Henry's Dream

4/5

papa wont leave you, henry- 8. why did he eat so hard i had a dream, joe- 7 straight to you- 7 brother, my cup is empty- 7 christina the astonishing- its giving agnes. 7 when i first came to town- 6 or 7 john finns wife- 7 loom of the land- 6 or 7 jack the ripper- 7 thank you, nick 🙏🙏🙏

I get why this is labeled under "Punk Blues" on the Wikipedia page for this album. 4.5 bumped down to 4.

I’m at a 4. This is my first time listening to Nick Cave, who I’ve heard *of*, but never *heard* until now. For a first impression, I think this is pretty good – lots of heavier but very intentionally designed soundscapes, some good grit in the vocals, and a nice progression throughout a lot of the tracks that keeps them as captivating listens. I don’t think there’s ever a bad song here, & for the most part, I enjoyed a lot of this album. The big key issue I have with this album is about some of the storytelling on a handful of tracks on the back half, specifically Tracks 6, 8, & 9. It’s not that the songwriting is necessarily bad, but they each have their own issues that keep each track from feeling very satisfying, dragging out the 41 minute runtime of the album into something that feels longer. “When I First Came To Town” is a great listen, but the lack of a reveal for why exactly all these townsfolk have turned on the guy leaves it feeling empty for me, combined with the soundscape getting a bit sterile within the last minute or two, reaching the peak of intensity just early enough to overstay its welcome. “Loom of the Land” suffers from a lot of the same issues, enhanced further by the story in the track just not being very interesting. “Jack the Ripper” sort of suffers from these same things, but my issue there is more so that the big intense buildup in each instrumental just feels a bit overdone by that point in the album. It’s also just a bad vibe to end the album on, with the whole toxic relationship thing. They’re all good tracks to listen to, but they’re nowhere near as exciting as the instrumentals and vocals make them out to be, & that disconnect is just biting at me too much. That excitement is thankfully present on the front half of the album – I think the first 4 tracks here click really nicely, & while “Christina the Astonishing” might feel like a similar sort of drag, the calmer nature of that track worked really nicely for me as a pace breaker to the intensity of the first 4. Mileage may vary, depending on how much you want to listen to a story of a woman so saintly she can smell sin. “John Finn’s Wife” is probably my standout track of the album – just a good old-fashioned duel over a lady, with a great blend of storytelling & vocal/instrumental intensity that feels befitting of the scope & scale it’s reaching for. Overall, it’s a slightly mixed bag – if the storytelling is never captivating, this album will never really click, and it’ll probably be a 3 that’s in way over its head. If it is captivating, then it’ll click a lot of the time, and be a 4 or a 5, depending on your parameters for a good story. For my tastes, I’m at a 4, mainly because the album experience feels just a bit longer than it should on the back half, with the instrumentals / length of each track never quite matching the true scope of the storytelling. It’s still a pretty recommended listen, though, and I do hope there’s more Nick Cave on the list.

No one does it like Nick cave. Strong imagery. Cool music. Kind of mysterious. A strong album.

8/10 Highlights: Brother my Cup is Empty Papa Wont Leave You Henry I had a Dream Joe Straight to You

4.1 3x with lyrics it's quite a good story

Okay, this was actually good. Maybe I just don't like what sounds like his newer stuff

Good. Not as good as Murder Ballards, but love Nick Cave

I've never really listened to Nick Cave. I know a guy who is obsessed so I am going to be judging you, John, this whole listen... John, my guy, I gotta say: awesome taste in music! This was a great listen. Nick Cave is like this demonic pastor soaked in whiskey and cigarette smoke, delivering a gravelly sermon over gospel-inspired instrumentals. The tracks feel less written/recorded and more like a wild spirit possessed the band and this is what came out. I got similar vibes as Arcade Fire's "Neon Bible": there's an apocalyptic homily feel that gives it vitality. I guess I have to listen to more Nick Cave now.

I was dreading this one as I’ve never really liked Nick Cave’s extremely gloomy , brooding style. But this! I liked

It's nothing if not fun. A sort of folk revival with lyrics leaning into the horror side of folk, but horror in a B-movie overdramatic kind of way. Not sure if having four Nick Cave albums on the list is really warranted, especially since "Murder Ballads" has a similar concept but is more refined.

3.5/5

Angry white guy shit but I love it. Love nick Cave but hadn’t deeped this album. Some real haunting western shit.

