1001 Albums Generator
Good Old Boys by Randy Newman

Good Old Boys

Randy Newman

1974
2.85
Rating
23002
Votes
1
10%
2
26%
3
39%
4
19%
5
6%
Distribution
Genres: Rock, Pop Styles: Singer Songwriter, Pop Rock, Vocal

Reviews (page 7 of 8)

Randy is a tough one to rate. I really love his music as I'm listening to it but I never really put it on. The social commentary is great but I don't really listen to music for biting satire. I guess it's a 3, but it's damn good.

It was ok, he sure does have a quirky sense of humor. The strings with the piano pretty much guarantee I won’t be listening to most of it again any time soon, but I would explore more Randy Newman in the future.

Par for the course with a racey song to start off the album

An unfunny comedian doing a Billy Joel impression. What could go wrong?! Everything.

I don't usually say music is bad, but this wasn't good.

So boring

It’s not that I don’t like the music, it’s that he’s way too comfortable dropping slurs like that.

Good songs and range, but I am uninterested in his depiction of southerners. 2/5

I just don't know about this one. It is pretty catchy and wacky, for sure.

He really heard Neil young’s Alabama and said, “I can do that! But make it peppier and with the n word!” I just hear Toy Story.

I despise Randy Newman on a level I can barely articulate.

I like Randy. I fell into a couple tickets for an opera house show of his and he’s the penultimate showman. Rednecks and Guilty are solid tracks. This is the second album cover so far with an out of focus picture. Was this a thing?

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.

When somebody says country music sucks, this is what I imagine they've heard.

Can't handle his voice, also wtf those racist lyrics in "Rednecks" ???

1/11, 9%

Quirky and inoffensive, nothing stood out though other than hey this sort of sounds like Pixar.

Edit: Actually this is terrible and racist and deserves 1 star. I get that this is a concept album but was anyone actually asking for this? Did this "concept" need an album? Randy Newman seemed way too comfortable saying some of these slurs too. Only reason I'm giving this 2 stars is because a few of the songs are catchy, and at least he's committed to the concept.

I've never heard Randy Newman besides Toy Story. This is a weird hybrid of like 5% almost Bob Dylan, a chunk of Tom Waits, something almost easy listening like Phil Collins a tiny bit, 2% Paul Simon almost. It's such a strange mix of sound and feeling. Several parts had me look up what year this was released in. Time certainly changes some of these songs. The music and feeling and his voice is actually pretty great at several points. I don't know where he fits into music but I can see why he had a career for sure. I almost have a hard time picturing what someone who bought this album looks like. Maybe AP Mike.

For me a Randy Newman song once and a while is fine. I don't want to listen to a whole album at once. No doubt he is amazing at his craft.

Album #48 I knew Randy Newman from Toy Story and "Short People", but nothing more. I was very entertained by this. It seemed like good-hearted satire meets Tom Waits writing. Excellent, sometimes uncomfortable writing and very soulful. 4* 4*

Scathing piano-driven R&B

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.

Felt like every song had a double meaning. Fun listen.

Classic example of Newman songwriting, storytelling, and satire.

Woof - this is a real "statement" album. Without reading Wikipedia or understanding that this is a critique of Southern culture, one might mistake the lyrics for something else. I'm not sure what to think about the use of the n-word in a modern context, while it's used as criticism of racism, it's still just awkward to have a white singer use it somewhat flippantly.

Strange tone.

Yeah, this is not for me.

OK nothing standout special

'Satire' that has aged like milk. Nice tunes but they all sound exactly like the Toy Story song.

quite frankly this album slid off me after song 6. and that first song, jesus 1

A piece of very specific US history packed in pleasant blues and soul tunes.

you got a friend in me, Randy

Randy is interesting. His voice is unique and he's one of those artists where the lyrics are huge. That said I don't love this. I think if I listened to it more it could grow on me. Was going to give it a 3, but I do enjoy some of those lyrics. I'm not a southerner, but I am a rural guy and some of those songs resonated. Give it a 4.

He wrote Toy Story?!?!

"Mr. President (Have Pity on the Working Man)" is pretty good, but the rest didn't do much for me.

