that has no bearing on anything anymore, like VHS tapes and the telegraph. Presumably the people saying this hasn't aged well must not live in the United States or are in a headspace of the cultural salad days of the Obama years. Look around dingus, the Good Old Boys are running the WAR and Justice Department and the Kingfish is President. Side note: what’s a more surprising career move, Randy Newman becoming Pixar Guy or George Carlin becoming the conductor and narrator for Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends?
What the fuck is this? I can't tell if it's satire or just glazing Southern life (good and bad). The composition is nice and Randy's the perfect voice for this. But my god
Solid album. Not completely sure what the concept was but I enjoyed it. Maybe I was just happy because it felt like a Pixar movie.
Basically everyone who gave this a negative review cannot detect irony or sarcasm. Compare Rednecks to his more famous I Love LA - both satirical, if not outright sarcastic. This is almost a comedy album. I kind of like it, but it's presented as easy-listening music, which I don't like even when it's ironic easy-listening music, so all I can do is nod in appreciation and leave this one in the Listened pile. I liked it but I'm probably never coming back.
good I think.
1/13 Good album. Will listen to this more at night or when I need a drink. Didnt expect the lyrics of the first song, lol
Some decent, some not so great.
Good song writing and some catchy tunes
I really like Randy Newman. I feel like I would enjoy spending time in his company. His music makes me smile and feel all kind of nostalgic.
Although this week is highly dedicated to learning Spanish. Trying to keep up! Randy has the voice of many millennials childhood and it’s equally goofy and trustworthy. I didn’t get to fully listen but after I did my abbreviated listen and read the lyrics/album write ups.. I’m gonna put this as a new favourite find here.
as a wise tumblr meme once said: satire requires a clarity of purpose and target lest it be mistaken for and contribute to that which it intends to criticize
plenty of songs and slurs for the good old boys. not much here for me or anyone under the age of 50. this album finally answers the question on everyone's minds: what if the toy story soundtrack was boring and also racist? favorites: mr. president (have pity on the working man), louisiana 1927, every man a king
Liked this album
I like Randy Newman at times. This album's narrative caught me off guard as I didn't do any research before jumping in. The Toy Story man slingin' a hard-r took me for a second. Then the album title made sense.... Some of these are cool but overall they left me wanting the writing and variety from the prior album we did "Sail Away" On a "meta level" its interesting watching the reviews for this tank as its subject becomes more and more topical.
Woah, this feels weird: the randomiser has thrown up back-to-back Randy Newman records. This one provides an interesting thematic contrast as it marks a shift from personal to much more political material. Some of this, although delivered in characteristic laid-back, low-key style, is really lyrically hard-hitting. Equal parts tragic, scary, and maddening that the targeted invective is still so completely on point over 50 years later. Disgustingly racist country really - but wait, this is also much more universal than it's comfortable to admit. Given current events, maybe this a small protest move by admin? If so, nice one✊.
Well Toy Story 5 took an unexpected turn judging by its soundtrack. He doesn’t have a friend (or repeat listener) in me.
1/8/26. Aesthetically pleasing. 6.5/10
Solid singer-songwriter entry.
Randy Newman. 1974 Randy Newman, but definitely Randy Newman!
Did not like, Randy Newman either sounds like a commercial jingle or making songs for Toy Story. 0 stars if I could
I did know Randy Newman, and when I recognised the voice I was not expecting some punk level societal takedowns. Maybe the scathing social commentary hit harder because I didn't see it coming, and it may not be much of a bop, but this is some damn fine satire.
Unfortunately I still can't help but hear Pixar movies with his singing (and for some reason 80s American educational entertainment shows) After a few tracks that went away but it didn't connect enough with me musically.
A bit of a chore tbh - not sure he warrants two albums on the list
The tunes are predictable and while he's clever with the lyrics, it's not what I'm looking for in an album.