It's finally time for the earliest Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds album on the list! Like the other two albums of his I've gotten so far, I think Henry's Dream is pretty good! It might be the weakest of the three I've gotten, but that is by super slim margins. It's basically interchangeable with The Boatman's Call. However, that's not to say that those two albums are basically the same. On the contrary, I actually really like how different the two albums are. The Boatman's Call is a slower, more emotional album, while Henry's Dream is significantly more energetic. Fortunately, Nick Cave is talented enough to be able to play in both styles. Still, his songwriting remains as great as ever despite this being earlier in his career. The thing that really sticks out with this album is the storytelling, which is especially great on songs like the opener, "Papa Won't Leave You, Henry" and "John Finn's Wife." Back to the sound, I really like the energy of this album. It's clear that Nick Cave isn't just some mopey guy who only sings about his emotions. He's an artist with tons of different ideas with what kind of music to make. That's what I like about him. Of course, there are more melodic parts of the album, including what is arguably its highlight, "Straight to You." I love that song. The singing is a bit different from the other albums, but I like it just the same. This is a pretty consistent album. It may not be my favorite Nick Cave album, but I still really enjoyed it, and I'd say I'm becoming more and more of a fan the more I listen to these albums. Henry's Dream is a strong album. High 4/5.

Ovo mi je jedan od najdražih caveova iako je zapravo jedno po albuma neću reć za kurac, ali ono dosadno

Big fan. Engaging and interesting songs. the lyrics are, as always with Nick Cave, great, and the songs themselves are really enjoyable to listen to (especially the first half of the album). Starting off with Papa Won't Leae You Henry is a killer start to the album. Really enjoyable. 4.5/5 stars.

Here's Australian artist Nick Cave again. We've had Abattoir Blues (2004) which was a weird and wonderful album. And we've had his earlier band Junkyard (Birthday Party 1982) which was a big piece of shit album. So Henry's Dream is more mid-career (1992). He's an interesting songwriter. I liked the first 4 songs the best. I like the music on Jack the Ripper but sounds like a very dysfunctional relationship that I don't really want to hear about. John Finn's wife is pretty good and definitely shows his chops on storytelling. I like that his poetry and songwriting is pretty savage and has a lot of guts.

I’ve never heard any of this album before. I’m blown away. It’s dark in an ancient and modern way all at once.

This album gives me Meatloaf vibes. He really brings the drama and I have no idea what he’s singing about half the time. But I love Meatloaf for that, and I kinda loved this too. I guess it’s all a dream and that’s why it’s so strange? I like the first four songs best. Would be a 5 if the rest hadn’t fallen off a little after that. Another great discovery!

Everyone I've known who likes Nick Cave is someone I thought had "cool" taste in music. But I never got into it. Go figure. This falls in that category of albums in this project whose singers don't always bother to sing in key. Not sure why there are so many of those in here. I do think the cinematic instrumentation here keeps it more interesting than the new wave stuff. Categorized as punk blues on Wikipedia, I definitely hear both contributing genres and also think each is improved by being mixed with the other. I've always loved The White Stripes (also punk blues) so I'm not exactly surprised to like something else categorized the same way as them, but I am surprised at this particular combination because I don't usually like punk or blues. This album is definitely cool. Standout tracks are "Papa Won't Leave You, Henry" and "Loom of the Land."

I'm a huge Nick Cave fan, and have most (but not all) of his catalog. That said, while this is a solid disc, its definitely not one of his best. This, like many other sub-optimal picks (in my short time on this list) makes me wonder whether some selections (like this one) are largely random - i.e.,. someone who knows that there should be some Nick Cave on this list but doesn't know his work well enough to choose one of his best disc. Still, the guitar on I Had a Dream, Joe is brilliant and Nick's lyrics (and voice) are always spectacular.

Surprising.still unclear on this one but i would gie it a 3.5/5 but rounded up rather than down.

Tons of great tracks with the epic sweep I expect from Nick Cave.

