Reviews (page 5 of 7)
Rhythm and blues with ironic lyrics on social issues. It's alright. Not really my style, but it's done well. I would probably like every song if it popped up in some playlist of random music, but an entire album is too much for me. Favorite song: Louisiana 1927
I really respect his ability to tell a story with each song.
Twijfelgeval. Saai, maar ook wel mooi.
El començament amb 'Rednecks' és un xoc, text valent amb una tonada que s'adhereix fàcilment. 'Birmingham' i sobretot 'Marie' continuen amb el to més que notable del disc. Després la cosa va minvant, però la peculiar veu de Newman i el concepte sobre el que gira el disc, parlant de la vida al sud dels Estats Units sense péls a la llengua, fan que el treball sigui interessant de recordar i de recuperar de tant en tant
Classic newman
This was alright, I had no issue with it. It's not really my type of music, however.
Toy Story man got real racist on this one - good tunes though.
Great stuff
Not really sure how to take this one - some classic feeling story songs, a great charactered voice, and catchy little piano ditties, but some strange content that I'd need to dig into more, and nothing totally got me rootin and tootin. Fave track: Kingfish
It's hard for me to take Newman seriously. It's not that he sounds like a muppet, it's just that there's some quality there that reminds me of them. So, when he puts a bullseye on the south, it's like, shouldn't you be writing stuff that goes in a kids' movie? It's not bad, it's just...Randy Newman. Best track: Rollin'
Good olboym ;)
Inte en så stor fan av soundet tbh men helt fine. Kan förstå varför det är med, unikt är det i varje fall
If you ignore the lyrics, the whole album sounds like it could the soundtrack to a Pixar movie. If you don't, be prepared for a very surprising number of racial slurs! It's an interesting album, for it's social commentary on class, race and the divide between North and South in America. We're meant to laugh at the "redneck" narrator, but also to admit that he has some good points (e.g.: racism still exists in the North). I'm never entirely comfortable with the idea that singing as a character gives you license to say whatever you like but that opening song, and its bigoted lyrics are undoubtedly the most memorable part of this album.
Mixed bag on this one.
meh
The people calling "Rednecks" a racist song failed first-grade listening comprehension. Pretty funny little album. Not something I would personally ever return to, but it's definitely in the best quarter of country albums I've heard. I keep expecting him to start singing "You Got a Friend In Me".
Well, that was different. Satire, sure. But I'm not sure Rednecks wouldn't be interpreted literally at times - wouldn't surprise me to hear it had been played at a Trump rally. And that's not a good thing. I'm struggling to rate this. The music is fine and I didn't hate it so I think it's a three. But...
Hard satire as Newman tends to do. But my ears aren't used to hearing that these days.
vibe
Ummmm it’s ok I guess.I get he’s playing a character but wow lots of racial slurs immediately from the guy who did “you’ve got a friend In me” was kinda shocking.The music is kinda dull though so that shock factor doesn’t even help it that much.
HL: "Marie", "Rollin", "Louisiana 1927" Put this on first thing after I got up, no I was not ready for "Rednecks" (though I appreciate the sentiment behind writing the song). Attention to the music waxed and waned, but there were enough pretty ditties to make the listen worthwhile May 24, 2023
прочитала что это сатира... ну допустим. так-то шок-контент
I really didn't want to listen to this one. Started off super weird with the hard-R n-word kind of liberally used. (I get it's satire/from the perspective of a character but it still felt weird.) A few songs definitely stuck out to me, but I lost interest about halfway through. Something about Randy Newman makes me not want to dig much deeper in his catalogue, but honestly, this could have been worse. Standouts: Marie, Mr. President (Have Pity on the Working Man), Guilty
That's a bold start right there. I like the sounds of his songs - interesting chords, plaintiff singing, but something about it doesn't make me want to return to it.
Pretty classic RN. Little ragtime, clear vocals without much range. But not too difficult to listen to.
Whoa, wait! Made in 1974!? It is still an uncomfortably relevant musical homage to an US subculture that people are either way too proud of, or much too critical of. Both views are merited and yet both are equally flawed. I definitely didn't see this coming. PS: Man, that first track is hard to listen to.
This was nostalgic because it brought me back to Toy Story so much. Surprisingly I liked this album- I thought it’d be boring or too much for me but it was a nice length and nice overall.
extremely randy newman sounding, wasn’t expecting the slurs
Toy Story guy
Unless it's the Toy Story soundtrack, I can do without Randy Newman.