I preferred Sail Away by quite some margin, partially because it sounds better organised and more focused, but also because it does more to spotlight Newman’s lyrical content - his key selling point. On Good Old Boys I find myself peering through the mix trying to understand what he is saying. Some moments are chipper, others are thoughtful, others leave no impression at all, though it does provide some good mood music if you’re happy for it to fade into the background.
Yup, Randy is getting a 1 from me, only my 3rd in over 300 albums. This record irritated me, I didn’t like what he was going for lyric wise or music wise, I don’t understand the draw tbh.
הקשבתי רק לאיזה 4 או 5 שירים 😭 השירים ממש לא רעים! אבל לא מסוג השירים שאשמע המון, וגם לא ככ התעמקתי לכן הדירוג גם לא מדויק..
- WAS THE N WORD IN THE FIRST SONG REALLY NECESSARY??? l’album perd directement des points à cause de ça (I get it que c’est une critique sociale mais sérieux…) - more of a storyteller than a singer, ses textes sont intéressants mais les mélodies m’accrochent semi - meilleure chanson: Birmingham
Damn really coming on strong with those lyrics in the first song huh? Even after that, the lyrics that don't involve slurs leave a lot to be desired and I did find myself questioning why it was in this collection to begin with.
Any one who knows Randy for the Toy Story soundtrack would be surprised by this. Satire, righteous anger and genuinely touching love songs. The power of a voice and well crafted songs
Although it is hard to overlook Randy Newman using the n-word multiple times in the first track, one can’t deny that this is a well made album by the Toy Story dude. There’s something comforting about Randy Newman’s music, even if he tackles controversial subjects in the lyrics.
I only knew Randy Newman from his soundtrack and movie score work, so this was eye opening. I understand why the political points he was making, and I understand it is supposed to make the listener uncomfortable… um, mission accomplished. Catchy music, deeply uncomfortable lyrics.
What’s the deal with dudes playing characters as an excuse to drop slurs?
Toy Story was better
Очень по-американски. Понравилась песня про мари. А так чел пишет про свои пороки и проблемы. И про америку конечно же. На один раз послушать нормально. По шкале от 1 до 5 твердая 3.
All I hear is You've Got a Friend in Me.
Very easy to listen to
🥇rollin 🥈marie 🥉louisiana 1972 HM: kingfish, naked man
Rien à faire dans cette liste
Favorite Track: Rednecks
Let’s get you to bed, grandpa…
honestly i like it... i know its misguided white guy music so nick and luke aren't allowed to like it but it just works for me LOL.
Well, the language was very jarring and distracted from what might have been a fun listen. I'd rather not hear this again, ever.
Wonderful satire/send up/love letter to the south. As someone who lived in Birmingham Alabama for half my life, Newman really nails the dichotomy of easy going romanticized life in the south with the hatred and racism that come along with it. 7/10 Favorite tracks- “Rednecks” “Louisiana 1927” “Back on My Feet Again”
Just don’t think Newman’s ever going to be my thing. His satirical bent on a Southern life I’ve never experienced feels pretty blunt to me
Did the Toy Story guy just drop multiple hard-R N-bombs on the opening track? I really don’t know how to rate this since his voice sucks, but the melodies are good. 2/5, I guess?
I feel rather conflicted about this one. I like the southern / NO flair. He is not a bad singer either. But the songs are a bit cringy / cheesy and schmaltzy. And him dropping the N word even if it is supposed a satirical songs about the rednecks… ugh I don’t know and I don’t like it. This is still a record that is deeply American: love, booze, and racism.
Demasiado parecido a Toy Story (al principio no sabia que era el mismo tio, y me estaba gustando, luego no me lo he podido quitar de la cabeza y le he cogido tirria) la estructura de Birmingham es literalmente "Hay un amigo en mi" PD: odio Toy Story
This didn’t age well lyrically.. not sure what Woody and Buzz would make of this..