Omfg another nick cave how is that possible so soon but fine Well this one is a little more energetic than the last one, is he like a vampire or something? Dude looks like the whole cast of true blood Yeah this one is weird but fun but unsettling but funny? Idk. I like it

Some doings have nice sound and lyrics. Decent

I'm quite a fan of Nick Cave (And The Bad Seeds), yet I first need to say that *Henry's Dream* is not exactly among my top-tier albums of his. Even with its obvious highlights "Papa Won't Leave You Henry" (a raucous dark "narrative" number only Cave can come up with) and "Straight To You" (a stellar, surprisingly heartfelt romantic ballad), I have always found that record slightly less effective overall compared to most other Bad Seeds LPs, whether they were released before or after it. And now reading about the production issues involving long-time Neil Young producer David Briggs (including a supposedly awful "mix" for some songs that had to be fixed later), it looks like my personal, subjective feelings about this album might also have stemmed from some factual shenanigans going on behind the scenes, here effecting the whole artistic intent of the LP... So why is this record in the list, then? Well, *Henry's Dream* helped Cave broaden his audience (there's a significant uptick in the charts position of the album compared to the ones of *Tender Prey* and *The Good Son*, and it also saw the Bad Seed charting outside of Oz and the UK for the first time). Were it not for the stellar follow-up LP *Let Love In* actually going even further in those accomplishments, *Henry's Dream* would be considered as Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds' breakthrough album. Some members of Dimery's team are evidently very influenced by that sort of thing (which does not always make sense if you look back at it). Hence also why *Henry's Dream* is remembered fondly by some fans who may have discovered Nick Cave with this album. Or, I don't know, maybe the wonderful artwork evocative of southern gothic or modern wild west themes for the cover also played its part at some point... All that being said, it's still a *very good* Nick Cave album. Maybe the other issue is that the dark boogie and perverted bluegrass numbers on its first side might feel quickly redundant for some listeners. Like, what is "Brother, My Cup Is Empty" musically and vocally speaking if not *almost* a carbon copy of "Papa..." and "I Had A Dream, Joe"? Yet I have to admit that, taken individually, each of those three songs sound great nonetheless. Maybe if another order had been found for the tracklist, those similar-sounding cuts would have found more room to shine or breathe... Not that Cave and company don't explore other avenues once in a while, mind you, as the medieval, oneiric tale of "Christina The Astonishing" proves. The fantastic music here transcends lyrics about the legend of a crazed-out saint which could almost read like a Wikipedia entry -- evidence enough that the Bad Seeds were not solely a one-trick pony, and could produce some wild cards out of their sleeves if they wanted to. Likewise, the "Katie Cruel"-inspired "When I First Came To Town" see the Australian act treading on slightly different cinematic landscapes, owing more to western soundtracks or contemporary American road movies this time around. And the centerpiece of side two, "John Finn's Wife", is not merely a frantic, lively and ominous tragic string-laden cut. It's also the template of the *Murder Ballads* Cave would explore further a couple of albums down the road. Placed after "John Finn's Wife", the drowsier "The Loom Of The Land" feels a little mundane and underwhelming, unfortunately. But luckily, capper "Jack The Ripper" returns to catchier-yet-also-fully-sinister territories. It's a surprisingly *simple* song, enhanced by equally simple yet "haunted" background vocals. You might feel that it's *a little too simple* at times. But never forget that simplicity can also be an asset, at least depending on how it is pulled off. To put it in a nutshell, "Henry's Dreams" is a transitory, rather "streamlined" effort by Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds, which could still be as good an entry point in Cave's body of work as many of his famously "essential" full-length releases. That said, follow-up album *Let Love In* would take that newfound formula to admittedly more surprising and more sophisticated heights, while retaining its key characteristics and overall spirit. Which is why I will put *Henry's Dream* in my "waiting list* for now. After all, the tales of woe and gothic awe once routinely spun by Mr. Cave suggest that purgatory awaits most of anyway (if not worse). Surely, the titular "Henry" won't mind if he has to wait *just a little longer* now. 3.5/5 for the purposes of this list of essential albums, rounded up to 4 8.5/10 for more general purposes (5 + 3.5) Number of albums left to review: around thirty or twenty, as I've gone over the 1000 line and this generator is including albums from all editions of the book Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 461 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 274 (including this one) Albums from the list I won't include in mine: 334

Never heard the album in its entirety, enjoyed it

Starts out really strong (love Papa won't leave you, Henry and Straight to You in particular) but fades out in the second half. I listened to the remastered version, so I'm not counting the original production issues that Cave didn't like against it.

Nick Cave is kind of an underground darling (ironically), but this is the first album of his that I really enjoyed. It's a little deranged, starting right with Papa Won't Leave You, Henry. This song is pretty awesome, and it's followed up by my next favorite on the album, I Had a Dream, Joe. The rest of the album is good, but the opening songs were really memorable to me, and this was so much better than Ghosteen or anything by The Birthday Party.

