Reviews (page 6 of 7)
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: --
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.
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
Okay album. I feel like if you've head one Randy Newman song, you've heard them all.
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.
The record is fine. Nothing that I think I’ll ever listen to again.
A decent listen. Would never listen again. A bit hokey for me. 2.5/5
Did not think it could get worse than Sail Away. But alas.
I recognize the talent, but I don't enjoy the delivery.
White man battles racism with scathing American South satire but can't help himself from dropping the hard R seven times in one song
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
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.
Kinda odd, but definitely not pop.
honestly that opening caught me off guard and was distracted ever since
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?
This was okay but I am not sure why I have to hear it before I die.
I would listen to the instrumental version of edgelord woody's roundup maybe.
Albums that did not age well for 1000, Alex.
Ei silleen mitään negatiivista, mutta oli vaan tylsä. Aika neutraali. Kuulostaa välillä siltä you got a friend in me
He should stick to Disney movies
It was ok but I have already forgotten everything that was on here.
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
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 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
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.
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
Acquired taste. Taste not yet acquired.
Didn't love the N word, but I always dig a concept album. Conflicted on this score.
Princess and the frog
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.
So many words
Po aburrio, como todo lo que me recomienda esto
Pop, 1974 -> 2
When he dropped that first N Word, I almost snapped my neck looking up in confusion
thats enough of that
2.2 2x decent enough just not my thing
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.
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.
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
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."
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
Which one is it where Andy goes to a klan meeting?
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.
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
Maso
boy shut up
Same old, same old. Just with more questionable lyrics. Correction, disgusting lyrics.
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.
Realizing that Randy Newman is not my bag.
Ugh
Randy, no :(
I appreciate a good satire but the use of slurs was cheap and uncreative.
Blech. Don't get why he was ever popular. Bad campfire music - more talking along than singing.
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.
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.
It’s hard for me to hear Randy Newman’s voice without immediately thinking of Toy Story. Honestly, I haven’t explored much of his music beyond the soundtrack, so I was curious to give Good Old Boys a proper listen. There are definitely some strong moments on this album. I found a few tracks genuinely enjoyable—but they’re surrounded by a fair amount of filler. Some lyrics feel dated or uncomfortable, and several songs suffer from lackluster melodies or weak musical arrangements. Overall, I’m not sure I’d return to this album. Favourite Tracks: “Birmingham” stood out—though I’ll admit I might be biased, being a Brummie myself. “Rollin’” is another highlight: a bright, catchy pop tune. “Naked Man” also caught my attention, though it’s hard to ignore how much it echoes Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da. Least Favourite: Some lyrics haven’t aged well and detract from the experience. “Every Man a King,” in particular, felt totally out of place and was a real low point for me. Album Artwork: The blurry photo style just doesn’t do it for me—visually underwhelming.
Interesting that we ended up with this and Costello's Armed Forced next to each other, since I struggle with both artists in a similar way. Something about their song writing and singing styles seems to, I don't know, self-congratulatory. Regardless, Costello's album fares better. Also, telling that both artists seem to think their writing is clever enough to get anyway with the white-boy N-bomb.
This record was... something. All I know Randy Newman from is Toy Story... "you got a friend in me" is a classic... and that Family guy joke where Newman won't stop singing about everything he sees. So I was expecting something fairly family friendly? And boy was I wrong. Randy seems to be tackling racial issues and north verses south politics in America up until the 70s through a collection of Springsteen-esque character portraits. Definitely not family friendly. A truly bold choice for a white guy from California. The lyrics on this one are a tough sell. He throws around a lot of slurs on this thing... especially on the song Redneck and Back on My Feet Again. I get that it's satire and he's criticizing racism, but it's a tough listen in 2025. It doesn't work for me. We're past the point of white dudes throwing around the N-word to make a point. But this album is from 1974 when that sort of thing was "acceptable"... and i do think he has good intentions? I have no clue if his takes stand up well... i don't have the time to dig into them and I don't want to. In general, the lyrics just don't age well... which is a big knock against the album for me. It would be hard to recommend this to anyone without a big upfront warning. Beyond the lyrics... the songs do have a nice warm vibe. They are mainly slow piano driven bar-room ballads with some cinematic strings for emphasis, or jaunty piano man tunes that had me nodding along. It is very pleasant on the ears... until a lyric catches your ear and spits in it... but until then it is very pleasant on the ears. Newman's voice is also very distinct which is a selling point... no one else sounds like this guy. This is a weird one... I wonder how music criticism handles this one in retrospectives or 50th anniversary reviews? Maybe they just avoid it like the plague, and try to forget they raved about it at the time. These things happen though... there are albums that are timeless and there are albums that are of their time. This one is definitely the latter for me.
