The Boatman's Call

Who is The Boatman?

This is Nick Cave’s chamber pop singer-songwriter album. It’s definitely a more intimate record, with the focus mostly on his voice, backed by piano and acoustic guitar. It’s often seen as his heartbreak album, written in the wake of his breakups with PJ Harvey and his ex-wife Viviane Carneiro. I actually think this would be a good place for someone new to Nick Cave to start. It’s a little more accessible than some of his other work, but he still stays true to his style.

This is a pretty record. It’s not exciting, novel, or boundary pushing, but it’s nice to listen to. Musically it’s very simple, piano played over simple drums, the occasional sprinklings of other instruments here and there. But the instrumentals don’t seem to be the point here, it’s all just to draw focus to Nick Cave’s smooth, deep voice. Lyrically I found this album kind of bounced around, from pretentious try-hard poetry, to some actual relatively profound thoughts, to the sort of profanity that would make a trucker squirm a little at the dinner table. I’m not sure it’s something that I’d care to listen to again, but as an overall sound I can understand the appeal. 2*

I think the whole "postmodern cynic-crooner" schtick is one that may be a bit played out in the year 2025, or perhaps not played out but often done tediously, but Nick Cave has to be given a pass. Not only does he pull this off better than most, but I think he is one of the progenitors of the style. A thread can be drawn much further back, sure, but Nick Cave is one of the earliest, strongest, best examples I can think of and I think everyone who's done it since, whether they've done it well or poorly, owes him a small debt. On this album he oscillates between beautiful and sincere and caustic and misanthropic, occasionally even within the same song ("Far From Me"). The highlight of the album for me is the opening track, "Into My Arms", which is one of the more sincere songs on the album. There are bright points throughout the album at several points along the spectrum, though--some other favorites for me are "Lime Tree Arbour", "There is a Kingdom", "Are You the One I've Been Waiting For?", "Idiot Prayer" and "I Do, Dear, I Do". Musically, the sparse and somber piano accompaniment is an excellent foil to Cave's rich baritone and the lyrical themes throughout the album. My only complaint about this album is that it comes to feel a bit one-note, both musically and lyrically. But when it's good it's some of Nick Cave's best work imo. 8.5/10

The weakest of the Cave albums I've listened to so far. Has a more mainstream, less unique sound than the others. Decent but nothing grabbed me. 2.9

Liking this is equivalent to liking that one Oscar movie that critics loved but it’s just boring as hell.

Kind of mellow, but some real nice lyrics and melodies

I did not use a private session for either time I listened to this. I am a fan of Nick Cave's post punk angry harder music, but never got into this album. Its a complete departure but pleasant in mellow way. I will have to try to remember try to this out on chill Sunday morning.

Really cool , have a good time while listening it

Didn’t love it, but I can see that there’s an audience for it. Depressing music for drinking alone in the dark but not in a fun sad cowboy kinda way

Nice to hear. the lyrics are great, but I don't know what the fuss is about.

A bit mediocre for me but fine.

aaaaaahhh. a little too serious...

Nick is zowaar in een romantische bui. Er zitten daadwerkelijk oprechte liefdesliedjes tussen, wie had dat van de ouwe brombeer verwacht? Into my arms, dat is toch een prachtige hymne, maar dan afkomstig van een atheïst. Helaas moet hij verderop dan weer wat rare grofheden kwijt, wat zorgt voor een stijlbreuk op een album dat zo mooi lyrisch begon; en het zorgt voor een puntje aftrek, helaas.

Nick cave brengt telkens wat anders en weet telkens een album één sfeer mee te geven. Dat leidde al tot 4en van mij. Maar als een artiest steeds wat anders doet, komt er ook een moment dat het een keer niet mijn smaak is. En dat moment is nu. Dit is veel te saai voor mij. Naast smaak, valt me ook op dat dit zich iets minder onderscheidt dan het andere werk dat we voorgeschoteld krijgen. Het album had van mij weggelaten kunnen worden. Nick heeft voldoende geleverd dat meer toevoegt.

Als het goed is, is dit de laatste entry van Nick Cave die nog afgestreept moet worden. Ik heb verder weinig nieuws te melden ben ik bang, Nick Cave is altijd onmiskenbaar Nick Cave, in wat voor vat hij zijn muziek ook giet. Dit zijn blijkbaar liedjes over de liefde, waar hij zijn zwartgallige en melancholische deken overheen drapeert. En misschien dat hem dat wel het beste past. Prima albumpje om de dag mee te beginnen. Het zit ergens tussen de 3 en de 4 in.

It's not that deep bro

Oh joy, more of this twat waffle

I’m finally done listening to Nick Cave albums foreverrrrrrr. The book certainly tried hard enough to make me like him/them but in the end, there were only two songs I’ve liked amongst the 6 albums, including The Birthday Party. This album definitely didn’t change how I felt about the band and the songs were all too slow and dreary.

this album is like sitting in a hotel lobby listening to a hired pianist

Wow, is this album nearly 30 years old? I have always loved Nick Cave as an artist and I love that he does not repeat himself. I'll give it a very fat 4 just because there are Cave albums I like even better... for me the sweet spot was his Good Son/ Henry's Dream era. This, for me, struck the right balance between his earlier work (which could be a bit "much" for me) and his later work which is softer, sometimes borderline cheese (non-pasteurised artisanal quality cheese though). This album is consistent with some smashing songs and no bad songs. Consistent lyrically and musically. The fattest 4 I've given.

On paper I should love Nick Cave, but I just can't. He is "Meh" incarnate. As a friend once said: "Knockoff Tom Waits with 30 year old dating a teenager energy". Here he seems to be mostly doing a Leonard Cohen impression. Except for "There is a kingdom" which is a straight lift of Lou Reed's "Perfect Day" that has been somehow rendered dull. (This chord progression appears to form a kind of theme throughout the album, if I am listening correctly.) The album as a whole is not torturous. I can listen to it, I just can't think of any occasion on which I would want to. I would rather just listen to any of its obvious influences.

The first album where Cave really sounds comfortable as a thoughtful, sensitive poet writing beautiful, reflective songs rather than the howling madman he was a few years earlier

It's different and haunting and pretty. A la Shrek 2, makes you want to sulk in a weird dive bar. He continues to not be a good singer.

I feel like a hypocrite rating this so high. The album was objectively monotonous, but every time the music pushed me out the lyrics pulled me back in. Also definitely got shades of The National

Always have been - and always will be - more of a Birthday Party fan. This sounds like all the other Nick Cave albums / songs I have heard. His version of 'Perfect Day' was alright though.

