Reviews (page 2 of 7)
Surprise!
so beatiful and modern
9/10
Holy gas ⛽️. I would have never guessed this was from 1968, the production sounds wayyyy ahead of its time. Her voice is insane and the songs are unique — bouncing between oldies, 70s-esque disco/funk, showtunes, and crescendoing piano ballads. The album reminds me a lot of Grace by Jeff Buckley with its compositions built around showcasing the incredible voice of its singer. It simply blows me away that this is from 1968. And for that reason it’s a 5
Beautiful standards, most of which really suits her. Not the strongest voice ever, but truly gorgeous
Como pode essa cantora não ser tão conhecida do grande público? Disco sensacional.
Loved this. Go listen. The changes in melody and key throughout songs and the energy keeps you on your toes and wanting more.
Now i know what love at first sight (sound?) is, finally a hidden gem in this list Laura be my wife pls...
Wonderful. Hadn’t listened to it in years.
This was the best random album yet. Absolutely beautiful. Laura’s voice was just astonishingly hunting and beautiful. Love the whole album.
I really love this album - Laura Nyro is a brilliant songwriter and has a great voice with an incredible range. I particularly like the sudden tempo shifts in most of her songs.
Great album! Soulful, powerful vocals and catchy tunes.
Now here's a record that you just won't ever hear one like... before or after... as a little kid, i knew of Laura Nyro's work from hearing her songs performed by Barbra Streisand or The Fifth Dimension... whenever Barbra appeared on a show, i usually changed the channel... lol... unless she sang "Stoney End"... which was a stone HIT, it's not on this album but anyway... Laura, her real name Nigro, was a really unique songwriter... the chords, hooks, parts, were so uniquely put together... and her songs always had an element of GOSPEL in them... like a half Italian half jewish girl from NYC learned her chops in a southern baptist African American church... her songs are POP... but not pop... they are GOSPEL... but not sanctified... they are HOOKY but not stock... This album is not all home runs... but they all at least reach the warning track... and it's always ART... "Sweet Blindness"... is great... "Eli's Coming", a big HIT for Three Dog Night, is a classic... "Stoned Soul Picnic", a huge hit for The Fifth Dimension, is another banger... the other cuts are all top notch... her singing is a bit quirky, but i really like it... it may not have been radio friendly, but it was totally expressive... and had trememdous character and soul.. a big FIVE STARS... a masterpiece.
1968. Folk Jazz / Blue eyed soul / pop. 10 Luckie / Lu / Sweet Blindness / Poverty Train / Lonely Woman / Eli’s Comin' / Timer / Stoned Soul Picnic / “Emmie / Woman’s Blues / Once It Was Alright Now (Farmer Joe) / December’s Boudoir / The Confession
Not heard of this artist and was a completely new listen for me, incredible vocals and beats. To think that this is the 1960’s is insane, miles ahead of the competition at the time. For me, it’s a pretty much a complete album. 9/10.
This was sensational. Chilled out buttery jazz tones throughout and what fantastic vocals. At times a bit Dion Warwickesque. For its age , timeless. Superb
Welcome to the wonderful world of Laura Nyro, weaving jazz, show tunes, soul music and deep personal lyrics together, with great melodies and a spectacular voice
Phenomenal album. The talent and the creative expression clearly shows and throughout the album I feel like there's almost no room of errors. She also seemed to really love to play around with key shifts and tempo shifts, and it clearly works. I absolutely would add this to one of the greatest album I've ever listened to.
wow. the chance to discover albums like this really makes the whole 1001 list worthwhile.
Wow.
Absolutely flabbergasted. Haven't had a new musical experience like that in such a long time. THE single best discovery on this list.
10/10 Beyond exceptional, my favorite hidden gem from this list so far, a masterful vintage Pop album that left me stunned from track 1 to 13. It’s actually insane how pristinely written and intricate this album is, not only are you getting these breathtaking Pop songs blending Soul and Jazz with engaging and brilliant songwriting, you’re constantly being surprised by the compositions and arrangements of these songs as well, there’s never a stale moment, it’s the mark of a genius songwriter who just had everything laid out in its right place. Listening to it now I instantly understand it as being a Godmother of masterful Pop music, seeing its sound echoed in some of my favorite artists (Fiona Apple, Kate Bush, Tori Amos), we are permanently indebted to this album in ways we have not realized considering Laura’s character. Even if her reserved presentation may have stunted her commercial success and image, her work speaks volumes, and it’s absolutely necessary for anyone to listen to this record, if not for the historical importance then at least for the perfection hidden under that elusive album cover. Shoutout bisexual white women!
Just really digged this, it's a vibe I'm here for. Laura Nyro seems like the kind of girl who would completely fuck my life up and I'd be into it.
Favorite Track: Eli’s Comin’
wow what a gem. love that the album with my name in the title delivered. sweet blindness blew my mind in the most amazing way.
Absolute masterpiece. God am I fucking obsessed with these tempo changes. Never ever know which way the song is gonna go and it switches with no warning at all. Every single song on here is absolute gold. Some of the best soul work ever on an album that sounds like it was tailor made for me, guy who is currently high as fuck
美，有力
incredibly creative and fun soul & RnB album with a lot of variation within individual songs, often for just a couple measures before reverting back. A very groundbreaking and unique album that feels like it has a ton of soul that's amplified by Nyro's passion and ad-libs.
Why was I not already listening to Laura Nyro?! That aching, vulnerable voice, those obscure and poetic lyrics…
This another one that I had never heard of before, and wow what a surprise. I loved this. It's soulful, jazzy, experimental, theatrical and sounds timeless.
Interesting rhythms, and incredible vocal range!
"Eli and the Thirteenth Confession" is the second album by New York City- born singer-songwriter and pianist Laura Nyro. The music can best be described as pop incorporating elements of soul, jazz, gospel and rock with multi-layered, opulent and multi-tracked vocals and strings. That about sums it up. The album was entirely written by Nyro, arranged by Charlie Cabello and produced by both Nyro and Cabello. The lyrical themes include passion, love, romance, death and drugs. Critically, it was very well-received and considered influential for its quirky and reflective songwriting. Commercially, it hit #181 in the US. "Luckie" opens with Nyro's strong and soaring voice. Jazzy with the piano and beat. There's horns and tempo changes. This reminds me of Carole King. She's out to get lucky. Doo-wop vocals start "Sweet Blindness." It's bouncey. Layered vocals. They're drinking Daddy's wine. "Eli's Comin'" begins with Nyro singing softly. Mare layered vocals and strings. The pace picks up. Very 1960's R&B and soulful. "Stoned Soul Picnic" continues the souful, layered vocals. There's horns. She's just enjoying the music. "Emmie" goes back to the jazz. Nyro vocals are more sultry, less screamy. Strings. Delicate. And then the pace changes. It picks up and the song ends on a high note. "Women's Blues" begins in a melancholic way with horns. Nyro's is in a higher octave. The tempo changes. There's a bluesy guitar. Her vocals are toned down a notch. This is a fun song. This was a very compelling listen. Nyro's vocals can be sultry, soaring or soft. The music is jazzy, bouncey or bluesy. Both the vocals and music changes octaves, tones and styles constantly. Nyro seems to take the music and her vocals in any direction at any time...totally unpredictable. It's like listening to a free-form jazz artist or watching a classical musical symphony director. Her music appears very influential; I thought of Joni Mitchell, Carole King and Rufus Wainwright. This is a tremendous album and one everyone needs to listen to.
