Scott 4

281122 19:33 5

The Scott Walker hate is real. I personally really like what I've heard so far of his 60s period. This album feels more focused than previous outings, digging deeper into this strange chamber pop. The production alone is really something which doesn't sound, to me, like anything from 69. Timeless. Other worldly.

amazing

Við Thom skjálgur vinur minn erum sammála um að þetta sé meistaraverk.

Cinematic, literary and melancholic, Scott 4 feels like the score from an existential Western. Full of philosophical musings, it's fitting that the back cover of the LP only has nothing on it but a single quote from Albert Camus: "A man's work is nothing but this slow trek to rediscover, through the detours of art, those two or three great and simple images in whose presence his heart first opened." It seems that this is what Scott has been working towards: trekking through Scott 1, 2 and 3, to find something artistically real, bringing him back to why he wanted to create music in the first place. And this album is all Scott. No more covers, everything written by himself, and even put out in his original birth name Scott Engel. I've mentioned in my previous review of Scott 2, how I came to learn about Scott Walker, and how "It's Raining Today" was the song that stopped me in my tracks. But I think the first Scott song I ever heard was in the Radiohead documentary film "Meeting People Is Easy", where "On Your Own Again" played in full to reversed footage of Thom Yorke packing/unpacking his suitcase in a hotel, showing the mundanity of the realities of touring. I don't know if it's because of this first association with the song, but it's one of my all-time favourite pieces of music. Just over a minute and a half, it's minimalist, slow and heartbreaking. Simple and perfect songwriting. "The Old Man's Back Again" is another obvious choice, but deservedly so. That bassline groove makes it, with the drum, guitar, choir and string layers building something triumphant on top of it, while Scott's strong voice drives the narrative along. Political and philosophical lyrics aside, Scott has created a really unique means of storytelling through his music. I mean, "The Seventh Seal" is largely built around telling us the story of the Bergman movie, framed around Scott's own philosophical musings on death. This form of musical storytelling definitely made an impression on Nick Cave, who carries the mantle today. This album has been an inspiration for so many of the greats, like David Bowie, Nick Cave, Radiohead, Brian Eno. This "crooner" style of music is not my usual taste, but there's something so pure and great in Scott's songwriting and musical performance, that I love every second of it.

The word "croon" was surely devised to aptly describe the elongated, magic melancholy of Scott Walker's powerful pop vocals. He is a stunning singer. Because for so much of each song he maintains a bold, robust, simple approach, when he strikes out and makes an unusual turn (such as the chorus and outro of The World's Strongest Man) you feel it a thousand times over. The compositions are spellbinding, the lyrics are romantic and utterly charming. But the quality of the vocal performance is so shockingly good that its difficult to fully take on anything around it. Often copied, never bettered.

Phwoar that was fucking class. What a classic sound

The Seventh Seal, what an opener. A short epic with choral and brass backing. Great way to start it off. The songs are grand, the sound is grand. Scott Walker takes you on a journey with a loose but resounding way of singing. He has persistent vibrato that still sounds more honest than that of many other singers.

This just some epic operatic western singer songwriter stuff. A well respected name and, after listening to scott 2 from this site, feels like this album is definitely a peak/improvement of that style on every front. It also contextualizes Bish Bosch as one of the coolest/weirdest departures from his very accesible/immediate songwriting style. Honestly there is no bad song. Just let the cinematic nature of the soundscapes wash over you on this one.

Scott 4 - Stars 5 #albumfootballscores

Really nice album. I quite like the bassist who is often jumping around and seeming to really have fun playing, Scott has a soothing voice to me. I had a good time listening to this

Classic through and through

Scott Walker is an artist I've only started listening to within the past year. He was an American-British singer-songwriter and producer who originally rose to fame with the pop trio, the Walker Brothers, before pursuing a solo career that ventured into baroque pop. Most people seem to agree that Scott's four eponymous solo records were the biggest highlights of his career, and after listening to Scott 4, I can see why. These songs tend to explode with a fiery passion, thanks in part to Scott's husky baritone voice and the intricate arrangements from the guest accompaniment directors. Bolstered by the crisp production from John Franz, the album burns ferociously with the elevated orchestral swell, each instrument given its due. Alongside this sheen, Scott's lyrics take on a very cinematic role, immersing the listener in each scene of the stories he told, with such striking enunciations of the imagery. It may seem pretty obvious from the get-go with the opening track that recounts the plot of the film The Seventh Seal, but even his musings on love, like on "The World's Strongest Man" and "Angels of Ashes", or his more political commentaries on "Hero of the War" and "The Old Man's Back Again (Dedicated to the Neo-Stalinist Regime)" hit with more immediacy in his recounts. In a way, Scott and company took these mundane subjects and breathed life into them. Scott 4 is the sort of eclectic record that reveals a man who pursued greater ambitions with his work, and for once, it clicked.

I had never heard of Scott Walker before, but this is quite the impressive album. I can hear the foundation for lots of current artists and their style. Solid songwriting and arrangement.

Really enjoyed this

oooh. Really enjoyed this. First listen kinda washed over me other than Duchess and sounded quite dated. But by listen number 5 I was loving it - such a smooth voice and great tunes. A surprising 5,

This is something else. It's not an immediate album and takes a fair while to make sense. There is the sweet as honey, velvety timbre of classic Walker Brothers. There are the lush arrangements, with strings that range from the subtle to the dramatic. There are those expansive melodies like 'Boy Child', which is a fantastically delicate track - very Bowie/Eno in fact ('Moss Garden' from Heroes is surely inspired by it; as is 'Heat' on The Next Day over 40 years later). The song structures feel ethereal because they never follow classic 60s pop progressions, and oftentimes it's difficult to anchor yourself in a single key. It takes time to follow the patterns and let them sink in. Let that sink in. It's a continual grower, rewarding repeated listens. It reveals itself to be more and more complex. I believe it is likely a work of understated genius.

Brilliant.

I reviewed Scott 2 a little less than a year ago, and I thought it was fine. I don’t think I really have any strong feelings or opinions going into Scott 4, but I’m curious to see where this album takes me! This album was a really outstanding discovery. “The Seventh Seal” really grabbed hold of me, and from there, the album never let go. Scott Walker’s vocals were fantastic, and he sang each song with such passion and intensity. The arrangements throughout this album were incredibly rich, and each song brought a new treat to my ears. I thought the songwriting was really great too, and each song’s lyrics were elevated by Scott Walker’s singing. Some notes on songs that stood out to me: -The Spanish guitar on “The Seventh Seal” was fantastic. The horns were great too, and the strings really elevated the sound. This was such an interesting sound to go along with the story of Ingmar Bergman’s film of the same name, but it did such a great job of creating that setting. -“Boy Child” was really great. Those opening guitar notes sucked me right in to this song. The sweeping strings, combined with the guitar plucking and those echoing vocals were incredibly beautiful. I think I’d say this was my favorite song on the album. -“Hero of the War” was great too. I loved how it started off with a typical folk-rock sound with that fantastic guitar melody, and gradually, more elements were added. The strings and percussion were really outstanding on this song. -I loved the mood and atmosphere of “The Old Man’s Back Again.” I adored the Gregorian-chants that were used on the chorus. The bass playing was fantastic as well. Another incredibly beautiful song. I was really blown away by how beautiful this album was. This absolutely blows Scott 2 out of the water, and I think this will wind up being one of my favorite albums of the sixties.

One of the best albums of all time.

I'd give this a 5 just for The Seventh Seal. What a banger.

I'd heard a lot about this album before I first listened to it, maybe 25 years ago, and went in with high expectations. And it was so unlike what I was expecting that it didn't click with me at all. But I went back to it from time to time, and as my tastes grew and changed a bit, and I understood a bit more about the album and its context, I came to love it, and hear what its proselytisers had been hearing all along. Such a strange, wonderful album.

I think this is arguably Scott Walker's best record. Just a perfect 33 minutes.