This is just class, from start to finish. Cave is of course, cool as fuck. The stripped back band allows the songs the space to stand on their own. The spirit of Lou lingers. It's a bloody great album for necking a bottle of red with. Chin chin.

i'm sad to report i didn't really like this one :( this album felt very Leonard Cohen-esque in the sense that it's basically poetry over like a slow/mid-tempo song played on a single instrument, but honestly most of the songs sounded so similar to me that they blended into each other and it was hard to focus on the poetry because i just kept getting bored. "Green Eyes" where he speaks the lyrics as like an echo after he sings them was sooo cringey i could barely get through the song 😭 like some sort of bad cross between the Inkspots and an amateur poetry open mic reading. the first song was alright though, and at least "West Country Girl" was a bit more interesting melodically

Great album, but not quite as great as DLD or AB/LO. Thankfully I've been in a stable relationship for over a decade, but I feel like this would be a perfect break up album for someone else.

Listens: 4 Standout tracks: People Ain't No Good, Where Do We Go Now But Nowhere? Added To Library: TRUE I have "Where Do We Go Now But Nowhere?" on repeat. Dreadfully depressing, powerful and moving, and insanely good. Excellent use of the violin to really drive the emotion home. The song could be about a few things; It sure seems like it's about the loss of a child, driving a psychological and emotional wedge between two parents, further resulting in one of them having a mental break and being committed to a hospital or psych ward. Possibly one tries to kill the other, blaming them for the child's death. The other parent is reminiscing about life before it happened, both thinking about the child (and the event) and their relationship with their spouse. I am equally satisfied with the rest of the album. It being stripped down lends to the intimacy and power of the song. 5

Yeah, i liked this one.

Huge Nick Cave fan but not my favorite album, I like the albums with more of an edge to them. BF liked the lyricism and called them reminiscent of Leonard Cohen & Lou Reed

I prefer unhinged maximalist nick cave but sad piano nick cave is still pretty great

Surprisingly religion-coded for a singer who announces in the first song that he doesn’t believe in god. I was living in St. Petersburg when this album came out and he included the city on his tour. I saw posters for it all over and kept thinking I should go (I was paid a Russian salary as an ex-pat English teacher and so was way too poor to afford a concert of a singer I’d never heard of but whose posters gave me *vibes*). Listening to the album now - with that same poster image as the album cover - I’m glad I didn’t go.

I just LOVE this album.

Not got a lot to say

I don't get this whole "sad crooner" thingy, sorry. Maybe I'd like better a different album, but this one is too barebones for me (basically a guy and his piano whining around).

If David Bowie was boring and sang a lot of about God. Only got halfway through it before I was bored out of my mind. 1/5

Meh

Intimate and melancholic

I wasn't in the right mood to listen to this album. It's full of lots of slow, moody ballads. A good album, but you need to be in the right vibe to appreciate it.

I am feeling generous and liked the piano with his voice. I am going with a 4.

I still feel bad for every album since the first one I had in which I gave it a one star. The piano was very good and carried the album

This was really solid. It probably deserves a five but I really didn’t like the last track and it’s a bit on the longer side (we’ve had a lot of long ones so I’m kinda pissed about that). Cave’s voice is great for this kinda album. He always has pretty deep and introspective lyrics and this doesn’t disappoint. Very solid and very well done. Again, this should probably be getting a five but I personally didn’t enjoy it enough for it to get there.

Liked the piano focus behind his lyrics. His voice grows on you. Nice, although a bit somber, listen

This is a perfectly fine album but unfortunately a bit dull. I'm still trying to get into Nick Cave and I don't think that this will be the album to get me hooked but still I'm glad I checked it out. Favorite track: Idiot Prayer

I wanted to like this. Unfortunately it felt like it swapped genres every couple of songs and I just found myself confused listening to it. None of it was necessarily bad but I wouldn't listen again.

What it lacks in groove it makes up for with no melody

Like if Randy Newman had a stroke and lost his sense of humor.

Give it a rest, buddy.

Beautiful in a bittersweet, sad and haunting way. The sparse arrangements work well with the sonorous vocals.

Nice record. Didn’t grab me right off the bad, but turned out pretty good.

Nick Cave is one of the best songwriters we have ever had and this album is the perfect reflection of that. Every single track on this album is written like a piece of poetry, which makes it one of the best break-up albums of all time. I have no prior experience with Nick Caves music but a quick look at his discography before this album was released he was deep in the post-punk genre, which instantly makes this album stand out. This guy sounds as if he was meant to perform this style of music with the slow-paced piano based songs to express his sorrow and grieve the death of his relationship. Now I have never been able to appreciate poetry as a literary form no matter how hard I try, but when it is presented in the form of music, it's like something clicks. Every single song on this album could have easily been released as a poem on pen and paper, but it just sounds so much more devastating when we hear the words come directly from his mouth. We aren't going to talk about the instrumental for this one just because I don't think it matters at all. I am firm believer that artists can either focus on either the lyrics/vocals OR the instrumental and treating them equally almost never works, and this album just supports that point. If we stripped all the music from the background, the lyrics would be just as impactful, and most likely even more devastating. I think the piano ballads were the right move for this album and it just wouldn't have made sense for them to use any other style. Anyway, thank you to PJ Harvey for breaking up with Nick Cave because we wouldn't have had this masterpiece otherwise.

meh

people ain’t no good!!! nick has a cool voice

He should have stayed in his cave and thought of another album. Another Sunday and another boring nick cave album. How many of these do I have sit through?

I haven’t found an instance where lyrics are so phenomenal that the way they could be sang like shit and it wouldn’t matter. Cohen, Waits, and Cave are one and the same to me and I don’t like it.

< the Beatles I'm a defender of Nick cave but this album was pretty uninteresting to me

I first listened to a Nick Cave album about a year ago as I'd heard a lot of good things. I guess I was expected something different from what it was the first time around--like he has a more punkish or hard rock kind of name, and it came off very slow and weepy. Kind of like if you took all the slowest stuff from Tom Waits and mixed it with some Leonard Cohen. It sounds like drinking alone at a hotel bar kind of music. Anyway, now that I know what to expect, it's not unpleasant at all. Definitely a big Leonard Cohen vibe. There are quite a few good songs on the album, and it listens pretty well all the way through. I can't pick out individual tracks as they are not numbered/named on the Youtube full album version I listened to. The best bit is just after halfway through. I might go back to this. 4/5.

I love a spare, haunting, Nick Cave ballad, but these do get a bit repetitive as the album drags on.

Least terrible Nick Cave album.

Classic

This is the weakest Nick Cave album I've gotten yet. I really prefer his evil bluesy songs, these ballads are fine, but they all sound really repetitive. Nothing here is bad, just a little boring. I think there are enough Nick Cave albums on this list that this album could have probably been skipped. High 3.

He's unbearable.

Like a slower less good Leonard Choen.