The songs are well crafted and he is hugely influential, but I don’t see myself ever listening to this
Newman's voice is amazing and his composition of the songs is really great as well. Very impressive, but the album does feel a bit racist. Wikipedia says it is satirical though.
I don’t know. It all sounds like the dark side of you’ve got a friend in me.
The problem with evolving your image over your career to the point you end it making massive music for Disney® is you become so identified with those movies that its forgotten that you've made some popular music long before. Randy Newman has always been one of those show-tuney writers that somehow gotten popular on the pop charts. A lot of this sounds like what others have already said, raunchier versions of his Disney music.
Too associated with toy story for me
This is SO NOT MY THING. I can appreciate that the lyrics are satirical, but I was super turned off by the use of the "n-word" by a white guy, etc. That said, the musicianship is on point here, and there's no question that it is well done. I just don't want to listen to it. I'd give it a 2.5 but I'll round up to 3 just because I can see why it's on the list and why others might enjoy it, and there is no shortage of excellent musicians on the album. But not my cup of tea.
Toujours sympa d'écouter Randy Newman, mais il se répète un peu trop. Le concept de l'album me passe un peu au dessus ou est toujours sur le même mode.
3.75
Decent album without highlights that is mainly remembered for some lyrical content that didn't age well
Starts off with a provocative reflection on the failings to truly desegregate America and the Rednecks of both the south to blame. He continues with both introspective and socially critical satire that stay close to his home and uses first person narrative to drive a compelling message. Unique sound and true to his style. Redneck, Louisiana, Naked man 3.2
There are some great songs on here but Randy's schtick gets a bit tiresome quite quickly
"Daddy, why is the Toy Story singer saying the n-word?" I enjoyed this but it didn't really leave much impression on me. I only listened to it once though, so didn't really get to absorb the lyrics. I'll come back to it another time, given his reputation.
Gotta say, wasn't expecting the toy story guy to drop the n word in the opening track. Musically the tracks were impressive, good storytelling, intricate piano. But man his voice just sounds like he's a little slow or something.
Nice clear story telling. Comes out swinging with the first song. Is a bit up and down, and musically didn't excite me, but defo glad i got to experience it.
Better than I expected with a few excellent songs, but still not my cup of tea. I think it's the way that Newman enunciates. Just bothers me.
Ok album, like the music comp. Some of the lyrics felt outdated and dismissive towards certain groups and backgrounds. May need more listens to appreciate it
Alright, not bad. Though I found Rednecks a little off-putting. It's all mostly good and I liked a bunch of songs, but the songs seem forgettable. I love Randy Newman's sound, but I didn't really feel a connection with this album overall.
listen
Some really good writing and Americana sound. Honestly mostly shocking to hear Randy Newman singing the N word.
I have not listened to very much of his music at all, so I'm glad this album came up in the rotation. I like some of the tracks. I'm not wildly into it, but I can tell he's an interesting songwriter and writer.
Gotta admire this guys songwriting and especially the lyrics but tbh I don't find it that easy to listen to. There's quite a lot of politics going on here. Some basic piano some lush orchestration so it does bear repeated play .....its just so....serious. Maybe it means more if you are American? 3
I know these songs well. Don't need another run through of the album and I don't think they've really aged gracefully.
Ok-ish album, a bit boring. 2,5/5
Vermakelijke teksten op een blij pianootje
Lester Maddox was quite the piece of work, it seems. Without passing judgement, interesting to read that Bobby Lee Fears, once of the Ohio Players, formed a twosome (gruesome qualifier subjective. perhaps.) late in the day. As for the album. I'm not going to say that it is irony free, but it does strip the joke down to its bare bones. That aside, one has to applaud Mr Newman for his resistance to change over the years. If it works, why change it? Actually, I'm being a bit unfair. For good or for bad, everyone knew who Lester Maddox was, and was able to make up their mind accordingly. Free world, freedom of association, etc. (yes. I know that Maddox went to extreme lengths to ensure that the only black folk in his diner were his workers. No, I'd have never stepped in it, even if I could. yes, I would judge anyone who, in full possession of the facts, did so. Yes, there is a powerful element of inequity and a lack of fairness in the story. But yes, so it is in many other aspects of life, many of which we cannot/choose not/simple do not engage with. We should always work towards fairness. Even in the full knowledge – particularly in the full knowledge – that we will *never* get there. Ever.) Did I like this album? No... Would I turn it off if it popped up unexpectedly? No. Do I remember anything at all of it? No. But all of this is me, not anyone else. Three stars again, but out of indifference (indifference of the most positive kind, mind)
Interesting to hear this guys songs that are not for Pixar films. Glad i listened.