All I can hear is Toy Story & Pixar songs. If my mind wasn't predisposed to think about kids' films, I'd say this is an okay album.

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.

This was one of those in one ear out the other type albums except for all the satirically racist stuff that hasn't aged well. I'm sure randy newman knew what he was doing and was just trying to shit on "good old boys" in the South but that still doesn't fix him using the hard R quite a bit. I think it mainly starts to fall into the pitfall of becoming a bit like the thing you're satirizing. I liked his other album a lot more.

I'd never really looked into Randy Newman's work, but I'm sure most people my age have certainly heard him before. Of course I know of "You've Got a Friend in Me" from Toy Story but I had no idea he scored so many Disney-Pixar soundtracks! That of course made it really jarring to hear this biting, satirical record, opening with the hard-R heavy "Rednecks". Damn, not sure you could get away with that now, even if it is scathing satire against bigotry and institutional racism, both back then and still today unfortunately. It's a really complex album for sure - I know I can't really give much commentary about it as there's a lot of concepts I'm neither old nor American enough to understand. Adding to that, it's country music so naturally I don't care that much. Usually I have some aversion of Southern-accented male-vocalist country music, but in Newman's case I can't fully get on with it or take it seriously as he's just typecast as "That Toy Story Guy" in my mind! I'm conflicted. This album definitely deserves to be among the 1001, no doubt. It's important, and worth the thinking, conversations and debates, both about the subject matter of the songs and the general meta of this album's satire. Personally I didn't care that much for this musically, and I don't know if I'll really come back to it, but I'm glad to have heard it. Favourite: Back on My Feet Again

Never got super into Randy Newman. I like him OK, but it doesn't do much for me. I'd rather hear Nilsson singing Newman.

Ikke noe minneverdig, utenom første sang, og ikke på en bra måte 2.8

I liked the non-sappy songs, especially the first one. This album's really got that Disney sound, I recognized it even though I've never seen any of the films he made music for

meh I thought the first song was super racist until I heard it again

Easy listening tunes accompanied by sharp satire. Not sure whether I am able to appreciate the latter fully, I imagine I’m missing a lot.

Yeah, what can I say, I love randy

Vähän Lou Reed -viboja.

It’s like the hidden second soundtrack to Disney’s The Princess and the Frog

Okay album, but I didn't have time to make through it properly. I will listen again to it soon.

Not my thing, but hey, its the Toy Story guy. Who knew he drank so much

Album 152 of 1001 Randy Newman - Good Old Boys Rating : 3 / 5 Favorite Track : Rollin' It has become hard to listen to any Randy Newman tunes without thinking of a Toy Story soundtrack. That could certainly become confusing when taking in the song subjects from this album. Some scathing satire, one could say. He goes in hard at what he finds to be the bad aspects of the 70s south but, at the same time, gives respectful recognition of the good. So many directions one could go with this. The album is an awesome listen. It certainly is a subject driven album. Got me curious and a little research finds that there have been several studies and essays done on this album. That is where I'll be for a little bit. Give this one a listen, if you're not familiar.

Oh please god no. I'm sorry I complained about the Aerosmith, please! I would've quit out after the first song if I wasn't stubborn as hell. That would've been a great choice, but here we are. This is straight up making me question whether this whole 1001 journey was really such a good idea. Fucking hell. I get that it's satirical, but if it's this bad does that even matter? I'd rather have been getting root canals for 35 minutes.

"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.

There's a feeling of comfort that comes with this, but I did grow up with the Toy Story movies... Parents were also a big fan of "Little Criminals", the album following this one. Gets a little samey throughout, but it's not enough to not enjoy it. Favorite tracks: "Birmingham", "Marie"

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.

he says the gamer word

I liked the southern accent paired with the piano. The overall quality was very good.

Ik mag die Randy wel. Heb hem een keer live mogen zien in de schouwburg. Was een mooi optreden

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.

Twijfelgeval. Saai, maar ook wel mooi.

Has this guy ever done anything else than the toy story sound? Oh well, I really like the toy story sound anyway

Big band and country tropes sung by the Toy Story guy. Definitely not my thing. Also, the one song I enjoyed (Mr. President, from the Forrest Gump soundtrack) is not available on YTM I assume due to licensing issues. Lame.