Scott Walker is an artist who’s always intrigued me, especially because of how long he’s been pushing musical boundaries. Scott 4 stands out for its unique blend of orchestral arrangements, strings, and folk, with a subtle experimental edge. It’s one of the best early examples of chamber pop, even before that genre really existed. There’s a baroque pop foundation here, but what makes this album so special is its deep, and introspective feel.

One of the best albums of all time!

4.5/5

The Captain Scott 4. Chilled.

Absolutely beautiful set of tunes here.

One of my favorites

Scott Walker, great voice

At first I was skeptical. Another crooner, bigger than life, the most important thing to happen to music. Those are the vibes the cover puts out. But I was immediately convinced. This is a delicate work of deep emotive power. This is one I'll be listening to more – so many layers.

We should be grateful that Scott beamed down to this planet to give us his combined oeuvre, of which this is one charming fragment. Beautiful ballads, tender and touching torch songs, mellifluous melodies. Really quite excellent. Now to check out the rest...

There cannot be a bad Scott Walker

Incredible I had never even heard of this artist before. On paper this seems like an album I would not like but it had all the right things at the right moments and was incredibly sung as well

What a delight!

lesgoooo

I’m a sucker for this kind of music. Kind of like Leonard Cohen but perhaps rooted in fiction (and dare I say, optimism?) rather than the dark and gritty works of Cohen.

"Scott 4" is a pivotal album in the career of Scott Walker, released in 1969. It diverged significantly from his earlier pop career as part of The Walker Brothers, showcasing his transition towards a more experimental and introspective style. Here's an in-depth review focusing on lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, along with its pros and cons. **Lyrics:** The lyrics of "Scott 4" are characterized by their poetic complexity and depth. Walker's songwriting delves into existential themes, societal critique, and introspection. Tracks like "The Seventh Seal" draw inspiration from the Ingmar Bergman film of the same name, exploring mortality and the human condition. "The Old Man's Back Again (Dedicated to the Neo-Stalinist Regime)" offers a scathing commentary on political oppression, while "Hero of the War" reflects on the disillusionment of war. Walker's lyrical prowess shines through in his ability to evoke vivid imagery and provoke thought. **Music:** Musically, "Scott 4" is a departure from Walker's earlier work, incorporating elements of folk, jazz, and orchestral arrangements. The album features intricate instrumentation, including lush string sections and haunting melodies. Tracks like "Angels of Ashes" and "Boy Child" showcase Walker's dynamic vocal range and emotive delivery. The music serves as a fitting backdrop to the introspective nature of the lyrics, creating a haunting atmosphere that lingers long after the album ends. **Production:** The production of "Scott 4" is polished and meticulous, with Walker overseeing every aspect of the recording process. The album benefits from the collaboration with renowned arranger Wally Stott, whose orchestral arrangements add depth and texture to the music. The production values enhance the overall impact of the songs, allowing Walker's vision to fully manifest. **Themes:** Thematically, "Scott 4" explores a wide range of topics, including existentialism, politics, and the human experience. Walker's lyrics delve into the complexities of life and death, love and loss, and the search for meaning in a world fraught with uncertainty. The album's themes are deeply philosophical, inviting listeners to contemplate their own existence and place in the universe. Despite the heavy subject matter, there is an underlying sense of hope and resilience that runs throughout the record. **Influence:** "Scott 4" has had a profound influence on subsequent generations of musicians and artists. Its innovative blend of folk, jazz, and orchestral elements paved the way for the emergence of baroque pop and art rock in the 1970s. The album's introspective lyrics and experimental approach to songwriting inspired countless artists to push the boundaries of their craft. Its influence can be heard in the work of artists as diverse as David Bowie, Nick Cave, and Radiohead, cementing its status as a timeless classic. **Pros:** 1. Poetic lyrics that explore existential themes with depth and nuance. 2. Inventive musical arrangements that blend folk, jazz, and orchestral elements seamlessly. 3. Meticulous production values that enhance the overall impact of the songs. 4. Thought-provoking themes that invite listeners to engage with complex ideas. 5. Lasting influence on subsequent generations of musicians and artists. **Cons:** 1. The album's experimental nature may alienate listeners seeking more conventional pop music. 2. Some tracks may come across as overly somber or bleak, depending on the listener's mood. 3. Walker's vocal delivery, while powerful, may be an acquired taste for some listeners. Overall, "Scott 4" stands as a testament to Scott Walker's artistic vision and creative genius. Its poetic lyrics, inventive music, and thought-provoking themes continue to captivate listeners decades after its release, solidifying its status as a masterpiece of 20th-century music.

Edit: I love this brilliant weirdo. I was on the fence with this album for so long, but I've come to embrace my love of Scott Walker. This deserves a 5. Usually after one listen through of an album I have a pretty good sense on whether I like it or not. But not this one. I had to listen to it a few times to actually figure out my feelings. On first listen? Hated on. Next listen? Kind of brilliant. And so on. I’m still not entirely certain on my feeling, but more often than not, I found myself enjoying most of it. But boy does Scott Walker like to write about women crying. I swear like 2/3 of the songs on here have lyrics about it. “Hero Of The War” is probably my favorite song on this album. It’s lowkey brilliant? Somehow? Clearly I still don’t know how to feel, but, uh, 4 stars. Sure.

I'm a simple man. You write a song about the movie The Seventh Seal, you get 5 stars.

Scott Walker is the strongest man in the world.

A dark singer-songwriter epic for the damaged souls.

Superclassic Scott Walker album (nothing to add).

I never heard of him. Nice, easy listening.

Sad, liked that he opens with a summary of the Seventh Seal

Scott 4 is an amazing album by Scott Walker. I loved every single song and it is so sad that it is so short! 10/10

Never quite got this, but I do now.

This dude has a great voice and the music accompanies it will

Traumhafte Stimme, man kann sich in die Musik buchstäblich reinlegen.

Superlative.

This album is so harmonically interesting! The songs were really cool. Hadn’t heard this guy before, to my knowledge.

What a beautiful and touching album. I really loved listening to it and felt moved by it. I totally think it deserves to be on the list and I hope to listen to it again soon.

you could point out that it’s a little on the nose here and there, but why would you? a richly textured masterpiece that speaks to and from the heart

An album and a singer that needs time. There is no-way this would have entertained any time on my turntable in my twenties and through to my forties. However listening and reading about the great voices of my generation and how they were influenced by him kind of peaks your interest. I started with this record, and now find myself playing it regularly.

Walker really hits his stride as an artist on Scott 4. No Brel covers here (although those were great), but all he has learned from his influences delivers a self penned baroque pop classic full of lush arrangements (the bass on The Old Man's Back Again is sublime) and that beautiful voice. Endlessly rewarding. Transporting.

Such a classic sound. This is exactly what I want out of a lounge singer album. Such great tone, such great band, loved it.

A beautiful album that I appreciate more and more with each listen. I’d maybe put Scott 3 above it but they’re both 5-star albums at the end of the day

It does take me to get used to Scott Walker. So relaxed but so sinister. The more I listen to him, the more I start realising that his understated genius

Feels like a soundtrack to a dream. Can see the influences on Nick Cave and Radiohead in places. A really beautiful record

this is probably some of the most elegant music i've ever. i could use endless adjectives to describe how cinematic and grandiose this album is. and to think that walker would later be making insane experimental music is wild.

Majestic, old fashioned, eccentric. Surprisingly interesting melodies for someone who is accoladed by the wordsmiths.

The logical culmination of Walker's solo endeavours at the time. Heavily orchestrated, drawing different genres under its baroque umbrella. And while there is the quite fair share of love songs, this is heavy stuff, with the usual death obsession minced with anti-war messages. The apex of the pop Walker, he would move to much weirder territory with equally impressive, but never so touching results.

I normally don’t like folk rock much. But this was incredible. It had a very strong David Bowie feel to it. This is definitely going to be a highlight for me!

Side 1 is a bit stronger than side 2, but I thoroughly enjoyed every song

This one not for those who don't embrace melodrama in their pop music. Stretching the baroque pop of the Walker Brothers to the extreme and adding orchestrations that add an experimental Avant Garde edge, Walker breaks new ground. He writes all of the songs for the first rime, adding a more evocative element. He subverts genres - Duchess is country, but there are touches of soul and soundtrack work as well. He even names a song after a Bergman film. I have to believe that Eno and Bryan Ferry were plating this quite a lot before forming Roxy Music.