An extremely concerning album if you don't know that there's satire going into it.
• God damn I was caught off guard by the topic of Rednecks • It’s interesting that his sound is identical to the sound of his Toy Story soundtracks, just with more politically charged lyrics • This album suffers from a lot of songs sounding similar, though most of them have at least one unique element to alleviate that • The overarching theme of the album is very melancholy, which suits his vocals very well Favourite song: Naked Man
Best Song: Rednecks. Imagine my surprise when Mr. Toy Story kicks the album off with liberal use of the N word. And it's funny, while still being listenable? Sign me up. Worst Song: Marie. Too slow, too conventional. Overall: Newman really shows his creativity here. Most songs tell a story, and most of those stories are interesting and unlike the standard material sourced for song lyrics. I didn't expect this level or sarcasm and satire. His unconventional voice is also pleasant to hear. Unfortunately, too many of the middle tracks eschew that creative energy for fairly standard love songs.
OK, I have to give it up to him... pretty good songwriting and memorable melodies. Enjoyed this way more than I expected, while being just as startled by Rednecks as everyone else. Worth a listen!
Its nice.
A biting sense of satire on many tracks ("Rednecks"). Some amazing string arrangements on others ("Guilty"). Randy Newman sure has a way with music *and* words. But for now, the whole thing is still a little too one-note for me. Number of albums left to review or just listen to: more than 800, I've temporarily lost count here Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: approximately a half so far Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: a quarter (including this one) Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more important): the last quarter
Rednecks was really good and unfortunately still relevant. The album is enjoyable enough and many of the songs have some social commentary which explains the relevance to the list.
Randy Newman is a good singer and his songs are good. Mark Knopfler has some featuring with him with "It's money the matters".
I think he’s great but I don’t feel like I need a whole album.
Pretty solid album, love hearing the guy that sings you've got a friend in men say the n word while making fun of rednecks. 70s were a different time
Surprisingly very good. Not my style but not bad at all
Very unexpected to hear the guy from Toy Story using the n-word so liberally! Rest of the album is still not like anything I knew from him before, but not quite so startling.
My goodness that's jarring. Otherwise it's Randy Newman, who I've always had a bit of an inexplicable soft spot for.
its like a grown up version of toy story soundtrack/
Solid album. Decent melodies. Good music to put on for a relaxing evening.
"There Is a Snake in My Boot!" How can you listen to this man and not think about woody and buzz all the time. A voice that remind me so many great memories, but other than that it's not that special. Every song feel the same.
PSA to read about this album a bit before listening. It’s meant to be commentary on some societal issues. This album is not bad but not great either. I appreciate what Newman is doing with his lyricism in regards to the working class man in American and life in the poor south, but there were times I felt like the lyrics sounded very “cocky white man” that I couldn’t genuinely enjoy the music.
6/10. Interesting social commentary, but not great music.
Looking at the global reviews for this album it is clear that media literacy is pretty low. Satire still can’t save this album from being somewhat boring. 6/10
Niet zo gek van dit album, maar wel ok
A bit repetitive but it's nice, bring back this 70s style of anti-racism tbh, Ibram X. Randy fr Strong 3
Randy Newman can be a tough putt for a lot of people. Sometimes I think he's going for shock appeal more than anything. I find a lot of his songs to be brilliant, although I hate his soundtrack work. Overall this has moments, particularly the song written by Huey Long that features members of the Eagles. And I'm all for anyone sticking it to rednecks. Just don't put this album on if you're expecting to get laid.
nothing special
Dropped the N bomb. Was OK otherwise.
Warm feelings, fun piano tunes. Reminds me of Toy Story.
My millenial ass (born in mid '90s) did a fucking double take with those lyrics on track one. What a way to start the record. Other than that, it was musically fine, if a bit borderline...boring, almost? I don't know if there really wasn't that much to offer or if I just need to try this one again.
just average to me.