"Into My Arms"... the comparisons to Leonard Cohen must be made on this one... i'm guessing, as i've always heard about Nick Cave... he's a few years older than me... but, i've never really gotten into his stuff... i'm not sure he ever really made it here in the USA, i could be wrong... but my first real listen to him had a pretty good opening... "Into My Arms" is a strong song... a bit downer for an opener... but, hey... "People Ain't No Good"... shows his artistry... i have to admit, my first foray into his stuff, has made me get a respect for his songwriting... and his sparse arrangements are cool... i'd rather listen to this than Leonard Cohen.. ANY DAY... lol, i know a lot of people would think i'm daft... but, anyway... there is also a sort of Christian/religious aspect to his writing... "There is a Kingdom" is exhibit A... "(Are You) The One I'm Waiting For"... is in that vein... this is deeply personal stuff... a man wrestling with himself and putting that out to the world... which, obviously, a lot of people would respond to... if you don't need a poppy hook... if you don't need toe tapping... if you don't care a bit about booty shaking... this guy is for you... "Green Eyes" is the closer... a really cool song... in conclusion... my assessment... is... is it an album you must hear before you die... maybe... if you are in the melancholy mood a lot... if you like wallowing in self introspection... a big yes... if you like witty, personal, and a bit profound lyrics... ok... but, if you want any hummable songs... toe tappers... goose bumps... or any groove at all... that's a big HELL NO... lol... i'll give it three stars... the three for the people who relate... and the other stars go unmarked... for the rest of us... lol... zzzzzzz

I can’t keep listening to this.

This is such a great album, so different from Murder Ballads which preceded it, with achingly beautiful instrumentals, and great songwriting from Nick Cave. If I was to pick a couple of favourites, I would lean towards Into My Arms and West Country Girl, but the album is wonderful all the way through. Another 5 stars for the band.

Selvsagt

Well, I already knew the song "People ain't no good" because it's on the soundtrack of Shrek 2, but I've never heard the whole album before. Great voice. It's really an album that I think I won't give a second play, but now that I'm finishing it… I think I will.

I feel like it started out really strong then kind of petered out.

About time one of Nick Cave's albums finally popped up. It's good all around, but falls shy of being a favorite for me. I prefer the more sonically diverse albums he's made with The Bad Seeds.

Whyyy sooooo serious?

Very decent album. But songs are too samey. No stand out song

Amateurish and pretentious is a bad combination, but shows hints of the inventiveness and gravitas to come

Mi album favorito de Nick.

A bit too slow and ponderous all in all, but did really enjoy some of it (Into My Arms, Lime Tree Arbour and West Country Girl). I just think for a whole album it would be nice to have some more punchy numbers to break it up. Cave’s gutsy vocals can’t do that on their own and so it made a collection of mostly decent songs difficult to push through as an album.

Wat een saaie meuk zeg

Boring

not really floating my boat

I thought Nick Cave was responsible for the intro for 'The Wire' but then I found out that was Tom Waits. This album sucks.

I do know of Nick Cave. Not really a fan of this type of music. Going to check it out. Yeah not my type of music. Want to see what this second track sounds like.

Not into it. I was bored. Not terrible, I just found it monotonous.

p809. 1997. 4 stars. Nick Cave moping. Some great songs on this, but there is a lot of filler as well.

Incredible.

I'm between a 3 and 4. Nick Cave is an artist I've never really got into, but this project has converted me on Tom Waits so maybe another listen or 2 is worth it. Initial thoughts are I like the lyrics and tender instrumental elements, it creates a nice melancholy vibe and he certainly has plenty to say. It would be nice for a bit of variety, as the arrangements are mostly quite stripped back Think I'll go 3 as I was getting bored towards the end. Black Hair, for example, is a bit of a dull track One to revisit though

Nice melancholic start to this album and my night. I could tell by his voice this would be a very somber, but chill album and I really love the vibes. This is great to listen to late at night. This has been a very great listening experience after getting not very memorable albums. Don't care much for the religious tones, but it doesn't take away from the songs. This is definitely a true 4. The last song is weird with the two voices. My favorite song is into my arms.

Hard to decide between a 3 and a 4. I liked the music and instrumentation. I didn't like his voice or the lyrics.

I'm generally not in the mood for this sort of heavy depressing thing, but it's got some great material. If I were after something like that, this is great.

*Es ist ein eindringliches Album voller Melancholie und emotionaler Tiefe. Mit seiner sparsamen Instrumentierung und den introspektiven Texten zeigt es Cave von seiner verletzlichsten Seite. Besonders Stücke wie *Into My Arms* und *People Ain’t No Good* stechen durch ihre lyrische Intensität und schlichte Schönheit hervor. Gerne mal wieder.

Ashamed to say I had never heard this album before. Beautiful arrangements and meditations, experiences of the sacred in all its forms, earthly ones especially. Gotgeous and raw

A stark, often beautiful, sometimes plodding acoustic album from the man, the myth, the legend. First three tracks are stellar and some of the best songwriting in Cave's discography. It does drag somewhat in the middle for me, but ends strong with "Far From Me" and channeling Tom Waits on "Green Eyes." Overall, I do prefer nick cave when he's freaking the fuck out, but there are some gems here.

Good voice. Some good songs.

I DONT LIKE NICK CAVE

Misschien was het het moment van luisteren, of het seizoen, of m'n stemming.. maar deze eerste (toch?) confrontatie met een plaat van Nick Cave in deze generator viel niet echt lekker. ''The Boatman's Call'' is een muziekstuk gedomineerd door Nick & z'n piano, en The Bad Seeds vertolken een marginale rol. Zijn bandleden lijken er onder te leiden dat ze een poëtische stap weg van hun post-punk roots zetten. Het resultaat is erg intiem, maar de meeste losse nummers verdwijnen wel een beetje in het sombere geheel. Het is allemaal té typisch post-post-punk (do you follow me?) Nick Cave, en als dat even niet resoneert met je vibe dan is het lastig om naar te luisteren, vind ik. Ik denk dat ik hem wel binnenkort nog een kans geef, op die regenachtige lente-avond die echt nog wel komen gaat. Er zit altijd wel iets wonderschoons in zijn neerslachtige poëzie, maar dat ging nu - los van het sterke openingstrio - aan me voorbij. 6/10 Highlights: Into My Arms Lime Tree Arbour