I had a cassette tape of the Blues Brothers growing up and one song done by John Belushi was Guilty. I always thought it was the perfect song for him but had no clue where it came from until now. This was phenomenal. I almost did a spit take at Rednecks. This is powerful song writing. I had no clue Randy Newman had done this.

Pretty good. Liked it a lot. Love his voice, so distinct. Questionable lyrics at times. But some good songs, good variety despite utilizing the same instruments/sounds.

Mais um country calmo com baladas.

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

not one of the 1001

Classic newman

This was alright, I had no issue with it. It's not really my type of music, however.

Really expect us to find out in the next decade this man is a mega paedo, his lyrics are mostly limited to singing about places or using racial slurs.

Toy Story man got real racist on this one - good tunes though.

I am a sucker for albums that explore history and regional identity which is one of the reasons Sufjan Stevens is one of my favorite artists. This album by Randy Newman combines that historical regionalism with a biting satire which animates the institutional racism in the south and the hypocrisy of the north. There are some beautifully earnest songs on the album as well which seems to suggest that Newman is sympathetic to the humanity of his subjects while acknowledging the societal issues they take part in and reinforce. The result is a stunning album that portrays the American South as a complex backdrop. Musically, Newman is unique. During the 70s, he was not afraid to feature dancehall and musical theatre influences in his music which works to great effect here. His film/tv composition background is on full display and he utilizes it to ground his lyrics in very American forms of music.

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

Great stuff

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

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

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

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'

Listened Before? N This was really interesting. I've heard of him but as far as I know I've never heard a song by him. The first song just rolled out a whole lot of slurs, but with good reason. It really catches your attention and makes you listen to the record. Deep still somewhat relevant political meanings mixed with history. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Naked Man

4.0 - As expected, there are beautiful songs on here showcasing Newman's uncanny knack for writing and performing instant classics. But I don't know that this comes together as a fully fleshed out concept album. I think the album title oversells the Deep South theme. Obviously there are nods throughout but Newman doesn't delve deep. I was expecting some full-on character analysis but instead I got a couple jabs of acerbic satire via "Rednecks." Still a nice record, though.

Randy Newman is nothing if not interesting! I have to say that first song took me by surprise. I was thinking it was going to be a defense of "rednecks", but maybe not so much. Held my interest throughout. 4 stars.

Nice skiva

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.

Scathing!

Kinda reminds me of toy story

Excellent follow up to “Sail Away”.

Bit of a funny one, kind of smooth and easy but with something to say. Didn’t expect so many N bombs getting dropped here. It made me tap my toes and smile a few times along the way.

4/5. Quite an interesting album. Each song is filled with dread and sadness despite the amazing songwriting of Newman. It is quite unfortunate that the catchiest song is Rednecks. The only fault is that a few songs sound pretty similar and have similar themes. Very close to a 5 though.

Randy Newman says the nword 2.5

Pretty much what I was expecting; Leonard Cohen-esque moody singer-songwritering. Not bad though, and he does have a unique voice and some of the subjects are right on. I do wonder how someone who uses the N-word and sings about cocaine ended up writing "You've Got a Friend in Me," though.

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...

Randy is one of those guys you can admire in terms of concept or songwriting but across a full album it's hard not to feel that is register is a little too limited It's fine, it's good, it's probably never getting played by me again

This is great

hey is this the guy from toy story???

Hard satire as Newman tends to do. But my ears aren't used to hearing that these days.

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.

Again, gut-punching lyrics hidden in affable music. And sometimes affable lyrics with gut-punching effect. It's pretty amazing.

I enjoyed this one very much.

So many complicated feelings. I feel like I've been kicked in the teeth while listening to some pretty piano playing. Oh, Randy Newman, nobody does satire like you.

I keep underestimating Randy Newman. All the charm of the Toy Story soundtrack with some very pointed, biting lyrics that really pull no punches. After nearly 50(!) years these lyrics are often shocking, juxtaposing wildly with those Toy Story expectations I get from the music. But I ended up really impressed. Another great album from Randy Newman.

Yikes dog

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

That first track a doozy though.