"Scott 4" is the fifth studio by Scott Walker. It was originally released under his birth name Scott Engel but later changed in reissues. It was his first album with his own self-penned songs. The music style is classified as art-pop and avant garde and was considered to have slightly less orchestral arrangements and more folk style songs than his previous releases. I'd agreed with that but there is a fair bit of baroque pop in a lot of these songs. The strength of this album is his strong vocals and the musical arrangements. A very enjoyable album to listen to. Mariachi horns kick off the first song "The Seventh Seal" which is based on the Ingmar Bergman film of the same name. Strings, drums and bells come in. A dramatic, interesting song. Scott's strong voice. The Swedish king comes home from the Crusades to face the plague and death. "The World's Strongest Man" is firmly in the baroque pop category with the strings. Continued excellent vocals as Scott wants his women back. The first side ends with the excellent "Boy Child." Just lovely musical arrangements. The second side begins with a more folk song in "The Hero of the War." Acoustic guitar and lighter on the strings. Kind of a contrast with the music and the tale of a man going to war and not coming back, like his father. "Duchess" is just a beautiful song with strings and a melancholy feel. I have no idea what he exactly he singing about but a duchess whom he loves and mentions the Persian Sea. The album ends with the majestic "Rhymes of Goodbye." Walker's voice soars. Continued imagery and comparisons of love to empires and cities. Some of these songs do have fantasy quality to the lyrics. Scoot Walker's music is always interesting to listen to in my experience. His earlier solo work is a lot more listenable for most people than his latter day experimental music (I like both) and "Scott 4" is up there with his best earlier music. A strong recommendation.

9/10, enjoyed the hell out of this

At first, I couldn't tell whether this was very ordinary or very weird. I very very soon got sucked into the first track, a precise retelling of the plot of the dark, gloomy, medieval-set film "The Seventh Seal" done in a very jaunty 1969 easy listening style, sung in his smooth, lush voice, of the sort that you just don't hear anymore. (I love this voice!) Then came "On Your Own Again" which made me feel like I was in a soft-focus film montage documenting my journey from old pains into a new life. But always behind the music were interesting songs! A lament of the 1968 invasion of Czechoslovakia with the lyric, "And they queue all day like dragons of disgust" backed with a groovy electric bass and Eastern bloc men's choir. Wow! What an introduction to a musician I must now learn more about!

Yet another album I went into totally blind… Instantly love the cinematic opening track! A song based on “The Seventh Seal”?! SOLD! The rest of the album? I LOVE IT! The crooning… the orchestrations… the subject matter… such a great 60s experience. Has there ever been such a jazzy indictment of war as “Hero of the War”? I see a lot of commutes on the Scott Engel/Walker train in my future!

I'm not sure what kind of music this is? Jazz, classical, rock, rumba, something else entirely? Either way, I'm digging it. Scott's got some pipes!

Beautiful voice. And I'm adding an extra star just for "The Old Man's Back again".

absurdo

He's a legend. Rip man.

Masterpiece

Okay, this absolutely rocks. Atmospheric, great voice, great backing music...I'm in.

...always had a soft spot for this album

Really great songs. Easy listen.

Excelente

Legend

Five stars

не сказать, что это мой любимый альбом Скотта (вероятно будет все-таки Tilt), но статус легендарного заслуживает, хотя бы просто за огромный fuck you попсе и прогиб своей линии. Сейчас странно осознавать, что именно этого альбом из сольников Волкера провалился, ибо песни же цепляющие, а тёмная тема для исполнителя хита про сгнившие зубы амстердамского моряка вроде не пиздец какая странность. Но имеем что имеем, да и без этого не было бы толчка к полному срыву границ и ухода в авангард. Ну и плюс влияние на всяких мастодонтов по типу Тома Йорка и Дэвида Боуи тоже кое о чем говорит. Хороший альбом, красивый, печальный, величественый. Жалко две песни по качеству подводят (думаю сразу понятно какие), а в остальном вообще балдеж, дисс на Сталина имеет одну из самых пиздатых басовых линий, что я знаю. Это 10

Great Scott. Total masterpiece.

Masterpiece

One the first things I bought on my return to vinyl. Timeless, one of the greatest ever.

wow

I know it's not for everyone, but I got into Scott Walker after died the year before last. Ingmar Bergman forever.

Excellent.

Good ol' Scotty.

I liked it! It feels cinematic somehow.

I liked this, it was a little weird and dark, but enjoyable nonetheless. I'd give it another go.

This was a pleasant surprise! Nice voice and some good melodies. It even had a bit of a spaghetti-western vibe at times.

Nice, very nice.

i'm starting to really enjoy scott walker, the stories, the strings and the vibe are excellent and you can see his influenxe across a varietynif artists i enjoy. this has no dip in quality is a great album.

If Frank Sinatra did drugs.

This was a surprise. I had never heard of Scott Walker. But, I actually enjoyed this one quite a bit. It's at least 3 stars and, after a couple of listens, this may easily fall in the 4 star range. Songs I enjoyed: "The Seventh Seal", "Angels of Ashes" (great strings on this one), "Boy Child" (loved the atmospheric instrumentation), "The Old Man..." (great bass lines and orchestration), or "Duchess". It reminded me of Bowie at times (and that, alone, should be enough to grant an album 4 stars). Damn, I'm even considering 5 stars...

L'album m'a pas retourné mais les titres sont de grande qualité. La voix est très bien contrôlé et la guitare un peu funky/électrique reste en tête. C'est parmis ce que j'ai écouté de mieux en Baroque Pop. Vu le nom de l'album, obligé de mettre en 4.

Walker has a great voice and the arrangements he sings over are fascinating. I think I'll need more time with this album to really appreciate it though.

Another surprise. Very interesting.

I think this is the 3rd Scott Walker album and I've actually enjoyed them all moderately well. They're interesting in that they aren't really crooner albums or just silly or poignant or strictly singer-songwriter or ballad albums. They all feel like some American got drunk in Italy and made a career for himself. There's a soap opera vibe to the whole thing. It's very dramatic in a tongue in cheek way. I liked it.

This guy's voice is incredible. It makes the whole album feel like a movie. The crazy orchestration really adds to that feeling. One day I'm gonna find out what was in the water in 1969. I swear every moderately large artist put out their best album that year. This one manages to stand out by not sounding like it's dated to 1969. It sounds more stereotypically late 70s to my ears. Every song would fit almost perfectly in the Titanic soundtrack. Anyways, the opener and its narrative about playing chess with Satan was neat. It's all neat, that's the word of the day for this album.

Never really heard of Scott Walker before. There is a certain something about just naming your albums after yourself with a number. But I liked it. Some very good tracks, some dull ones.

The original lounge lizard who Neil Hannon and Father John Misty took a lot of cues from.

Pretty much as good as "crooner with orchestral rock" gets

This is great. The instrumentation is so cool, just when you think you have it locked down it introduces another cool little flourish to drag you back in. I will replay this definitely.

8/10

Great album

That was great, love some orchestral pop

#361/1001. Scott Walker, 1969, singing about Stalin - looking back it seems quite a boyish and a kitschy thing to do. Vladimir Putin, 2025 restoring Stalin’s glory - looking forward it seems like a boyish and super scary thing to do. I think this is my first Scott on this list, I guess there are more? At some point the collection Boy child was on heavy rotation in our house, and also Scott 3. The first two are also great, but my personal favourites are the later more experimental albums - although they need a lot of time to get into. But at least they don’t wear out (like old man I referred to earlier). P.s. I hate the project getting paused all the time. I’m catching up baby, just don’t have time always to write the review immediatelly.

opening track was interesting, overall album had a pleasing almost modern sound to it

sehr chill. entspannt. irgendwie pop sagt wiki also idk. baladen mäßig, gut zum im zug pennen und auch songwriting technisch stark. kann ma sich nochmal anhören. sehr romantisch iwie, idyllisch.