5/5. Love the time changes and how each song feels like two full songs mixed together. The mix of jazz and pop and experimentation is done so expertly. Laura's voice is beautiful and so expressive with her range. Although some songs I am not sure what she is saying, I blame that on the production, which is normally superb on this one. Feels like Joni Mitchell but better. Best Song: Eli's Comin, Luckie, Woman's Blues
First time I listened to this I thought it was great, hearing it again really blew me away. The music on this record is so soulful, creative, tightly performed, stylisticaly free and much more. A (sometimes forgotten) classic that deserves to be regarded among the best singer/songwriter albums.
Really enjoyed it. Everything about this one seemed ahead of its time. You can hear the sound that so many icons build off later. Even the cover art looks more modern than 1967. Rating: 4.7
A singular talent at her peak. Mixing shades of soul , jazz, tin pan alley and baroque pop into a unique stew.
Wowee! What a find! Like a mix of Janis Joplin, Joni Mitchell and Carole King. I’m not sure why I’ve never heard of her before. Incredible voice! 4.5
A wonderful voice, an interesting artist, and someone I will be returning to - all her stuff is on my "after the list" list
big fan, never heard of her before but i liked this album a lot
A phenomenal singer and songwriter who deserves to be here and more widely recognized.
This album sounds like taking a springtime walk through Central Park with your manic pixie dream girl friend.
Very good songwriting throughout, some wonderful songs (stone souled picnic and woman's blues were my favorites). She has a wonderful voice too, hard to believe this came out in 1968, very easy to tell she was a large influence on many songwriters to follow. 4.5/5
If you don't like this, you don't have ears.
This is why I love this project. Finding new artists that had passed me by first time around. A mix of Dusty Springfield and Joni Mitchell with a sprinkle of Karen Carpenter, Laura Nyro has it all.
what i love about laura nyro is her songwriting. particularly i adore how her songwriting sort of meanders left and right, switching up tempos all the time, almost as if the music is going with the wind. so many of these songs will start off slow, soft, intimate, and then explode into an uptempo soul groove - or vice versa. not only that, but her melodies are incredible and so is her voice. the arrangements on this one are equally spectacular. i understand if you don't dig the brill building vibe of this one, it's definitely a bit dramatic, but to me this is truly one of the pinnacles of songwriting on display. sophistication at its finest!
Wow, I loved this album. Loved the jazzy soul mix with at times a sprinkling of Broadway-esque sound. Great talent for songwriting (several notable covers of her songs) and vocals. I will listen to this again. Edit: I listened to this at least 3x.
La característica pop es esencial en este disco ya que la voz siempre mantiene un elemento protagónico en todo momento. Todos los arreglos se deben a la vocalista y los cambios de ritmo y de estilo hacen muy interesante la macrodinámica del album. Tiene arreglos y armonías muy jazzisticass combinados con arreglos vocales del góspel. Sin embargo, muchas veces presenta arreglos de soul y blues
I may be a tad generous rating this one, but I am trying to influence the curve. Laura is a very underrated songwriter and performer and he blend of folk, jazz and soul is quite unique. Listen to this and the. A greatest hits collection.
I love Laura Nyro's greatest hits album. I've listened to it many times. This is the first time listening to one of her studio albums. I was going to give this a 4/5 as I don't like the slow, stripped down songs as much, and her voice can get a bit shrill on the high notes. But I listened to it again this morning, and I think I was just being too critical. There are plenty enough great songs here to push this up to a 5/5. Did she lift "she got the way to move me" on Emmie from Neil Diamond's Cherry, Cherry? Favorites: Lu, Sweet Blindness, Stoned Soul Picnic, Eli's Comin'.
Classic, bluesy. A writer's showcase. Hits made bigger by other artists.
Really blown away, such a groovy unique record that sounds like it could’ve come out decades after the actual 1968 release. The production is so crisp and clear it’s almost unbelievable. Thick horn barrages, driving piano beats, this album is sick. Did a bit of reading on Laura Nyro too and was astonished by the influence she holds on so many incredible artists. Listening to this it’s really no surprise, but I’m ashamed for not having known of her prior to this. At least I do now! Thank you album generator! Top tracks: Luckie, Lu, Sweet Blindness, Eli’s Comin’, Timer, Stoned Soul Picnic, Woman’s Blues, The Confession
Gets a little too into ballads at time but it’s got so many cool aspects. I’m giving it a 5 for be going so cool and existing before 1970
In terms intimate and exuberant. Nyro had a gift for songwriting and a gorgeous voice. Always one of my favorites!
Lyrics: Pros: Poetic Depth: Nyro's lyrics on "Eli and the Thirteenth Confession" are a masterclass in poetic depth and emotional resonance. She weaves intricate narratives that explore themes of love, identity, and societal issues. Each song is a lyrical journey that invites the listener into Nyro's introspective and often enigmatic world. Emotional Authenticity: Nyro's lyrics are deeply personal and reflective of her own experiences. The emotional authenticity in her words resonates with listeners, creating a profound connection. Songs like "Emmie" and "Eli's Comin'" are prime examples of Nyro's ability to convey complex emotions through her poetic expressions. Cons: Obscurity of Meaning: At times, Nyro's lyrics can be cryptic and open to interpretation. While this ambiguity adds a layer of intrigue, it may also pose a challenge for some listeners who prefer more straightforward storytelling. The abstract nature of her lyrics could potentially alienate those seeking more concrete narratives. Music: Pros: Innovative Song Structures: Nyro's approach to songwriting is refreshingly innovative. She plays with unconventional song structures, incorporating unexpected shifts in melody and rhythm. This experimentation keeps the music engaging and challenges traditional expectations, setting Nyro apart from her contemporaries. Diverse Musical Influences: The album seamlessly blends various musical genres, including jazz, soul, pop, and rock. This eclecticism adds a unique flavor to each track, making the listening experience dynamic and unpredictable. Nyro's ability to draw from a wide range of influences showcases her musical prowess. Cons: Complexity may be Overwhelming: The intricate musical arrangements might be overwhelming for some listeners. Nyro's compositions are layered and demand active engagement. Those seeking more straightforward, easily digestible music might find the complexity of the arrangements challenging to navigate. Production: Pros: Innovative Production Techniques: "Eli and the Thirteenth Confession" features innovative production techniques that were ahead of its time. The use of multi-tracked vocals, unconventional instrumentation, and creative studio effects contribute to the album's distinct sound. The production enhances the overall artistry of the music. Attention to Detail: The meticulous attention to detail in the production is evident throughout the album. From subtle background nuances to bold sonic choices, every element is carefully crafted. This attention to detail enhances the immersive quality of the listening experience, allowing the audience to discover new layers with each playthrough. Cons: Period-Specific Sound: While the production was groundbreaking in the late '60s, some elements might sound dated to modern ears. The sonic characteristics of the era, such as certain vocal effects and recording techniques, might pose a barrier for listeners accustomed to contemporary production aesthetics. Themes: Pros: Exploration of Femininity: Nyro's exploration of femininity, love, and identity is a standout theme on the album. She challenges traditional gender roles and societal expectations, presenting a feminist perspective that was progressive for its time. Songs like "Stoned Soul Picnic" and "Sweet Blindness" embody this thematic exploration. Social Commentary: Beyond personal themes, Nyro engages in social commentary, addressing issues like racial inequality and societal unrest. The relevance of these themes persists, adding a timeless quality to the album's lyrical content. Cons: Potential Overload of Themes: The album covers a broad spectrum of themes, which, while enriching the listening experience, may be overwhelming for some. Nyro's ambitious scope could result in a lack of cohesion for listeners who prefer more focused thematic exploration within an album. Influence: Pros: Impact on Singer-Songwriter Genre: "Eli and the Thirteenth Confession" has had a lasting influence on the singer-songwriter genre. Nyro's innovative approach to songwriting and production set a precedent for future artists, inspiring a generation of musicians to explore new avenues of musical expression. Cross-Genre Appeal: The album's fusion of diverse musical genres contributed to its cross-genre appeal. Nyro's willingness to transcend musical boundaries paved the way for artists to experiment with genre conventions, fostering a more inclusive and eclectic music landscape. Cons: Limited Mainstream Recognition: Despite its influence, the album did not achieve widespread commercial success upon its release. This limited mainstream recognition may have hindered its impact on the broader music scene during the late '60s. Conclusion: "Eli and the Thirteenth Confession" remains a landmark album that defies easy categorization. Laura Nyro's distinctive voice, coupled with her fearless exploration of complex themes, establishes this record as a timeless piece of art. The album's influence on subsequent generations of musicians and its enduring appeal attest to its significance in the evolution of popular music. While the album may pose challenges for listeners seeking more straightforward narratives or contemporary production aesthetics, its merits lie in its artistic ambition, lyrical depth, and musical innovation. "Eli and the Thirteenth Confession" is not merely a collection of songs; it is a cohesive, immersive journey that invites listeners to explore the multifaceted nature of human experience through the lens of a remarkably talented and daring artist.