Every song sounds like it should be on a soundtrack album. Of course he's known for doing soundtracks for film. Not much to my liking.

прочитала что это сатира... ну допустим. так-то шок-контент

If it weren't for the episode of Malcolm Gladwell's Revisionist History I probably wouldn't enjoy this album. As it is I'm gonna love it. Jesus that was blistering political commentary. That was tough to get through. It was powerful enough that it gets four stars, but I will not be listening again.

There's a 99% chance you'll how this album starts. Pretty good too.

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.

What an interesting album. So beautiful and touching and after reading about it the lyrics are a lot less shocking. That said, would I listen to this album repeatedly? I’m not sure about that.

Pretty classic RN. Little ragtime, clear vocals without much range. But not too difficult to listen to.

Not sure i can sing along with that... a pretty incredible storyteller type album, both satire and situational. Randy Newman has a great casual delivery that hides the seriousness and dark wit. Strong music and melody. This is good.

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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAerKsv-BvM

didn't know he was the toy story guy, not bad at all

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.

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.

Corrupted Disney. I did like the musical arrangements, but "rednecks" was a shock to the system.

Not great

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.

Randy Newman is awesome. How many years ago and "Rednecks" still applies. "we don't know our ass from a hole in the ground" - doesn't apply to the South alone in America, not by a longshot... This music is great - the second Randy album we've had in the first ~500 - again, the kind of music I would have stopped listening to around age 9 and re-appreciated in middle age. Melodic, purposeful, piano-driven, outstanding musical composition, and hilarious (in a sigh-goddammit-pour-a-whiskey way). First pass through it didn't hit me quite as hard as "Sail Away" did but further listens have gotten me to listen more deeply - feel like it will keep growing on me. worthy of a keeper and a very high 4 at minimum... 9/10 4 stars.

extremely randy newman sounding, wasn’t expecting the slurs

Oh, he’s good.

Daring, witty and biting. Breezy and accessible, but smartly and elegantly arranged. Randy Newman has a true gift for crafting songs that feel lived in and authentic, but are pointed in their satire. It's not something we expect to hear much in pop music and Newman has really carved out a niche in the genre that no one else really occupies. Newman wants you to understand why Johnny Cutler is the way he is, without letting him (or Southerners) off the hook for any of it. And while he's at it, Newman makes clear that politicians and white Northerners' hands aren't clean either. This a surprisingly clear eyed view on this subject, decades before the idea of systemic racism was commonly discussed. It's nuanced in the way satire often is, in a way that would be immediately misunderstood were the album to come out today. I almost went for a 4, but this is such a singular work, such a testament to Newman's talents and what you can accomplish with music. And, even with the subject matter, these songs are great fun to hear. Fave Songs (All songs, from most to least favorite): Guilty, Marie, Louisiana 1927, A Wedding in Cherokee County, Back on My Feet Again, Rednecks, Kingfish, Birmingham, Naked Man, Rollin', Mr. President (Have Pity on the Working Man), Every Man a King

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

Toy Story guy

Rollicking and clever. I confess that as wonderful as I find him, Randy Newman songs tend to blend together but in this case I found all the tracks distinct.

more like a 2.5 from me. a little too twang, which was unexpected

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

Solid concept album. Weird to hear as someone who grew up in the 2000's because all I hear when he speaks is Monsters Inc. and Toy Story. I actually though thought that this album had no bad tracks. My personal favorites here were "Kingfish", "Marie", "Rollin'", "Rednecks" and "Every Man A King". A really great album that I completely unexpected because of my personal experiences with the artist. A solid 8.5/10.

he's just trying too hard to be edgy or what

I liked the concept. Not every song was great but there were enough interesting ones to keep my attention. Rednecks is the best one.

It all sounds the same, but it's a nice listen.