I realize I’m assessing this through a 2025 lens, but a lead-off song that consists of a white man constantly using the n-word, even if in character as a racist southerner of a certain era, is cringe. Much cringier still is that this album was a big hit at the time, and I’m sure unironically. Thankfully only a couple fall into truly repugnant “Good Ol Boy” subject matter. Some of it is fairly illustrative of how we ended up in this MAGA morass 40-50 years later, including economic decline and feeling left behind and looked down upon as education became more important than farming and manual, “honest” work. And there’s no denying that Randy Newman is a talented songwriter, pianist, and okay singer. I’m just not overly fussed with the actual songs. It’s a two for me.
How is it this guys early work has the sound of Toy Story soundtrack, but with fucked up lyrics? This is weird... But is actually not bad.
Asså helt okej? Inte så märkvärdigt, men rätt bra texter och särskilt Marie hade jättesnyggt arr!
Well, that hard r in the first song was buck wild at 7:12am. Now, it was 1973 and he was using it to pick on rednecks but still...the problem with music is that it can't get the social firmware updates we might like. I love walk on the wild side. Great tune. Same problem. That aside I put Randy Newman on the same shelf as Dr. John. Two schlocky and kind of funny guys with odd affectations who are really good at the specific thing they do. I happen to also enjoy it somewhat. The latter slightly more but this album was decent and I enjoyed the shorter length. It felt like it said what it wanted to and let me get on with my day.
yea nah opening track gagged not in a good way boring from then on
I don't like Randy Newman's vocals, and the instrumentals weren't interesting. The track "Rednecks" did require some research to realize it wasn't as deplorable as it initially seemed.
26th album with group. I cannot believe the Toy Story guy got two albums on the list, and this one is ass. Good Songs - Rednecks, Birmingham, and Rollin’. Bad Songs - Marie, Mr. President (Have Pity on the Working Man), Guilty, Louisiana 1927, Kingfish, Naked Man, A Wedding in Cherokee County, and Back on my Feet Again.
I can only do about one Randy Newman song at a time
thanks
This has aged... poorly
Socially conscious folksy piano ballads - you know, like all the rest. Kidding! You don’t hear a lot of words like cocaine and the n word in a lot of songs that sound like these. It’s pretty good but I don’t see myself coming back to it much.
I heard the first song and almost immediately gave up because of the context. Then I looked up that Newman tries to “hold a mirror to society” and it helped me understand the point of the music. While unique, still not my vibe but rating neutral for uniqueness.
If you think the slur is bad, you should see how he treats short people! What a fiend!
A white man saying "negro" and the hard "N" isn't a great look, but when you dig into the context of the album's concept being a satirist's take on the racist underbelly of the American south, it becomes slightly more excusable. A kind of singer-songwriter piano rock album infused with string arrangements, musically it's a pleasant enough, and well-layered listen, if a bit unremarkable. Not something I'd ever reach for again, but I didn't hate it.
mid pra caralho, indo pra baixo
mano. o cara do you've got a friend in me falando a n-word. bom eh isso. não foi ruim e eh meio bizarro como as letras são atuais. mas eh isso só, nada demais não
As a critic said about Newman’s sarcastic criticisms of society, it’s a dirty job but literally no one has to do it. Newman is like a tragic clown, he can’t help satirising the crowd even while they misunderstand him and throw stuff at him. His liberal armchair critiques probably don’t have any real effect on his true audience apart from make them feel better about themselves. His music is somewhere between dated piano bar songs, stage musical numbers, and catchy nursery rhymes. And yet I still love him. This album, with the explosive Rednecks opener, paints a vivid picture of the south and its characters, with bravado and sadness and everything in between.