This is slightly higher than a 2 for me, but not quite a 3. A little jarring lyrically at times, especially coming from the voice of Toy Story. Lots of overlap with what I like about old Elton John, but it’s missing any semblance of.. y’know.. strong singing? It’s always a relief when the backup vocals show up. You can tell he’s writing about important subject matter. And he’s got some undeniable charm. I just don’t have an appetite for a full album of Randy.
Uninspiriertes gejammere.
Endearing, but never pulled me in. Tough to believe the opener, slur infused as it is, was written by the same person who wrote You’ve Got a Friend in Me.
Ikkje nåke for meg
Not eager to dismiss Randy, but his voice bothers me. Irritating. The relentless overproduction doesn't help.
I mean he’s witty and a clever lyricist but doesn’t do anything for me.
I don't get the whole Randy Newman thing.
Randy Newman just doesn't speak to me.
The other album on this list rated higher for me - I wasn't so impressed with this one. 2/5
Randy...Randy Randy Randy. I understand, it's satire. But there's a fine line between great satire and pretty blatant racism, and man, I don't know where you fall on that line. Putting aside more N-word counts than a Kendrick album, this record is okay; most tracks are fun enough with a tongue-in-cheek approach. If you're not a Newman fan already, don't expect to become one after this.
I think it’s safe to say that Randy Newman is not invited to the cookout.
wow - no way in hell Randy would have a career if he started out anytime after 2010. Just like "Blazing Saddles" that would never be made today. Hard to get past the title track - all the rest is same/similar
Not something I like at all. Best thing about Randy is that he has perhaps one of the most identifiable singing voices going but that is probably down to a toy cowboy. Just occurred to me whilst writing that, isn’t Randy a bit of a cowboy name and why he got that gig? But then Randy could be applied to other cheeky things but I digress. Back to that voice- everyone knows it but for me personally it right gets me in the Chaps. For that reason it’s a miss from me David. 2/5 12/4/25
‘Sail Away’ is the other album by Randy that I’ve heard, and I thought that was a good record. ‘Good Old Boys’ in comparison is fine lyrically, but I just generally found the music and melodies to be unengaging which affected my overall enjoyment of the album. It just didn’t do much for me.
I can see why Disney liked him
I hadn't heard these before although i knew of Randy Newman because of "Short People", which i do like. I understand what he's doing with his lyrics, and he's very good at the lyrical poison pen. But i don't like it and don't want to relisten to it ever again.
Buena voz y composiciones, pero ¿qué hace este álbum en la lista? El mismo libro argumenta que la única canción a destacar es "Rednecks" por su contexto histórico, y poco más. Es un álbum de roots rock americano estándar. Si no eres un historiador de música contemporánea estadounidense, este álbum es completamente prescindible. Aunque es súper loco que el compositor de la banda sonora de Toy Story sea la misma persona (blanca) que repite varias veces "nigger" sin reparo alguno en este álbum.
It's not bad but it's not my thing
Absolutely brutal
I have never (and I will never) enjoyed Randy Newman
Not a fan of Randy Newman.
Decent but meh
Oh great, another Randy Newman album. The first song called "Rednecks" uses the N-word...a lot. That didn't age well
Den här killen har jag ingen koll på. Googlade och jo men visst har jag hört flera av hans låtar. Är det bra? Vet inte. Lite typisk singer songwriter men inte så upphetsande och väldigt amerikanskt och det känns ju numera inte så kul direkt.
Jaha. Pyttelite "Van Morisson"-sound i några låtar, men det är rätt "meh". Finns nog inte en enda låt som får mig att känna nåt. Det är rätt sopigt. Inte ens hans titellåt till Toy story, "You've Got a Friend in Me" är särskilt bra.
Kingfish reminded me of Nothing From Nothing by Billy Preston so I guess that automatically makes it better than the other album by him I listened to. I understand the point he is making and stories he is telling, but it’s not one I really want to come back to. I like that white dudes in the 70’s were super comfortable with dropping slurs in their songs in the name of “social commentary”. My favorite song was Mr. President.
omg the toy story guy made albums???? that's so cool, and the style has remained constant for like a few years waow. fav: back on my feet again
A pleasant and totally unremarkable piece of work. I listened a few times without once being captured at any point.
I find this kind of music just boring and dull. I give 1 star for albums that are insufferable and I can barely get through it - this album is slightly better than that, but it deserves no more than 2 stars.
It’s the guy from Toy Story, but now he says the n-word and is a racist! That’s the consensus of the top voted reviews on the generator. I fully support removing its usage from modern society, however, it may be surprising to some younger folks, but in the 70s, the n-word wasn’t verboten. Sure, calling someone the n-word would rightfully out you as a racist, but using the word in a provocative way in music and other media to illustrate a point was fairly common and was not an indicator of racism. Now, I don’t know Mr. Newman, but a cursory read of his Wikipedia article would indicate that he is not likely to be racist and this album is a work of satire on the state of race relations in the South going back to the days of slavery. Musically, I agree with the assessment that this album is boring and just sounds like a Pixar soundtrack. So, rate this album low because it’s boring and it’s the guy from Toy Story doing the same thing he’s always done, but not because he didn’t hold to 2020s standards of language in 1974.