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.

edgy classic american songwriting

Listening to 'Good Old Boys' by Randy Newman was a truly unique experience for me. I remember the first time I heard this album as someone who wasn't familiar with Newman's work beyond his contributions to the Toy Story soundtracks. It completely blew me away, from that point forward I thought so so so much higher of Randy as a songwriter (not that I didn't already regard him as a good one!) Tracks like 'Rednecks' and 'Mr. President (Have Pity On the Working Man)' stood out to me with their stirring social commentary and great piano playing. The album's centerpiece (in my mind) is 'Marie'. Yes, I know 'Rednecks' establishes the whole concept of this album and really turns heads with it lyrics. 'Marie' is just a beautifully sad piano ballad that will always stick with me. That realization the narrator has at the end about how he failed his lover is just so heartbreaking. 'Naked Man' and 'Rollin'' were also memorable tracks that told great stories stories. The former a recounting of the wild and crazy Naked Man who reminds me of a typical "bad" homeless encounter. The latter being, in my mind, a great closer to the album showing that the narrator is content with just sitting on his easy chair drinking some whisky. 'Good Old Boys' is a fantastic album. Randy's storytelling and piano-playing is just on point. He isn't afraid to touch on social problems that are deep-rooted while also adding a little bit of tongue-in-cheek fun to the mix. He's not making fun OF these topics, he's making fun WITH these topics. That's not easy. The music itself is also outstanding, with great brass backing and other musical elements that really elevate each track. This one's a high 4 rounded up to a 5 for me.

I don’t know. It all sounds like the dark side of you’ve got a friend in me.

Randy Newman’s finest, most complex work and concept album. There’s a quote somewhere—I can’t find it now—from Mr. Newman where he talks about making dinner party music that you can’t play at dinner parties. I believe that was in regards to his 1971 album Sail Away, of which its central song is told from the perspective a slave trader trying to entice an African to “sail away” to America. Well, if any self-effacing white American hosting a dinner party in the early 70s had an awkward moment with the content of that otherwise gentle, bluesy, and sensible pop song, then the color would have been absolutely drained from host and guest face alike when the chorus of “Rednecks” set in. Newman’s dedication to voice, satire, political intent is as punk rock in Good Old Boys as any punk rocker ever was. But even more so, the empathy he shows here—his ability to actually stand in the shoes of the good-old-boy, Southern characters he sketches and breathes life into across this album—makes that satire even harder hitting. It forces the listener to embody a place, a person, a history, and to reckon with a responsibility we all have for the pervasive racism of this country whether in the South, North, East, West…everywhere. That the songs are so stunningly beautiful—“Louisana 1927” is as fine a Randy Neman song I can think of and it has soundly soundtracked these last few months of California 2023 rain for me—makes the satire, history, and characters in this album bright and brilliant beacons. It makes the whole story go down easy, even as it gets hard to swallow. I don’t know how he quite achieves that. And I can’t think of anything else quite like it. Certainly a favorite album of mine. I hope anyone who hadn’t heard this album before and who had gotten into the easy routine of jamming through these 1001 albums each day had a head turning moment with this one! It’s definitely one that benefits from some time spent with it. Malcolm Gladwell did a great Revisionist History podcast on it a few years ago, I recommend checking it out. 5/5.

“Rednecks” is just stunning. I think I had heard this first from one of the Malcolm Gladwell podcasts about songwriters, and that's what hooked me. Such a tightrope walk he walks. That's the heart of all these Randy Newman records: dissonance. So feel-good, and yet so repulsive, but so warm, but so comically wrong, delivered straight and earnest. And he never breaks character. It's really only something I think he can do. Him and few others. Find the pathos and sympathy in unlikeable, racist anti-heroes, and then turn around and skewer them at the same time. How does he do it? We don't know. And “Marie” gets me every time. Reminds me of “Coney Island Baby,” Tom Waits. Bittersweet. I love my anti-hero songwriters more and more with every passing day. A lot of bittersweet this week! The string arrangements really give it that extra nudge for me. Randy Newman's range might be a little limited, but he nails the hell out of whatever it is he's doing. 4/5

Randy shooting buckshot into American culture

You’ve got a friend in meeee

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.

Sounded the same throughout the album. Got bored of the same tune and lyrics not for me.

Great album great vibes did not expect the hard r

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?

Too associated with toy story for me

Umm 😶

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.

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.

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.

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.

No jaa. Kieli poskessa tehtyä. Ehkä kyl edellä aikaansa

Leffamusiikki meets New Orleans. Hienot soundit ja vokaalit, keskinkertaiset biisit.

