Reviews (page 4 of 8)
Context is very, very important. Still shouldn't be singing that. 3.
Personal enjoyment: 4/5 Relevance to this list: 5/5
Strange choice - but as is often the case I did actually recognise some of the tracks. Not too bad but not really my sort of thing.
I love the classic Randy Newman “You Got A Friend In Me” from Toy Story and Monk’s theme song “There’s A Jungle Out There.” The latter being my introduction to Newman. I straight up don’t like this album. Dropping the n word with the er is absolutely nasty work, especially in the 70’s. This was a trashy way to attempt to “clown” the politically and racially divided Southern US. Absolutely not. It’s a no from me dawg.
It’s funny (not really) how American political satire doesn’t seem to age. You can say, “People are racist, and the government doesn’t respond to the needs of the working class,” and it might just remain true forever. It’s crazy how such a stagnant society is still (at least nominally) rapidly developing. As for the musical aspects of this album, it’s fine. Not really much to talk about. Chill, somewhat enjoyable, but literally nothing special.
Ein klassisches Album mit souligen Elementen. Ein bisschen Frank Sinatra, ein bisschen… lahm …
Oh Boy, hat Randy Newman wirklich nur ein Lied geschrieben? Hört sich alles gleich an. Trotzdem 1 Extrapunkt für "Rednecks". Endlich sagt's mal einer!
Greatest City in Alabam'
Not my vibe.
Fine
Wtf this is Randy Newman?
What a load of garbage. Do I want to hear the man who sings You Got A Friend saying a load of racial slurs? I do not.
I enjoyed this. Lyrics are deep as well as funny. Making fun of rednecks is automatic 3 stars. 7/10.
Fine I guess
No. 14 I listened to this once just to hear the instruments, and I really enjoyed it, but when I listened to it the second time for the lyrics, I was very surprised. Though the lyrics are very controversial, I read it with Genius, the music is kinda good.
Pretty good satire, but you really need to wear headphones for this album - especially the first song, sheesh.
later
Sounds exactly like you’d think a Randy Newman album would. Your enjoyment is based solely on what you think of that sentence
Talk about dad rock..
This album sounded far better than I expected Randy Newman to be, though, until further review, I almost legit couldn’t tell if it was overtly racist or satirical. A very pleasant listen and well-written, if not simple Americana.
Not his best work
Randy Newman is one of my biggest surprises of this project. I love him, and I didn’t think I would. First song out of the gate on this record, and I already know the reviews will be chock full of people clutching their pearls at his unrestrained use of racial slurs, but without any thought to what he’s actually saying, or the story he’s telling, or the point of view of the character he’s writing, or the very obvious satire going on…he’s basically the Joel Chandler Harris of the 80’s, but I’m sure people will lose their minds over it. Anyway, l really liked this record. Bit of a concept record. It’s weird, this is the second Randy Newman record I’ve got on this thing, and I would’ve swore I hated Randy Newman until I sat down to listen to him. His records showcase some really great musical composition and some clever and biting lyricism, and I’ve found both records really relaxing for me. I did not expect to like him very much; I kinda thought of him as the modern day ragtime guy with a weird voice. But I dig him. 4/5
Man, I just love Randy Newman. This is so smart, and beautiful, and humanely satirical.
splitting the difference of scores from the household
This guy again. Respect to the songwriting; don't absolutely love this, though.
If I could give this negative stars I would
Clever, but boring
The music ain't bad. I don't appreciate the slurs, even tho I suppose there's a good intention behing this. Not really my thing.
Rednecks: the way I RAN to the spotify artist profile to see this dude's picture. it's giving Quentin Tarantino writing himself into his films as Guy Who Says Slurs #1. seems like he's trying to be based but I think he disqualified himself in the process Birmingham: he sounds like the dude from the Toy Story song but like...to the degree that I think it might actually be him. (IT IS LOL) Marie: absolutely precious. weirdly reminds me of For Ella by Friko, something in the melody clicks the same way Mr. President (Have Pity on the Working Man): we're desperate!!! get used to it!!! Guilty: genuinely so whatever. this guy is clearly talented but I'm finding the album completely uninteresting so far. Louisiana 1927: I haven't felt surprised by anything on here since the hard-r jumpscare. maybe he should just say it again Every Man a King: this is the shit that plays out of that music box in Shrek Kingfish: more of the same Naked Man: one thing I respect is the song lengths. they get in and get out, the longest tracks on here barely clear three minutes so even when I think they're mid they don't overstay their welcome. A Wedding in Cherokee County: I played this for my crazy midget whore bitch who always laughs at my dick and she thought it was really romantic Back on my Feet Again: eh Rollin': best song on the album not a single bad song on here but there's not a great one either, it's all middle of the road and inoffensive (in some senses of the word). it's just...music. does what you expect and does it with competency, but I doubt it's ever getting a second spin. __ SCORE: 5/10 ADDED TO PLAYLIST: --
perfect shit
I love Randy Newman's voice. I enjoyed the music. DIdn't enjoy the lyrics of a few songs.
7/10. Instrumental legal e vocal tmb, talvez merecesse mais, mas faltou algo
nah
I can't believe Woody would say this 😔
This was not what I expected from Randy Newman. Shocking off the bat, but I'm glad I read more about the context of the album and the design. I'm not comfortable with it still, but it was a very interesting take on southern lifestyles and traditions while making a point that tradition doesn't justify. Unique.
If Elton John didn’t have Bernie Taupin, you might wind up with something like Randy Newman. Credible piano playing and a bit of style but ultimately dull.
Meh
I listened to "Sail Away" by Randy Newman a few years back because it was on the Rolling Stones top albums list and I didn't really like it at the time. After listening to this I don't think my opinion has changed at all. I really don't care for his vocals and I have hard time separating his sound from the Toy Story franchise. I like Toy Story and all, but it gets to a point where thats all I can think about when I listen to his music. There are some stand-out moments on this album, most notably the opening track "Rednecks". This song is controversial due to its numerous uses of the N-word. I acknowledge that its a satirical song and I honestly really enjoy the commentary of it, but man do I wish he didn't use that word so frequently in it. It's a shame because it really is the most interesting (and catchy) song on the album. Other than that this is a pretty average piano rock album. Favorite song: ...Rednecks 2.5/5
We should all know it's satire and shaming, but 'Rednecks' was still a choice... The rest of the album is what I've come to expect from this guy.
Okay album. I feel like if you've head one Randy Newman song, you've heard them all.
another album by randy newman, more of his trademark voice and trademark songwriting style. this album in particular is about the south of the united states. the good, the bad, and ESPECIALLY the ugly. listeners beware, because some of this stuff is gonna make your jaw drop. despite the blunt and... seriously, i can't stress this enough. it gets ugly. despite all that, randy still shines when he writes. sometimes newman sings as himself, sometimes it's other characters. it's so beautiful when it comes to how the instruments are laid out, but the lyrics add this... contradictory, almost opposite energy. it's a true satire. unafraid to expose listeners to how it was, and during the time... how it is. it's a beautiful, beautiful mess.