It’s like the singer from Orange Juice sang ballads. 7/10

A great mature album from the troubadour.

I can appreciate an album with a song about the Seventh Seal

Sympa!! BO de cowboy solitaire un peu crooner

Very well refined. Sounds great for an album from the late 60s.

Enjoyable if not dated record. This style of music has faded with time but it's an enjoyable listen all the same.

Day 32 — Scott Walker — Scott 4 (1969) Listened: April 26–28, 2026 Genre: Baroque Pop / Chamber Pop / Orchestral Art Song Vibe: Dark and cinematic but never without warmth — Scott's own lyrics bring a restless intelligence to the grand orchestral sound, balancing existential weight with flashes of playfulness and humor. Highlights: • The Seventh Seal • On Your Own Again • The World's Strongest Man • Boy Child • Hero of the War ★ The Old Man's Back Again (Dedicated to the Neo-Stalinist Regime) • Duchess • Get Behind Me • Rhymes of Goodbye Impression: Took a few listens to find solid footing but the lyrics pulled me in the more I focused. Darker than Scott 2 but with a balance of grandeur, humor, and real feeling that rewards patience. Need ten more listens to fully appreciate it but already know it's something special. Rating: 3.8/5 Keep songs? Yes Revisit album? Absolutely

RATING: 9/10 HIGHLIGHT: Duchess LOWLIGHT: Get Behind Me

Really beautiful

Scott 4 by Scott Walker doesn’t immediately impress on first listen. Despite Walker’s rich and distinctive voice, it often feels slightly out of sync with the rhythm, creating the sense that the arrangements don’t fully complement his lower vocal range, or that the vocal delivery doesn’t quite land as intended. However, with repeated listens, certain tracks begin to stand out. In those moments where the pacing, instrumentation, and vocals align, the music becomes genuinely engaging. These highlights reveal the album’s underlying strength and showcase Walker’s artistic depth. While it may not be instantly accessible, Scott 4 grows on you over time and rewards patience. It’s an album that ultimately proves its worth and deserves a thoughtful listen.

Сара 5 Марко 4

More wistful existentialist balladry.

Some fine 60's crooning. The songwriting is mixed. Still, makes me feel good. 3.5/5

Really great. Nice subtle use of strings, good grooves and Walker has a wonderfully emotive voice.

Smooth and soft singing and guitar playing from the 60s. It feels like something I would hear in a Bond movie when the camera pans away from the bed when Bond starts kissing a new woman. Its pleasant to listen to and something that I could see having on in the background late night at a dinner party while sitting and talking.

4/5 https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/scott-engel/scott-4/ Pretty great, will listen to this more and probably rate higher. Also, hello Alex Turner? Last Shadow Puppets and TBHC/The Car influence is pretty clear.

Surprised myself with this one, ended up loving this style of music, there's something cinematic about it. The Seventh Seal was my fav song and first listen. The World's Strongest Man and Get Behind Me were my other highlights

but dont give up until

Bien

Just feels a bit too samey to Scott 2 IMO. 3.5 bumped up to 4.

I’m at a 3.5 that I’ll bump up to a 4. Scott Walker’s vocals are as good as they were on “Scott 2”, albeit with a little less of a Disney vibe in there. The production work shares much of the same; not as bombastic as the ‘Disney baroque’ of before, but the slightly emphatic folksy lean still has a good sense of gravitas behind it. This album doesn’t really have any bad tracks either; frankly, I liked most of them. What exactly is it that has me at a 3.5 bumped up to a 4? It’s the lyrics. OK, well, it’s not JUST the lyrics, but for the most part, it’s the lyrics. I know lyricism doesn’t matter as much, but at least for me, I like gathering a sense of what each track is about, to better understand the emotional pull of it all. This album succeeds at finding emotion, but with the lyricism as flowery as it tends to be, it feels like the equivalent of a… well, a Disney movie that you’re just not as into, I guess. I hesitate to say ‘forced’, but I was never as sold on these tracks as much as I think Scott was intending here. It’s really prevalent by the last 2 tracks, which especially could use some additional clarity, but the vast majority of the album mildly suffers from a sort of expository curse in its writing – Scott describes these things with a sense of grandeur, and his delivery & the production matches that, but since it’s so hard to parse, it’s just never that effective. Beyond that, even though this is a 32 minute album, I just have a pile of little nitpicks that comprise the ‘not JUST’ of it all – a few tracks are a little too bare instrumentally, some of them aren’t super compelling, & some feel slowly paced in a way that creates a sort of ‘first minute’-ish effect. It’s only 32 minutes, but it feels longer than that, and that’s not really a good sign, I think. Ultimately, it’s a remarkably technically sound album, and one that I did enjoy, but its shortcomings build up in ways that stop it from gelling together as a full project. That “emphatic folksy lean” does start to feel a little similar by the end of it, and Scott’s vocals don’t feel as shiny as they did at the start. Hence, a 3.5 that I’ll bump up to a 4, if only because my enjoyment & the lack of a truly bad moment here feels like it keeps this thing afloat. I do wish I could leave it at a 3.5 though.

"Scott 4" is Scott Walker’s fifth solo studio album. The "missing" record in the sequence, "Scott: Scott Walker Sings Songs from his T.V. Series" (released in June 1969), sits chronologically between "Scott 3" and "Scott 4". Even for its time, Walker’s solo output was distinctly out of step with contemporary pop music. Musically, "Scott 4" begins to pare back the singer’s rich baritone vocals and the lush, baroque orchestration that defined his first three albums. Whilst I personally prefer the heightened drama and bombast of those earlier records, this remains a very high-quality release. The standout track is undoubtedly 'The Old Man's Back Again (Dedicated to the Neo-Stalinist Regime)', which pointedly references the 1968 Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia. The more traditional, romantic 'Duchess' is a very close second. 'Get Behind Me' is a fine enough track but sounds a little out of step with the other tracks on the album. Four stars. Side one 1 "The Seventh Seal" (5/5) 2 "On Your Own Again" (4/5) 3 "The World's Strongest Man" (4/5) 4 "Angels of Ashes" (5/5) 5 "Boy Child" (5/5) Side two 1 "Hero of the War" (3/5) 2 "The Old Man's Back Again (Dedicated to the Neo-Stalinist Regime)" (5/5) 3 "Duchess" (5/5) 4 "Get Behind Me" (3/5) 5 "Rhymes of Goodbye" (4/5) Total - 43 Average - 4.3 287/1001 153/287 albums reviewed were new to me

8/10 – Very Good

He’s the new Neil Hannon

i found this quite pleasant!

Sublime. I knew some of this, but lovely to play the full album end to end.

Pretty damn good Have heard of him and know a few Walker Bros songs but not solo stuff Will have a listen to his other stuff now

Generally regarded as the best of his albums

Excellente surprise. Honnêtement, l'album avait pas l'air incroyable mais passé les premieres impressions, l'album m'a vite enthousiasmé. Premièrement, je trouve l'intro vraiment efficace, quo présente bien le style de l'album, plutôt calme avec une ambiance country très... Brune, un peu comme la pochette. Par ailleurs, ce que j'ai trouvé vraiment bien est aussi le fait que l'album puisse se montrer plus energétique. La guitare et les cuivres de Seventh Seal l'annonce d'ailleurs aussi mais l'album peut en effet se montrer bien plus dansant comme avec les choeurs de "Get Behind Me" ou l'ambiance du son final "Rhymes of Goodbye". En résumé, un album vraiment sympa, très efficace et vraiment surprenant, exactement ce que j'attends d'un album de la liste

- I was very pleasantly surprised by this! - He has a really velvety baritone that fits the songs really well. - Definitely can hear that Bowie was influenced by this. - The orchestral instrumentation is great - the strings are a nice touch, and everything is expansive but also restrained. And, the bass is great, throughout. - Interesting and varied lyrics, too. - This feels pretty fresh, I wouldn't have known it was from the (very late) 60s! - Will definitely look up more of his music.