Marie makes me cry, Randy Newman its a completely interpreter, his background band it helps a lot to become emotional while you listen the album. Some songs are just Toy Story soundtrack and i cant think of anything else.

who listens to this? i’m genuinely curious. didn’t know mediocrity could be this mediocre

Not my cup of tea!

this was not my cup of tea

A great listen from Randy as usual. Not a spectacular album but a nice listen from an artist that knows to use words and melody in a very clever way.

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

My first real listen to Randy Newman. I kept waiting for Buzz and Woody to pop out... He has one of the easiest voices ever and I'll likely check out some other works.

There are some great songs on here but Randy's schtick gets a bit tiresome quite quickly

The first track uses the most offensive racial slur repeatedly.

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...

"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.

Bore off mate

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.

Coming out the gate running with a song that lampoons Southern tropes and frequently uses the N-word, Good Old Boys is Randy Newman at his most historical and illustrative; mapping out the South with his fascinating character studies and stories that would doubtless garner perspective from the listener. If one chooses to get past Rednecks, Good Old Boys will prove itself to be a gem worth hearing. Favorites: Rednecks, Birmingham, Marie, Guilty, Kingfish, Naked Man, A Wedding in Cherokee County, Back on My Feet Again.

Ehhh. Didn't like that he used the n word though.

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.

J’ai adore l’ecout et bien aime. 4

Really good singer song writer. Good vibe on the album. Unknown artist in Europe for my part.

This album was fantastic! Before today, I had only known Randy's work with Toy Story and Monsters Inc. This album strayed from that quite a bit with the first song!! Redneck is the first song on the album, and is sung from the perspective of a racist from the southern US. The N-word comes out a few times, which shocked the shit out of me, given all I knew of Randy. Redneck was an amazing song that was a sadly true glimpse at the state of things in the southern US in the 70's. Randy is such a fantastic storyteller. He had such a way to paint vibrant pictures with his lyrics. Through his lyrics he spins storys complete with humour, love, and political issues. I thoroughly enjoyed this album today, and will definately listen again! Favourite songs: Back On My Feet Again, Redneck, Louisiana 1927, Birmingham, Kingfish, A Wedding in a Cherokee County, Naked Man Least favourite song: Every Man A King 5/5

A nice vibe, and I like the anti-racist, America-critical lyrics. But it gets very samey, and it is downright jarring to hear Mr. Pixar Songs singing the N-word.

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.

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

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

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.

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

Corny AND pompous. Godawful.

1 star for enjoyment. Extra 1 star for their talent. Not my scene at all.

Not just a soundtrack singer. Who knew?

De eerste keer dat ik een heel album van Randy luister. Mijn introductie tot de man kreeg ik in de voorstelling 'Jan Rot zingt Randy Newman', en in vertaling en met de uitleg van wijlen Jan kreeg je een beeld van wat Newman eigenlijk voor muziek maakt. Nogal ironische teksten op dit album. Het luistert dus het beste om even te teksten te googelen en mee te lezen. Vaak zingt hij in de eerste persoon namens een ander, meestal rechtse types uit de zuidelijke staten van Amerika die hij zo te kakken zet (zie al het eerste nummer, We're rednecks). Louisiana 1927 gaat over een watersnood (had vertaald moeten worden als Zeeland 1953?) De eerste drie nummers zijn door Jan Rot vertaald als Mooi Drenthe, Roosendaal en Marie. Aanrader om die nog ff te luisteren, en in één moeite door het hele album: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjGd-htIels&list=OLAK5uy_l4S8eDOxnTTV66G6QVFEoagUEYRisBZ78

Na twee nummers was ik wel enthousiast. Maar dan wordt het echt soft en dan duurt een half uur toch lang zeg.

Vermakelijke teksten op een blij pianootje

Loved it. Great lyrics, music. Loved Marie

Part satire of, part sympathy for its subjects, Newman walks a complex tightrope not always with success. For example, if you could listen to Rednecks and sing it as an anthem about yourself, surely the inherent criticism within the satire has failed? And surely there are people proud to stick it to the northern liberal elite by ‘keeping the n-words down‘? Notwithstanding that even in the same song, Newman can’t help but point out the ghettoisation of blacks in northern cities and the conditions in which they live is hardly the success liberals pretend it to be, thus giving further cover to the Redneck racist pride. And if you have to add further songs such as Louisiana to try and explain what you actually think then maybe reconsider what you said in the first place… Newman’s music is sublime throughout, though, taking bluesy roots and New Orleans jazz to concoct an often jovial soundscape in contrast to dark subject matter. And fair enough he wants to explore these subjects and make the audience give some thought to them.