Problematic in parts but a great songwriter. I honestly think that Randy's heart is roughly in the right place, but this century we would at least call him an edgelord. Constantly flirting with poor taste at the very least. It actually makes me feel awkward to listen to in parts when he's writing in character in such a difficult way. There is something about his songwriting style that I really love though. Marie is such a beautiful ballad - one of my absolute favourite of it's style
Immediately disappointed that this doesn't contain my favorite Newman song: "Fat man with his kids and dog, drove in through the morning fog.." The music has a piano-bar quality to it, neither biting nor challenging, just humming along. Yet the lyrics are anything but, particularly the first song. It's as if Randy says, if you can stomach this song, you're allowed to listen to the rest. I don't agree with commenters who feel uncomfortable with this song: It's clearly a clever satire targeting both southern racism and northern hypocricy. To dismiss such an even handed criticim, imo, is tantamout to virtue signalling. Rant over. Musicwise, it comes off as simplistic, but I have a feeling that it's actually a type of efortless mastery - Newman makes his music sound easy: He is aiming at background listening with biting content. And the goal's achieved: I'd put this with guests over. If the song bothers them, that's a conversation starter. I'm also a fan of the cover art, as it reflects the album perfectly: Seemingly a generic, lazy photo of a couple at a bar, yet the details reveal an uneasy picture: The girl seem much younger, wearing a wig, the guy, overdressed, wearing shades in door. A hint at the dynamics of power, money, status, and age.
I'd give this a 10/5 if I could
Take me back to when I only knew this guy for wholesome songs about toy friendships
I like the music… I struggle with his lyric choice… I can’t get behind it so it’s a 2.
If you're going to be using that language I'm not sure you have a friend in me Randy Newman
Solid album. Hadn't thought much about Randy Newman but he's so familiar to anyone who has to watch disney films regularly. His voice and songwriting style are so distinctive. I did have some reservations about the opening track, Rednecks. You can't help but feel that this mocking of the US South has contributed to the US being as divided as it is today. I also find it so weird that tracks with so many n-words in them don't get flagged as explicit by Spotify.
The voice was immediately recognizable as the one from Toy Story. After hearing several times the N-Word I needed to check, but yes, it's the same person. Not really my type of music.
Nice album.
What the heck is this? Not worth any second of my time.
Fat dude in love writing his heart out and fucking up hos love life doing coke and shit. Great story teller but he can't sing. But these Songs are made to be sung like that and they are fun and short. Really enjoyed this album although Im not a fan of this type of music
Very biting humor on this album. Satire at its finest... But the music was just ok.
Never been a Randy Newman fan. I don't get what it is that others rave about and why he belongs on these lists. Lyrically? maybe: musically? about as interesting as paint drying. I am a late year boomer, so don't say I don't understand boomerism. If this is that, no wonder we get ridiculed.
Sonically it wasn't bad. I get that it's satire buuuuuut...big oof on the lyrics.
Nice country music that's surprisingly actually enjoyable? He's funny, first track and he's roasting those rednecks. Love the album already. Half of the album is also quite sarcastic, which I really like. Musically it's not outstanding, but still enjoyable enough, plus the lyrics really do add extra flavors to it. Overall I would give it a 3-3.5/5.
I was caught off guard on the first track. I wasn't expecting much, but I was greeted with "Jungle Book"-like vocals and easy-going instrumentals. This was pretty good. Favourite Track(s): Every Man a King, A Wedding in Cherokee County Least Favourite Track(s): Guilty
It was fine. Some of the language was pretty awful by modern standards, but I think, with it clearly being used to critise racism, it's pretty unfair to judge it by modern standards.
No, just no
Challenging album. Hard to justify a white artist making the N-word a focus of their art. He’s using unacceptable language to describe characters who would drop the N-word or antisemetic slur without thinking twice — the satire is heavy. How can you describe racists in the first person without sounding racist? In the end, the critique of southern racists on “rednecks” is unsparing and almost as dehumanizing as those the characters are oppressing… almost. But of course, it’s a choice to platform racists in the 1st person to begin with. If art’s job is to make listeners’ uncomfortable, Newman has done his job. The music is excellent and Newman can sing well enough. If I didn’t listen to the subject matter, this might be a 4. But, as I said, the content is problematic and makes me struggle with the purpose of this art. It doesn’t make me feel good, but it makes me think. A 3.
I liked this one more than the last Newman album on the list I listened to (Sail Away). Some pretty poignant commentary on this one.