I appreciate what he's doing on a deeply satirical level, but can't say it moved me. Probably because I was only six at the time it was released. Only reason that matters is I think living through the cultural context that was the nourishment and source of clear inspiration for this album matters on some level. What I did like was the clear musical sophistication and quality song craft apparent on the majority of the songs. Favs were Mr. President (Have Pity on the Working Man), Guilty, Louisiana 1927, Kingfish, Naked Man, A Wedding in Cherokee County, Back on My Feet Again, and Rollin'
Instrumentally this has a deep south laid back roots based sound which wouldn't sound out of place in a diner or roadhouse in the USA. Vocally Newman is limited but he's a decent songwriter and his persona comes across. He clearly has a lot to say but his slurry singing style often makes the sardonic lyrics (on things like poverty, slavery and racism) incomprehensible. But with an explanation, the songs are thought provoking.
Certainly sounds like Randy Newman
Randy put that one first because he wanted everyone to hear him say it
Ok. Newman wants to sing the first song from a redneck's perspective but c'mon man, you know a bunch of bigots loved this song, even with the lines that take a jab at them, it will just be bypassed. I don't think its effective, but I could be wrong. Regardless it has left a sour taste in my mouth. Maybe you get it more once you realize he is also Jewish but idk maaaaaan. Regardless, not my style but he's clearly talented. I mostly know his voice from You Got a Friend In Me.
This version of Randy Newman I have a little less love for. Musically it’s a bit monotonous, and the lyrics get snarled in the writer’s sense of looking down from a position of such superiority. There’s an unpleasant smirk lingering under it. I feel like Newman settled out to a subtler version of a similar music and message later.
Second one from Randy Newman. I enjoyed this one, concept and lyrics are very good, but I guess I prefer the other one I listened better (Sail Away). Still a good album tho.
Meh
I had to look up the lyrics for Rednecks just to make sure I was hearing it right.
All I can hear is Pixar Toy Story music or that Family Guy episode when listening to ole Randy. Mr President is an apt present day theme song. Guilty is an awesome song (especially when Bonnie sings it).
3, sin más.
Enjoyed this one. Sounds pretty dead on what I expected when I saw it was from the guy who did songs for Toy Story. That being said, it is VERY jarring to hear the Toy Story guy drop numerous hard R N-words. I understand it's a satirical thing and he's "playing a character," but yikes. From what I can gather people don't seem to have a ton of issues with it, Randy isn't cancelled (at the time of writing at least), so I don't feel the need to bash him for it. Music was good. Maybe don't listen to "Rednecks" with the windows down.
I see why Disney brought in this guy, but the songs don't mean anything to me now. I like his voice but they all just started to sound the same.
Uniquely his with some nice songs, but the swingy country just grates on me something fierce.
Nice, pleasant music...but it's a good thing I paid attention to the lyrics, because I definitely don't want to play "Rednecks" for the kids. Hey, kids, here's the guy who sang the theme from Toy Story! Oops. Powerful lyrics in that song, but oof. I heard Louisiana 1927 before - that was probably my favorite song, maybe since I was familiar with it. It's a good album, but not something I need to hear again.
I guess it’s fine? Who listens to it?
Doesn't every Randy Newman album sound like the last one you listened to?
Soul. Un poco aburrido.
Tranquilo de escuchar. Buena voz. No conocía al cantante.
Its okay i guess. Did not really captivate me
Funny, did not get through the whole album.
Really enjoyable. All songs sound very similar and all sound similar to Toy's Story OST. Nevertheless a good album to relax in the evening with a glass of wine.
Toy Story takes place in the deep south and Woody is a redneck
Un álbum con buen concepto, muchas buenas canciones. Definitivamente no sufrí durante todo el tiempo que estuve escuchando el álbum. Tres estrellas, lo mínimo que se merece (:
Didn't know he was that radical. Still not a fav.
I don't really love this. This style of songwriting reminds me of Elvis Costello and for some reason I can't jive with that. The last two songs are really good though, and I think musically this is nice, so those save it from two stars.
🤠🇺🇸🐂🐎🌵🌵🪵
Musically it's ok, lyrically however it's great. Amazing satire with some catchy tunes in the background.
sounds like Toy Story
Randy Newman -thank you for your service. My third and final wish is to set you, and us all free
I enjoy Randy Newman's schtick, but it really is just a schtick. I can't believe he has 2 (if not more!) albums on this list. A lot of these tracks are funny. Rednecks and Naked Man had me cracking up.
Kinda weird that this is the person who made the Toy Story and Monsters, Inc soundtracks, but all around it was alright. I like the satire in the first song, but beyond that it kind of peters out to be an average country album for me. Highlights: 1, and 11.