I don’t know what really to think about this. Musically, it’s nice but also boring at the same time. And the lyrics… ???
Randy Newmans Album Good Old Boys ist eine pointierte Auseinandersetzung mit der amerikanischen Südstaatenkultur. Der US-amerikanische Songwriter und Komponist verbindet satirische Texte mit einem orchestralen Arrangement, das stilistisch zwischen New Orleans Rhythm & Blues, Country und orchestraler Popmusik angesiedelt ist. Die Aufnahmen fanden in verschiedenen Studios statt, darunter die Warner Bros. Studios in Kalifornien. Besonders hervorzuheben sind Stücke wie „Rednecks“, das sich kritisch mit gesellschaftlichen Vorurteilen auseinandersetzt, sowie „Louisiana 1927“, das die Folgen historischer Naturkatastrophen behandelt. Auch „Guilty“ überzeugt durch seine reduzierte, eindringliche Atmosphäre. Das Album ist inhaltlich anspruchsvoll und musikalisch vielseitig. Es bleibt eines von Newmans markantesten Werken, da es persönliche und politische Themen geschickt miteinander verknüpft.
I liked the music, but the lyrics are shit and left me under the impression that Randy Newman is grade-A buttstock. I later found out he did a bunch of Disney music. It's probably better.
the suspicious looking guy in the trenchcoat who sold me this swore on his mama that this was a 100% legit pixar soundtrack, come to think of it he was walking a bit wobbly... he might've been two kids stacked on top of each other for all i know.....
It's great he found a way in this world through making music (given his obvious brilliance at it) but for people like me, I just can't hear his voice without being haunted by You've Got a Friend in Me. Good Old Boys is of course radically different in lyrical content, tone and perspective. Some of the songs are so critical you're practically bleeding from the cuts. Too bad Toy Story towers over everything of his I hear now — the long shadow has been cast.
One or two songs that I quite liked but he just doesn't do it for me.
i've heard a couple tracks of his before, but i'm not familiar with much of his discography Rednecks - 1/5 Birmingham - 3/5 Marie - 2/5 Mr. President (Have Pity...) - 3/5 Guilty - 3/5 Louisiana 1927 - 3/5 Every Man a King - 2/5 Kingfish - 4/5 Naked Man - 3/5 A Wedding in Cherokee Country - 4/5 Back on My Feet Again - 3/5 Rollin' - 3/5 Average score: 2.8/5 ⭐️⭐️ nothing could've prepared me for the liberal use of the n-word on the opening track. and i'm not willing to hear anyone's "b-but it's meant to be satirical!" excuses either. i think we've come to a point in society where we can critique racism without non-black people resulting to using slurs. if you ask me, it's just plain lazy; do better. overall, the album was alright i guess. it all mostly sounded like toy story music, much like the rest of his work. some of the songs in the last half stood out to me a bit i suppose
Like listening to Toy Story.... not my bag.
With a roll call of The Eagles, Jim Keltner etc, and a knack for a humorous narrative this could be fantastic - but in retrospect he really is quite the one-trick pony. The slower numbers work best. A high two.
I find it funny how the guy who wrote you’ve got a friend in me wrote such controversial stuff 2/5
Honestly didn’t have Randy Newman dropping the n-word on my bingo card. Unfortunately, there’s little else for me to comment on this album.
It's difficult to listen to Randy Newman and think, "Is this part of a soundtrack?" This is just a collection of those songs he's been doing for 5 decades. Don't love it. Don't really hate it. Harry Nillson was doing the same kind of stuff only better. Take this out and give me some Bill Withers.
Randy Newman is precious in small doses. Great as a backdrop for a surprisingly emotional exploration of a child’s toys. His writing and scores for films have been great. And his songwriting too for that matter. But a whole album of listening to his voice and pleading pianos is too much.
I don't really like Randy Newman. I don't like his voice, his lyrics, or the musical accompaniment to his songs. However, there was a spark of something here, in this easy listening collection of songs about a part of the world I couldn't care less about. I was also kind of surprised when the first song made liberal use of the n-word, with mixed feelings. On balance, this was never going to reach the lofty heights of 3 stars, but I feel 2 stars is appropriate for the short length, inoffensive middle-of-the-road music, and the slight amusement from the lyrics.
All I could think while listening to this were his movie songs
Old time folk. / country frel
Talented musician no doubt...but don't like his music nor his voice.
It's way too early in the morning for multiple n bombs in the first song.
Kind of interesting music but it did not make a lasting impression on me.
Dropping N-bombs like he's Sam Jackson in a Tarantino flick lol & sure I guess it fits within the context of the albums concept... But it's definitely a shock. Looking beyond that, I'm not really a fan of piano heavy singer songwriter music.