Pretty solid, felt like I was listening to a Pixar album for a minute Didn't appreciate the first song too much...why need to say slurs to get your point across 3/5 7.83/10
I'm glad I was too old for kid's movies by the time Randy Newman started doing their soundtracks. His style really doesn't work for me.
No
The record is fine. Nothing that I think I’ll ever listen to again.
This was a very beautiful album. Hadn't listened to the redneck song before - absolutely took me by surprise got a bit worried as to what I was listening to but I loved it that pushed me to research the lyrics and the history. Incredibly brave!
Every day, someone who only knows Randy Newman from his Toy Story songs, listens to this album for the first time.
Decent.
A rare surprise. One of those artists of course I knew but never listened to. He’s an incredible songwriter. And thanks to the reviewer who pointed out the Malcolm Gladwell podcast. Recommended listening alongside this great album.
I only know him from tv/movies. So it was wild to hear him singing some politically charges stuff. And I definitely never expected him to say the n word in his chorus. Over all interesting listen. It's kind of like watching Bob Saget stand up. Finding out there is a whole different side to this person.
"You got a FREEEEND in ME! And I got a FREEEEND in YOU! Unless you a redneck. Or a sharp-tongued Jew. I gor a FREEEND in YOU!" "Randy..."
3/5
A decent listen. Would never listen again. A bit hokey for me. 2.5/5
Good stuff for the genre, not my think but I appreciate it
Wow, that aged about as well as milk. I grew up with Newman and never thought strongly one way or the other, but standing off 50 years later you realize he can’t sing worth a lick, and his faux soul voice is actually quite condescending. Some of his songs that he’s written for others are quite masterful, but clearly his albums are all the ones no sane singer would touch as they’re filled with slander and ignorance.
Biting, devastating, hilarious. All of the feelings with this album.
Did not think it could get worse than Sail Away. But alas.
Weird album, but some great songs.
I recognize the talent, but I don't enjoy the delivery.
Not my favorite of his, but still some corkers on here. “Louisiana” is very pretty. When my dad would play this album, he told us the lyrics on the “Rednecks” chorus were “we’re keeping the neighbors down,” and I still kinda hear it that way.
It's the kind of cultural moment in 2025 where it's possible that a song like "Rednecks" might be unironically embraced by Southern Trumpers convinced that they've finally found an anthem worthy of their true unvarnished feelings. This level of cultural and social critique, which stabs deep and true into the heart of institutional racism and poverty, almost feels like it's a relic at this point. It's also a goddamned catchy musical album with great melodies and Newman's sneaky piano holding the whole thing down.
It's a fine album but I don't think I can really get into Randy Newman's music. He's a good songwriter and musician, but I find his voice too goofy to take seriously and his style of music doesn't totally work for me.
White man battles racism with scathing American South satire but can't help himself from dropping the hard R seven times in one song
enjoyable album and it was nice to dig deeper into deep Southern music!
Great album. I was waiting for the song "you got a friend in me" as an album finisher😆
Wauw, het duurt precies 30 seconden voordat er woorden voorbij komen die meneer Newman niet echt zou mogen zingen. Nu probeer ik wat te vinden en lijkt het satire, maar nog is dit niet een album dat je lekker over je speakers aanzet. Hmm, ik weet niet. Ik vind het eerlijk gezegd vooral een heel saai album. Niets springt er echt meer uit. behalve het eerste nummer en dat vooral voor alle verkeerde redenen. De muziek die daarna komt is het beste te omschrijven als mwah? Het is niet slecht, maar het is vooral heel langdradig en niet spannend. Nee Newman, you don't have a friend in me voor deze; 2 sterren.
Starting off the album with a couple of hard r's is a choice. 5/10
Randy Newman is great.
felt too uncomfortable listening to this, Toy Story racism is not my genre of choice
Always sounds like he isn't interested.
4/10 - to be honest, don't remember anything from this album but inoffensive
Damn, Randy... Dropping N-bombs right out of the gate? That's a choice. It's impossible to listen to Randy Newman anymore without thinking of that "Family Guy" bit about him. It's funny because it's true. Beyond that, not much really caught my ear on this one.
I don't care for his voice or the style of music, but I thought the lyrics would be enough to bump it up to a 3. But the. I went through and read all the lyrics and wasn't overly impressed.
Not really for me.
what the hell is this
Easy listening
I’m guessing that this album made the list pretty much just for the song Rednecks - which is pretty great. I think the rest of the record is just kind of ok.
Easy listening.
Kinda odd, but definitely not pop.
Очень спокойная, размеренная музыка. 6,5 из 10.
Need to spend more time on this one - challenging subject material.
honestly that opening caught me off guard and was distracted ever since
No one can ever accuse Randy Newman of subtlety, nor can they say he doesn’t express his opinions with abandon. I have heard this album many times. Fresh off reading a book on black history, Rednecks hit a little different, especially in this current political environment. Mr. President is also still very relevant. Matter of fact, most of this album hits today. Marie is my favorite song this listen, simply because I need the light in the midst of all the darkness. Every album is a masterclass in lyricism. My only problem is when I listen to him, I always imagine Woody and Buzz, which makes songs like Redneck feel awkward sung by a beloved cowboy toy….
Random thoughts: * I was surprised to like this one so much! * Of course, I'm familiar with Randy Newman but never listened to an album. * I'm a little confused by this album in a good way. Is he Southern? Wiki tells me no but these songs sound like he is from New Orleans. * What do you call this music? Southern Gothic Jazz? * Wow! He brought it so hard on track one with Rednecks! Holy smokes! * Mr. President seem like it would resonate almost any time since it's release but maybe more so with the current administration. * This one is going to get several more listens. I've been sleeping on Randy Newman.
Look I know Randy Newman is using a certain word in a satirical/political commentary type of way, but that doesn’t mean I have to be okay with it. To me it is not his place to do so, and for that I pass on his music.
Who doesn't love a good satire? I guess the satirized? In any event, Rednecks is a great opener that plays like an tongue in cheek anthem as Newman celebrates "keeping the niggers down." Gotta love the line: "College men from LSU; Went in dumb, come out dumb too." Birmingham has a theatrical sound, but is a nice rooted ode to the location. Mostly in the background for two listens. The music itself was pretty but didn't often grab my attention. Going with a middling 3 for this listen.
Still absolutely love Newman's voice. It's so cheesy, but so nostalgic and just great. Maybe growing up on Toy Story had something to do with that. As for the rest of the album, it was perfectly good.
Such a unique voice that I unfortunately can't unhear the voice used in Family Guy in the episode with Y2K. Piano is very nice through the whole album. The use of the N Word as many times as he used it is not so very nice.