Nick Cave is een grower. Niet alleen zijn nummers of zijn platen maar de hij als artiest. Op een gegeven moment luister je een paar jaar muziek en stuit je op Nick Cave. Vind je jezelf een beetje respectabele snob, dan moet je het eigenlijk wel tof vinden. Blijkt dan toch lastig. Dan verschijnen en nieuwe platen en probeer je het toch telkens maar weer. En nee, toch niet echt raak. Dan is het de titeltrack van een vette serie. Hmm, toch wel vet die stem. Maar dat oeuvre, taaie kluif. En dan toch ineens, hier en daar een track die in de smaak valt. Op een gegeven moment is Nick Cave's oeuvre een aantal jaar onderdeel van je afspeellijsten en is Into My Arms uitgegroeid tot één van de meest prachtige nummers ooit gemaakt. Nummers van Nick Cave zet ik weleens voor een tweede of derde keer aan, op repeat. Ik doe dat eigenlijk nooit, met geen enkel andere artiest of genre. Omdat het dan bijna klikt, omdat je het even voelt en realiseert. Ik vind dat echt zo vet bij Nick Cave. Dus ja, het is 100% afhankelijk wanneer je dit luistert. Wanneer op de dag, in het jaar. Maar ook wanneer in je eigen muziekleven. The Boatman's Call raakte mij wel deze luisterbeurt en deed me weer realiseren wat een unieke artiest Cave is. 8/10 Highlights Into My Arms (waarom is dit je openingsnummer??) People Ain't no Good Green Eyes

Heavy stuff. Like sinking into a cold bath that someone else cried in heavy. There’s beauty to the sparseness, but damn, it drags you down with it. Feels like sitting alone on a rainy Sunday. The piano keeps knocking on the same emotional door, and eventually you want to yell “we’re not home.” There’s charm in the detachment, a Leonard Cohen kind of sadness. Spins: 2 Playlist Additions: - Into My Arms - People Ain't No Good - (Are You) the One That I've Been Looking For?

Just feels like poetry set to music to me. Relentlessly dark....just didn't speak to me. A slog.

A pretty good, not great, album from a fairly disappointing human being.

Not my favorite Nick Cave. A little too maudlin and spiritual, even though it does have quite a few interesting things going on melodically. 3/5

Pretty boring album, honestly. Nothing hooked me. I think this might be my least favorite Nick Cave album so far, and I like Nick Cave. 2/5

Sometimes a bit cringe but otherwise great

Actually better than I remember it being. The piano is relentless, and gets a bit wearing after the halfway mark, but I liked more than I didn’t like. I reminds me a lot of Leonard Cohen’s Songs of Love and Hate, which isn’t a bad thing. Some of the lyrics are uncomfortable, and he sounds quite detached, but I like the melancholy and the sparse sound.

Feel like Nick Cave has a lot of albums on this list. This is probably my favorite or his, entirely piano based and somber. Really enjoyed it.

I guess I just dislike Nick Cave. His voice sucks, and the songs are slow and boring funeral dirges. Sorry. Not impressed. 1/5

very difficult to make it through this slow, plodding funeral dirge. it is obviously subjective but to me this is barely music. just torture

..

A journey to the dark side of the soul

Ok 2/5

Sad Nick Cave is the best Nick Cave

Sad, bordering on suicidal. Possibly great, but boring.

The Boatman’s Call is stark, both in being stripped down musically and in stripping bare Cave’s response to a world which can produce both the wonder of love and the deceit of the human heart. The battle between love and cynicism is not resolved - Nick Cave is not by and large a resolver, rather he poses questions and invites you to live with the the tension and paradox at the heart of life. Sweetly disturbing, an album that leaves you nowhere to hide emotionally, but does not in the end get lost in cynicism. Sure, people ain’t no good, but there’s still love.

Nick Cave does Leonard Cohen, and he does it well. The Boatman’s Call is so much more stripped down than I expected. I imagine it was shocking to his fans in 1997. Failing relationships and god. 8.2/10

Compare to orpheous album I dont think this has the same impact for me. 2 slow, too stripped back. Too gentle. It leaves the raw cave lyrics to be the only course. I really like sides with my dinner and no amount of spectacular lyrics will win me over (There are so many on offer). I only just heard Nick cave (for the first time) and it makes me sad that this album doesnt bring me more of that surprise and enjoyment. Maybe its a grower not a shower. I listen to Nick alot now so hopefully this will penetrate me fully in time.

Can't deny the quality of the song writing but this album is just a bit too slow and plodding for me. It's more poetry recital than music album and I daresay Nick has given in to a bit of self indulgence (He is teetering on the edge of this at the best of times). It picked up towards the end of the album from 'West country girl' onwards and there were plenty of tracks that I would enjoy in isolation, but I can't see me relistening to the whole album.

HONK SHOO

Mostly listenable but not my style.

Listened to this in 3 D. Dreary depressing dross

Gear: Fostex TH610 Artwork: 📸⬛🔲 Production (2011 Remaster): 🎧😘🤌 Music: 🎹🌧️📜 Rating: 🚢🛳️⛴️🛥️⛵/5

Still enjoying his work, finding it pleasant enough to listen to, but not totally connecting for me sadly! But it's nice and slow and felt!

I mostly just wished I was listening to Tom Waits the whole time. I do enjoy him though!

he still hasnt fully connected but i enjoyed this!

Into My Arms: First track is nice. I like the piano. His voice is pretty relaxing too. A little repetitive though, gets old after a while 3/5 Lime Tree Arbour: Wow a little jazzy with those drums. It's pretty similar to the last song though. I hope it's not all this slow, I'm not too keen on this style. Still. 3/5, mainly because it has a crescendo in some places People Ain't No Good: Okay so i didn't notice it had moved on because it sounds REALLY similar to the last song... very repetitive and slow, had to skip. 2/5 Brompton Oratory: High hopes with the drums at the start. However, another slow song, not just drums and piano now though! Takes a while to get started but its alright. Not really something I'd choose to listen to but his voice sounds really nice so I'll give it a 3/5 There is a Kingdom: Why does the piano sound like stand by me. Anyway, sounds the same as the rest of the songs. I will give it to him, his voice is relaxing. But I wish the music was more exciting aaaa. 3/5 (Are you) the One That I've Been Waiting For?: wow starts with some guitar awesome. Still, not the most exciting piece ever... 2/5 Where Do We Go Now But Nowhere: wow an explicit song omg naughty anyway gosh this is slow again I can't be bothered to listen to the rest of this album I'm sorry nick it's so boring

Not for me. I think this is very centered around this man’s vocals, which are simply underwhelming. Not bad. Just underwhelming.

Easy listening. He has a nice voice. Nice background music with a low key vibe

I've always had big respect for Nick Cave. He always seems to stay true to his craft and filters the horrors of life thru his writing- some so beautiful and tender he reminds me of Leonard Cohen. Not his best album but Into My Arms is wonderful

I came to truly appreciate Nick Cave after watching a film about his life a couple of years back—unique, poetic, full of heart, avant-garde, and all the other best qualities.

This album always felt like the end of a chapter for Nick Cave. He stopped everything away and what you get , front and center - is the words and the voice. Depending on how much you like those two elements will dictate you appreciation of this project. This was my go to NC listen for years because you could put it on a let it roll. Prior albums - while great - had more turbulent moments. Not my favorite but - like visiting an old friend - lovely to spend some time with after too long apart.