It's insane how quickly singer/songwriters matured during the 60s. This is just phenomenal; switching from awe-inspiringly dramatic and cinematic to deeply introverted and experimental in a short space of time.
Excellent, excellent album. Sad that I've never heard of Laura Nyro but grateful that I'm hearing it now.
This is precisely why I signed up for 1001. How could I have never come across this album in all my years? Just breath-takingly beautiful. Each song seems to walk a line between exquisite pop and fascinating experimentation. Wild, almost unpredictable structures, that kept me on my toes the whole time. She comes across like a more bombastic Joni Mitchell with bigger arrangements. I love Joni, but I think I might like this more? I feel like I've finally been let in on one of music's greatest secrets.
What a hidden gem!
So different, so fresh. She changes things up so much in her songs and I can sense genius.
Soul music
her voice sounds very beautiful and the jazzy vibes is awesome some of the songs take a while to get good but the other songs being good throughout it all make up for it
It has just started and I already like it. The little change in rhythm at the end of Luckie really adds that pizzazz to the piece. There’s a hint of jazz and funk intertwined with the pop factor of this album. It takes all the best aspects of each genre and mashes together to make something beautiful. I really like Eli’s Comin’. The way she sings also gives the music a sort of refreshing feeling. Stoned Soul Picnic might be my favorite song in the whole album. I take it back, The Confession is my favorite. All in all, this album was amazing if you like old goodies. 10/10
Memories!
My God, would you just shut your stupid mouth for one second? FML. A steaming pile of shit getting shovelled into my ears. I hate this woman and everything she stands for. I hope she dies soon, if she hasn't already. Bitch.
Stunning mix of Northern Soul, Jazz and great songwriting. Pity I never heard of her before. One of the best discoveries here.
This is some great stuff. Sounded fresh and innovative and reading how she was an influence on a ton of artists I love. Great little find.
An unexpected banger
Daaamn, that album is so goood. All sounds fit perfectly. It is my great soul finding that I was looking for couple of months ago. Voice is really really good
tellement surprenant, je connaissais pas et je trouve ca vraiment excellent, j'ai des vibes de plusieurs trucs, notamment Joni Mitchell, et j'adore ca aussi, un 5 qui me surprend aussi
S W A N K Y
Did not expect to like this but is was really good :)
Awesome, totally new to me but very glad I listened. Somewhere between Nina Simone and Carol King with a Phil Spector vibe. Blending soul, jazz, blues into lovely accessible pop.
I didn't expect to like this album as much as I did, but I'm a sucker for piano. The songs blend together sometimes, but I still enjoy all of them. My favourite songs were Timer and Once It Was Alright Now (Farmer Joe).
This is a cool singer songwriter bop of a record. Great and effortless access to her head voice. Lonely Women is a great track. All these tracks are tight and powerful!
Never even heard of Laura Nyro. I think that says enough about a male centered culture. This lead me to read a bit about her and listen more of her music. Interesting life and career. Great songs, very well played. If I'd listen to this record without knowing the year it was released, I'd think it's a new album, very contemporary. Great discovery.
Never heard of it, absolutely loved it. So weird and all over the place. Knocks Sade I to a cocked hat.
Laura Nyro should have been as popular and adored as Linda Ronstadt. In a way, she was Linda Ronstadt before Linda Ronstadt, the biggest difference being that Laura wrote all of her own songs. Ironically enough, most of those songs became huge hits for other artists, especially The Fifth Dimension. Nyro was somewhat press shy - you can't find any old televised appearances of her anywhere. But my word, did she write some perfect pop songs. Unfortunately Nyro didn't live long enough to see the acclaim that eluded her in life, such as being elected to the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame. But we still have the music, and all of those incredible songs. Laura Nyro knew that was ultimately all that mattered.
Do you recall seeing the sun rise for the first time?
upbeat - talented and made me feel happy. Unexpected gem
I had never listened to this before but I'm very glad I did. Her voice and the musical arrangements are superb. I could hear echoes of Motown and Atlantic soul on there too. This is an artist I'll be looking into more, and an album I shall certainly be playing again.
Holy crap. This is already awesome right from the start. Yeah, I dig it.
Frábær plata. Verð að eignast. Greinilegur áhrifavaldur fjölda tónlistarfólks sem á eftir kom.
Amazing soul pop, great vocals
This is incredible. I have heard of Laura Nyro but never listened. I always had the feeling for some reason that her music was somehow weird and would be a challenge to listen to. On the surface, it doesn't seem challenging at all --- I get a clear singer-songwriter pop vibe a la Carole King or Rickie Lee Jones --- and I can't figure out why she wasn't on the radio all the time when I was a kid. But, oh, yeah...melodies and rhythms and even styles change every couple of lines or so. She doesn't stay anywhere for very long...and I love it. My god, what a treasure.
Excellent album. Amazing how influential she was, and died so young. Such a tragedy. Fave track: stoned soul picnic.
10/10 such a fun album no complaints, just some really fun pop I should listen to at least one or two other albums from her
I really liked this album. It has a unique blend of soul and folk that works really well. I've never heard of Laura Nyro, but I am a fan.
****a good easy listening album
A great listen. I really enjoyed her vocal styles and the production and instrumentation was top. Lots of fun little tempo shifts throughout to keep things fresh.
nyro should have become more well-known than she was. this is some fantastic songwriting and singing
This was really nice. For some reason this older full band sound always works well with my brain.
You can clearly see where she fits in the pantheon of popular music. Her influence is everywhere from Joni Mitchell to Patti Smith, Excene Cervenka and Donna Summer to Tori Amos and Fiona Apple. The music is well composed and the whole project is very well produced. It feels very much like a Broadway soundtrack. It’s not always easy to enjoy or listen to. But I can appreciate what’s happening. Stoned Soul Picnic is rad af. Get into it.