I really liked the last album we got by Mr. Newman, which was almost 2 years ago! Ok whoa had to look up the lyrics on this first song and yes he indeed does the N word like 10 times. It definitely makes sense in the context of the song but damn it is jarring to hear the Toy Story voice say that! Pretty solid, but didn't move me like the previous album by him.
NOT happy I've had to listen to Randy Newman twice now.
Surprisingly wonderful, I liked it right from the start! Previously, I’d only heard the short people song and Toy Story songs. He’s jazzy, but also something else I can’t put my finger on. Definitely irreverent and I’m pretty sure she said the n word… definitely have mixed feelings about the lyrics but the musicality is very catchy. From what I read online, he writes satire and some of his songs are written from different character perspectives — what we call in reading an “unreliable narrator” which would explain the slurs about Jews and black people. It’s giving Tom Waits vibes.
*Recognizable voice and unique sound for its time. *too many slow to mid tempo songs, but I liked the songs that moved
I get he’s supposed to be quite humorous and I may get that more if I listened more but everything he does just sounds samey. Not a huge fan
I spent awhile trying to work out of Newman's satire really justifies his use of the n-word, given that he's a white 'Northerner' that spent some time in the deep South as a kid where he both witnessed racism and er, took what he wanted from some of their musical styles (eg. his rambling style). And then I remembered he's the guy who wrote that song from Toy Story and no, that words not okay coming from a white guy, certainly not anymore. We've got Beyoncé singing about the deep south now, and she does it without punching down. Rated two for good musicianship and an effort, I suppose, to try and say something meaningful rather than having a good old w*nk on a guitar, but let's all listen to Cowboy Carter now shall we?
Nah, this is boring and I'm not gonna finish it. I'm gonna ignore the well-intentioned but awfully presented critique of racism and will instead point out that every song fucking sounds the same. Ooooh I use dominant 2nds. Grow up. This is not an album I needed to hear before I die.
This was okay but I am not sure why I have to hear it before I die.
Found this pretty boring. Miserable drunk white boomer men music. Claiming to give itself knowing glances, but they feel not very knowing. Of its time in a bad way. Trundled along ok I guess, and something in his vocal style appeals to a part of me... but not for me.
I would listen to the instrumental version of edgelord woody's roundup maybe.
Fucking load of shite
Albums that did not age well for 1000, Alex.
That version of Fever was anemic lol
Randy, stick to scoring animated films please.
Fine
I could live a hundred years and never understand how anyone could like the sound of Randy Newman
Ei silleen mitään negatiivista, mutta oli vaan tylsä. Aika neutraali. Kuulostaa välillä siltä you got a friend in me
indecorous yet of beauty
A real gem
It’s all the same.
Lol this sounds like tory story music. I wonder if it is the same artist. Ah shit it absolutely is. Hm interesting.
He should stick to Disney movies
Randy has got a good vibe to him. Simpsons: Yes
It was ok but I have already forgotten everything that was on here.
I do like Randy Newman. Maybe this will grow on me like Sail Away but I don’t think it was quite as good for me.
Bra album
Crazy opening track
Jolly but not really what I'd listen to
At least the slurs are not said with a hard R, but I think that's due to Randy Newman's accent. Good album though
"Good Old Boys" is the fourth studio album by American musician Randy Newman. Roots rock and country rock are the Wiki-listed genres. The album was initially written to a concept album about, Johnny Cutler, an everyman of the Deep South but the points of view ended up being from different people from the South. Themes include taboo subjects such as slavery and racism. Newman was the lead vocalist, composer, arranger and keyboardist. A host of other musicians were used including Ry Cooder (guitarists), Al Perkins (pedal steel guitar) and members of the Eagles on backing vocals. The album was Newman's first to be commercially successful reaching #36 on the US charts. It has received wide-spread critical acclaim. The album begins with the satirical "Rednecks." Piano, drums and and orchestra. The lyrics are from the point of view of Southerner Johnny Cutler as he watches a tv show where Georgia politician Lester Maddox being mocked by Northerners. He chants about being a redneck. A certain word is used multiple times that Newman probably wishes he could take back.. Newman takes aim at North liberal hypocrisy too as he comments on their siloing Blacks to specifics areas of cities. "Guilty" was a song Newman originally gave to Bonnie Raitt. And, hey, he gives us a waltz. Maybe autobiographical as he sings about not being able to or wanting to give up drinking or drugs. "Louisiana 1927" opens with strings and a softer voice. It's a song about the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927. A melancholy song but also a grand one with the strings. Newman spent significant time in New Orleans as a kid and there's a motif of the North trying to wash New Orleans away. The string of Louisiana songs continues with the ragtime "Everyman a King" which was an actual song written by the late 1920's through 1930's Louisiana politician Huey Long. This version has a chorus of people singing. The three-song Louisiana trilogy culminates with "King Fish." More bouncy with horns. It's told from Huey Long's point of view as he promises shared wealth if he is elected to people who share his beliefs. Hmmmmm. Hmmmm. First off, Newman's musical arrangement and production are excellent. You can see why he would be successful at soundtracks. But, this album is really about Newman's satirical lyrics and storytelling. There's probably no way an album like this gets written and recorded today. Yes, there is one song which would be rewritten replacing a word, may be several words. There's also the fact that I don't think there's many lyricists as talented as Randy Newman. Humorous, candid, controversial, heartfelt, political, satirical and often brilliant. Newman might use the South as a sounding board but he's really going after universal bigger items such as racism, slavery and blind faith politics. This is a great album and one where people might have differing opinions but find nonetheless less very compelling.
This was like once listen to I don’t see myself listening to this album again. I don’t know how I feel about the RedNeck song he say Ni**er a lot and uses the Hard R😂
I don't think you're allowed to say that word, Mr Toy Story
What do I see in the reviews? Lots of 1 star reviews. Why? For the use of a word in the first song. Tell me you've missed the point without telling me you've missed the point! People missing the point and then going apeshit is nothing new however. (see the wikipedia article on the song You've Got To Be Carefully Taught from South Pacific for a 75 year old example). This is an excelent album with great music and even greater insightful lyrics about a bygone era. In some cases it is good things are different now in most however it is not. Then there are the things that stay the same (see Mr President (Have Pity on the Working Man)). This totally deserves a rare 5 star rating (16th 5 star rating out of 414 albums listened to)
As if a Muppet wanted to be a human. I rather love him.
So I like Randy Newman's instrumental vibe, I like the New Orleans sound mixed in with whatever he wants to call it. Its very different and unique, and also pleasant. But it also all the same, he could of been singing any one of his songs and it would have sounded like "You Got a Friend in Me." You can almost get lost in the pleasant sound and ignore the words. But we must move onto the lyrics....so I am from rural America (a Yankee not a southern) so I do get the point he is trying to make in the first song "Redneck" but I am not sure that excuses the language or a sentiment that is almost making fun of the plight of African Americans. I also get the idea that rural southern America is different and those issues are somewhat normal in the South and they shouldn't necessarily be judged by them. But its in an unapologetic good old boy way that is wrong. The title of the album did tip me off to be wary of the album and it holds up to its name. After reading numerous things...maybe that is his point, the satire of it all. Maybe the satire hit better 50 years ago, but now with today's world it feels more MAGA then anything. Sorry Randy I don't think the politics of today help your album hold up.