Herinner me dat ik deze plaat ooit in de kast had staan, als erfenis van m'n ouders. Misschien hebben zij een achtergrond in de Deep South, maar thematisch trekken de kleine verhaaltjes mij in ieder geval niet echt. Het heeft echt wel z'n innige en mooie momenten, en zijn stem is bijzonder comfortabel, maar ik denk dat de grote boodschap over m'n hoofd gaat. En qua muzikale variatie is het dan te weinig om echt mijn aandacht te houden. Elke song heeft exact dezelfde opbouw, door een karakter te schetsen en dan de titel precies op dezelfde wijze te herhalen in het refrein. 'Louisiana 1927' vond ik er wel uitspringen. 6/10 Highlights: Louisiana 1927
Muzikaal een soort mix tussen Elton John en The Eagles (zijn ook de backing-vocals). Piano-ballads gecombineerd met southern rock. Blijkbaar bezingt hij het deep south racisme op een satirische wijze, daarbij 8x gebruikmakend van het n-woord. Door de satire en het ridiculiseren (zingen vanuit een karakter) raak ik de draad een beetje kwijt. En ik vind het niet goed genoeg om 2x de hele plaat te luisteren. 6/10 Highlights Rednecks Kingfish
A little Randy Newman goes a long way.
No like
I think my review of Sail Away stands here too - not enough variation and a hard-to-listen-to voice.
Not a fan Why not ban Put him in a van This crazy American
This ruined the Toy Story soundtrack for me. Because of this album, I know Randy Newman is a bit of a piece of crap.
I think I understand the concept, but man this is not it…
Pretty boring and didn't really work for me. His voice is nice but none of the songs stood out to me at all. 2/2.5
Elvis Costello saying the N word in a song at least made sense...this felt like the Riley Reid rap video where she avoids saying it as long as she can, and then she does and just lets the floodgates open after
Not for me
if you've heard one Randy Newman song, you've heard most of them
Ever thoughts how Andy's mums toys are also probably called woody and buzz?
That first track did not age well omg
Appreciate what hes doing and trying. None of the songs stood out. Won't listen again. Its not bad, just nothing is as good as I Love LA
Je sais que cette opinion est biaisée par la musique de Disney, mais c'est tellement dur de prendre au sérieux ses albums post Toy Story. Par contre, même sans ça, je ne trouve pas cela si impressionnant ou marquant comme musique. De plus, son utilisation du mot en "n" a très mal vieilli et on dirait qu'il cherchait une raison de pouvoir l'utiliser pour que de le dénoncer. Je trouvais que beaucoup des commentaires sociaux n'étaient pas bien transmis. 4/10
A mix of easy listening and country. Not too bad but a little flat.
2 out of 5. Nothing much really struck me and pretty much what I expected from this album and artist. And yes, hearing the guy who sings Toy Story say the n-word was weird.
This did nothing for me and I don’t get why it’s on here at all. It’s just Randy Newman being Randy Newman. I get the feeling he is probably insufferable
vitun hauska. tämä poika hulluttelija! pälättäjäpoika. Randy Newmanin hienoin, monimutkaisin teos- ja konseptialbumi. Jossain on lainaus – en löydä sitä nyt – herra Newmanilta, jossa hän puhuu illallismusiikin tekemisestä, jota ei voi soittaa illallisjuhlissa... hehhheh.... hei herra newman voisinko pyytää erästä biisiä... heheh.. ai mikä biisi? heheh.... voisitko laulaa sen yhen siitä heh..... tiiät sen yhen kyllä siitä...... heh....... heheh..... keep the niggers down biisi heeehhhh........ voiikto laulaa sen..... excuse me i have a song request mr newman..... Hyvä albumi mutta alkaa nää suruloput vituttaa.. ainako sitä pitää niin surulliseksi mennö kun albumi loppuu.. rednecks
It's very randy newman... rednecks is a parody right.... right?!
Couldn’t get into it. Couldn’t stop thinking of Toy Story and that one joke in Family Guy: https://youtu.be/bPagzl4EQ4Q?si=JQwt_7Enlnuyk1c5
Can't hear his voice without thinking of toy story..... Also very strange hearing that voice swear! My problem I guess, but kinda stopped me listening to this properly. All sounded very similar regardless
Imagine listening to this and thinking I want this guy to do the soundtrack to my heartwarming animated kids movie. Anyway this sucks. What a waste of time 3/10
Southern Americana
Can't hear his voice without thinking of Toy Story. Not my favorite voice, but the music was OK. I don't think I would seek it out again.
Not a fan of this and did a double take when I heard him drop the n-word multiple times. Even if it’s satire that’s a word tough to hear.