Oh! Randy Newman! The Toy Story guy! This will be a lighthearted romp through stories of friendship! [30 minutes later] Gosh. Well. I didn't expect that. Absolutely vicious lyrics.

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)

mild nostalgia. Toy Story. Overall relatively mid

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

Nice songs, but not really my bag

Another fantastic album from Randy Newman that is steeped in American history and explores difficult subjects with his trademark caustic sarcasm. The album opens with “Rednecks” which is VERY confronting. The topic would be tackled in a different way today but the lyrics are clearly spoken by a character tied to a very specific event and time in the past. Like all of Randy Newmans lyrics they tackle the issue effectively and are full of hidden meaning. Unless you lived in America in the 70s and have a good memory of US political events at the time, it really helps to have wikipedia open whilst listening to this album to get the most out of it! 😂 I would like to give Randy Newman himself a 5 but I think the 2 albums on here fall just short of a 5 for me because although I enjoy interpreting and reading up about the songs and I do find them enjoyable to listen to I feel the actual music, is somehow secondary to the lyrics. 4/5

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….

Well... This is the most offensively thoughtful album I've heard in a long time. I'd vaguely heard that the Toy Story guy had this in his ouevre but wasn't prepared for this. The sad thing is, it's as relevant today as it was at its release. You don't want it to be, but it is. This review space is too short to get into a debate on what should and shouldn't be said, and by whom, but this album makes a strong case for less policing of speech.

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.

I hate randy newman

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.

Don't tell my friends, but I love Randy's N-word album!

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

The shine could wear off this one, but it's exactly in an uncomfortable vein of music which is extremely valuable. The vignettes on Good Old Boys don't form a single narrative, but they stretch across multiple songs. Newman's voice is Disneyfied, now, and that casts a pall over everything. But the South of the record is a particular one, with significant authenticity. Few melodies, a lot of words, but so many colors.

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 has like FIVE albums on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list and every single one makes me want to claw my ears off. Each one is barely 25 minutes long and each one is slapdash, smug and irritating. This album’s only minor salvo is that “Rednecks” makes me laugh a tiny bit, although that comes more from outside the song than anything within. Sail Away has its moments though, (he begrudgingly said). This music makes me want to yawn and barf at the same time, hard pass.

Randy Newman is a good singer and his songs are good. Mark Knopfler has some featuring with him with "It's money the matters".

Nice melodies but can’t get over the weird lyrics

I think he’s great but I don’t feel like I need a whole album.

Doesn't feel good

absolutely nothing special, pretty boring actually

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

Love itttt

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.

An inventory of the dirtiest undies in the American laundry basket, arrayed with trenchant humour and rousing arrangements. It's satire that can be called neither scurrilous or mean, simply because it's true. The poor, the rich, the dumb, the educated, the celebrated, and the elected from both sides of the mason-dixon line are implicated in confecting a uniquely American brand of racial and social inequity and iniquity.

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.

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 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.

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

Was really surprised how good this was.

Instantly recognisable. Distinctive voice, piano high in the mix. It's all pleasant and comforting, somehow familiar even on tracks never previously heard. There's nothing not to like, but it's not for me. Being so distinctive had its downsides - It all sounds like 'You've got a friend in me' from Monsters Inc.

I'm realizing I really don't care for Randy Newman's voice outside of Pixar movies and TV show theme songs. Needless to say, it was also very jarring to hear him use the n-word, social satire or not 😬

All I can think of is Toy Story when I hear Randy Newman. Interesting political commentary throughout but overall there wasn't much variety in the songs. Still a decent listen but nothing I'd recommend.

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.

A big ol WTF. You expect to hear about friends and other disney things, and it's a satire. Fine music, but just... odd juxtaposition.