I don't recommend writing satirical songs. Most people don't get it. He's got an almost Ray Charles kind of vibe to him but it gets a bit samesy. Beware of the Naked Man is weird.
That first song wasn’t a comfy listen, but I felt better to discover the actual meaning behind it. Quite a tale really. Overall, this was an interesting album. It addressed some important topics. It’s hard to separate him from Toy Story at this point, but that’s ok. I enjoyed the themes and vibes.
I think we all get that Randy is playing a character here...doesn't make it any easier to listen to a white dude sing the n word *that* many times
Noen gode sanger
It's a relaxing record, songs were nice and it's an album to play in the background. Would need more listens to listen to it more intently, but I enjoyed it regardless.
- Zeer gezellig, zeker de pixar-vibes gehoord. - 0 nummers toegevoegd aan MMMM
I got a real Buzz when this popped up as i knew of the man but, hadn't dived into anything. I'd had a Peep at his back catalogue Andy it seemed promising. The acerbic wit, the good storytelling and the Slinky piano playing all seemed great. The lyrics were a bit Hamm fisted and moRe ex rated than i was expected but nothing to make me go Caboom. A nice album, but there was something that overshadowed it, that i couldnt put my finger on.
Takes a long hard look at Randy...
I was irritated by that constant jangling piano. It drove me barmy. It was like chinese water torture but less tuneful.
The first song going straight in with the slurs made me uncomfortable, and I didn't particularly feel any more positive towards the rest. Feels quite relevant to the current flag shagging going on here in the UK - you can almost picture the gammons singing 'Every man a King' at the great city of Birmingham's EDL meets. I'm not sure what exactly this album influenced beyond more Randy Newman albums... Could Family Guy be more accurate in their parody? Left foot, right foot. Try it. Observe your surroundings and sing them Randy Newman style. I've been having fun doing it all day.
Not a great album, and way too white of a dude to drop that many N-Words in a song, even in 1974.
It's okay.
Sweet and sad and funny and uncomfortable. As all his songs tend to be.
Hell of an opening track. Made me squirm, which is the point of course. Easy listening on uneasy topics with heck of a satirical bite. Will definitely be looking forward to more of his work.
well i was NOT prepared for ALL THE N-WORDS jesus christ randy! and right out of the gate that was a bold choice! but yeah this was just not a fun listen. it kept reminding me of jack black's character from 'the holiday' when he was like "scrinky dootly doo" and "scrankly dada n da"
Interesting to hear Newman's work outside of childrens movies, but honestly the faux southern accent and janglin sound is not for me. I appreciate the perspective behind a track like "Rednecks" but the lyrics are too on the nose for my taste in spots. 2/5
Listening to this kind of music throughout a kid movie is more than enough
I loved this!!!!
Acquired taste. Taste not yet acquired.
Didn't love the N word, but I always dig a concept album. Conflicted on this score.
FUCK OFF
Princess and the frog
Shocking. I was not aware the artist behind "You've Got a Friend in Me" had such, shall we say, complex songs. Unlike many of the reviews that immediately dismiss the album with one star due to a white man using the N-word (which is deemed forbidden regardless of the context) I choose to take the album at its intended meaning. It is art. A powerful piece of satire not only for its time, but arguably even more relevant now as I write this, and I fear it always will be. The point is to make you uncomfortable, to confront the disturbing history we as humans have created, and to remind us why we must continue fighting against injustice and discrimination. In doing so he does not even make fun of the South so much as making me feel even empathetic to their cause/plight by the end. The kind of empathy I feel we need to find in one another again instead of dismissive and aggression we have to those "on the other side". It is an album you should listen to before you die, especially if you hail from the mainland United States. Hopefully other cultures have their versions of (or one day can) an album like this to make it more relatable for them. Musically if we ignore the lyrics the songs are pretty, especially with the piano. That said, I will not listen to any of these songs recreationally. A unexpected thinker after going though many of these albums in comparison, rather mindlessly.
“Fat old husband walking over….”
Quite an interesting start to the album. Glad I listened to it with headphones. No way that song gets made today, even though the message seems to be anti-racist. Overall it was OK. Not something I'd necessarily go looking for, but wouldn't turn off (Rednecks - if in company aside).
Not sure about the lyrics in that first song, good job I was on my own. Completely utterly straight down the middle average no complaints more than really go looking for this sort of music.
I quite enjoyed it, probably won't listen to again - maybe one song.
Start off to say, I do really enjoy Randy's style. Clear that the Toy Story song is his general style, and that song was great, so hearing a full album of tunes like that was a good time. But I think (and it's the general elephant in the room) starting off the record with Rednecks was certainly an introduction and choice. And while I get the point of the song, I can't help but think the song lost the plot by the extremely liberal use of slurs. For comparison, the Dead Kennedy's song Holiday in Cambodia is also one where that slur is sung by a white man, but its used once as an extremely jarring and cutting point. And that song is fantastic. So I do feel Redneck's point could have been made more tactfully. That said, I generally enjoyed this album, it's a little repetitive in sound and probably isn't one I'd go back to, but yeah. Newman gets points for the superior Rollin' (Sorry Fred Durst).
I was expecting a lot of "You've got a friend in me" - but that was not the case. Pretty solid album! Gets a 3 in my books!
Surprising bit of commentary. Singing and musicianship are alright
The first track really caught me by surprise lyrically but I see what Randy was going for. This was pretty enjoyable overall though I don't love the style - it gets a little boring for me.
Good stuff. That one song has maybe too many N bombs
I know the song comes from a good place, but it’s crazy to hear this white guy just dropping hard R’s
Wow it’s the Toy Story guy, who said the n-word 4 times in the first song. I get it’s meant to be satirical as that’s clearly his style and to be critical of both the north and south for their role in slavery, he’s obviously not actually racist or anything but there was no need to include that at all. The whole album though was a bit boring, it was basically the same thing the whole way through for the most part with the only difference ls being the speed of the song, with some slow ballad type ones and quick rock/country ones. I also find it hard to separate his voice from Pixar and I honestly feel like they should have put like the Toy Story soundtrack over this album as this album has no real reason of being here other than the critical acclaim it received in comparison to his previous albums. Favourites: Mr. President, Naked Man (which sounded like ob-la-de ob-la-da by the beatles by the way). Overall, 4.5/10.
Randy Newman is brilliant. His music is fun and delightfully toungue in cheek, and, as a writer, there's few singer/songwriters in his class. This is a good one.