Didn't really care for it but lyrically good at story telling
Some interesting social commentary, but every song sounds the same and I reckon I could fit "You've got a friend in me" lyrics into every song on this album :-/
Never heard him before outside of tunes for Toy Story - that’s all I could think of while listening to this - however with the lyrical content it’s unlikely any of these are appearing in the next Pixar production!!!
I appreciate that it's satire but the racial slurs are a no from me. He's a good musician but man get this off the list for the love of god.
I don't think this album was really made for me. Idk, all the songs felt very safe and samey (with the exception of "Rednecks" which had some pretty provocative lyrics). I really can't imagine ever coming back to this one. That being said, I can see why someone would like this album. The Vibe: You are a little kid being babysat by your weird uncle and he puts on this CD in the car and says "now THIS is music. None of that rap or hip hop crap the teens are listening to these days," then he rants for fifteen minutes about deranged conspiracy theories and bigfoot before dropping you off at your house. (you only ever see him one more time at Thanksgiving, but never again. Your parents say he moved to New York but you think he might've gone to jail)
It's Randy Newman: singing what he sees.
very monotonous. As soundtrack for cartoons maybe it’s good but conscious listening or even in the background
Bro shouldve stayed on doing disney and kids music. Using them slurs dont make it different or special. It shows lack of character and a tryhard to show that he can be otherwise... but for what??? adds nothing to the sound itself 1.5/5.0
def not for me and some very Eurosong lyrics.
Every song sounds kind of the same, also the racial slurs came as a bit of a surprise
Just found this a bit vanilla. I'm sure it's incredibly charged from a lyrical perspective but I didn't feel it.
Okay, but why on the List?
I spent 37 minutes waiting for Randy to break into “you’ve got a friend in me”. But it didn’t happen. It was quite enjoyable otherwise but I wouldn’t listen to it again. I think Toy Story has ruined Randy for me.
Meh. Wouldnt listen to again
Weird album, ngl, but the music is good. the toy story vibes are funny lol
4/10
Country folk pop that didn't do much for me. On paper the concept of the album sounds interesting but listening was a different matter
Turns out i only really enjoy Randy singing about animated cowboys. who knew eh?
Doesn’t hit the same when not matched to a Pixar film
Interesting stuff. Definitely has the relaxing and familiar sound you expect of Newman. Didn’t find any of it particularly appealing, but still a good listen. 2.5/5 Probably won’t listen again
A bit samey for me. Not great.
Political showtunes by early Newman. Not really a style I like but the messages of the songs carried them. Naked Man is the best tune on the album. The rest of it just OK for me. I see why it made the 1001 list (Rednecks+) but comes in at (2.3*s)
Upon seeing Randy Newman on the list was I was looking forward to this listen. I went in cautiously optimistic as my only previous exposure was Disney/Pixar soundtracks and pop culture jokes. After the first few songs I was on board. Unfortunately the album fizzles as you get further through it. Despite that, after the listen I think Randy validated his place on the list. There is no doubt that Randy Newman is a talented songwriter. Somehow there's something pleasant about his music despite his ridiculous vocal style. Good Old Boys is not something I will listen to with any regularity but I'm glad I gave it a listen. I'll stick to his jauntier soundtrack tunes for the most part moving forward. Even though Good Old Boys doesn't get the highest marks you can do a lot worse with many of the other albums on the list. 2.36 stars Naked Man is a just ridiculous and will make guest appearances moving forward.
Lame.
Strange to listen to a voice deeply embedded in Toy Story singing these songs. Bit too lounge for me.
Great composer/ artist.
A satirical album covering topics like Southern pride, racism, labor, alcoholism and corporations. The music was fine but the lyrics were mixed. That’s the point of the satire, I get it. Definitely good satire. Wasn’t in the mood for this kind of album. I don’t listen to albums for satire, normally. Standouts: Kingfish and Rollin’.
More boring than anything. Had to fight to keep attention on it.
1974 music was way more like a Trump rally than I expected. The bigotry runs deep with this one and all the songs sound the same. I’m pretty sure they changed the lyrics and used this album in a Pixar movie. It’s not the worst but it’s not anything I’d listen to by choice.
Not my thing
How to average "3" and "yikes"... It's not music I'm going to like by itself, and while I *know* that it's in parts satirical, it's still *uncomfortable*
All of his music sounds like movie soundtracks
Not my cup of tea at all, just found this very boring and samey. But somehow it was less dreary than the previous Randy Newman album
Starting from a rough spot because this bloke's music is nails on a blackboard for me, even if it sometimes makes you sad in Pixar movies. This is clever stuff, no doubt, but it is still music that feels lacking in the blood, sweat and tears that other stuff gets you engaged with Smart, dry, dull
Felt like listening to a Pixar soundtrack
Uncomfortable listening given the slur in the first song - his social commentary on southern America just felt inconsistent to me given his later work on Toy Story et al
No está mal pero no es mi preferido
Not awful
I think there are some decent songs here, but it is still only 2 stars or D+ for me. I just don't like Randy Newman's voice and I really don't like the orchestra music behind several songs on ythis album.