This gave me an opportunity to listen to an artist I’d heard a lot about. I suppose it is must listen. I liked it.
Surprised I’ve never heard of her. Joyful.
Fantastic songwriting and a great voice.
I really really loved this. Her melodies and songwriting remind me so much of Carole King, but with a clearer more theatrical voice. She feels like a cross between Carole and Linda Ronstadt. Which is a compliment. Fav tracks: Lonely Women; Eli’s Comin’; Stoned Soul Picnic; Woman’s Blues
A very good soul pop record that has a production value that is honestly timeless. I found most tracks to be pretty good no complaints.
What makes the album great is that Nyro does not write songs so much as she hurls them through different moods in real time. Soul, pop, gospel, jazz, Brill Building craft, and near-operatic drama all collide here. A lesser artist doing this much would sound undisciplined.
Fantastic songwriter. Album is a bit uneven but it establishes her sound and has three of her best songs.
I didn't know much about Laura Nyro before this, but man, I was totally blown away. This 1968 album sounds way ahead of its time, mixing soul, jazz, gospel, and pop into its own unique vibe. You can really hear how she paved the way for legends like Carole King, Joni Mitchell, and Kate Bush. The song structures are wild and unpredictable, but instead of feeling messy, it’s just a super fun, creative rush. Her voice is unreal, so powerful and full of raw emotion. Whether she's going all in on the theatrical, frantic parts of "Eli's Comin'" or chilling out with the groove on "Stoned Soul Picnic", she’s in total control. I can see why her big, Broadway style energy might be a lot for some people, but I loved it. It’s an absolute hidden gem and a total blast to listen to.
This is what I signed up for. The first five tracks go by and you're thinking "this is nice.". Then Eli's Comin' comes in and all I can think is "this is a great cover." But then we hit "Stoned Soul Picnic" and I have to think "how many covers are on this album?" because a bit of a pet peeve that we just get covers. So one goes to Wikipedia and learns - wait, no. Really? She wrote Eli's Comin' and Stoned Soul Picnic? Well that sets this album in a completely different light. Woman's Blues is a great song too. So is Once It Was Alright Now. I didn't even recognize Sweet Blindness (not a 5th Dimension song I really know). A complete surprise from a complete unknown to me artist. I love Three Dog Night's version of Eli's Comin'. But the original is a whole different level of haunting and beautiful.
I like her voice. It's a nice album to listen to in the background.
I was actually surprised by this one, really enjoyed it. Her vocals and the melodies are Jeff Buckley-esqe. There wasn’t a track on this album I didn’t enjoy
Schön zu hören, wirkt zeitlos. Angenehme Stimme. 4/5
I don’t like all the songs on this album but ‘Eli’s Coming’ and ‘Stoned Soul Picnic’ are great. In my mind I’m always strolling down a street in Manhattan, wearing long hair, a baker boy hat over long hair, A-line skirt and stacked heel leather boots.
You know what? Hell yeah. This is not my kind of music, but it sounds cool as hell and is made by a woman, a category of album that is egregiously underrepresented on this damn list. 3.5
Love love love her voice.
This is great. Great voice and lyrics. Song structures were cool.
Muito gostoso de ouvir, tem destaque e tem inovação. A voz dela fica as vezes um pouco chatinho, e os instrumentos foram mt bem gravados!
a patti Smith do bem
Laura Nyro has been revered as a songwriter for decades now. Her song interpreted by many genres of performers. I love this album because I am from that time but don't want to hear it often.
This was much better than expected. As someone who loves Joni Mitchell I could hear influences on her here. Interesting. Would likely give it another listen.
Personal enjoyment: 4/5 Relevance to this list: 4/5
Eli and the Thirteenth Confession brought a lot of different music to mind for me. the harmonic schemes feel like a cross-pollination of Romanticism, Tin Pan Alley and Broadway; the symphonic arrangements paired with a pop rhythm section call Carole King to mind; and the progressive song structures immediately made me think of Elton John. what blew my mind was realizing that Laura Nyro was already on LP #2 here, while King, John et al. had yet to even release their first! this album is worth a listen just to witness the ripple effect it clearly had on the Weirdo Pop of the future. Laura Nyro's voice will no doubt be an acquired taste—especially her high-range belting and the way she'll sometimes land on dissonant blue notes and even quarter-tones—but there's too many strange idiosyncrasies in her music to properly ignore it. strong 7/10.
This was a surprise, not sure about the 1st 2 tracks, but then, omg I loved it, I looked her up as I’d never heard of her, and watched some on UT, reminded me of Carole King, writing some really great songs - and songs sung with passion, 🙌
Ikke vet æ koffor æ aldri har hørt på Laura Nyro før, men det e ganske rart, for æ likte det godt. Særlig poeng til «Lonely Women» som går rett inn på en eller flere spillelister.
What a weird and fun pop album. I can see how this influenced others. I don't know if I'll listen again but I definitely enjoyed the experience of it. People who say the phrase "this could never be made today" always mean because something is so offensive, and they're almost always wrong. That phrase should be reserved for things like this album, which certainly wouldn't be allowed to be both weird and mainstream if it were made today.
Leuke verrassing dit, want ik had nog nooit van Laura Nyro gehoord. Lekker theatraal af en toe. Productie klinkt best modern voor zo'n oude plaat.
What a gorgeous voice. Huge influence on so many singers to come. Great blend of folk with lots of other styles
Her voice is incredible. This is a very jazzy album.
Wow, what a surprise. I read Spotify's biography of her while listening to her tremendous voice. I had never hear of her and didn't realize that she wrote songs for a number of groups my mom was playing in the house in the 1970s when I was little. Those were formative bands for me--Three Dog Night, Barbra Streisand, Blood Sweat and Tears, Peter Paul and Mary--and as I listened to the album, I could hear the strains of her connection to them and to the broader era. There is a lot of soul in her voice and songs, an undercurrent of r & b, there are hints of the 60s girl groups, especially the Supremes. Great stuff.
ou pior que foi bem melhor do que achei que seria. mó vozerão com 21 anos que bizarro achei alguns instrumentais bem massa, na real. uma pegada mais blues/jazz, super bem produzido. bacana demais.
Enjoyed this
Pleasantly surprised by this album, hidden gem Fave track: Eli's Coming
más prog que la mayoría del prog, acrobáticos los cambios de tempo, compás, time feel, y acrobática tmb la voz de la laura. lo había oido ya algunas veces hace unos años y aun así no lo acabo de digerir
Day 229 Really enjoyed the uptempo songs here, had never heard anything before. Highlights Poverty Train Eli’s coming Women’s blues
Highly Broadway-coded Very much doubting between 3 and 4 stars, but damn it, let’s go 4* for the novelty of it. 4/5
A lot of fun actually
70s summer day vibes i’ve been looking for
Some of this was unbelievably good. She was an amazing talent. Some of it was also very Joni Mitchell, which I've stated, in no uncertain terms, my dislike for.
This was brilliant from start to finish. It’s like a mix of jazz, rock, and psychedelia. It’s awesome. Her voice is different in a way I can’t really put my finger on, but I like it. Very into this record.
the joni mitchell that was promised. 4.5
Straight from the American songbook
Never heard of her before so this was a pleasant surprise.