Leuk muziekje. Maar hoor ik dat nu goed? Rednecks en niggers? Ik weet niet of ik wil weten vanuit welk perspectief het eerste nummer geschreven is. Muziek blijft leuk. De rest van het album is eigenlijk ook heel verrassend. Nog nooit van Randy Newman gehoord, maar ik denk dat deze artiest wel potentie heeft om bekend te worden. Dit is een leuk album, beetje Billy Joel stijl, maar voor mij niet meteen een klapper. Het is lekkere muziek op de achtergrond, maar er is niet een nummer dat me echt opvalt. Bij het nummer "Louisiana 1927" ga ik me zelfs een beetje irriteren aan de uitspraak van het woord Loe-wieee-sie-enna. ***
Dit vind ik leuk. Muzikaal een luchtig album, totdat je de tekst goed beluistert.
Sin más.
Buen disco, con ese estilo clásico que te transporta al igual que su voz, a las películas de Toy Story.
Decent
It's not the Toy Story sound track but it's alright I guess. Has some provocative lyrics...
2.5
Sounds like it was produced by Disney
Me gustó just enough para terminarlo.
Gotta be careful with this one. Very vibey. Whiskey vibes
Bit weird that anti racist is also the Disney song writer
Normal
Very interesting album. Couldn’t believe the boldness of the lyrics on the first track.
It's like listening to Toy Story and since that's my only association with Randy Newman, I don't think I can really see past it as music I would listen to outside of that context. Nothing wrong with it. But a little sappy and all kind of sounds like You've Got a Friend in Me. The un-ironic title of "Good Old Boys" admittedly didn't really make a good first impression either.
Bang average, probably
I’ve always liked Randy Newman's southern drawl of a voice and mellow stylings. I also knew he often pushed the edge on lyrical content, but I was not ready for “Rednecks”. I actually rewound the song the first time he dropped theN word, as I thought I must have misheard it. Even back in the early 70s this must have been pretty controversial - it ended up being a good history lesson for me, as I researched Lester Maddox and the eta a bit on Wikipedia. Rest of the album pretty good.
Wow he's not too subtle in the first song, it sounds ripe for a Lynrd Skynrd rebuttle. I like the idea that he's singing about issues in the deep south and political issues in the US in general and has devoted a full album to it. He's got alot of songs in him and it seems like he could go on all day, but he's limited by his delivery - especially on this album - which is why I guess others have taken his songs and had success with them.
\"You've got a friend in me\" singer
Famoso por sus canciones en las películas de Pixar aquí podemos escucharle en su disco del año 1974 quedando claro que ya era un compositor y cantante increíble. Y con un humor en las letras que hoy lo mismo no podría permitirse.
Semibängeri
it was ok, not a big Randy Newman fan outside of the Toy Story and popular stuff, this album didn't really change my mind, but did have some good songs on the album.
Little too much n word by Randy on that first song, amazing vocals, decently funky, enjoyable 3.3
Asså, det e fett mysig country, kände direkt igen musikstilen och rösten från You Got A Friend In Me från Toy Story. Men allt detta användande av N-ordet i flera låtar, främst i Rednecks? Låter hemskt om man inte vet vad han snackar om. Ahja, läste på lite nu, och det ska vara satir, och handla om fördomar mot just Rednecks, att dom e så rasistiska, och hyckleriet i att "dom i norr" är så snälla mot mörkhyade, men även om de gjorde mörkhyade fria har de nu låst in dom i ghetton istället. Lite spännande kanske. Oavsett, mysig country.
Nice album to listen to.
Randy Newmanista tuli nimen ja yleisfiiliksen perusteella ensimmäisenä mieleen pickupilla ajeleva countrymies. Jonkinlaista americanaahan tämä onkin, mutta paljon ruotsinlaivamaisemmalla fiiliksellä kuin oletin. Heti ensimmäisen biisin aikana kyllä kiinnitti huomiota satiirisiin lyriikoihin. Ei ihan minun kuppi teetä ole tämä, mutta ei sinänsä häiritsevääkään. 2,5 olisi oikea arvosana, mutta annetaan armoa tällä kertaa.
I've never known what to think about Randy Newman, he's got a very distinctive voice and style but I find him a bit repetitive. His satirical songs can be a bit hard to understand what he's actually satirising but maybe that's just a time culture difference. For example his 'Rednecks' song just seems to be 'Indon't like Rednecks so I'll pretend to be one in this song'
Fitting for the times
Very Randy Newman, Very in character as the southern 'good ol boy' - no major standouts, opening song had some shocking language for modern sensibilities even if in character.