Randy is such an interesting cat...don't think there is any chance that an album like this gets made today (even if it is a concept album. 2/5
Dude what is this?
If you've heard one Randy Newman you've heard them all. For 3 minutes straight he told me he was back on his feet again. Not sure if that meant he'd been falling down for 3 minutes too, but I am comforted by his resillience.
I like Randy Newman but this isn't his best album (Sail Away is better). Part of the issue is he has 2-3 good songs on each album with the rest being a bit samey so it's a struggle to pinpoint his best.
I got exposed to this album a long time ago by some guys I knew in high school who took it incredibly literally. I imagine a lot of people still do that, though maybe Newman doing all that Disney stuff made people read up or at least think about the content of this album. It's still a bizarre listen, even if you know that it's supposed to be satire/social commentary. I don't actually like the genre, and Newman's voice has always seemed to belong to some big footed, gigantic headed cartoon character rather than an accomplished artist, but the songs are well written musically and the concept is interesting. So in the end, the idea is a good one. The technical execution is good. The songwriting is good. Unfortunately the whole style is just something I can't enjoy. To me this is like if someone wrote an incisive and biting commentary on America's foreign policy to be played entirely on a hurdy gurdy and a slide whistle and sang by Yogi Bear. Even if the message was conveyed well (big if), I can’t take it seriously.
Soundtrack to a new Pixar film with an anthropomorphic spittoon. Not for me.
i just can’t get over the toy story connection 😭 it’s a decent listen, but this type of country is not my cup of tea
I'll say this ... his albums from the 70s sound just like any movie soundtrack he ever did in the 80s, 90s and 2000s.
Boring
Dated lyrics
too american for me lol
This guy sounds really racist but the music wasn’t even bad he just sounds like shit 2.8/5
can't get the image of a drunk piano player insulting everyone out of my mind
Not the Toy Story I remember 😞🥀 I head-canon that senior Randy Newman has the rsdb.org bookmarked on his computer.
Music is enjoyable, subject matter/lyrics are questionable at best.
Why the fuck is the Toy Story soundtrack part of 1001 albums you must have listened to? Didn't really like the films, liked this album even less.
nah.
I really can’t get into Randy Newman. Too much a novelty sound. Works with kid movies, not for adult music.
Interesting first song to walk into. I understand the message but it’s crazy this day and age to hear haha. Overall it’s got an interesting sound but Randy Newmans voice does nothing for me. Weird storytelling to each song. Not something I enjoyed too much
Eh. It is Randy Newman. No need to revisit.
I really understand the appeal I just didn’t click with it
I'm familiar with a lot of the memed Randy Newman songs, but haven't listened to a full album. I'm sure it will be interesting... not sure in what direction, though. Overall the music was fine, nothing too catchy or impressive. There weren't any songs that really grabbed me, but it didn't offend me or turn me off, either. 2/5
Randy newman songs all sound the same
Well. That first song definitely caught me a little off guard; a bit jarring to the ear in 2024. I can generally appreciate some Randy Newman, but as for this album, it’s kind of meh. I probably wouldn’t listen to it again on purpose.
Mad props to RN. I understand he's and American treasure. His scathing political commentary and lyrical genius are obvious. Every time I hear his music I feel like I'm on a merry go around at an old amusement park.
Er for goofy for min smak altså
I understand that Randy Newman is critically acclaimed as one of the great American songwriters. As a songwriter, I can admire his ability to craft a clever story. As a white American male, listening to this collection of songs is downright depressing. My only consolation is that I don’t live in the south. From a musical composition perspective, listening to the complete album all at once can put me to sleep. In summary, I could listen to the album again, but only in small doses.
Good composure, yet I have never been a fan of his voice and it takes me out of the song.
Meh.. tried to do some parody music but the music part fell flat. 2 naked men out of 5
Hopefully Randy Newman is playing a character in 'Redneck', but the lyrics still make for very uncomfortable listening. The rest of the album has some nice moments in Newman's inimitable Toy Story style, but I was so taken aback by the opening track that it was difficult to just listen and enjoy them. Rating: 2/5 Playlist track: Louisiana 1927 Date listened: 26/01/24
All the songs sound the same. Sonically it's fine, albeit boring. The most interesting part was the intro stuff to Kingfish- the discordant build of instruments had promise and then it went back to being rhe same thing we'd heard for 10 songs. Lyrically, it's also boring. Apparently this album is supposed to be satire? Not very smart satire, if that.
Rating: 3.5/10 Nah.