Strangely enjoyable 3.5

красивая музыка. в наушниках так вообще кайф. много интересных пространственных решений. некоторые песни скот волкер будто в затылок поёт. любопытные ощущения. альбом понравился. ровненький. перед сном самое то.

nah this album fucks. ive decided scott walker is cool and based actually. like scott 2 but weirder and fresher, without really any songs that dont do *something* neat. shout out to the bloodborne choir putting in work. favorite song is The Old Man's Back Again or The World's Strongest Man

Not heard any of Walker’s stuff before, and I quite liked it. Great baritone voice, lush strings and some great bass (especially on The Old Man’s Back Again). Looking forward to maybe hearing more of his stuff down the line

You know what it was a good pop 60's listen.

this guy is wild. I love his insanity. Not as good as the other one on the list, but I dig it.

I didn’t understand the lyrics but musically, there were multiple songs that I enjoyed. This, and recently listening to David Bowie has made me more eager to learn the meanings of song lyrics.

It’s no Scott 2 but it’s still pretty bloody great

This is tremendous, and on my shelves. 'The Old Man's Back Again (Dedicated to the Neo-Stalinist Regime)' is just superb. Heard before ✅️ Listened this time ✅️ Revisit ✅️ Old ★★★★☆ (7/10) Total reviewed : 213 Already owned : 48 Purchased : 10 To buy list : 4 Nope : 151

Fantastisk

I had never heard of Scott Walker and I don’t think I ever would have decided to listen to his work but I’m so glad I did. From the second it kicked off it really reminded me of Nick Cave and then it became Nick Cave crossed with an old crooner and turns out I really like that!! Thoroughly enjoyed the whole album in particular ‘Rhymes of Goodbye’ which seemed like a pretty lose to perfect way to end a record. I’ve since listened to his album ‘Scott Walker sings Jacques Brel’ (who I’d also not heard of) and adored that album too.

My first time listening to this album and I love it. Keep your Buckleys and Wainwrights and give me Walker's rich romantic voice and captivating compositions.

Sparse, ominous, and beautiful baroque pop with amazing vocal performances. Classic!! 8/10

60’s Pop ⭐️On Your Own Again

I liked this a lot. Listened to it twice back to back and will be listening again.

Pretty good but something about the crooner voice just made it feel disingenuous

I'd never heard of this! It's really good

Makes me wish I was smoking weed

A weird and sort of unsettling album, but I liked a lot of it. It’s like a croony pop record (a la Sinatra), but damn it’s dark and weirdly cold, with some really poetic and stark lyrics that no 60s pop crooner would ever sing. And the grooves on some of these songs, hot damn. “The Old Man’s Back Again” felt like it belonged in a Vince Gilligan TV show soundtrack during some climactic moment.

Hey all, Scott's here! Scott Walker is a name that I've only vaguely heard a few times, so I didn't really know what to expect going into Scott 4 today. Turns out, this album's really good! I enjoyed this quite a bit. Scott's vocals are solid. I can definitely hear how he influence Nick Cave, which is not a bad thing considering my enjoyment of his work as well. Of course, that's not the only thing that the two artists have in common, as I would also say that they're both good songwriters. The songs on Scott 4 are pretty great, to be honest. I didn't think any of them sucked, so that's good! "The Seventh Seal" is a nice opener. "The Old Man's Back" is a pretty cool historical song with a killer bass part! I'm not sure as to who's responsible for this album's instrumental parts, but whoever it is has got some serious talent, as the compositions here are great as well. I like the string parts that are consistent throughout the album. I'm a sucker for good string sections, so this album really appeals to me for that. Overall, I think this album's pretty cool. It feels both timeless and ahead of its time. I'm glad I listened to this. High 4/5.

1969, really?

Coool

Listened previous few as well, nuxe ti have on vinyl

Nice. Ten songs and under forty minutes. I’m tired of bloated albums. The Seventh Seal is a very strong opening—baroque and darkly dramatic. His voice goes along with the theme very well, though they do feel slightly out of place in the mix. The ending is also rather sudden for such a dramatic song, but the flow into the melancholy opening of On Your Own Again is quite good. On Your Own Again has some beautiful arrangements, and the vocals are quite strong. It’s pretty short—as are the next few songs, which are gentle piano ballads with Cohen-esque lyrics. The lullabies of the first half take a complete turn during Hero of War, which is upbeat, with some down-to-earth, political lyrics. The shift does certainly add some more excitement to the album—right as it was about to gently lull you off to sleep, it wakes you up with a grisly description of a man who’s been ruined by violence. The Old Man’s Back Again continues the violence and politics, and its more down-to-earth lyrics paired with dramatic arrangements make for some fantastic songs—I’m just not sure why he’s scatting. Duchess is a beautiful song, with amazing lyricism and a fantastic arrangement. It’s timeless. Get Behind Me picks up the tempo once more. The bass and vocals are particularly good on this song…at least until the scatting… Rhymes of Goodbye is a perfect ending, with amazing lyricism and, dare I say, even a bit of a country twang? The way the melody finishes out on this song is an absolutely perfect closing. 10/10. While this album has its flaws, its highs are much higher than its lows, with gorgeous instrumentals, beautiful lyricism, and a sound that influenced the likes of Blur, Bowie, Radiohead, Pulp, The Smiths, and Nick Cave, which is why I’m giving it a 4/5.

It’s pretty good I enjoyed it

Scott walker is always fun

Yesterday I didn't know who Scott Walker was and now I'm obsessed. Such a sad album. Love it.

overall really fun! might cop this on vinyl

At first I wasn't sure if I like the album but it started to grow on me quickly. I love the melancholy and sadness of it all and it's excellently produced. Perhaps it isn't as melodic as some other albums in the genre but it works so well as an album, and it doesn't overstay its welcome with barely 30 minutes. Great album.

Scott 4 feels like the soundtrack to a film that was never made. Scott Walker blends large, Morricone-esque orchestral arrangements with his deep, dramatic vocals, creating something dark, grand, and surprisingly timeless. “The Old Man’s Back Again” stands out as the clear highlight, a track that practically begs to be used in a Tarantino montage. The funky bassline, the political edge, and Walker’s cool, detached delivery make it one of his finest moments. “The Seventh Seal” and “Boy Child” also show his ability to paint vivid scenes in sound: bigger than pop, more theatrical than rock. The album can be heavy and solemn, and Walker is definitely an acquired taste, but when it hits, it hits hard. Scott 4 is a distinctive, cinematic, and daring record that still sounds like nothing else, a kind of lyrical Morricone for listeners who like drama in their music. 4/5

I have no idea how I’ve never heard of Scott Walker in my whole life. The dude has got PIPES. Like his voice is the definition of caramel. It’s so rich and creamy, he might have one of the greatest singing voices I’ve ever heard. The production is also smooth and serene like butter. There are not enough food comparisons I can make here, the album is a total masterpiece. The only thing stoping this from being a five is that I didn’t connect with every song, there were a few that didn’t hold my attention because they are so slow/sad, which I always struggle with. But this album is so good that I hope there are more of his albums on the horizon.

Highly influential pop star turned crooner, david Bowie looked up to him. A world away from his avant garde concept song cycles in his later career. A really distinctive voice

A really pleasant suprise - not heard this before maybe a little slow/sad but enjoyed it a lot

Scott: 4.

Good stuff, this. I do enjoy the combination of quite old school crooning with the very over-the-top production and slightly psychedelic vibe to it. It's not an album where you pick massive standout tracks, but more one where you can't quite believe that 32 minutes have passed, because you've been lost in a lovely feeling.

This is another of the "never heard of the album or the artist" days. Knowing nothing about the album I read some of the reviews, and I wasn't feeling great about what to expect upon listening. As soon as the first song, The Seventh Seal, started, my first thought was "what the hell is this?" After about 30 seconds my thought was "this is awesome and I hope the rest of the album is similar." I loved the very dramatic singing style and orchestration in this record. There was a time a while back that I likely would have dismissed this as too hokey, but I'm more open to such things in the past few years. I found it to be very enjoyable and I was smiling throughout. Many of the lyrics weren't exactly fun, but the presentation definitely was. Some of the songs worked better for me than others, but standouts were TSS as well as Hero of the War, The Old Man's Back Again, and Get Behind Me. What a fun addition to the project!