So many words
Po aburrio, como todo lo que me recomienda esto
Far from the worst album on here but certainly one of the most boring. Zero idea why anyone would think I or anyone "must" hear this before I die but whatever, I guess. I have discovered some great albums doing this 1001 project, but I sure pay with all the crap that I never would have listened to if it wasn't for this list. Maybe I'll break even when it all ends. I guess that's a pretty sweet deal these days.
Pop, 1974 -> 2
Didn’t realize that Randy Newman gives me Van Morrison Nora Ephron movie sync energy until listening to this. Also “Marie” is surprisingly tender and heartbreaking!
A little uncomfortable but I love Randy
When he dropped that first N Word, I almost snapped my neck looking up in confusion
Essentially a defence of instututional racism in the south, treating it as the exception and not the rule, under the guise of 'most of them are good people.' They were not.
Not for me. 1/5
I get what he's doing here, but it doesn't land for me. Something about white dudes from California satirizing Southern racism is tough for me to get into. Otherwise, there are some catchy songs, and I don't hate it all. Solid 3
8/23 - hey this fuck made that toy story song!!!! its 5am and im tired im gonna listen to this later
I'm not sure how to rate this album. I can see that Newman is a great songwriter, but this sort of music is something I just don't care for.
Sweet portrayals of humanity (and lack thereof).
When he talked about rednecks and cocaine in that “you’ve got a friend in me” voice is one of the surreal moments of the week. Great concept, though. I felt in north Louisiana again, just for one hour.
I know he's done a lot of Disney songs but god it's strange listening to this.
3 08.13.2025
I listened to it a bunch but I'm not sure how much of it i took in
Songs sound the same. He has better songs on other albums
Randy Newman is hilarious. One of the great satirists of our time.
Redneck could not get away with the N-word use today, even though it is technically used to make fun of the people on the wrong side of history. Songwriting and storytelling come together in their purist American form. No wonder Newman scored Pixar films
Vječno pitanje tko je više proto father john misty. Randy newman ili warren zevon
thats enough of that
Rednecks song was spot on, don’t know if it was intended that way though
2.2 2x decent enough just not my thing
Starting the album with Rednecks locked in a 4 regardless of what the rest of the album was like but no one blends beautiful music and cutting wit as well as Randy Newman. Thank you Toy Story for starting me on good music so young
Leuke muziek!
Somewhere between a good record and a great collection of short stories. I like it a lot.
NOPE. NOPE. NOPEEEEEE
I've never understood the weird love-him-or-hate-him vibe I've often experienced from other people about Randy Newman. I've always enjoyed his music, whether it was his songs that permeated my brain from pop culture, his soundtracks, or his beloved film scores. This record reminded me so much of his score for MAJOR LEAGUE (1989) that I honestly thought he plagiarized some of his own work directly from "Good Old Boys." I enjoyed this album, his witty and sometimes scathing lyrics about the south and racism, and I've always adored his piano playing. This was a rare treat for me, but it's still quite strange to think that in about 2 decades he'd be writing Academy Award nominated song-after-song-after-song for Disney/Pixar throughout the 1990s and 2000s.
I absolutely hate this. There's something so off-putting and disingenuous about the music and the vocals it makes me not want to listen very badly. It's like he's doing a parody of himself and not doing it well. This would be in the selection of music that plays on the elevator to hell
Pretty decent, but a few clunkers and not nearly as good as 'Sail Away'.
Nope.
Just kinda meh. Nothing stood out.
Shocking until you get the intent
Last night I saw Lester Maddox on a TV Show. With some smart-ass New York Jew. And the Jew laughed at Lester Maddox. And the audience laughed at Lester Maddox too.
point6.
I love Randy Newman’s snarky attitude. For people that grew up listening to his work on family friendly soundtracks, I can see why some of the lyrics in his songs can be jarring. Great subtle satire hidden in the music.
Good discovery
Amazing music and lyric writing.
Cr*p old boy, more like. This must have sounded dated even at the time, surely?
My finger hovered over my ebay basket to buy a cheapo copy of this whilst listening. The buy or bin ration went a bit downhill as the album slogged on. By the end, I emptied my basket. Substance over style. I love the lyrics, but it drags. Tom Waits knows how to get the balance right.
Escuché solo un canción y no me llamó la atención
I was not familiar with Randy Newman outside of Disney films, which kinda ruined it for me a little bit. This is progressive story telling about places middle class white folks probably aren’t familiar with. Question is, is this appropriation or bringing an underground scene into the mainstream?
Another one that’s not for me, in fact bu the time it got to ‘Naked Man’ (track 9), it started to properly irritate me.
Marie //
Enjoyable. Strong start had it on a 5 star path, but lost energy around the midway point. 4 stars for the strong opening stretch. Good lyricist knows how to sing within his range with a fun production sound. - oof white guy saying the n-word. Pretty sure it's sarcasm but OOF. Did some research, sounds like Randy Newman is very self-aware of the optics - Truly enjoying this album. It's got a groove, it's not just rock cliches, it's got a digestable message, and I like his voice! - Starting with 'Every Man a King', there's a quality change. Lyrics get wonkier, sound gets more jarring
Wasn't ready for how hard the political satire goes on Rednecks. Wouldn't fly today but hes not wrong here. Political songs interspersed with...bullshit? Weird vibes. Upon further reflection, I realize I will probably end up thinking about this album forever.
Holy shit.
Randy Newman is a talented musician and producer. IMHO his music is very predictable and a lot of it sounds the same.
Like there was some alright stuff maybe but like… any white guy repeatedly saying the n word isn’t gonna get above 2 stars
Easy listening Country Rock from one the masters of the genre. I'm familiar with Randy Neman via various Pixar movies, but hadn't heard any of these songs before. The album is OK, and while I wouldn't personally buy the album, I would keep it if I received it as a gift.
Kinda nice but also kinda all the same. Once you know he wrote "you got a friend in me" you can hear the same patterns in nearly all of his songs on this album.
You hear all about what American songwriting is famous for. Great stuff.
In my previous review of the previous Randy Newman album, I noted that he somehow already sounded both old and old-fashioned back in the early 70's. That's still the case on this record. It's not bad by any stretch, but I couldn't really connect to the music. Just didn't do much for me.
Man I get that he’s taking on a character but I was not ready to hear the Pixar guy drop so many hard r’s. He’s a musical genius, he really has mastered the sound he’s going for, but Jesus Christ what an off putting intro. Birmingham is charming and Marie is a beautiful love song. Guilty is so good, the out of key, leading note harmonies in the woodwinds are genius. Louisiana is beautiful my god this album is good. Kingfish continues the weird tonality with that little chromatic walk and moves into a 10/10 Randy Newman little jaunt. Rest of the album continues to just be so well written and fun, I get why all the Pixar movies sound like him, it’s so good. Turning a blind eye to the slurs in the first song (and a couple more throughout), this man is a musical genius and an extremely talented orchestrator, give this man a 5. I will attempt to spend my love within her. But though I try with all my might, she will laugh at my mighty sword. She will laugh at my mighty sword. Why must everyone laugh at my mighty sword?