Racist
This was a weird album for me. I see what he was going for with the concept album idea, but I don’t think it ages super well forty years later. It’s like the musical equivalent of Archie Bunker, but without other characters to play off it falls kind of flat for me. I can’t tell if I’m supposed to be laughing at this guy or pitying him, and despite the dig about northern hypocrisy in the opening track it just feels kind of mean-spirited? I learned some history from looking up the subjects covered in the album—Huey Long and the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 to name a couple—so I guess it deserves some points for that. Beyond that, I think I’d prefer to listen to Ray Charles for the style of music and stick to soundtracks for Randy Newman.
Randy singt über die Südstaaten; klingt genau so wie man es erwartet; 2,5
(see notes for Sailing Away). Witty, slightly humourous poke at racism and southerners.
old school rock / pop / soul, with southern accent.... some hidden gems including 'you've got a friend in me' (not in this album) ... easy listening but definitely not hype music, 2-3 stars
If you don’t like to hear Randy fire off n-bombs but you like the melody of Rednecks, good news: he uses pretty much the same melody on a lot of the other songs on here! He also uses the structure “Title of the song, Title of the song, some other line, some other other line” for at least five songs on the album. Kingfish and Louisiana 1927 are quite good. 4.5/10
instantly heard the “you got a friend in me” guy lol but pretty mid
Ok, let's remove all the racist shit. The songs are catchy. But they all sound the same. He is trying to be a weird sounding Billy Joel, but nothing is amazing like Billy Joel's songs. Everything is just catching but all the same.
The first song was never going to be an easy listen in current_year (and knowing its backstory doesn’t help anything), but even otherwise the lyrics and the generic country twang just aren’t my thing.
Didn't get a lot from this
Nice enough, though the even slower stuff was too much or a dirge
This is the guy from Toy Story's 'You got a friend in me....' Apparently this is the same guy who uses the N-Word frequently in his music. Very surprised by that. Especially given that he is a piano driven artist, and a lot of his songs are geared towards a romantic side. But Mr. Newman sure likes his good ol' fashioned racism. Sure the song in reference, is talking about how rednecks are idiotic and worthless... But you know, you just can't help calling the black folk the n word, can't you now? Piano is great in this album. The orchestration is far too good for this album. And should not be even on it. But oh well. It is there. These songs are definitely geared towards old women. Those who are now in their 70s. Oh, and racists. Newman's voice sounds hilarious and I can't even take his romantic song serious. It sounds like he is deaf... 2/5 for that nice Piano. Should be a 1/5
Rock Album mit vielen musikalischen einflüssen, allen voran country musik. Leider dadurch sehr durchwachsen und mit fehlender Kontinuität im Konzept.
i'll never understand how this voice had a successful career
Nice. Almost lovely. But really samey and doesn’t really ever get anywhere. I just want to walk into my local and see him on the piano. I imagine live it’s unreal
Par for the course with a racey song to start off the album
Meh
So boring
Good songs and range, but I am uninterested in his depiction of southerners. 2/5
I was surprised how refreshingly edgy the lyrics are by modern sensibilities.
Ummmm I liked Marie (the last song). A tad racist for my taste. The music sounded fine though.
1/11, 9%
Strange listen. Randy slings around the N word (both hard R and “Negro”) so many times in the first song that I was thrown off the rest of the album. Overall it’s probably a 3/5, but given that start it has to be a 2/5. 1972 must’ve been a different world to get away with that.
'Satire' that has aged like milk. Nice tunes but they all sound exactly like the Toy Story song.
"Mr. President (Have Pity on the Working Man)" is pretty good, but the rest didn't do much for me.
According to Wikipedia and whoever else this is a “roots rock” album. It’s not; it sounds like every other Randy Newman bit you’ve ever heard except this time he’s singing about hillbillies.
meh I thought the first song was super racist until I heard it again
"Good Old Boys" by Randy Newman is a concept album that unfortunately misses the mark. Released in 1974, it attempts to explore themes of Southern identity and cultural complexity, but the execution falls flat. Tracks like "Birmingham" and "Rednecks" aim for biting satire, but the album's lyrical approach often comes across as heavy-handed and uncomfortable. The production is simple and unadorned, which complements the album's storytelling style. However, the album's overarching theme might not resonate with all listeners, and its attempt at provocative social commentary might instead alienate some. While Newman's intent to engage with challenging topics is evident, "Good Old Boys" struggles to maintain an engaging musical experience throughout, leading to moments that feel more cringe-inducing than thought-provoking.
Randy is mij wat te belegen...
Nadat Randy een half uurtje op de achtergrond had staan pingelen zei ik tegen Nieke: ik krijg een beetje de schijt van Randy. Dat dus.
Mais um country calmo com baladas.
not one of the 1001
Who? Oh the Toy Story guy! Kinda like a more upbeat and happy Tom Waits? Maybe? IDK, it was ok but could have lived without it.