Really liked this and did not expect to
Reminiscent of that one Mario princess who's the mayor of that city. Typa shit she would sing while walking down the streets. I like it. It's quite vibey. It feels very modern retro to be honest. I really like it. Very Mario-esque. She's really doing whatever with her voice tbh. Just hooting and hollerin. Typa shit I'd listen to while strolling down a New York avenue with a neck of pearls and a sexy guy with oddly blue eyes in a sharp suit on my arm. DPS radio dancing gif. Very homogenous sound throughout. Would you love to love me? I'd love to love you. Favourite: Emmie Least favourite: Lonely Woman
Favorite tracks: Luckie, Sweet Blindness, Eli's Comin, Stoned Soul Picnic An unsung pop classic from the late 60s, blending together the pastiches of counter-culture music of the time with soul and the occasional jazziness that gives this record its own familiar but singular sound. I absolutely love Laura Nyro's performance on here, she has one of the greatest voices period.
First things first - the album cover and the photo of Laura Nyro looks about fifty years ahead of its time. The rest of the album is a really lovely listen to be fair. It's very chilled and sweet, if at times almost saccharine. I would definitely put this on when i was working, and I think it'd be a class thing to have on record.
When you start this album, you definitely feel like you've just rolled up into it. Surprising for a debut she makes it feel like she's been around forever. These are some great soul/pop/rock songs. An excellent voice and singer songwriter vibes. Good feelings.
The kind of thing I want to play at a dinner party, but wouldn't.
Had no clue what to expect from this. It was great, a bit Joni Mitchell, a bit Janis Joplin, just a very fun and lively vocal album from an artist I somehow haven’t heard of before but will now go seek their other albums out.
Thought this was really good. Her voice is amazing, the production is great and the albums overall just really fun and easy to listen to. Would and should definitely listen to again. Best songs on first listen: -poverty train -Eli’s coming -stoned soul picnic
A collection of late 60s jazz-influenced pop/soul tunes by a remarkable singer-songwriter with a confident, talented voice. Influential to many, an iconoclast that broke new ground in music. Compare to Carole King, a contemporary who was clearly influenced by her. This record has her version of Stoned Soul Picnic which was a hit for the 5th Dimension - the versions are very similar with this one a little less bombastic and Nyro's multi-tracked vocals doing the harmonies. The songs feel like a synesthetic expression of experiences, failures and triumphs.
Fabulous songwriter, important songs.
Shocked I have never heard her before! Will be listening to more for sure!
listened to a few songs and i really liked them
I appreciate her voice, but it’s just not my style. One listen through is plenty for me, but I wouldn’t mind hearing a song off it every now and then. But I’m glad I’ve heard it, and think it’s a great album for anyone to be exposed to at least once. It very well encapsulates this style in that era.
Pretty nice, never heard of her, shes like coral kind and joni Mitchell in one. 4 stars cause too repetitive at a certain point, would be good holiday album
I've heard of Laura Nyro tangentially through her connection to Jackson Browne, so I figured she was another Laurel Canyon folkie. Which I don't mind, at all. But this has real nice classical and jazz arrangements, with strong vocals and and instrumentation. Not what I was expecting, and enjoyed it quite a bit.
this was interesting. i couldnt (still cant really) tell if i like her voice or if i find it annoying. i was prepared to give this album a 2 or 3 but ended up really enjoying the back half of the album
Noch nie von der Interpretin gehört, aber direkt umgeblasen worden. Unglaublich vielschichtige Songs, fast jeder Song mit Wechsel in Struktur und Tempo. Schwierig das alles beim ersten Mal zu erfassen, aber viel war hier überraschend catchy. Und wie kann denn eine Platte aus den 60ern so unfassbar gut klingen. Das hätte auch genauso in den 90ern aufgenommen sein können. Die 2 Balladen haben mich leider nicht so bekommen. Dafür habe ich aber direkt die The 1975-Interpolation erkannt.
Ich war schockiert als ich gesehen habe wann das Album rauskam. Das hätte auch genauso gut gestern aufgenommen worden sein. Absolut zeitloses Songwriting und Produktion.
Good? I haven't heard this type of music before. This is a great, calming, tranquil music that I will take into consideration. However, I do like more energetic music.
Very solid singer songwriter album 4/5
Сподобалось і нагадало улюблену Джоні Мітчел.
Some insane chord and tempo changes in this! Love her voice and I was captivated by the music throughout.
I’d never heard of Laura Nyro. Seemed a bit like a knock off of Joni at first, but the album grew on me.
Soulful sounds with smooth musical accompaniment
8/10
Wow. I think I had written Laura Nero off as “just another singer/songwriter and never really checked her discography. I fell like a fool. This is great. Varied and inspired arrangements. Vocals and songwriting are top notch too. 8/10 Favorite Tracks- “Sweet Blindness” Eli’s Comin” “Woman’s Blues”
Great voice.
A solid 4.5
I found this to be a beautiful album. Soulful, jazzy, bluesy, all delivered through a beautiful voice. I really dug it.
A fun soul/Jazz album that sounds much more modern than it is. The singer has a soulful voice and the drums and piano is played really well. The occasional saxophone and slower songs makes the album as a whole a great experience.
Kinda fun and edgy for ‘68. She has a some good pipes too!!
This was pretty good. Beautiful voice.
It’s pretty good
probaly never listen again but very good
The time changes and swinging grooves make for a very interesting and good album
Very cool album
This one was a surprise. It has a timeless sound, with a nice jazzy, soulful feel throughout, and her voice fits perfectly. Beautiful from start to finish.
I liked the vibe of this. Belted out ballads and great lyrics.
I was really surprised by this one. It's far off the beaten path of soul/funk. But it had these Motown style backup harmonies on a flashy style that just worked. Definitely a unique sound, not great background music though imo. There also wasn't a track that made me think "hit."
every song sounds like you're waking up in bill murray's groundhog day, but instead of learning piano or killing yourself you just vibe out in your room. really just an album of vocal flexing. the singing is 90% of it which is great because the singing is truly very good. surprised at how lovely the whole experience is. favorite tracks are probably Lucky and Lonely Women. like a 4.49/5
Rating: 8/10 Turns out this has been in my listen list for almost 3 years. I see how it got there, with just the kind of influence I think it might have had on the modern sphere of art pop artists who I like now, who have some of the most exciting songwriting and production around. Will be needing to dive into this more and the rest of her songs
This album is a weird one. I hated Luckie. Then each song was growing on me as the album went on. Finish the album and look back at how there were some bops. Now here I am listening to the album again and enjoying Luckie. Crazy. 8 lizard wizards out of 10 lizard wizards. Can't for the Laura Nyro and King Gizz combo album. Edit: 7 listens later and I'm still coming back
Could grow on me- but solid 4 on first listen
4.5
Great vocals some great songs (Eli's Coming) that you have no doubt heard by others very upbeat record
Pretty great in a old school kind of way
Enjoyed this one, not what I expected but a lot of fun. 4 stars
I'll be honest, I went into this album expecting to give it a low score. That's on me for rushing to judgment. Because this album is really good.
You know what, I’m going to round my rating up to a 4. I guess she’s like a Kate Bush or Tori Amos for Boomers.
This girl has some incredible pipes. Listened to it driving in the mountains with Carly and even she enjoyed it. Solid album and would love to explore more by Nyro
I like this a lot. Has a Norah Jones kinda vibe but 35 years earlier. I didn't pay attention to the lyrics, but I really liked the vibe
Very beautiful! I loved her vocals so much.