Great. Good voice, good atmosphere. I like it. Favorite song: hero of the war

Ohne Witz das hat sich voll nach dem Django Unchained Soundtrack angehört, insbesondere The old man's back again

I do enjoy songs that tell a story. The Seventh Seal gets pretty dark. He has a beautiful voice! I particularly enjoyed Get Behind Me. He is such a romantic!

Просто очень хороший альбом.

this guy's voice has something very special

Nice

Meget godt album fra Scott Walker. Den er lidt deprimeret men det kan vi sku godt lide i efterårets mørke og kulde.

Fantastic voice

orchestral/baroque pop from the 1960s isn't something i realized was a bop, but Scott Walker does it.

Excellent.

positiv overraskelse, jeg har aldrig hørt om ham før! Lidt Morrissey agtig, med en mere easy listening stemme og meget interessante valg af instrumenter. Elsker når jeg så godt kan lide noget jeg aldrig har hørt om før

Kjæft en stemme den unge mand rendte rundt med. Skøn plade.

Lovely - how can you not love that sound. 4/5

Somehow reminds me of nick cave who I love, geordie greep and even father john misty Great record, difficult to rate on one listen so I will return but I think it’ll be some kind of 4 for me fittingly

It’s grand, but in that dusty, cinematic way. Sometimes it borders on melodrama. There was a Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds vibe I got in some spots too. Spins: 2 Playlist Additions: - The Seventh Seal - On Your Own Again - The Old Man’s Back Again (Dedicated To The Neo-Stalinist Regime) - Duchess

7.5/10 Favourite: The Old Man's Back Again (Dedicated to the Neo-Stalinist Regime) Least Favourite: Boy Child

Angelic baroque pop. Ez 4.5

This I like.

I've never been drawn to Walker's theatrical style, but I respect it. Like the album, but not sure how many plays it will get in the future. Duchess is quite good.

Frankly, I don't remember the other album(s?) of Scott Walker that are on this list. This one is excellent however. Standouts to me are opener The Seventh Seal and The Old Man's Back.

Scott 3's my personal favorite of his from this era (moodier, a bit darker and more melancholic), but I still love the warmth and overall vibe of this record

Cinematic, haunting, and delivered with a baritone that makes every song feel monumental, loved it.

i like this album! i like its lyrics, i like Scott Walker’s voice, and i like the late 60s psychedelic comedown style present. dude was going places, places strange and scary. makes sense with the dark undercurrent on this album. have a nice walk in the woods to it! just make sure to stay on the path and don’t go looking in hollow trees deserves to be one of the 1001? Yes! Scott Walker carves out a unique and commanding voice in an era replete with great singer/songwriters. that said, i would also add one of his weirdo late period albums like Bisch Bosch

3.5 That was... surprisingly enjoyable? Never thought I'd like a baroque pop album (is that the first time ones appeared in 800 albums?), but it grew and grew. The story telling was unique, but you can't fault the voice and the backing music. Not sure I could do much more than half an hour, and not one that you can really add to playlists, but I'm glad to have heard it and can understand it's inclusion.

I liked the lyrics and the singing. It's very smooth and slick. I like that kind of music and it hits the spot. Also learned that Bowie was a big fan of Walker and you can actually hear the influence in the manner Bowie sings. I listened that album 3 or 4 times in the end, my favorite is the very first track - The Seventh Seal.

A much more somber atmosphere than Scott 2, and a much better album, full of great vocals on grim mysterious songs. Takes a little time to warm to but really interesting. Best song: The Old Man’s Back Again

Rätt så nice sound

Really nice voice

The album has a cinematic sound that I dig. It reminds me of Butch Cassidy. I love the strings and choir. I got into some of the tracks: Seventh Seal, .... Interesting that the album was a flop, but that members of Radiohead love it.

So many of my favorite artists reference him so was excited to see it pop up. I did like most of them but wasn't blown away. I do feel it has the potential to get there though with repeated listens. Definitely gonna go through the rest of his when I have the time. 4 stars seems fair for Scott 4. Sadly by that logic I won't like Scott 1, 2, and 3 as much. Rating: 3.7

Scott Walker 4 Ever with an amazing output.

Thoughts before listening: I see this guy get praised all the time, but I know nothing about him. Some sort of psychedelic folky rock maybe. I feel like it gets pretty weird. Review: Ok so this isn't psychedelic, but it is definitely a bit out there. This is crooner style vocals over loungey, almost cinematic musical arrangements. I'd say that Scott was likely a big influence on someone like Father John Misty with his talk sing and heavily orchestrated songs. I like this quite a bit, and I think I'll give it 4-stars.

Fint :) Gillar estetiken, eller vad säger man? Tar sig ordentligt när det blir lite mer tempo mot slutet. Riktigt gött. Bassisten lirar på fint. Grym röst som växer på en! Old man’s back again riktigt, riktigt bra! Ingen skräll att det verkar vara hans hit. Orgel på ”Duchess”!!!! Är det väl? Definitivt en platta jag kommer komma tillbaka till!

Inimitable.

A beautiful listen, I expect it will get better with time.

Qué clase tiene este hombre en la voz y la composición.

4th times the charm

Ok I really like Scott Walkers vibe. Seventh Seal absolutely ruled.

Liked this way better than the last Scott Walker album on the list

Bien aimé, belle découverte! La grosse voix opératique parfois, avec les cordes, surtout en début d’album. Vers la fin ça feelais plus comme de la pop 60s plus « classique ».

Get behind me sucks. Most of the rest is great. Old man never left

Solidi 3 sternli performance. Oder doch 4?Schön aber nöd fantastisch. Bin leider wieder chli churz bunde, aber sweeti 5643 sins in da hood 4?sternli für scott4

I liked this album way more than I thought I would.

Not sure why I don’t listen to this one more often. My favorite has always been Scott 2. This one has more drums and guitar, feels more earthy and grounded, less orchestral than Scott 2. I’ll definitely come back to this one soon.

I really liked this.

Cream colored silk sheets. Shag carpet in harvest gold. Dark wood paneled walls. So you have a hot date with this girl from work and you get all prepped - hot shower, fresh shave, splash of cologne, your slickest outfit - brown suit with boots, a gold chain, a pale blue tie - and you meet her at one of those fern bars downtown. It goes well. She is delightful, and gorgeous, and funny, and most importantly thinks you're funny. You already knew each other but you hit it off. All that workplace flirting wasn't a fluke. She gives you that look after your second cocktail and third cigarette and you ask if she wants to come back to yours for a nightcap and of course she says yes. She has to pretend that she has to think about it but she doesn't really. And you walk in the door, and pour two glasses of Lillet Blanc and she's already comfortably lounging on the oversized couch like she owns the place and you have a choice now, an important one. You walk over to the record player and start thumbing through your collection - it's gotta be in here somewhere. It hasn't been -That- long since you last brought a date home who was this promising. And there it is. Scott 4. You slip this on the turntable, run the motor, lower the needle, and Scott's music lusciously slinks out of the speakers and now, finally, you can go to her with her glass of apertif and get down to the business. FOUR STARS.

I avoided this album for a long time, I know how highly regarded it is but it wasn't anything that I went out of my way to seek out. I regret that now, I like this a lot. I'm listening to it in the middle of a summers day but it is an album I will come back to on a long winters night and I feel like it might become something I get a lot out of in the long run.

Solid vocal pop. I much prefer this over Frank Sinatra. It reminds me of The Magnetic Fields.

Up until recently I always partly dismissed Scott Walker as just a member of the Walker Bothers responsible for My Ship Is Coming In and The Sun ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore etc. Nice 60’s hits but nothing more. My impression of him changed as a result of Prog Rock God and Producer Steven Wilson. Listening to his and Tim Bowness podcast The Album Years really brought him to my attention. Scott Walker’s solo albums are always bigged up on the podcast. So much so that I have began to stream them and this includes this album. I find his music very beguiling and also challenging at the same time. You really need to give his songs chance to draw you in. Not so much this album but others require hard work to get into and I relish a challenge like that. He is very much a guilty pleasure and a well kept secret just enjoyed by those who know. 4/5 3/7/25

78/100. His rich, commanding voice perfectly complements the album’s steady, elegant pacing. A beautifully sung and thoughtfully arranged record.