This was a pretty good album. I was shook when he straight up said the N word in the first song, but I understand it was for parody. Otherwise I thought it was a nice country concept album.
Good fun.... unfortunately his voice is intrinsically linked to kids films though!
I really like Randy Newman - but you need to read up on the inspiration for some of these songs to really appreciate them.
Pretty boring. Definitely not as good as his Pixar songs. Wasn't expecting all the racial lyrics 1.5/5
Pues con un disco ya vale, y Sail away es mejor que este.
Better than the last one, still a rough hangover.
I should like Randy Newman more than I actually do it all just reminds me of Toy Story and is very samey
Well, for what it's trying to achieve, this record is expertly put together. With a fleet of hotshot studio players and various rock stars out on loan, Newman simulates genuine down-home Southern authenticity to a T. However, the reliance on familiar-sounding music puts the focus squarely on Newman's lyrics which are a mix of satire and gentle affection for the area south of the Mason-Dixon line. How much you dig this album might well be dependent on how much you care about that specific part of the USA - for this particular Californian, the answer is "not much".
Kedeligt folk. Til gengæld recommendede spotify Bill Callahan bagefter, og det var god chill!
I'll probably never listen to this again. I get that there's supposed to be a humor element but I just didn't enjoy it. 2/5.
Seriously. All the music in the entire world and there are TWO Randy Newman albums on this list? I get the attraction to some extent... I mean everyone loves Toy Story... but thinking this is an album anyone has to listen to before they die is a stretch. 2.
Singer-songwriter pop and satirical Americana built from piano-led arrangements, orchestral touches, subtle grooves, and character-driven vocals feels like flipping through a series of sharply observed postcards from a country that has decided to dress its sentimentality in irony—sometimes clever, sometimes just sappy, and for me more emotionally distant than affecting. The album constantly walks a line between warmth and commentary, but too often the emotional tone tips into something overly cushioned rather than incisive.
Hade tänkt skriva ungefär som Fredrik Tvåan är stark
Randy Newman är bättre som kompositör än artist. Hans CV med filmmusik är en meter långt. Som sångare och framförare är han däremot rätt ointressant och slätstruken. Med en annan artist hade de här låtarna kanske kunnat väckas till liv. Stråkarna hade då också gärna fått tonas ner.
I got enough of Randy Newman watching the new Toy Story 5 this weekend. Didn't need to listen to his voice any more.
I do not think I like Randy Newman.
I have mixed thoughts on this one. They probably apply to all of Randy Newman's albums. I like the guy in theory. I like his satire and criticisms of social issues. I just like it in small doses. I dont love a whole album of it. The piano is good, as always, and Newman is an institution, but man, I just find most of this album boring. It's a dated album, many people will miss the whole point, but it exists and it's a 2/5 for me.
I could very much have lived without hearing this
Eh, not bad but really nothing special
This is pretty biting and deliberately challenging political satire. It's brave, in your face and unapologetic. However, for anyone that grew up in the age of Toy Story it's really hard to decouple that soundtrack and his doing writing as they all sound so similar. Hats off to the political bravery,I wish we had more of it today when it's desperately needed, but we are fed homogeneous fluff to keep the masses sedated.
Meh. Surprisingly racist.
Listened to it while having a roast dinner, it was nice but can't really remember it
zzz
Riktigt ointressant på alla sätt.
Ummm... Errr.... Uhhhhh.... . . . . No
I like his voice and this was fine. Should maybe have checked the lyrics before I put it on in the office right enough.
Listens: 2 Standout Tracks: Rednecks So uh... I think this is the first time I've heard a white person, in music, drop an N-bomb. I guess maybe except for Eminem... Does Eminem count though?? Randy Newman did it not just one time, but several times. And he tacked on a few Jew comments in there too. Why not use Jew slurs while he's at it? Listening to the opening song actually drove me to go immediately look at the comments of the album, here, to see what the general consensus about this was. I really try to avoid doing this, as I can see the album rating and this tends to influence my opinions, but I had to know. The general consensus seems to be that the song is a critique of racism in both the north and south. I gathered that much as it got towards the end of the song, but in my opinion, the critique, and the point being made, could have been just as easily established by saying the N word a single time, rather half a dozen. And why put it as the first track on the album. Talk about a mood-setter. The rest of the album sort of went in one ear and out the other. I don't much care for Country music, and this seems country-adjacent. It's just wild to know this album exists, and he also did song(s) on Toy Story.