I was not expecting this style of music based on the album name and art, and it was a pleasant surprise. The vocals occasionally cross into being too bright and theatre-y for me, but for the most part I like her vocal quality. There is a jazzy, folky element that reminds me a bit of Joni Mitchell. Apparently Elton John was a big fan of Laura and he even wrote a tribute song for her with Brandi Carlile called "The Rose of Laura Nyro" - it's a very cool song. My favourite songs were Luckie, Stoned Soul Picnic, and Woman's Blues. 7.5/10.
Pleasant listen for a colder day. Cooked some pizza to this album and then ate dinner. Would recommend this pairing.
This was a really cool album. I really liked the vocal style
Overall really charming and I think deserves a revisit. I’ve never heard of Laura Nyro before, but clearly influenced a lot of artists that followed.
Like Carole King, but seemingly less pop sensibility and a much more powerful voice. Not familiar with her work prior to this, but love it.
Just great!
Connaissais pas. Style assez quelconque, voix de tête insupportable, mais assez jolie voix grave, à la Carole King. J'ai quand même envie de réécouter, pour ses lignes mélodiques originales, et les textes ont l'air bon.
Not my style, quality but too up and down and every where else too 😉
Interesting writer
high 4 This is so close to being amazing. An extremely entertaining listen. Really impressive stuff. But somehow, I dont find myself coming back to it often. Maybe she goes a touch too far?
Eli and the Thirteenth Confession is art. And a perfect entry to the 1001 Must Hear List. Unusual song topics, complex instrumentation, dramatic tempo changes, lots of different moods, and great wide range vocals. Had to listen to this one twice, it’s literally all over the place in a good way. Recognized a couple of the songs and always thought they were the originals (3Dog and 5thDim.) Never heard of Laura Nyro, but she just kills it with the blue-eyed soul on Lonely Woman’s Blues - yeh, both songs. December’s Boudoir sums it up; weird thoughts, lyrics , tempos, moods, and a harp. (4.0*s) I’ll surry on down to her stoned soul picnic any day!
Dejlig gammel pop !!! Har ikke så meget andet at sige end det. 7/10
Really nice
Nice!
this was like if carole king and maria muldair had a baby. and that baby was an album.
Very experimental, but not bad. No, Laura Nyro definitely has ideas that is specifically tailored not to everyone's taste. Given the journey I have been on with this generator, this 1968 album definitely has been one of the better albums I have listened to from this era. It just occurred to me the year is from the late 60s when the album felt like an indie singer that probably released their first experimental album in 2024.
Swing and a miss. Makes me want to listen to Amy Winehouse.
It’s chaos. It’s genius. It’s a 20-year-old woman writing gospel-pop-funk-Broadway-jazz songs with no concern for whether you can keep up. And good luck trying. Her voice is all over the place in the best way: belting one second, whispering the next, often just teetering on the edge of falling apart. But that edge is where she lives. That’s the appeal. This isn’t some timeless classic that floats above the era. It screams 1968. But not in the Hendrix/Zeppelin/“turn on, tune in” way. This is the other 1968: sweaty, theatrical, soulful, complicated. It’s the version of the late ’60s where the band sounds like a jazz-funk pit orchestra trying to survive a bus-and-truck tour of Hair. That whole energy stuck around too. Just listen to the first season of SNL and tell me it’s not the same band spirit. “Stoned Soul Picnic,” “Sweet Blindness,” and “Eli’s Comin’” got covered by everyone from The 5th Dimension to Three Dog Night, but Nyro’s versions are the ones that feel like something. “Poverty Train” hits like a protest song being sung from the back pew of a church that’s about to burn down. And “Emmie.” A love song to another woman, in 1968. That wasn’t nothing. She was 20. Just 20 when she made this. And while plenty covered her songs, no one ever really caught the feel of them. Only Nyro could make chaos sound that divine.
This is why I feel like giving 2 ratings. Talent and artistic contribution? 5. How much I enjoy listening? 3. I just don't care for this type of soprano voice, personally.
Its insane this album came out in 1968. The powerful instrumentals accented by her soulful, energetic voice carry this record, and has such a modern feel to it. I can see why this record influenced many artists in the 80's and 90's, it absolutely slaps. 4.5/5.
The review score (and some of the written reviews) for this album confirmed for me what I’ve slowly been noticing over my album journey so far. A lot of you don’t respect music made by or for women. Laura deserves better.
Fav songs: Woman's blue Once it was alright Timer Notes: Vinyl worthy
It's always a treat to hear songs from over a decade before I was born. Most don't really hold up, but i could see myself listening to Laura on a more regular basis. Some fun and upbeat, others slow and sultry. It blends well with a classic sound. Not sure which was my favorite. The first three were very strong candidates. I think Sweet Blindness will go onto the playlist for now, but Luckie was a close second.
Carole Kingesque so knew I would enjoy it after the first track. Great piano. Eli's Comin the standout on first listen, but no weak tracks. Will be returning to this for sure.
Y ed a
pleasant
Great tunes, well produced. Nostalgic sounding and charming.
Never heard of her or this album. Not sure what album everyone else is listening to here. This was great! Similar songwriting style to Carole King. Favorite songs were Luckie, Sweet Blindness, Eli’s Comin’, and Woman’s Blues.
A few songs are 5th Dimension tunes. Ah, after reading, I see she was the song writer of the tunes.
coletânea de estilos americanos da época uma voz muito bonita traz bastante texturas com vozes e instrumentos diferentes
Very Linda Rondstadt coded, I enjoyed this one, but seemed a bit more cookie-cutter singer/songwriter from the 60s.
3.5 stars rounded up. This is like discovering Tori Amos 50+ years later. Laura Nyro was too much of an oddball in her own time to fit into the Carole King folk singer-songwriter mould that was most adjacent. She would have been at home at Lilith Fair in the 90s. Too bad she only found success being covered and lauded by others like Streisand and Blood, Sweat and Tears.
Very enjoyable album, I don’t get how I’ve never heard of her before. Fave Tracks: Luckie, Lonely Women, Timer, Women’s Blues, Once It Was Alright Now (Farmer Joe) 4.2/5
4/5
Really good voice and lyrics. I think the last couple fall off a bit, but the first 3/4s I really liked. Like a jazzier Joni Mitchell. 4/5
This is a remarkable album. I feel like for most of the albums in this that I like, I have at least heard of the artist but I was completely unfamiliar with Laura Nyro. For the first few tracks the sudden tempo changes were a bit jarring but as I got more used to it the songs and instrumentation are fantastic. Listed to it twice straight through and excited to explore some of her other albums. I'd put this a shade below 4.5 stars so rounding to 4, but very strong.
Elis coming, woman's blues and the confession are my favorites
What is art without some contrasting themes. Dark, intimate and solem album art completely contrasted against a brash, bold, and bright highly Motown derived soul. Now before anyone goes crying "stolen soul!!!!" its not easy to sound bright and high register like Diana Ross while also throwing her voice dynamics around like Tiny Turner. This is a really good album. I hear Carole King, Barbara Striesand, some Smokey Robinson from the band. And while overall total end product does not compare to those giants. This one still manages to entertain like those giants.
enjoyable
⭐︎4.0 1968年に発売されたとは思えないモダンなサウンドと、圧倒的な歌唱力が特徴的なアルバム。 全くチャート順位は振るわなかったが、時代を先取りしすぎたのだと思う。 全体的に完成度が高いが、突出した曲は少ない印象。総じてクオリティが高い。
What a spectacular voice Laura Nyro has! She carries the record almost by herself, she's a great songwriter and an amazing singer. The instrumentals are great too, the mix of jazz, blues and some pop. It's a pretty good blue-eyed soul record. I feel like you can hear the influence this record would have on a lot of artists. All the songs of the first half of the record are great. My favourites were "Lu" and "Eli's Comin", which are both excellent. "December's Boudoir" is very good too, a bit slower and more intimate.