Lush, cinematic art pop. There are some hints of the darker, more avant-garde artist Walker would eventually become, particularly in the epic first track, “The Seventh Seal”.

Idk what to make of it, but he could sing and it was kinda strange and interesting and I just kinda liked it.

good

Lorsque l'on évoque les albums qui ont marqué une époque, non par leur succès commercial immédiat mais par leur audace et leur influence souterraine, "Scott 4" de Scott Walker s'impose comme une évidence. Paru en 1969, cet album représente un tournant radical dans la carrière de l'artiste américain exilé en Angleterre. Musicalement, "Scott 4" est une splendeur orchestrale sombre et introspective. Scott Walker, s'éloignant quelque peu des arrangements foisonnants de ses précédents albums, opte ici pour une production certes toujours ample et cinématographique, mais peut-être plus retenue, laissant davantage de place à sa voix de baryton, chaude et caverneuse, et à la puissance évocatrice de ses textes. Les influences sont multiples, allant de la musique de film européenne, notamment les westerns spaghetti d'Ennio Morricone que l'on croirait entendre sur l'ouverture épique "The Seventh Seal" (inspirée du film d'Ingmar Bergman), à une pop de chambre sophistiquée, en passant par des incursions surprenantes vers une country mélancolique comme sur "Duchess". Les arrangements sont d'une finesse inouïe, mêlant cordes somptueuses, cuivres discrets mais percutants, guitares acoustiques délicates et une section rythmique d'une grande subtilité. Chaque note semble pesée, chaque silence chargé de sens. On sent une maîtrise totale de la forme, une ambition de créer une pop adulte, loin des facilités de l'époque. Les thématiques abordées sont d'une noirceur et d'une complexité rares dans la musique populaire de la fin des années 60. Scott Walker se fait chroniqueur désenchanté des failles de l'âme humaine, des amours perdues, des illusions politiques et des spectres totalitaires. La force de "Scott 4" réside dans cette alchimie unique entre une sophistication musicale héritée de la tradition européenne et une âme américaine torturée, nourrie aux grands espaces et aux désillusions. La voix de Scott Walker, tour à tour caressante et impérieuse, porte ces récits avec une intensité dramatique qui ne laisse aucun auditeur indifférent. Il y a chez lui une gravité, une profondeur existentielle qui le distinguent de ses contemporains. Si l'album fut boudé à sa sortie, le temps lui a largement rendu justice. "Scott 4" est une oeuvre d'une beauté ténébreuse, portée par un artiste au sommet de son art, qui a osé, au risque de l'incompréhension, suivre sa propre voie. C'est le testament d'un crooner existentiel, d'un poète sonore dont la voix continue de résonner avec une pertinence et une puissance intactes. Un beau 4 sur 5

Hyvää kamaa! Todella tasapainoinen! 4/5

Not a big fan of the first song, but the rest of the record made up for it!

A slight improvement over Scott 2 - the instrumentation works better for me and his voice matches the, at times, grand compositions well.

Kind of sleepy. Good for a rainy day when nothing to do. Good voice.

Lyrically and musically strong. In parts sweeping baccarach type tunes in others a bit more of an edge, ver accessible with that great baritone voice. Excellent.

3.5 stars

Pretty cool music, this guy sounded a lot like the moody blues singer, and this came out around the same time as them so I’d have to imagine they probs influenced each other. It was cool hearing an old pop album but with meaningful lyrics. 4.1/5 Fav song: the Old man is back again

I had a Scott walker record before on the Generator and didn’t like it. But this is completely different! The music is awesome and his voice blends in perfectly.

Fantastic strange album - The Old Man's Back Again was my favourite track. I'll definitely come back to this one.

Pretty cool low 4/5

Pretty good stuff

4/5

So call me crazy, but I liked it. I thought I was tripping when it started.

3.5

Tortured soul, always trying different ways to approach music. If you're 55+ and didn't recognize the name but thought the voice was familiar, take it easy on yourself. ;-)

Walker is a solid balladeer. I do like several songs on here.

Instrument sounds are fullfilling the soul with melancholy, love, hope and sadness

Scott 4 is what happens when a baritone crooner reads too much philosophy, watches Bergman films on repeat, and decides to make a baroque pop masterpiece. It’s grand, cerebral, occasionally pretentious—but in Scott Walker’s hands, even pretension feels profound. Come for the hypnotic vocals, stay for the sweeping strings, funky basslines, and a cinematic dive into mortality, politics, and poetry. Not everything lands, but the tracks that do are oustanding.

The orchestral arrangements here are truly great and seem very ahead of their time. The song writing here is also very good. Last year Beck did a tour with an orchestra and he played 2 or 3 songs from Scott Walker, and this was my first exposure to him. I'm glad to have finally listened to one of his albums. Low 4.

I bought the box set of all his albums after hearing how he was such an influence on so many artists as was disappointed at first to be honest. But after a few listens I really started to enjoy the music and his weird take on life etc. The other great thing is it’s short and to the point no rambling remixes or alternate versions, they knew how to make albums back then!

La prossima volta che picchio Arianna sarà con questo in sottofondo E sarà bellissimo

I like this quite a lot actually! I feel like Nick Cave got some of his style from Scott Walker. I am 'modern-Scott Walker' - BCNR

A masterful songwriting performance that exudes a feeling of the sun shining through on a grey day. This is Walker’s fourth album (could you tell?) so I’m not sure of the ‘sonic evolution’ that I’m told of, but this first helping of his musicality is incredibly inviting and indeed exciting for the remainder of his catalogue. At just over half an hour, I think it can be said that Walker can stand alongside other short singer-songwriter records such as Pink Moon in its soft impact. Whether I can definitively describe that impact is another matter; I’ll need many more subsequent listens, which I’m sure will be occurring.

Groovy, man!

The first Scott Walker record containing all original tracks, and while it’s an album that took a long time to grow on me, it’s up with my favorites in the Scott Walker canon. Just immaculate recordings, with the second half being genuinely perfect.

Scott Walker had one of my favorite voices in music. It was beautiful, and I'm glad albums exist that captured it for everyone to keep listening to. His lyrics are always interesting and thought-provoking. The musical arrangements here are pretty decent, definitely well suited to his voice and words. The closing song feels like it ends the album sooner than it should, is my only (minor) complaint. It ends and I expect another song to follow it, but nothing. Overall it's good, but it's not The Drift.

Interesting that he opens with a song version of an Ingmar Bergman film. The dulcet tones are everything you’d expect from SW. Full of passion and depth.

Love his voice and the orchestrations.

Scott Walker was better known as one of the Walker Brothers (who weren’t brothers or called Walker), so when he released Scott 4 (actually his 5th album) under his own name of Scott Engel it didn’t trouble the charts, which is a shame because it’s really rather good. The songs range from the opening about the film The Seventh Seal as a Morriconesque western theme, to a song about the 1968 invasion of Czechoslovakia, all sung in a gorgeous baritone.

Surprisingly good! Walker had a smooth crooner voice, but his subject matter was surprisingly edgy. I'll be looking for more from this guy since he seems completely overlooked these days.

J'ai bien aimé cet album, mais je m'attendais à être un peu plus impressionné. Peut-être ça mérite une autre écoute, mais j'ai un tantinet préféré Scott 2. Reste que c'est de l'excellent pop baroque. 8/10

Nice voice, atmospheric, emotive and very pretty at times

Surprisingly cool, like nothing else yet

p188. 1969. 4 stars. Possibly the most subversive album of the 60s - a collection of seemingly middle of the road arrangements disguising sharp observations on society, the Cold War and emotional fragility. And of course it has THAT voice. 1 star deducted for the lack of standout songs.