----"According to a widely cited analysis on Reddit, 'Rednecks' uses the n-word eight times - plus one use of the milder "Negro""---- chatgpt Crazy intro to the the album. It honestly took my entire focus off of the song. Anyways, this album is fucking awesome. I'll never laugh at your mighty sword, Randy.
This is in the top echelon of storytelling albums. There’s John Prine and there’s this album. Only one bugs life, and that’s my man newman. Does he say the n word on this album a couple times, yes he does. He also has a friend in me. Is this some goofy shit, yes but got dang does this do it for this cracker. These songs are so good, he’s such a good songwriter. I love his ability to take something ugly and dissonant and make it beautiful so quickly. I want to hear him in a 10 person room with a piano and PBR on tap. I will not sing the n word I promise, but I also promise to love every second of it. Hearty 5/5. Please give me another Randy Newman album.
Some of the songs that actually have good tunes etc. are spoiled by the sheer amount of slurs and stereotypes randy can fit in, seemingly for shits and giggles. I wish I hadn't known this side of him and could obliviously enjoy pixar soundtracks in peace. Alas here we are.
This is about as harsh and as real as songwriting gets. Randy Newman has a way of writing biting satire... one of my favorites is "Short People" which is an unbelievably misunderstood work of genius. I had never heard this record before. I'm giving it four stars precisely because it's great, but it's not an instant five star for me... room for growth, perhaps.
This is a guy who's really got his own thing going, and sometimes it's fun or poignant, and sometimes it feels rambly. It's never something that has grabbed me when I'd I can appreciate it conceptually. I liked "Louisiana, 1972."
I have to admit that I've never once listened to a non-Toy Story Randy Newman song. It's very, very hard to hear this on its own terms and not hear some version of "You've Got a Friend In Me" on every track and I gave up trying about 20 seconds into "Every Man a King."
Really enjoyed it
Randy Newman is an American treasure that must be protected at all costs
Different enough from other stuff to be interesting - especially lyrically (I'm presuming Rednecks isn't pro racism!). Not interesting enough to want to listen to any of it again however
Good album! Musically I still find Newman a little showtimey twee, though his lyrics/themes are more interesting than this musical approach might suggest.
Me “These songs sound like they are out of Toy Story” Me five minutes later “Oh” The was something decidedly bland but ridiculously enchanting about this album, and I kinda like it!
Alright, let's address the elephant in the room to start the review. Yes, Randy Newman drops multiple hard-Rs in "Rednecks," the opening track on the album Good Old Boys. It is very jarring to hear the Toy Story man sing a racial slur. However, that song, as well as many of the other songs, is written as a heavy satirical piece from the perspective of an ignorant Southern man. The album's kind of a concept album in that regard, what with there being a general source of inspiration for most the album's songs. While I'm not defending the use of the word per se, I can understand the motivation and purpose behind it. It's like that John Lennon song, you know? Anyway, the album's pretty good. I'd go as far as to call it better than the other Randy Newman album on the list, Sail Away. The lyrical themes are interesting. Again, it is jarring at times, but I think the messages come across well. I do love me some good satire, and this album has that. Randy Newman's voice is kind of silly, but it's honest, which is good. The instrumentation here is pretty strong as well. I like the vibes. It doesn't feel as much like Toy Story music as the prior album, which works to make the themes hit harder. I've gotta say. Randy Newman is a pretty respectable artist. Good stuff. High 3/5.
3/5
Listening while walking my dog in the morning 10:07am to be exact, stopped under shade ummm??? So as I’m writing this review there was a song that has him saying we are keeping the niggers down???? Like what lmfaoo…. I should have known how this album was going when he mentioned New York Jew and it gave me paused. The album is your typical drunkard who can’t do right by his loved ones and now knows that because they are not around him anymore but somehow he really cares about the south idk that song has thrown me off from the album I wasn’t fully aware of what I’m hearing and when I did realize what he was saying …I’m confused on what’s the purpose of him singing that like if feels like he’s taking pride in the racist backstory of the south which is crazy that this is the same man singing on the Toy Story movie credits about you have a friend in me . I think I partially confused if anything. I don’t really get the point to write a song like that nor do I find it compelling to look past it as most people do with white artist and there casual racism. No one is good enough not to use slurs in there songs so idk it’s kinda lame but throughout most of the songs I was listening to, it sounds like Randy himself saw himself as a loser. Oh well
This is what the 1001 album challenge is all about. I thought what the fuck??? Then it slowly hit me that this is a satire on the south in rednecks, and then it settles into some beautiful incredible songs. I loved it and I couldn't wait to get my next album out of the way to listen to this again.
Not super familiar with Randy Newman at all, but this was about what I expected it'd be.
Sounds like cosplay country, which is a genre i'm not massive on anyway. I know the track _Guilty_ as a much bluesier version appears on **The Blues Brothers** album _Made in America_.
Controversial. I hope people can see this as satire!
I only knew of Randy Newman due to the Family Guy sketch, so I was expecting this album to be annoying, but it's actually pretty good.
Just no.
I think this is an album with a few really good songs but I'm not loving it in it's entirety. I really like his upbeat songs but when he slows it down I'm not sure I love those, but the songs that I like I really like! 4 stars
I really like it, maybe it's a 4.5. "Every man a king" is my favorite
I don't know about that one.
The first song really creeped me out, sorry.
In a nutshell: a spoonful of sugar... Randy used the same schtick as Sail Away: predictable orchestra and piano compositions. The satirical social commentary remains, and it gave me a lot to think about. Now, here's my two cents on the opening track, Rednecks. It was uncomfortable to hear and read the lyrics. I also understand the point Newman was making- he was pointing out institutionalised racism while mocking a racist bigot. Could Randy have written the song differently (ie without using racial slurs)? Yes. He didn't, because a racist redneck like the one in the song is unlikely to use other words to describe the people they loathe. As to if Randy himself has said the n-word outside of lyrical context, who knows? Does it make it right for a white person to use a racial slur, regardless of context? I still don't know. It's a complicated argument. If it sounds like I'm defending the use of racist slurs, it is not my intention. I don't use the n-word. It is not a word for me to say. Newman's song Rednecks wasn't the last time a racial slur was sung by a white person in music. Elvis Costello used the n-word in Oliver's Army (Armed Forces, 1979). In other media, the creators of South Park approached the use of the n-word in "With Apologies To Jesse Jackson" (S11 E1). As for the album as a whole, I don't connect with albums that stick to the cut copy music formula (Leonard Cohen is another offender). Sorry Randy. Overall: 3/10
This album begins with a provocative song about Southern racism and Northern hypocrisy, and then completes its 30 minutes or so with short songs that are fine, just fine snippets of Southern characters and history. Not an uninteresting theme necessarily. But this kind of parlor music just leaves me wondering: who would buy this record in 1974 and play it more than once? Which was all that was asked of me, I guess, and now I’m good.