Is every Nick Cave album on this list??? 3.5/5

Interesting voice.

Приятная грустная музыка. Для вечернего прослушивания очень хорошо пошло. Под конец только немного поднадоели стенания Кейва. 7 из 10.

Lovely album. I forgot about Into My Arms. My favourite was West Country Girl. The spoken word on Green Eyes was a bummer though.

It was ight

Not usually what I expect from Nick Cave, but it's still really good.

idk i think I need to come back to this one, but it's never grabbed me like his others

Previously rated: Murder Ballads (3/5) Ghosteen (1/5) ************************* Very slow and plodding with religious references. The first few songs were OK, interesting lyrics, miles better than Ghosteen (gag), but the last several tracks were pretty bad, and the last one with the line about his twinkling you-know-what. What the hell was that about.

Awesome

I think I have to accept that Nick Cave and I just don't see eye to eye. This one was in the upper tier of Cave material for me (the Birthday Party album is still the low point), and his tuning seemed to be a bit better here than in other outings. Some so far pretty good, but the last song was hard to listen to.

Nick Cave is a great singer,with a unique voice.

Zzzzzzzzzzz

An overwhelmingly emotional album.

First song was really good and then the rest just sort of repeats

I liked this. The songs were a bit same same and - to me - VERY quintessential Nick Cave. But it was a pleasant listen. [Brave of him to casually throw around "c**t" in a mid-90s release.]

Meh

It's like a nicer sounding Leonard Cohen, but just not as good.

Not available on Spotify

This was an album of grandiose love songs that I had an appreciation for. I honestly was down for it right up until the last songs which totally gave me the ick. It was definitely an album that would’ve stood out in the 90s when everyone else was about punk and rebellion.

Præcis det her jeg altid har frygtet når jeg har hørt navnet Nick Cave... Det er kedeligt... Jeg bliver slet ikke draget ind i et univers, eller får lysten til at lytte bedre efter.

Cave i en mere nedtonet og personlig udgave end på tidligere albums. Han formår stadig at beholder den nerve der er i hans musik. Et smukt melankolsk mesterværk 🖤

Ugh... I think three whole albums is enough to form a strong opinion on one particular artist and seeing that this is my third Nick Cave album from this list, my thoughts are pretty staunchly negative at this point. That being said, this album at least commits to the overall somber and minimalist tone and stays somewhat consistent throughout. That doesn't make everything more enjoyable, but the songwriting can at least be appreciated to some extent. It's all very...dull and cheesy, however. The album overstays its welcome a bit, and Nick Cave (from a vocalist standpoint) tends to wear on you.

Wasn't bad, but it didn't do much for me.

Decent smooth jazz/soft rock album. Not my favorite type of music but not bad. Enjoyable for one listen but probably won't come back any time soon.

I don't like ballad Nick Cave. I like post-punk Nick Cave. Gets a three for the lyrical content.

This must be Cave's fourth album on this list, which I had to listen to. It's not as dark as others, but this somber tone and melancholy are depressing.

All the songs are quality written and recorded but halfway through I realized they’re all about the same.

I was so close to giving this a one. I hate Nick Cave so much.

A personal favourite. Almost perfect flow and collection of songs... Although Black Hair was never my favourite closer.

Great, mellow classic type stuff.

Decidedly average

I do enjoy Nick Cave and am a subscriber to The Red Hand Files. According to my listening history I've never listened to this album before. Obviously very aware of Into My Arms which is a beautiful song. So it's nice to listen to the album as a whole. Fave: Brompton Oratory

Hmmmm, not one of the Bad Seed's albums that I've spent a lot of time with previously. Re-listening, I can understand why. I don't mind a somber tone but I'd like it more if there was some contrast. I'm definitely missing the hellfire they normally bring. "I don't believe in an interventionist God" is an admittedly pretty baller opening line, though. Fave tracks - "Into My Arms", "People Ain't No Good"

I get it, this is how I'd be if I lost PJ Harvey too. Honestly, I don't remember liking this at all when I first heard it. Think I've always just preferred Nick Cave's darker, edgier goth rock side, especially the absurdity of an album like 'Murder Ballads'. But now I'm more mature and...yeah, I still prefer that edgy era, sorry. But I certainly got more out of this album than I previously did. Particularly, the first three tracks here are all incredible - especially the song 'People Ain't No Good'. But ultimately, to me, this is an album that's way too long for its own good. I can only handle so much of this brooding and sombre ballad-type music before it starts to get tiresome. There are these occasional production flares and switch-ups that keep things interesting - like the sharp violin of 'Where Do We Go Now By Nowhere' and the more upbeat country drive of the song 'West Country Girl'. Vocally, I wish Nick Cave was doing a bit more. I swear, melodically speaking, many songs use this same set of chords. But the lyrics are as crushing as I'd expect out of an album like this. Nick Cave's a talented songwriter at the end of the day, and I especially loved 'Are You The One That I've Been Waiting For?'. While I did enjoy this album when it started, it failed to keep me engaged throughout. I'd say anything past the very stale and repetitive 'Black Hair', I wasn't too hot on. Still a solid and much-needed mature switch-up for Nick Cave - a very important album for him.

Interesting. Nick Cave's stuff is sometimes on the edge of unlistenable for me. This was not that. This is lovely but also bleak, which makes for a great juxtaposition, but you definitely need to be in the right head space for it.

3 stars

I remember really liking this when it came out, but now not really for me. It’s the music equivalent of those oscar-winning movies that people like because they are told they should. I feel like if you hit it on the right day in the right mood this is a 5 for someone, but today for me it’s a: 3⭐️

Synes det var lidt til den kedelige side for at være helt ærlig. God stemme, musikken er ikke for mig

Det er lidt sjovt hvor meget den her plejer at blive fremhævet i den her slags lister for det er virkelig ikke en særlig repræsentativ Nick Cave plade. Men den er stadig pissegod, bandet lyder virkelig godt.

Moody. As expected.

That was really boring. Usually, I need to be drunk before I hear people talking about their breakups. This album is just way too self loathing.

Stark and beautiful, every song for me was great, something I'll have on rotation for sure

not as strong as Abattoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus but still a stunning album.

literally was just talking about this guy yesterday

Nick Cave. When boring needs to be boringer.

Listened to the first three songs but I'm afraid I'll fall asleep if I listen to the rest.

Lucky to not get a 1

Not heard of this artist, he had a great voice but not going to lie, the album came off a bit depressing (I wasn’t listening to the lyrics). I’m all for a Radiohead-depression session but I feel this kept going on, nevertheless, good music. 5/10.

Moody dreamy kinda goth vibes. He’s a sad boy. I liked it (shocker).