Forgot to write. It was a good singer songwriter kind of album. Felt very theatric for the late 60s. Standouts: The Seventh Seal, On Your Own Again, The World’s Strongest Man, and Hero Of The War.

I’ve never listened to Scott Walker before and my impression of him was that his music was cheesy, ornate, ostentatious, over the top. This is . . . close to that. But I’ve mostly thought it stays on the right side of the line (not “angels of ashes,” though). I like it.

It’s cool

This is reminiscent of Orville Peck (or the other way around, I guess). Right up my alley. — 4/5 Highlights: The Old Man’s Back Again Get Behind Me

Voice and acoustics are very 1960's protest-y.

The cult and mystery of Scott Walker are probably clouding judgement. The songwriting may not even be particularly memorable, but there's just something about the delivery and atmosphere that's undeniable, but impossible to pinpoint.

hey all! scott here!

Awesome songs I didnt know about

Good

3.75

4.5

Listened to this while playing Isofarian Guard. I knew from the opening orchestration that I would enjoy this album, and sure enough, the whole thing was great. I couldn't tell if it was a concept album...it kinda felt like it...but I wasn't really following the story. I hope some of his other albums will appear on this list!

Buenísimo. Tiene una epicidad en sus coros y arreglos que no me esperaba. Si a eso le añadimos su onda setentera es un álbum súper ganador. Gran sorpresa. Música de fondo que suena mientras se llega a un pueblo del oeste a batirse a un duelo de vida o muerte.

Very decent. Liked the guy's voice. Simple instrumentation, but very catchy songs and very of the time. The Seventh Seal, Angels of Ashes, and The Old Man's Back Again were my favourites. Planning to listen to more of his stuff.

Scott Walker has a lovely voice. His career trajectory was pretty weird, from the Walker Brothers through a series of increasingly respected solo albums to some pretty experimental work. I love Bish-Bosch and Soused, his collaboration with Sunn O))). This album has pretty lush orchestration, and is said to have been influential on other artists. Personally, I'm in a bit of a quandary as to how I should rate this. At times it's a bit too smooth for my taste, but Walker's voice just comes through it all.

I don’t know why, but I really like this one. He doesn’t sing that well. In fact, he doesn’t really even sing. Still, there is something about it that I like. Maybe because it’s unique, but not like Captain Beefheart unique? Idk. I’ll keep listening, though.

Love it! The Old Mans Back Again, Seventh Seal, Hero Of The War, Duchess and Get Behind Me are all gorgeous. Such beautiful orchestration and song construction with a voice that has to be one of the finest of a generation. Inventive and unpredictable. Hard to listen to without absolute attention on lyrics too as you much so much of the detail. Deep listen 5*

Really great album - atmospheric, strong lyrics and well structured

I can’t remember where I read it, but recently I saw someone talking about the relative dearth of deep male vocals in Pop music. As a joke, I’ve always blamed Smokey Robinson, making the tenor and falsetto so incredibly sexy is certainly the reason why a lot of male Pop stars have used their higher register to great effect. Scott Walker is supposedly the reason why Bowie started utilising the lower end of his register in later albums, and I appreciate him for that. But, there’s something about his vocals that I’m still not sold on. There’s an inflection that I find a bit irritating. On the other hand, I’m enjoying the music a lot and the lyrics a lot. The darker themes suit this sort of orchestrated style, give it a melancholy that elevates some of the poetry. ‘He’s not a shadow of shadows like you, you see’ is a line that just cuts me. This is an album that I’m going to explore more, for certain. There are elements of styles that I know I enjoy, and I’d like to get to know the lyrics better

This guy had some cool 50s/60s crooner vibes. I also heard some Glenn Campbell and some Harry Nilsson in there. I’m fond of all three of these things! This albums was really good!

I thought you’d have to be in mood to enjoy these literate, lavish songs, but they put you in the mood!

I liked the atmosphere on this album. I could listen to this for ages.

I had never heard of Scott Walker but I really like this album. So very good! Favorite song is The Seventh Seal.

somewhat dramatic 4/5

Nick Cave papa

The guy is THE little bitch and let's it be known with his singing

Great album! I don't normally enjoy this type of singing, but Scott Walker is an exception. I think I slightly prefer Scott 3 to this, but both are excellent. I don't really connect with all of the songs on here, but the high points (Seventh Seal, On Your Own Again, World's Strongest Man, The Old Man's Back Again) are very high. Love the Ennio Morricone style arrangements as well.

There's a hint of ham to this collection - subtlety isn't one of the tools that Walker deploys regularly - but as far as grand guignol baroque pop goes this is about as fun as it gets. "I've seen a woman / Standing in the SNEEWWWW!"

Love this guy’s voice. Oddly soothing songs, soothing yet thunderous.

专辑中的歌都有很优美的旋律，给人感觉是平淡但又蕴含着海浪般的规律起伏。弦乐与人声的搭配给我带来一种颂诗般的美感，在此之前我还没有听过此类风格的作品。由于在网易云上这张专辑的歌曲多数没有翻译，除了the seventh seal和the old man back again两首曲子外其他曲子我并不能了解作者表达的内容主题。总之这张专辑对我是一次新的听歌体验。

an interesting one for sure. scott walker's voice is underratedly great in general, and that definitely applies here. it's a 60s pop album but has a little bit of sophistication to it. pleasant production with a bit of grandiose 60s baroque-ish inspiration. definitely has its dull spots but i don't think there's a truly bad song in the bunch. for me, this was good, not great.

🎧Cool album, I will probably spend more time with this one

Close, but no cigar. Scott 4 feels less quirked up than the other album I've heard by Walker up to this point, Scott 2, but I think that strive to have an album that is more subdued melodically, but stronger in tone has its strengths and weaknesses. When this album is Scott with an orchestral backing and very little else, the beauty of what is presented is so strong that I'm genuinely at a loss for words when it comes to describing it, as it is truly legendary. However, when the songs start to aim for a more straightforward art rock sound, it can be more hit or miss. The Old Man's Back Again is something special, but other tracks that go for this tone, such as the final couple tracks, fall flat, and leave the album without a satisfying closer. The lyrics are top-notch throughout the whole record, but when presented under a pop-ier light it can feel more cheesy than dramatic. It's so close to something great, but I think the oddball songs that line the wax on Scott 2 allow that to be a more memorable, better experience, while this album has higher highs, but more middling lows, and it leads me to think this is a great album, but a great album with some filler. Still, it's short enough that it certainly doesn't hurt to get through to experience some fantastic singer-songwriter material, and if that first track doesn't pull you in to this man's style, it's unlikely anything will.

I have this CD but had not played it for years. However in the last few daze, I couldn’t stop playing it. Hugely influenced by Brel, Walker in turn influenced many singers, not least Bowie. I didn’t really know Brel until I picked up Bowie’s hit single, Sorrow(1974) & discovered Bowie’s version of Brel’s classic Amsterdam on the flipside. Bowie’s version was surely influenced by Walker’s version, off Scott 3(1967). Scott 4 was the first album Walker did with only his own compositions, and it’s a riveting listen. The opener, The Seventh Seal, might take its name & the substance of the lyrics from the Ingmar Bergman film, but, musically, it’s pure spaghetti western. Down to the male chorus behind Walker. The lyrics are always interesting. Hero Of The War precedes all those Hollywood movies about Vietnam vets in wheelchairs by a good stretch. The Old Man’s Back Again (Dedicated to the Neo-Stalinist Regime) is a wonderful lyric - probably the highlight for me. If he’d put it out as a Scott Walker album at the time, instead of a Scott Engel album, I’ve no doubt it would have sold as well as the solo albums that preceded it. But, let’s face it, his career was a mess. However that’s another story. I love the Camus quote he included in the sleevenotes : "a man's work is nothing but this slow trek to rediscover, through the detours of art, those two or three great and simple images in whose presence his heart first opened". Absolutely.

I went into this one blind and was pleasantly surprised. Gorgeous music with a darkness hiding just under the surface. I can hear many artists that were influenced by this.

This was awesome actually. Never heard of him but thoroughly enjoyed it!