Did we really need another Randy Newman?
Of every album ever recorded, did we really need 2 Randy Newman albums in the top 1001? Should have subbed one out for Gary at least.
Every theatrical composition could be the score to its own movie. He really does have a niche. A whole album of basically show tunes way too much. I couldn’t get through it.
This didn’t really make an impact on me. I just kept thinking about Toy Story. Good for what it is, but not really for me.
I'm not sure this satire has aged well - though its interesting to listen to this style and think about how it progressed into some of the most iconic music from animated films. It's not that I think there shouldn't be music around difficult topics, or satire, parody and humour. This just doesn't land for me, and maybe its a time and place thing, or maybe I'm just not that interested in this style of music, or connect with the humour through stereotypes used. I do find the lyrics along with the style of music confronting and offputting at minimum, no need to listen to this more than once.
Sorry Randy. Don't like his voice very much, sounds like a whiny, whiteboy version of Ray Charles on a bad day. Not my musical style at all, so it was very hard to appreciate. How did this album make the list!? 2 for effort
This satire reminds me of America now, 50 years later. The same people struggling to survive, assuming bad intent, being sold lies. Smae-same.
Unremarkable, weird lyrics throughout
4/10
Honestly not much to say about this one. It pretty much went in one ear and out the other, nothing I hated but nothing I overly enjoyed.
It's okay I guess....not my cup of tea - wouldn't seek out spinning it again.
1.92
- Well, this didn't age well with the slurs - I'm embarrassed listening to it. I understand it's satire, but I still can't. - I also don't like his cadence and total lack of enunciation, and I hate his vocal affectation that's somehow honking and elongated and pinched at the same time - it feels like one long diphthong. - Other than the problematic lyrics, it all feels jokey to me. If the focus is supposed to be the lyrics, then I would definitely like to be able to hear them, but I can't since he seems to be allergic to consonants (except for when he says that slur). I also can't help but tune out his voice because it's annoying. - Hate the Americana feel of it all. - The piano work is nice, but the instrumentation mostly feels like a waste of a symphony. His voice just doesn't match it and stands out too much, and the songs aren't interesting enough for the soaring strings to make up for that. That said, the symphony saves it from a 1 rating, but without it, it definitely would have been. - Also, thankful it's short. This site has given me a new appreciation for albums being short and sweet.
Can't say I enjoyed this as it faded well into the background. RYM: N Saved a song: N
Woof, ummm lots o slurs on this one, yikes
every song sounds similar and theres a ton of racial slurs
467/1089 - Never cared for him. Kingfish had an interesting dissonant intro but then it just went to cliche city like the rest of the album.
It's not bad by any means, but I just don't vibe with that storytelling / circus-y kind of music.
Good to know Randy Newman said the n-word on television about 34 years before the South Park guys did. He certainly nailed the shock value of it as well. It's like the point that The Drive-By Truckers were trying to get across on Southern Rock Opera, just WAY more direct and with 100% less Lynyrd Skynyrd references. The problem is that the guy tries to go for the exact same thing four or five times throughout the album, just without the flagrant use of the n-word. He does slip it in one more time right at the end of the album, but after saying it at least 20 times in the opener, it's hard to do anything but shrug.
Got off to a good start, I did like Rednecks, but unfortunately it couldn't keep it up. It was ok, but nothing to write home about. That's about it really. Glad I listened to it, won't do it again. 2
Meh. Pretty bland stuff here. "Rednecks" was mildly entertaining.
hey?
Feel like this didn't age super great.
uhhhhhhhhh. So this is labelled as "satire" and "concept album". It may be, but it sure does sound like he really wants to use the n-word. Often. It's either a great concept or it's not a concept at all. I honestly can't tell. The music itself is dated and a little boring. Maybe a 3 with better lyrics. Even if this is satire, the lyrics are too simplistic - and mean. I guess it gets a 2 because the music isn't terrible.
Me parece muy extraño escuchar los discos "normales" de Randy Newman, siendo alguien que lo conoció como uno de los principales compositores de canciones para películas de pixar. Y lo raro es que la música suena igual, la voz suena igual, pero en sus canciones regulares habla de lo mucho que le gusta el whisky, de la cocaína que le ofrecen sus amigos y de que su madre era una ramera. Pero todo con la tonadita alegre de "You´ve got a friend in me". Rarísimo y no, no me gusta.