As an album kinda dull the talk singing is not super engaging. Think I would maybe enjoy more as an individual song on a playlist

4/10 - it was kind of boring and similar sounding. I don’t plan on revisiting. The last song was also so strange the way he would just say all of the lyrics over himself singing.

It was pretty good

Mourning tunes

I quite enjoyed this although I did it 2 halves. Quite dreary in the end

4/5 A really beautiful album.

boring and basic

custom_rating:8

Good album. Not at all like I expected. I thought the Henry's Dream and Ghosteen albums were awful but this was better. Still not sure why three Nick Cave are on the 1001 list. Hopefully, that's it.

Nothing bad about it, just a tad slow and boring. In the right mood though, I'd call it good piano driven indie rock. Kinda reminded me of if someone was playing a counting crows record but had they're thumb on the record, slightly slowing it down.

meh, don't get the hype

"I don't believe in an interventionist god". First lyrics on the album. Has anyone ever used "interventionist" in a song? But Nick somehow pulls it off so that it sounds smooth. I had never listened to Nick Cave, but right from the beginning, I loved "Into My Arms". The rest of the album is good too, but... still not enough to get over the 3.5 star hump. Sorry, Nick. I'm very glad I listened though. I feel that Nick is well known and respected enough that he arguably deserves at least one album on the list, so I'm glad this is here.

This album was kind of forgettable for me. I appreciate what he was going for and I do think this album had potential but it was just missing some oomf or something. I'm not really sure how to describe it.

I had a hard time with this one. I really want to love it, because "Into My Arms" is an incredible song, but then I kind of get fatigued with it. In a weird way, it reminds me a lot of Nick Drake where there is one banger on each record and then song after is good but never quite takes you to the same place. I really loved the songwriting. Its smart, witty and creative. The piano is so freaking good. I love how somber and moody it is, but I don't know if it needed to be an hour long.

Very dark voice, the music is calming. It was nice

Achingly beautiful at times, and very cheesy at others. “into my arms” and “west country girl” are my most favorite. “green eyes” is unnecessary (skippable/annoying). Nick Cave has a great voice and song writing ability, though this album feels a little uneven in quality (as a Nick Cave fan, I think I’d say this about all his albums-now that I listen more critically to them.) properly a 3.5 for me.

Edgy, I don't like the voice, I don't like the lyrics, the music is forgettable to me.

Nick Cave they could never make me like you. Maybe thats too harsh, its not terrible but its just squarely not for me. Good lyricist, bad singer, although he tickles the ivories well. His music always teeters on spooky or reminds me of an old youtube video someone makes using windows movie maker, and they use the slow fade out/fade in effect for every slide. Also way too low energy, oozes pretentious dickhead. I'm sure this is someones bag though!

All the people giving it 5’s probably fart just to enjoy the smell

A little boring. Sweet and sentimental but not the Nick Cave I enjoy most of the time.

Gorgeous. It opened with one of my favourite songs of all time and went on to give so much more. Grateful to have had the nudge to listen. It will stay in rotation.

I wanted to like this, but honestly found the vocals to be so repetitive that it became a tedious listen. The instrumentals were generally strong, but not enough to enjoy listening for an hour. 2.4/5 -> 2/5.

4/5

We both were surprised by how much we enjoyed this compared with other Nick Cave albums

Boring. I was falling asleep. I liked There Is a Kingdom though.

I did not like his voice unfortunately

Extraordinary

I just tend to navigate away from lyrics that rub against the poems that resonate my Spirit. Nick Cave, though, has done a wonderful job. I mean, so much soul and he's really true to himself.

Nick is so cool. And by cool I mean I respect so much that he's able to confidently explore so many different vibes. This album is one main tone, but the nuance is so good. It's beautiful. It's simple. It's soulful. If I had to pick a general soundtrack to play behind my life, this is a front runner.

The wind in the trees is a whisperin. Charon (the boatman) Calls… Is he calling for thee? Nick is a somber romantic from the pulpit on this album. Great piano work, strange lyrics, a slow Sunday morning listen. (Although I listened on a Wednesday afternoon.) Lime Tree Arbor and Idiot Prayer top the bill. I’m betting West Country Girl has Black Hair. I feel bad for Nick’s girlfriend(s). The boatman, he is gone (4.1*s)

This album was difficult to endure and it really dragged on. His voice affect (especially noticeable on "Green Eyes") is really deranged, he's putting it on like a bad drama kid and I don't believe this tone deaf man at all. "Black Hair" creeped me out, please stop talking about the smell on your hands, I'm pretty over Nick Cave. The boatman goes down with the ship (boat). 0.85 because it "Ain't No Good."

I did feel like I was on a old boat, heading down a dark and swampy river with the oarsman wearily singing these ballads. Did not like the direction Nick took on this alum compared to his other list spots. Surprised this even made it. I have liked some other slow, somber albums that have appeared but this one didn't land with me...1.1.

Was pleased to see Nick Cave on the list again as his prior entries have been pretty good for an artist I was previously unfamiliar with. He had proven to be a competent songwriter with some pretty varied rock roots with a band that dabbled in other genres. Unfortunately The Boatman's Call swayed way way too far from what I previously appreciated. I have a pretty wide range so I tried to keep an open mind. Maybe this would be a fresh look at something new and different from Nick Cave? Nope. Instead we got a painfully slow acoustic album with a couple really somber segments. This album dragged from song 1 all the way through. I tried to hold on and keep an open mind but it was pretty insufferable by the end of it. I couldn't wait for this to finish and don't ever want to hear this again. This was like taking all the worst parts of a bad Bruce Springsteen's acoustic albums and making it drag even more. Overall a painful listen. I get that this could be a critical darling forbringing something different from Nick Cave but this was a surprisingly huge miss for me. 1.04 stars

I usually do not like this shtyle of music, but dear lord if Nick doesn't drag you down into his world like nobody else. great stuff

We didn't need another one of these

I have heard of nick cave but never listened until now I love it

Hard No

That's not my taste in music - But ok

Every song on this album is exactly the same, but without a doubt it's a great song.

I put Nick Cave in that same class as Tom Waits and Leonard Cohen. Fantastic voices and amazing lyrics. This album has so many stand out songs, its a no skip masterpiece for me.

Probably my favourite of his work. Some decent song writing. But there's just not much to make me want to come back and listen again.

Really nice piano music.

🤘

“There is a Kingdom” is basically Lou Reed’s “Perfect Day.” Otherwise it’s a great album but for me Nick Cave just doesn’t get into excellent territory for me. But not everything has to be an absolutely perfect fit.