In my opinion, Randy Newman is a musical one trick pony. Musically, it is a delightful, pleasant, and sometimes silly pony. Not a pony, you saddle up and take to engage in protests about social injustice and racism. It is hard to distinguish this album from the Toy Story soundtrack, and sadly, it made me want to go watch Toy Story again rather than think seriously about issues.
Yeah, no. On first listening to the first tune I thought I heard the "N" word but just shrugged it off as he must've said neighbors. On 2nd listen, yup, he DIDN'T say neighbors. I get it, he's probably telling a story of how rednecks are afraid of the coming racial equality and this was in 1974 but it is still not a word I want to hear. Besides, the rest of the album is not good enough to make an exception to this vulgar ugly word
I was completely jarred by the first track dropping the N-word left and right. I'm sure many people have rated the album 1/5 and stopped listening there. However I've made it a goal to listen through every album in full on this list. I had to read up on the history of this album to see that it's a satire of American culture, particularly the south. With this in mind, this album became much more interesting to listen to. This is an album that requires active listening and not turning on as background music at work. I'm not rating this album based on how much I enjoyed it but rather the effect it had on me. This is an album I'm going to be returning to understand better. Also the instrumentation is fantastic. It's some of the best I've ever listened to. Would recommend listening to the Revisionist History podcast episode on this album to better understand the context.
Which one is it where Andy goes to a klan meeting?
kedelig
De stem van het toch wel bekende 'You've Got a Friend in Me' van de film Speelgoedverhaal. Ik vraag me af wat hier precies de doelgroep van is. Het neigt wat naar country, zeker in het begin, maar het is niet echt voor de échte cowboys. Het is meer een soort ge-croon voor de iets beter bedeelde Amerikaanse pensionado die zich een paar weekjes in het jaar lekker terugtrekt in het casino, ofzo. Een leuke kroeg-act, alleen is de band daar misschien net wat te uitgebreid voor. Een band in dienst van een zanger die niet super goed zingt en vooral z'n verhalen wil vertellen. Af en toe wil 'ie de voetjes van de vloer krijgen. Verhalen over een simpele gast uit de werkende klasse, daar gaan ze hard op die boomers in de casino's. Ik zie het helemaal voor me. Op de scootmobiel richting de eenarmige bandiet en dan 10-12 uur lang niet van je plaats komen. Dit is niet voor mij gemaakt maar ik zit toch op een soort twijfelspoor: vind ik dit nou kansloos of is het eigenlijk nog best wel aardig. Ik neig naar dat laatste en ik verbaas er mezelf een beetje mee. Voor een keer wel geinig. M'n luistercompagnon heeft hier een hele summiere beoordeling bij, maar hij raakt eigenlijk wel de essentie: "Vermakelijke teksten op een blij pianootje". Ik ga mee met zijn 3 sterren.
I keep getting visions of cheap American romcom outros when I listen to these songs. Any song really, because they are all the same. Apparently he's more of a Disney man (same difference). I was going to give it a 3 because of the songwriting quality and the parody he does. But a few songs in I became so bored... he really likes his habits doesn't he. I can see why some people like it, the music is very inoffensive. A nice melody, a recogniseable voice, some piano, some arrangements here and there. Not my cup of tea. Wel actually, it is exactly like a cup of tea. It's just that I like a double espresso more.
Some good instrumentation and lyrics. Hard R n-word loses a star.
Ehhhhhhhhhhh...pretty underwhelmed. I didn't go in expecting a lot, and that's what I got.
Good bit of satire
Mmmm diifcult one...can't say it's bad but most of it sounded the same and I always thought that the Toy Story hit was beginning...You've got a friend in me...
écouté qu'une seule fois mais pas du tout mémorable, j'arrivais pas du tout à rester concentrée dessus. à voir si je réécoute vu qu'apparemment il dit le nword MDR
I love the grooves of this album. It’s Ray Charles adjacent, but Newman adds his own jaunty offkilterness. The first track is well composed, but its shameless use of a racial slur hasn’t aged well, even if used in satire. I loved the political activism wrapped in light hearted ditties though.
A nice album. I kept waiting for “A Friend in Me” 3/5
Maso
Forgot about this album. Should be required listening in Louisiana public schools.
I admire Randy Newman more than love him. The songs are interesting. Gently shocking and sometimes grimly funny but the music doesn't excite me much.
boy shut up
Randy Newman est un auteur-compositeur-interprète qui a su se forger une place à part dans le paysage musical américain. Souvent sarcastique, parfois cynique, mais toujours doté d'une tendresse sous-jacente, il est un observateur aiguisé de l'âme humaine et de ses contradictions. "Good Old Boys", sorti en 1974, est sans aucun doute l'un de ses chefs-d'oeuvre, un album conceptuel qui plonge au coeur du Sud des États-Unis. Dès les premières notes de "Rednecks", le ton est donné. Randy Newman ne mâche pas ses mots pour dépeindre les préjugés et l'ignorance, mais il le fait avec une intelligence qui dépasse la simple caricature. On sent une volonté de comprendre, même les aspects les plus sombres de la mentalité sudiste, plutôt que de simplement juger. C'est cette ambiguïté, cette capacité à adopter le point de vue de ses personnages sans pour autant cautionner leurs actes, qui rend l'oeuvre de Newman si fascinante. L'album est une succession de vignettes, de portraits dressés avec une précision chirurgicale. On y croise des figures emblématiques du Sud, du gouverneur Huey Long dans l'éponyme "Kingfish" à des personnages plus anonymes, mais tout aussi évocateurs. La musique, un mélange subtil de piano, d'orchestrations riches et de touches de blues et de country, sert parfaitement le propos. La voix de Randy Newman, si particulière, tantôt murmurante, tantôt moqueuse, est l'instrument central de cette exploration. "Louisiana 1927", l'un des titres les plus célèbres de l'album, est une ballade poignante sur les inondations du Mississippi. Ici, la satire laisse place à une compassion sincère pour les victimes. C'est un moment de pure émotion, une preuve de la polyvalence de Randy Newman, capable de passer du rire jaune aux larmes en un clin d'oeil. Cette capacité à toucher le coeur, même en dépeignant des situations difficiles, est une force majeure de l'artiste. L'orchestration est une composante essentielle de "Good Old Boys". Les arrangements sont souvent somptueux, ajoutant une dimension épique à certaines chansons. Le piano de Randy Newman, toujours présent, est le pilier autour duquel tout le reste s'articule. Il est le conteur principal, celui qui donne le rythme et l'ambiance à chaque histoire. En résumé, "Good Old Boys" est un album majeur, un jalon dans la carrière de Randy Newman et dans la musique américaine en général. C'est une oeuvre courageuse, intelligente et profondément humaine. Sa capacité à mêler humour noir, satire sociale et émotion pure en fait un classique intemporel. Un beau 3 sur 5.