Fucking Randy Newman. Satirical piano rock is most definitely not my thing, but I'm more angry about having Rednecks stuck on my head and feeling bad every time my mind cycles through it.
Mr. Toy Story what are you doing saying that?
Nothing wrong but wouldn't listen again
5/10
Eh ... is it politically correct these days? Mr President (Have Pity on the Working Man) is timely for sure. Never really been a fan, most of his songs just sound the same ... he is much better later in life doing soundtracks.
Wait….these songs weren’t in Toy Story….
Toy Story singer singing the N word MULTIPLE times? I don't care if it was "satire" and the 70s were "a different time"
1001 albums to hear before you say the n word publicly and get killed by a gang 61# Boring if you're not paying attention to the lyrics, but when you're paying attention to the lyrics, it's kind of the same.. boring. Oh no he said the n word, cancel him. Oh but it is a satire, let him be. Oh but he is too comfortable saying it, cancel him. Oh but he has done toy story and monsters inc., let him be. Well it's an average satirical album from the 70s that I'd prefer not take the time to hear but not all albums will be worth of note
This is the second Randy Newman the generator has thrown up in consecutive days and I fear it doesn’t do it any favours, i enjoyed the more political content matter, but despite having a nice voice, his phrasing makes everything blur onto one. It’s pleasant but I suspect Randy is an artist who is perfectly served by a compilation album (probably procured from a discount bin)
Well that was unexpected, but clever. The general point about Randy Newman does remain, but I liked this less. Country generally isn’t my bag. Nor are songs about the Mason-Dixon Line.
I don't really see the point in having 2 Randy Newman albums on the list when they're both so one-note. I preferred the other one without the racial slurs
On paper, I should love Randy Newman (leads with humor, weird voice, old timey, songwriter's songwriter) but I just do not have what it takes. The demo version of 'Marie" I liked, so maybe its the arrangements and the persona he puts on his voice, I have a problem with. Whatever it is is a deal-killer.
All I previously knew of Randy Newman was that kitschy song “I Love LA” from the MTV video and that he scored some films (I did not realize just how many). And honestly, with its dramatic orchestration, this album sounds like it was made for a film about working-class Southerners. He’s clearly good at this sort of thing, and he’s a talented songwriter and lyricist — I recognized the song “Guilty” from Bonnie Raitt’s superior cover version, which really brings out the pathos. But few of these songs really stir me. The big, lushly produced style seems at odds with the more intimate (or harshly critical) subject matter, his voice is meh and I’m highly unlikely to revisit this.
Hearing the Toy Story guy sing the n-word 7 times on the opener immediately put me in a bad mood. Then I realized it’s an outcry against the imprisonment of black people. I think it actually probably is good but on my listen I only caught some of the other lyrics and none of them really stuck with me (except the opener). The songs are undoubtedly well-written but idk it sounds a little over-produced.
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
Torrada histórica. Es como una versión extendida de Hay un Amigo en mi, cosa que tiene bastante sentido porque es de este tío también
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'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
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.
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*
Aburrido, lineal. Parece música de película. Muy lento
Музыка проходная, тексты очень странные
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.
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.
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.
Fat man with his kids and dog Drove in through the mornin' fog Hey there, Rover, come on over
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.
not for me duddeee
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
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⭐️
Always liked Mr President but there’s nothing else here to match it and a lot of it sounds badly dated.
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.
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.
Nah
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
Are ruining small towns all over America.
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
What the Monsters Inc. soundtrack would sound like if the entire movie took place in that trailer they send lt Ralph too.
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.
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.
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.
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
Well Toy Story 5 took an unexpected turn judging by its soundtrack. He doesn’t have a friend (or repeat listener) in me.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🥇rollin 🥈marie 🥉louisiana 1972 HM: kingfish, naked man
Rien à faire dans cette liste
Let’s get you to bed, grandpa…
Well, the language was very jarring and distracted from what might have been a fun listen. I'd rather not hear this again, ever.
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.
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.
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.
I can only do about one Randy Newman song at a time
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
It was fine - Randy Newman's voice is always just so grating that I can't ever really enjoy his music
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.
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.
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
Repetitive and boring. I kept imagining credits rolling in a Pixar film.
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!
Not my vibe.
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.
Sounds exactly like you’d think a Randy Newman album would. Your enjoyment is based solely on what you think of that sentence
Not his best work
If I could give this negative stars I would