I have heard a few of Nick Cave's moody, fantastic ballads before so I was looking forward to more of the same, but this is much more mainstream and safe than I was expecting, basic love songs with some Christian elements (? - I wasn't listening that closely). Where Do We Go Now But Nowhere is the first track which sounds anything like what I expected from Nick Cave, dark lyrics and deep voice, bit Tom Waits-lite. West Country Girl - now this is more like it. However, overall a very dull listen. As soon as the album finished Spotify auto-played Let Love In, also by Nick Cage, and instantly I was back with his deep growly voice and bitter love. Just a weird, bad choice for inclusion on this list to represent Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds.

A masterpiece of songcraft.

This did absolutely nothing for me, I don’t mind stripped back, minimalist albums, but I’m not a fan of this one

Minimalist instrumentals and unremarkable vocals made this mostly just boring

mun betra en mig minnti. fékk (tímabundið?) óþol fyrir mick um það leyti sem þessi plata kom út og er almennt frekar illa að mér um seinni verk hans.

Sad and intimate.

This is the 3rd Nick Cave album I got. I believe there's 5 on the list. I really liked Murder Ballads, but this is a snooze fest. Not bad enough for one star, just very uninteresting.

Day396 - i like his voice and i like the songs but a little goes a long way

Depressing monotone music. I couldn't wait to get this album over with.

Funereal, which I am into

I’ll be honest, I only skimmed this one. Reminds me a little of that dogshit Lou Reed album. If you can’t sing or compose music it’s really okay to just be a poet!

Lucky his girlfriend wasn't blonde

Ooof dude. Seems like you’re not ok. I feel for you but don’t know if we needed 6 minutes of People ain’t no Good. When the last song, Green Eyes, finally came, I laughed out loud at the dubbed echoing of himself. As if I hadn’t gotten the point yet…

On the river Styks and the man is Charon I can believe it because this album makes me want to cuddle a toaster in a bathtub.

Nick Cave is a poet, I just don't resonate with his music.

I think the lyrics make me feel, but it's definitely not something I would choose to listen to, personally. I think they accomplished what they set out to accomplish.

I'm sorry, I didn't understand this album. The instrumentation is fine, and the vocal performance is fine, but some of the delivery is so slow or enunciation dropped incoherently as his voice fries out that I can't focus on it long enough to string the words together into sentences that make any sense. I think this is another case of, I appreciate the skill of the artists and don't want to speak discouragingly—so it must just not me for me, or not for me at this time.

I'm embarrassed to admit that this is the first time I've listened to a full Nick Cave album. I'd probably only heard a handful of songs before, despite knowing that this is a top-5 artist for many people. Well, better late than never. This album was pretty darn good. Love the vocals. Love the piano. Dipped in on the lyrics a few times and found them to be pretty good. Reminds me a good bit of The National. That said, this doesn't *quite* get to a 5 for me on the whole as it all started to blend together by the end of the album; I needed a little more variety from song to song. Good stuff, though, particularly the opening track. 4.4

This has been an essential record since I first heard it in the 90s. Very glad to see it here.

is mir zu dunkel,dark; evtl. mit den "seeds" besser

Into my arms Depressief maar wel mooi

I tried to listen to this album multiple times before I finally got all the way through it. I ended up disliking, but not hating it. I know Nick Cave is an influential figure, but I just can't get into this slow, melancholic, boring album. Best Songs: Into My Arms, West Country Girl Worst Songs: Black Hair

No thanks. Groovy bass lines and maybe a banger or two.

lol I originally gave this a 1. What an idiot.

Less interesting than when Kylie gets involved.

Kein vibe, 0

The Boatman's Call began the slow yet rewarding sea change in the perception of Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds from a rabblerousing, happily dysfunctional band of misfits to a earnest, reassuring bedrock of consistency. A far more vulnerable side of Nick is on full display here, showcasing a heart-on-sleeve pathos mixed with philosophical turns of phrase that causes one to take note of the inflections in his tone of voice. If this is one's introduction to the band, well it is a pretty good place to start.

Dejligt Nick cave album! Elsker nr 1

This is at least the fourth Nick Cave album that I have listened to as a result of accepting the challenge of completing the full list of 1001. Last I checked, I'm roughly two thirds of the way to the finish and this guy has more albums than Elton John (1), Queen (2), Elvis (2), Led Zeppelin (2), The Rolling Stones (1), The Allman Brothers (1), and Van Halen (2). Please tell me whatever deal that Mr. Cave made with the devil to be mentioned so many times has been paid in full, so I don't have to listen to anymore of this.

Much prefer wild rocking maximalist Nick Cave to piano ballad Nick Cave. Even that birthday party album that’s one of the lowest rated on the site is more preferable to me than this. This wasn’t bad, just not my type of music

4.5

Guess 3-4

No le he prestado atención. Solo por el arranque ya se merece 3 estrellas y lo mismo si lo escuchase con cariño le daba más o quién sabe si menos. Estas reseñas al final son también fruto del momento.

Sehr entspanntes und melancholisches Album - jetzt schon zum zweiten Mal gehört, wird vermutlich auch in meinem Musik Kanon bleiben

Too many nick cave albums on here

Not bad but not nothing special either.

goth elrond

Boring af

You know, one of the big issues with an artist or band having a ton of albums on this list is that you might worry about the albums feeling a bit samey and, therefore, redundant as inclusions on this list. I mean, what's the point in including 6 albums from Elvis Costello if each of those 6 albums doesn't bring something special to the album? Fortunately, from the two albums I've heard so far, I don't think I have to worry about this for Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds. The Boatman's Call is a very different album from my first Nick Cave album, Abattoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus. That album was a very unique double album with many differing styles throughout and quite a bit of energy, especially in the first half. The Boatman's Call, on the other hand, is a much slower album with a heavy emphasis on piano. That's neat! The vibes here are great. The piano and Nick Cave's voice are the main focus, but there's just enough instrumentation outside of that to create an atmosphere that I really like. Speaking of Nick Cave himself, his vocals are pretty good here. I like them. But an album like this doesn't really work if the songwriting doesn't capture the emotions that the music demands. Fortunately, Nick Cave is a pretty good songwriter. There are some common themes here like romance and emotions as a whole, but the songs do a good job at feeling unique as far as the writing is concerned. Overall, while I think I personally like Abattoir Blues a bit more (although The Boatman's Call does have an advantage in not being 82 minutes long), The Boatman's Call is a very respectable project that I think is pretty good. High 4/5.

I love Nick Cave, but full on piano ballad Nick is not my preferred style. I lost the post-punky stuff a lot more. It's still nice though.

This was very boring.

Emotionally connecting attention seeking voice . A worthwhile listen but it does get repetitive and feels draggy at times

Didn't find the time to listen to all lyrics, but I give it 4 stars just for the first song

Masterpiece

Very interesting, didn’t expect such sparse instrumentation but it was very well done

Too long and a snooze fest. Idc.