It is a bit disheartening to hear the guy who did that song from Toy Story say the Hard R. I do however know that he is using the Hard R in a way that is a critique of actual people who think that backwards way and can't help but say nasty words, so I do quite like the message of the song "Rednecks." Most of the other songs aren't as interesting I'm afraid, with all that disney-like orchestration, with an exception for "Every Man a King" which sounds like a military song. Highlight Song/s: Rednecks, Mr President and Every Man a King
It was fine - Randy Newman's voice is always just so grating that I can't ever really enjoy his music
🎶Beware, beware, beware of the naked man🎶
super Entdeckung eines mir zu wenig bekannten Künstlers
I'd never heard of Randy Newman till all his animated soundtrack fame. It's entertaining and amusing background music.
Without the horribly offensive lyrics on track 1, this would have been a 2.
Always just thought this album was just OK. Much prefer Sail Away (his only other album in the 1,001) and 12 Songs. This probably made the list because of the southern redneck/racism aspects of the album. Not a great batch of melodies. Randy was nominated for an Oscar 15 times before winning for Monsters Inc in 2001 and then for Toy Story 3 in 2010.
randy newman sucks
I'm afraid Family Guy ruined me for Randy Newman. Unoffensive album, but I don't really see myself reaching for it in the future
You know Randy Newman, right? The chap who does sugary sweet songs for Disney films and amusing ditties about dancing bears? Well, hold onto your hats because the first song on this album is called Rednecks and includes liberal (in both the political and numerical senses) use of the N word. It turns out to be a satirical jab at both racist rednecks and snooty New York liberals, but wow, does this clang like a lead balloon nowadays. Apparently this was originally intended to be a sort of concept album about the Deep South, but some songs were dropped at the last minute and replaced with others. We still get some mawkish drinking songs, one about the great Louisiana flood of 1927 and another about Birmingham (not the UK one, sadly). Musically, this album is fine, but I seriously doubt I’m ever going to listen to it again.
Good album - nice listen, not my usual thing but really enjoyed
This is the Piano Man Billy Joel was singing about.
Why did he open it with that
Was not expecting to like this based on some of his cheesy soundtrack songs. Very biting social commentary and witty. Rednecks caught me off guard.
Never really got into Newman, this didn't help. Hard not to think Toy Story when I hear him. 2.5 rounded down Heard before? No Owned: No: 32/123 (25%) Will I get? No
It isn’t knowing, daring, funny or ironic. It’s just shit.
Fuck yea randy
After reading more into this - it's an excellent political commentary, which I think Randy Newman handles very well.
Some lovely tunes from the other piano man.
Good Old Randy
Welcome dear reader to a totally optional review of this album. I put on the vinyl while cleaning as I'm trying to expose myself to full album listening experiences this way. I don't really know much of Randy Newman outside of his Pixar bangers but do respect him. It's cool that he essentially encapsulates really good americana blues, country, folk and 70's singer/songwriters. He's like a family friendly tom waits in terms of his goofy voice. I have very distinct memories of the toy story soundtrack, him on Colbert playing "political science" as well as recently hearing his "I Love LA" cover at a charity event for the recent L.A. wildfires. I also remember listening to this in college as my roommate really liked him but I was too drunk to actually take it in. He really is idiosyncratic. The only things that keeps me from rating this album of his perfect are the following: Randy Newman dying so I can jump on the Nostalgia train Really taking in his lyrics/song topics (which are the hardest for me to digest as I'm not the most poetic / intelligent and from the songs of his I do know the lyrics for, i'm sure there is a lot of good storytelling/humor to take in being exposed to an eloquent critic's opinion on why this is literally a classic and why i'm dumb for not knowing that already. All in all, give this guy a listen bare minimum for his essential status in American singer/songwriter...ness
Randy Newman sounds the same as he always has. Tough themes but good that he's tackling them.
7/10… Piano Rock / baroque Pop / *1974
Repetitive and boring. I kept imagining credits rolling in a Pixar film.