Not my style
Political satire aside, this is boring and very same samey. If you've heard a Friend in Me, you've heard this entire album. It's not exactly a bad album, it's just boring. If you were in headspace to analyse the lyricism you'd get more out of it I'm sure. 2.5 Fav track: A Wedding in Cherokee County
Bold and commendable songwriting, but maybe not in a style I fully click with. Some fun in there too, but might not be putting this on all the time. Two and a half. Fave track: Kingfish
Randy Newman says the nword 2.5
Yikes dog
Once I heard the first song I knew I wasn't going to like the album. Maybe this was supposed to be commentary or satire or whatever, but to me it just sounded like country music wrapped in Randy Newman's voice. Not my thing.
Good Old Boys sounds easy on the ear, content notwithstanding, but it's not skilled or particularly good. 2.
We've had Randy Newman before, but this album is quite different to that - he's much more political, even if the sound of the music is identical. That said, I don't think a lot of it lands particularly well, sounds like he's trying too hard, and the emotions he's trying to get across don't really fit with the laid-back style of the music. 2/5.
Not great
I don't hate Randy Newman's voice, but I think it's best consumed in small doses. Just too much Newman for me all at once. Also it just felt like ranting from an ignorant person at points? Some of it was poignant, but some of it was just... performative? I don't know.
Nothing special
more like a 2.5 from me. a little too twang, which was unexpected
You’ve got a friend in meeee
Wooooooah dude said the n-word kinda crazy. Idk the rest of the album was eh but like why did he have to do that? Idk Disney picked this guy and said fuck it let him cook.
What a shift from xray Spex to Randy Newman. I was not expecting him to just casually drop the hard R like that. Kinda lost me a lot with that right off the bat. I know hes super loved in the disney scene but man i cannot let that hard R go, thats just ridiculous. So about the music… I mean it isnt bad, its hard not to enjoy his voice and the slow bluesy backing track. HE GOT SOME COCAINE FROM A FRIEND??? WEE-see-anaah He really does have some out of pocket lyrics. I was not expecting that from beloved disney singer man. Is randy newman a communist? Every man a king giving big commy vibes. Christ he really has such out of pocket lyrics. I relly cant rate this well with how absurd this mans writing is.
Hey guys so I’ll be honest it was a bit of a compromised and unfocused listen. From what I heard I enjoyed it quite a bit, however the opening track was a strong message that just could not have been shaken off through the rest of the listen. What would Woody think if he heard that song with the hard R slurs?
Another snoozer from ol' Randy. Doesn't even get into the darker, more complicated narratives that at least jazzed up his previous efforts' songwriting, and drives home my impression of the guy as the Tom Hanks of music.
I know too many “good old boys” who are anything but good. This music does nothing for me and the whole middle America humble charm schtick is too hokey for me to enjoy. The guy has songwriting talent, but his voice is grating. There’s nothing to latch onto. I hate the creepy blurry photo on the cover too. It repels my interest on every level.
Leffamusiikki meets New Orleans. Hienot soundit ja vokaalit, keskinkertaiset biisit.
Hyvä albumi mutta alkaa nää suruloput vituttaa.. ainako sitä pitää niin surulliseksi mennö kun albumi loppuu..Järki käteen........... ....... Ja ostoksille En usko että tässä oli aineksia suureen tähtimäärään.. vaikka mahti soundi..... hyvä soundi.... ei lehti...
Bore off mate
Ehhh. Didn't like that he used the n word though.
A very weird album to listen to. It definitely sounded like all his movie soundtracks- which is a positive - but the subject matter was a weird choice at times. I’m not sure I’d go back and listen to it, but it was well made
Why? OK, he had a hit with Short People (which is not on this album) and then decided to get rich by scoring Disney/Pixar movies. A good career move but one that rather removes him from the cohort of musical heroes. But why is this included in the 1001 albums you must hear before you die. I could have missed it entirely without any hardship whatsoever.
1 star for enjoyment. Extra 1 star for their talent. Not my scene at all.
Na twee nummers was ik wel enthousiast. Maar dan wordt het echt soft en dan duurt een half uur toch lang zeg.
mild nostalgia. Toy Story. Overall relatively mid
Nice songs, but not really my bag
This is definitely not something I would have listened to on my own, so I appreciated it for that. It wasn’t really my taste, though.
09/20/2022 Retrospective listen. It’s like….why do I like and hate this album at the same time. The lyrics were so dark and creepy tbh, but I half-like his voice? Feels like the Beatles and Dylan had a fucked up inbred child with this vato….
So, "you've got a friend in me" is basically a repurposing of Birmingham. For an album Barely over half an hour. This kinda drags.
Nice melodies but can’t get over the weird lyrics
Doesn't feel good
absolutely nothing special, pretty boring actually
2.5/5
Getting pretty sick of all the Randy Newman at this point.
Rednecks was a good song but I kept wishing the album would finally end right after that one.
Wake me up when Good Old Boys ends...
There's a hype around this album that I just can't get. It's not bad, but I just don't get it.
This was a snoozefest
i mean it is funny
Eh