First song was really good but overall pretty boring. 2.5

Ok

Not in love with this as much as the other Nick Cave albums I’ve listened to for this project but still solid. 4/5

Very repetitive - first couple of tracks showed promise, but just drifted. Couldn’t get on with black-haired girl, and the final track just didn’t work

Hard to say it held my attention all the way through, but it's success lies in its melancholy, poetic songwriting, something I may have glossed over. It would also seem that the album hits harder had you already been familiar with the bands previous sound, seeing as this piano-based album was a departure from prior albums. Nevertheless, this was my first introduction to the band and they are now on my radar.

From what I've heard of Nick Cave, he seems to be at his best when he's experienced devastating life events and he's certainly had no shortage of them. I can't imagine having to bury two of your children, let alone one. "The Boatman's Call" is a heartbreak album though, following the end of his relationship with PJ Harvey. It's bleak, completely stripped down to the core, and also beautiful. "Into My Arms" is such a strong opener that it's difficult to get past it. But the entire album is somber and perfect for when you just need to feel sad and apart from the world, as any good break-up album should be.

I still maintain that there’s too much Nick Cave on this list. Not *every* album needs to be on here. But I did enjoy this one much more than last time.

Depressing, edgy and worst of all: boring.

This is easily the best album I've listened to so far that I hadn't heard before. I had always dismissed Nick Cave as the kind of artist loved by hipsters who, unlike me, were lucky enough to live near a college radio station in the 80s instead of drowning in REO Speedwagon and Billy Ocean. Shame on me. This disc packs an emotional and musical wallop. The Nick Cave button goes to 11.

Maybe it's all the terrible albums I've heard so far on this, but this was actually stunning. Mature, well written, well composed songs. It's not 5 stars because the production is a liiiiitle too simple and the vocals aren't quiiiiite interesting enough but I was very surprised overall.

The only time this album caught my attention was him repeating about her eyes and hair over and over again. Uninspired, not groundbreaking as the spotify artist description declares.

This is the whateverth album of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds that I've listened to. Now, I can appreciate their variety, but there's something about Nick Cave that usually misses the mark. Yes, the music can be quite beautiful, but it doesn't grab your attention. Other artists do great with this style of music--Tom Waits and Leonard Cohen come to mind immediately--but their music and lyrics are engaging and thought provoking. The Boatman's Call is trying to be tender and soft, but it lacks the depth required to impact someone's emotions. All in all, not the worst listen, but disappointing when you love other artists that do this style justice. 2.5 on the high side.

Another artist who (in my opinion) has too many albums on this project. Most Nick Cave seems to be the same, in that it is meant to be dark and broody but somehow just comes off as obnoxious. I like dark and broody, but I can never seem to get into his stuff very much. But I'm also not much of a fan of Leonard Cohen and Tom Waits types (with occasional exception), and I feel like he falls into that territory. I will say, there is something special about artists like this who do very minimal production and very dense storytelling lyrics. But while I respect this, the lack of production and interesting instrumentation is usually not something I go for in listening to music. Good lyrics or not, I want there to be interesting and abundant music production. Anyway, probably surprising nobody that has read this far into my review, I feel meh about this.

A very good, consistent set that focuses entirely on Cave’s restrained, elegiac side. With this release and his more recent albums providing a contrast to the unholy rackets of his earlier work, he's crafted a pretty huge spectrum of light and shade across his catalogue (hell, even within these songs he’s two parts sincere, one part sardonic).

There’s some good stuff here

😴

I can definitely see why people would like this, and even though I like a few tracks (the first track is actually quite beautiful), an entire album of it is too much for me. I got a very spiritual vibe from it, but not in any kind of interesting or endearing way, and the style is kind of plodding after awhile. However, just because it isn’t my cup of tea doesn’t mean it isn’t good, but my rating will reflect my personal opinion.

Nice enough arrangements but not too memorable for me

Christ, that was a slog.

leonard cohen for a new generation. this is probably great stuff if you're really into the dark and brooding melodrama of singer-songwriters. i'm not one of those people but i thought the album was enjoyable for the first couple tracks. after that, it was all very slow and felt the same from track to track. favorites: into my arms, lime tree arbour, people ain't no good

Cool and quiet

He's either drunk or depressed. Maybe both?

Pretty great! Would need to be in just the right mood for this, but by luck I was when it came up.

Oh, Nick Cave…. There seems to be ✨flavors✨ of Nick Cave. The first is an artsy goth rock star who can burn down the house; the second is a sultry bar singer who wants to sing 19th century folk songs alone with just a guitar, piano, accordion, harp, etc. While both versions are represented on this list, I seem to only really run into the latter. Unfortunately, though, I’m a much bigger fan of the former. The Boatman’s Call is far from a bad album on principle. In fact, I think Cave is a great songwriter, even on his worst days. The fact that this is all original material means it’s inherently better than Murder Ballads in my opinion, which suffers from the lack of Cave’s talents as an original songwriter. The Boatman’s Call doesn’t have this issue. In fact, there is some truly great songwriting on display across this record! The problem is the approach. By making this *only* low-key, piano-forward, sparse renditions of these songs, it almost robs them of any actual power, any actual dynamics they could have. It makes even the best tracks here few like stilted sketches, not fully finished songs. On top of that, the pony’s trick gets old quick. 52 minutes is a *lot* for similarly-sounding goth piano ballads, and by the end, I was craving some diversity. And I just never really got any. Finally, there’s Cave’s lyrics, which are fine when supporting a rocker, but feel immaturely crass in this context. There’s a good album in The Boatman’s Call, but that version requires it to completely reject its core conceit, which currently leaves it monotonous, drowsy, and dull. This feels like a record for the hardcore fans, and to be honest, I think what I’m realizing is that I like my Nick Cave in small doses.

Boring and repetitive. Cave endeavors to be more boring than Leonard Cohen

I've tried to get into Nick Cave a few times but it's never grabbed me. To be quite frank, I don't think this is going to change that, as I'm finding it a little boring. It's almost entirely a showcase for Nick Cave's voice with minimal piano, guitars and drums backing him and I don't actually like his voice that much. It's fine, I don't hate it, but I don't like it enough to really enjoy it being front and centre. That serious lack of variety makes it feel like a slog. I found Far From Me to be the only time there was any sort of switch-up as the instrumentation picked up the intensity a little bit I agree with another comment on here that said this feels like an Oscar-winning movie that people feel that they have to like, but of course people like what they like. 2.5 Highlights: Far From Me

Not bad, not great. Right down the middle.

incredibly boring

I didn't mind the slowness at first, but it started to become a drag as this went on.

Literally just asexual seafaring dracula talking about shit over depressing music

Amazing album, fantastically written, incredibly performed.

liked it, really listenable, wouldn't rush back to this exact album but defo keen to check out more

shite