I liked this album. A bit jazzy a bit Adele. Lots of vocal range
fuck it, totally different from what the cover and title made me think it would sound like lmao
Hints of Carole King in here.
Very nice!
Eli And The Thirteenth Confession was an album where my opinion kept wavering back and forth. At points, it could feel like a 3 star album and at other points it could be a 4 star album. A lot of the music here could be alright at best but it did have moments of being really good. The vocals also wavered with them sometimes being really good and other times being a bit awkward. I will still say that the good parts of this album outweighed any of the really bad but also a lot of the really good parts to. This more or less makes this album be just a good one with a lot of really good parts so i may just end up giving it a 3.5 Best Song: Eli's Comin' Worst Song: December's Boudoir Side Note: One thing i just really want to say is that i think Laura Nyro is genuinely so beautiful
Great album and a talent that didn’t get the recognition she deserved as a performer. Great songwriting. She’s missed.
Love the sound, it's very Carole Kimg. But the album kimd of wears two masks with some Motown and some hippie psychedelia, and the Motown work is definitely better. Luckie is a great song and has been stuck in my head all day, but as the album transitioned, it felt more generic. Still rwally enjoyed it though.
Surprisingly good.
I tried years ago to get into Laura Nyro on the recommendation of a musician whose taste allayed with mine and it just didn't click, this time however hit me right between the ears. I get it, i really get it.
What a voice
This is what I came here for! Never heard of her before, but great album. I'm a sucker for a big female voice
pretty cool album that i definitely thought was by an unknown-to-me indie darling from the 2010s until i saw the year the album released. the old-school feel works great here, and the tracks range from emotional and moving to fun and punchy. it gets dull towards the end but most albums do. favorites: luckie, sweet blindness, eli's comin', stoned soul picnic
This one surprised me as I wasn't familiar with her at all, but there's some Carole King similarities here and also a proto-80s/90s female songwriter vibe too.
Never heard of Laura before - but that was a real smooth listen on the train ride home
Great late 60s pop. Enjoyed pretty much everything about this just a bit long.
I've not heard of this artist before, but what a tremendous find. American soul music isn't my natural go to, but it's hard to deny greatness when you hear it. A couple of tracks I recognised, so not all new to me. 'Eli's Comin'' and 'Stoned Soul Picnic' are bangers. A definate Northern soul feel. Heard before ❌️ Listened this time ✅️ Revisit ✅️ Purchase 🫳 quite possibly Strong ★★★★☆
holy shit
Start was amazing, then less interesting.
kind of Carole King, I appreciate her
Really cool art-pop kinda record. It's got a vibe and flow to it that is pretty distinctly unique but makes you feel like you are in some sort of dreamy haze for the duration of the album. The instrumentals change pace and key effortlessly but never take away from the narrative of the songs. Honestly hard for me to pick favourites because I felt like this truly was an album that was meant to be listened to front to back as one piece of music. Favourites - Luckie, Sweet Blindness, Lonely Women, Emmie
Exactly the kind of album I imagine Quentin Tarantino is listening to while casting the lead actress for his next film based solely on their feet pics. Shocked to see that this is getting quite mixed ratings, it’s a very strong album. Luckie (7/10) Lu (7/10) Sweet Blindness (8/10) Poverty Train (7/10) Lonely Woman (9/10) Eli’s Comin’ (8/10) Timer (6/10) Stoned Soul Picnic (7/10) Emmie (7/10) Woman’s Blues (7/10) Once it Was Alright Now (Farmer Joe’s) (8/10) December’s Boudoir (7/10) The Confession (8/10) 7.4/10
It's a bit of a strange album but with moments of absolute stardust sprinkled all over it. I'm not the biggest fan of her voice but she does a lot of different things with it at different points. I do really like the songwriting overall; for the late 60s she's pretty nonconformist and there's a lot of joy in the music. Her favourite trick seems to be the sudden, unexpected change of tempo, which is fun but does start to get a bit predictable after a while, ironically. It's not really in my wheelhouse but I can see myself coming back to it for more listens. There's certainly a lot of ideas and layers to it that I fear are hiding beneath the surface. On first listen I wasn't keen but the more I hear it, the more I like it.
Ikke hørt før trur jeg, bra!
I enjoyed this. Cheesy at times and quite different to anything that I usually listen to. I liked her album with Labelle. I don't know why I've never checked out any of her other work.
Man, she loves her tempo changes. Sometimes it loses its momentum because of it though like on Sweet Blindness. I quite like this album though.
Like it.
Canciones muy de los años 60, una gran voz con tintes de jazz.
I’ve never heard of Laura Nyro, so glad this was in the challenge I really enjoyed this
She was a great musician and songwriter, but her voice was not that good (especially her upper register). Nevertheless, other artists interpreted her songs to great effect. For that alone, she gets 4 stars.
I have never heard of this album or this singer, but I really enjoyed this. Laura gives me the same vibes as Carole King and many of these songs sound out of time. I liked the jazz songs much less than the folk/pop ones, but overall this is a very good record.
A great voice, a genre I can't quite place but thoroughly enjoyed, but a set of songs that I completely lost track of in the middle. She's clearly got the skills, but once the songs sound this samey ask the way through i start to lose interest. I definitely enjoyed it, just don't ask me to tell you how the songs went!
Like proto kate bush 4/5
Great voice and songs.
rating kept going up the longer I listened to this. Giving it a 4, would listen to this again on purpose.
Good listen.
I really dig this. Sort of an edgier Carol King. Theatrical and strange. A good listen.
liked songs: all Very cool jazz/pop album. Especially interesting with the many tempo changes mid-song. 3.75
Oddly enough, I had never heard of Laura Nyro until I heard the opening track of Elton John and Brandi Carlisle’s album Who Believes in Angels? that came out a few weeks ago. This is a really great sounding record that appears to have been a few years ahead of its time. It reminds me of Tapestry by Carole King, which came out three years later. The album cover also looks ahead of its time: I assumed it was an obscure 90’s album.
Very unique and talented voice. Not a very catchy album but it was enjoyable to listen to.
I have such a soft spot for this album, ever since I first heard it about 20 years ago. I love the goth vibes of the album cover (way ahead of actual goth culture), and the stark contrast between the dark, sad-looking album cover and the first notes of "Luckie", which feels so upbeat and maybe even sunny. When I first heard this album, the thing that struck me was not just the musical or verbal complexity, which both felt totally unique compared to anything before (and most everything since), but the variety packed into each individual song. I think of Laura Nyro a bit like Van Gogh or Coltrane...no one understood the available box of musical and lyrical tools exactly like she did, and no one saw the world quite like she did. Particularly the patchwork way that she integrated tempo, key and meter changes within a song, and her unique vocabulary and phraseology make this record absolutely essential for me, and I'm a passionate advocate for it. Even though several of the songs on this record are better known as covers by other people, the versions here are often superior for Nyro's delivery. Since her writing style was so unique, it stands to reason that her delivery was more aligned with her original vision. Not to say that there aren't other good versions of Stoned Soul Picnic, for example...I just prefer hers. To be fair, there are some moments on this record that slow it down - maybe more than I prefer - and signal toward the more mournful music she subsequently released. But as a collection I believe this one holds together as a singular artistic statement.