Man, I really did not need to hear Randy Newman singing the gamer word "artistically" probably 10 plus times in the same album. Hot take, extremely not a fan of his voice. This may be my first "Least Favorite Artist" when I roll him for a second time. I really don't care what the point of this album was, it was all just dreadful from top to bottom. I didn't enjoy any of it. His voice is just so hard to listen to in my opinion. Somehow I lasted the entire day though, and for that reason it's still a 1 star, but it's a high 1 star. Call it a 1.8. This is the least subtle music I've ever heard, and I just really don't know why he made an entire album like it. What's the concept? "I hate the South, wait, actually no, I hate everyone?" Phenomenal. Thank you Randy, now go away for a while so I don't have to hear you again for a while. No, actually, give me the other album so I can just get it over with. Anything has to be better than this. I give a lot of 5's on this site, and when an album gets rolled that is received very well by critics pops up that I don't like, sometimes I truly don't understand what they saw in said album. This is one of those times.
This was awful. I could not get into this, even though Randy Newman is a fantastic songwriter.
Super American sounding, wholesome and musical. Music school vibes.
Nice record. I like the New Orleans(?) jazz touches here and there. These songs are appearently satirical, but honestly I didn't catch any of that other than a few moments here and there, but that's because I wasn't paying that much attention to the lyrics. I still enjoyed it, although I'm not sure we need two Randy Newman albums on this list, even if it's hard to decide which is the better one. Key tracks: Birmingham Marie Guilty Louisiana 1927
Same old, same old. Just with more questionable lyrics. Correction, disgusting lyrics.
I don’t know if Randy Newman’s music always felt sort of dreamy, or if it is because I attribute it to Toy Story so it feels somewhat like childhood wonder, but this felt very floaty and pleasant to me. It’s that same vibe of music as You Got A Friend In Me, except his sense of humour is allowed to shine through here too. I enjoy when he sings from a character perspective, which is something so rarely seen in modern music. This was a fun little meander through some musical clouds.
can’t wait for toy story 5 where Andy time travels to the 20s and has a midlife crisis
WHO GAVE BRO THE PASS????
uh, political satire... the toy story song he wrote is 100000% better than this. 3/5
Hard r's? Wowzers
Not my style
Honestly feels weird to hear him sing something that isn't Disney. Offbeat but not super interesting.
Preaching to the choir, it's got to be funnier than this... perhaps it once was.
There should be another list: 101 albums by artists who are too boring to be in an album. A couple of songs are ok, but they all sound the same. Should only appear in compilations.
It's weird that the Toy Story guy is singing a satire album about the south. Like I get it, but I can not separate the two. The songs are spot on, harsh and vulgar and I understand where it's coming from. It sucks this album feels like it was written recently. It's terrible that an album written in 1974 still feels relevant. It shouldn't, we should be better. It also sucks because all I see are Buzz and Woody while the album plays. This is not the album to be seeing Buzz and Woody while I listen!
3/5
Parece um álbum de trilhas sonoras de filmes, as letras são bonitinhas, e melodias agradáveis.
Realizing that Randy Newman is not my bag.
Ugh
Can't relate to either the style or content but appreciate it's a good album of its genre.
Randy, no :(
Umm!!?! As a 90s kid who grew up on a diet of Toy Story and Bugs Life, this is... jarring. I understand this is satire but there is no reason for a white person to say those words and there is especially no reason to hear it from Woody 😭 A swing and a miss from Randy here....
First song was very jarring and of its time but I enjoyed this. Maybe need to go relisten to the other Randy Newman album on this list
ok like i GET that it’s a social commentary blah blah concept album blah blah american south and whatever but my god i did not need to hear a white dude say the n word 46 times within the first three minutes of this album. the whole thing just sounded like other songs but with as many slurs/insults crammed in as humanly possible. pack it up, randy
I appreciate a good satire but the use of slurs was cheap and uncreative.
I understand the dislike of the lyrics, but I think the rest is rather nice
Relaxing
Is this an album about how much he hates the US south? Anyway this is weepy and sweepy I hate it.
Great stuff.
Blech. Don't get why he was ever popular. Bad campfire music - more talking along than singing.
Impossível não lembrar do Toy Story com a voz do Newman, o que foi um pouquinho pouco frustrante. A cada música eu fazia essa associação de forma involuntária. Por causa disso não sinto que foi uma experiência "limpa". De qualquer forma, a voz dele é muito única e as músicas tem um embalo muito bom e letras satíricas que são por vezes cômicas.
I loved this. Randy Newman has such a lovely way of telling a story in what sounds simple but is much more intense when focused in on the words. Coupled with the piano makes for sensational listening. A long relationship with Pixar has exposed him to a new and younger audience but he’s been writing like this for years. Covered by many artists. Nina Simone’s version of Baltimore is very powerful
Like being in the middle of a Disney film.
Nothing of note or interest, but kept expecting Woody to start singing.
Nope, I just can’t get past the feeling that most songs on this album sound like a theme tune from a lighthearted US 70s/80s sitcom about working class people doing working class things.
It’s a little strange for a guy from LA to make a whole concept album from the perspective of the south. He’s obviously a talented songwriter and it’s an interesting listen but it does feel heavy handed at times
3.5 Never really listened to Randy Newman before very closely. This wasn't as marbled-mouth as much as I would have initially thought and I enjoyed the recording. Got a bit of the concept through the one listen and thought it was interesting.
A fabulous songwriter. Great album.
Wtf was this? All songs the same and all equally bad.
This album made me feel a bit awkward. Didn’t envision Randy Newman using the N word in numerous songs! In the rest of the songs I was just waiting for him to break into “You’ve Got A Friend In Me” haha I will probably never listen to this again.
Honestly, an album that can no longer be made, but an important and brave one in my opinion. Looking over reviews from other people, I'm sad to see so many people dismiss it outright because of its lyrics and subject matter. Randy writes in character. A fact that seems to be challenging for many here. It's strange to me that we can separate artist and role so easily when we watch a film (no one is getting angry at Fassbender for his role as a slave-owner in 12 Years a Slave), but we seem to have difficulty making this same separation when it comes to music. Stories deserve to be told, and no one does it better in music that Randy. He drags American skeletons out of the closet and into the daylight. That discomfort you feel? He's directly pointing out how strange it is that you don't feel it every day, because if you looked, it's all around you.
The loose concept behind this album is giving voice to a string of characters form the Southern US. Often sympathetic it’s also a critique of the racism and prejudice of the South and an equally trenchant critique of the hypocrisy of the response in the north. Everyone gets a swipe from Newman, the whole being wrapped in his trademark cosy-sounding piano, band and strings arrangements. He’s determined to give a voice to the little man, whatever he thinks of what the little man has to say. It’s a compelling though a far from easy listen. An underrated songwriter at the height of his powers.