Vaya, este hombre siempre tuvo voz de viejo. Curiosamente ayer estuve escuchando su banda sonora para Marriage Story y aunque es posible percibir la calidad en las composiciones no pude evitar aburrirme. Dentro del film la música cumple, pero fuera no pudo sostener mi interés. Creo que lo mismo pasa con este disco: aquí no hay nada interesante para mi. Este es uno de esos discos que está en esta lista exclusivamente porque el autor es gringo y toda la lista está centrada en la música popular norteamericana y británica, pero nada más.

Like listening to the soundtrack of some messed up Disney Pixar movie.

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

language is problematic now, but at the time ...

Not a big fan.

A bit repetitive but it's nice, bring back this 70s style of anti-racism tbh, Ibram X. Randy fr Strong 3

The instrumentation, was great. The parody, was overrated. The voice, not my style. And wow was that first song jarring from the "You've Got a Friend in Me" guy.

05/14/2022 More Newman? Ok, then...

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

I don’t think he’s country, but he’s something adjacent. I liked this, found it pleasant

I hated this when I first heard it in 9th grade and I hate it now. Yeah, yeah, it’s satire...but like most satire, the people who need to get the point never ever do. They were listening to Skynard when this came out and they’re listening to Kid Rock and the new Ted Nugent today. So don’t put the load on me, I could have spent this time listening to Black Uhuru or the Clash.

Dropped the N bomb. Was OK otherwise.

I like the idea of Randy Newman, but ultimately his a bit ragtime a bit singer songwriter approach, and his dolorous voice, are a bit much over a whole album, however clever and insightful the lyrics.

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.

Love Randy newman. Love this record

I think it was a good album, with lyrics that really paint a picture. “Guilty” was an awesome song, and “A Wedding in Cherokee County” was very entertaining. Political statements were not over bearing but we’re obvious enough. “Kingfish” was a completely correct description of some of the towns in Louisiana, New Orleans included, at least prior to Katrina. This album was wiser than it’s getting credit for.

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.

Every song made me think of an 80s american sitcom or romcom about an earnest working class man who's only trying to do the right thing. How he fell for a heiress/alien/artist or some other improbable person. Awful.

What the hell? Who let this guy into the list?

Track 1, I thought I knew Randy Newman. That guy from Toy Story, right? Track 4, yup, I've heard all I need to.

I can't help but think of the Family Guy skit -- "Randy Neman, sits there all night and days singing about what he sees". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARP6dXMlWQ8

Certainly sounds like Randy Newman

Randy put that one first because he wanted everyone to hear him say it

A good album, and I got the sense from listening to it that there's a lot to unpack and uncover. I have to admit it's hard to hear a white guy say the n word so many times in a song. Of course 50 years changes us, so benefit of the doubt. I first heard about "Rednecks" on Malcolm Gladwell's podcast, he does a good job explaining and analyzing the song (the episode of Revisionist History is called "Good Old Boys"). Besides getting a little hung up on that, I think there are some great songs here and an interesting concept for an album, the Johnny Cutler everyman southerner idea.

I love that Randy Newman largely eschews rock and roll for a more timeless sound. I consider him one of the most sophisticated and intelligent songwriters in all of music. He is able to examine and reflect on US history (as well as contemporary life) in a way that makes it seem so natural and compelling as a subject. He can also write these incredibly intimate songs about human relationships, or even just particular mindsets, that touch these uncomfortable places in a way that is painful but honest (and often funny). His details are so fleshed out and human - flaws and all. He is able to embody the complexity of so many characters so convincingly that it's uncanny. I think his folksy vocal style is his secret weapon. It's so effortlessly expressive that I find it relatable even if he's playing some asshole character (as he often is). This album is a remarkable achievement in creating a portrait of a place and the people in it. I can listen to it over and over.

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 is some real antebellum racist type shit. Who knew that the guy who sang 'You Got a Friend in Me' had such a shit past?

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.

Newman manages to cast such simple music in a socially critical setting. Love it (7/10) FT: Louisiana 1927, Birmingham, Mr. President

Not a big fan - it’s an interesting slice of Americana but can’t really enjoy an album by a white man that freely uses the n-word in multiple forms.