That's not my taste in music, but pleasant music
++: Luckie, Lu, Sweet Blindness, Poverty Train, Eli's Comin', Timer, Stoned Soul Picnic, Woman's Blues, Once It Was Alright Now (Farmer Joe), The Confession +: Lonely Women +-: Emmie, December's Boudoir 8,5/10
I can definitely see how Laura Nyro was a major influence on Joni Mitchell. This is a solid soulful singer/songwriter album with a strong jazz element and some subtle touches of the ‘60s baroque pop movement. It’s a cool album to check out, but I don’t really see myself returning to it for more listens in the future.
Just beautiful.
Wild how future proofed this sounds. 1968 and it sounds like it could’ve come out in the last 20 years.
It’s incredible this was made in 1968. Lightyears ahead of its time.
I know the cover versions of a lot of these songs and I love Kate Bush too much to not vibe with this.
Really interesting lyricism. Feels like it's from another dimension. Way advanced for the time conceptually. I can see why she was t commercially successful. Still, a shame. She definitely deserves that recognition.
The sound on this album and her vocal range are amazing.
Pleasant and utterly fantastic voice. Lots of innovative drum fills and layered vocals. Delightfully bewildering lyrics too, like in the opener, LUCKIE, "Well, there's an avenue of Devil who believe in stone/You can meet the captain at the dead-end zone/What Devil doesn't know is that Devil can't stay/Doesn't know he's seen his day"
Very catchy, surprised I've never heard of her. Didn't realize the three dog night version of elis coming was a cover
Funner album than I anticipated. Album art was pretty moody. Very Carly coded music from an artist I had never heard of before
Never heard of the artist or any of the songs but found it really catchy. Album artwork was giving much more modern than the 60s so that was a shock to hear
God damn what a clean voice. This is so easy to listen to and appreciate. I was surprised how old it was but am a fan and this makes total sense to be on the list. I do wonder who Eli is.
I've 100 percent never heard of this person. By the name and album cover I assumed this was a 90s act. The production is pretty crisp. The compositions and mixing carry this for me. Her voice is good but not great. The list of artists she has influenced is impressive. With the song writing on display here it makes sense. A really solid album, but it's just missing that something. Just doesn't pop for me.
Pretty run of the mill singer-songwriter stuff until Lonely Woman came on. That song had some serious emotion behind it and I love the jazziness of it. Oh lawd Eli's Comin'! Stoned Soul Picnic has got a groove. Red Yellow Honey! Sassafras and Moonshine! Woman's Blues has some power to it as well. As much as I kinda dislike singer-songwriter I thoroughly enjoyed this. It was a little quirky and reminded me of that Joni Mitchell album we had recently. Respect, Laura N.
Leuk, hou wel van dit soort albums
I had never heard of Laura Nyro prior to the 1001 bot generating it for me this me, it's a delightful album, she has a wonderful voice.
A new confession for an old soul.
I can definitely see how Laura Nyro was a major influence on Joni Mitchell. This is a solid soulful singer/songwriter album with a strong jazz element and some subtle touches of the ‘60s baroque pop movement. It’s a cool album to check out, but I don’t really see myself returning to it for more listens in the future.
Feel good sunny afternoon
Never heard of her or this album before. Beautiful voice coupled with jazz/blues/rock instrumentation. Really good chemistry throughout the whole album!
4.5
Quite creative. Similar to feist but she strains her voice too much 3.7
Eli And The Thirteenth Confession- Laura Nyro || 4/5⭐️ ༘˚⋆𐙚｡⋆𖦹.✧˚ another great album, and thank god because for the last 4 days we had a bunch of flops. i really love her sound it’s perfectly right up my alley. it’s very pretty, a little whimsical with the way it’s composed, and i guess jazzy?? (buca bucillo) if i could compare her to anything i’d say very fiona apple. ______________________ stand out songs: luckie, sweet blindness, poverty train🥇, lonely woman, timer, stoned soul picnic
⭐⭐⭐⭐ — 4[.2] stars of 5. Really enjoyed the sounds on this album. It's really oldie, but in absolutely the best way possible. Love her voice, it's so soulful. This was a morning listen for me, so I was a little bit too tired to pick out the individual tracks, but it was better than anything I expected. Love the jazz influences. Perfect album to get my day started to. But overall, it's amazing, it just feels ... good, like overall positive vibes from this, and they slow it down when they need to ("December's Boudoir"). Great album. Favourites: Luckie, December's Boudoir, Timer, The Confession⭐. Dislikes: none again!
Laura Nyro - eli and the thirteenth confession . Rating - 3.999/5. > i love her voice. The weirdness of Luckie was unique to me. I just rly liked the overall sound of the album. Sweet Blindness is cute but the lyrics r funky LOL. The intro on Poverty Train was rly interesting. I didn’t rly like Lonely Women. ZAWG WHO IS ELI 😭😭👏. Timer was nice. Id say it kept a consistent sound. Emmie is nice :3 i like the lyrics. The lyrics on Decembers Boudoir r nice i think(?). Aww the ending song is cute. >thumbs up: sweet blindness, timer, emmie
idk how i’ve never heard of laura nyro before. starts a lot stronger than it finishes, but it’s a beautiful blend of genres throughout.
Every track had me second guessing where will the next turnaround will happen? It's a amazing record of great songs, maybe if Laura was willing to play the game it would've been more recognizable, but as it is it's a great surprise to find if you search for your favourite songwriter's favourite songwriter. https://youtu.be/APZN_uL-z0A Todd Rundgren talks about Laura and how she hated making this album and on the flip side how afterwards her process wasn't as concise to make more music.
Eli and the Thirteenth Confession is a fascinating exploration of soulful, eclectic songwriting that showcases Laura Nyro’s unique artistic vision. There’s a raw, honest quality to her lyrics and vocal delivery that draws you in immediately, and the beautifully textured arrangements create a rich sonic tapestry that is hard to forget. The songwriting on this album is fucking brilliant. Every track is a masterclass in blending heartfelt lyrics with unexpected musical twists. Laura’s voice is expressive, soulful, and unmistakably distinctive. which carries each song with an emotional intensity that feels both vulnerable and powerful. The arrangements are meticulously layered, combining elements of soul, pop, jazz, and rock into a sound that’s as innovative as it is personal. The interplay between the intricate piano lines, dynamic guitar work, and subtle percussion creates a beautifully textured landscape that continually reveals new details with every listen. That said, there are moments when the album feels a bit overindulgent. At times, the eclectic production can feel scattered, making the flow of the album seem less cohesive than it could be. Some tracks meander or lose focus, and while the experimental touches are part of its charm, they sometimes distract from the overall impact. Additionally, a few vocal passages and production quirks, though unique, occasionally come off as overly idiosyncratic,. elements that might not resonate with every listener, including me, even as I admire the boldness of her choices. Overall, Eli and the Thirteenth Confession remains an intriguing and emotionally rich album that, despite its minor flaws, continues to captivate me with its intricate textures and powerful songwriting. It’s a record that challenges the conventional and rewards careful, repeated listening. For me, it earns a solid 3.7/5 stars—a testament to its artistic ambition and the depth of its creative expression.
Ebbs and flows with an aquatic like quality. Poverty Train to Stoned Sould Picnic is a great stretch
Vibe
Komeaa laulumusiikkia! 4/5