This is a fine album, not Nick's best but his usual high quality songwriting that is quite simply as ig quality as one can find. It's harder edged than a lot of his albums...featuring muscular (mostly) acoustic guitar riffs and pounding rhythm section that relentlessly keeps your toes tapping. This is an indie-folk-punk album with songs that kick you in the gut. And it's a Nick Cave album so there it's populated with a motley cast of characters that reveal multiple layers with each new listen. It's not a great Nick Cave album but that doesn't mean its not a great album...which it is. 4 stars.

Papa Won't Leave You, Henry and I Had A Dream, Joe are both wild.

Over the top and dramatic...but in a good way. It sometime feels like he is trying to hard, but I do enjoy the music.

Day 25 Album started to lose me a lil bit after the first four tracks, but overall, I did enjoy this way more than I was expecting to. Probably an 8

It took me a minute to get into this, but the writing quickly won me over. There is a palpable darkness in these stories - not demons and satan nonsense - the real dark side of human nature.

Not one I know very well

I do love this album. Four out of five only because I prefer the live versions of the tracks that appear on Live Seeds.

Pretty good, I liked it

I have to say that Nick Cave is growing on me.

I’m not the most familiar with Nick Cave, having only heard a few of his albums so far. This was my third time listening to this album, but it had been a while since the first and second listens. Cave’s style definitely takes some getting used to, but as the album progresses, I find myself really drawn into his narrative vocal style. The music is just as compelling, though some tracks stand out more than others. To me, Nick Cave feels like a goth/punk version of a singer/songwriter.

Listening to Nick Cave is somewhat akin to what I imagine wearing a hairshirt would be like; moderate levels of discomfort serving as some form of penance. There is enlightenment in the agony. Cave is an excellent storyteller (favorite: Christina the Astonishing) and can even turn a pop song now and then (see: Straight to You). I’m not sure where this ranks in his canon, but it is a valid entry on this list.

Great album from a very good artist who's body of work is exquisite

Kinda reminds me of Tom Waits and Leonard Cohen but I relate more to their music than him for some reason I can't explain. The first few tracks are quite hard to get into, but then it either got better or I got used to his singing/songwriting style, and it got more decent. Christina the Astonishing was very hauntingly beautiful and I was in love with the background vocals in When I First Came to Town. Straight to You & Loom of the Land - a bit more loving though still very gloomy. The latter reminds me of Hannibal Lecter and his sister Mischa for some reason. 3.5/5. Might grow on me a bit more after a few more listens tho, which I'll defo give. Edit: It really did grow on me. 4/5

Punk blues de Nick Cave. Un 4.

Rating: 8.5/10 Another great album by Nick Cave, simultaneously very catchy while being interesting instrumentally and vocally.

3-4

Did Nick Cave try his hand at a pop album?

Good album but not my favourite of the Bad Seeds. As part of their discography, I'd rate it a 3, but relative to other artists, a 4.

One of the strangest things I’ve heard here, but it’s pretty good honestly.

there is no substitute for the nick cave vibes, unique and immersively gritty

Some of that good junkie Nick Cave.

Such power and energy. Just wow!

Amazing, Incredible, loved every second

I love that Nick Cave is essentially Gothic Tom Waits.

This has got some bangers on it but not my fave Nick Cave album. But I do really like it. I read a bit about it and apparently Nick Cave was very angry with it because he hated the mixing and thought it presented the album in very much the wrong way. Someone described the producer as getting the best performance possible and then leaving all the faders in the same place.

While my familiarity with Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds leans heavily on their work since the turn of the century, I can't help but respect Cave’s dedication to his craft. He is an obvious inclusion on any list of best albums ever. With that in mind, I was surprised to discover a mid-career album which the artist himself suggested didn’t fully achieve his intended vision, especially with over 20 releases under the Bad Seeds banner. This made me a bit hesitant about going into Henry’s Dream, but I found it surprisingly accessible despite David Briggs's lamented raw production style. There’s something deeply unsettling yet contagious about these songs. Cave channels a possessed church pastor, leading his congregation off a perilous cliff. Tracks like "Papa Won't Leave You, Henry" and "I Had a Dream, Joe" display organized chaos, reminiscent of a jacket splitting at the seams yet still stylish. The wild frenzy builds like a group of drunkards at a pub lock-in, accidentally hitting all the right notes. Cave also knows when to relent from the full-on assault, offering moments of respite with tracks like "Straight to You," "Christina the Astonishing," and "Brother, My Cup Is Empty." These softer interludes fit seamlessly into the dark aesthetic, their almost improvisational delivery and slightly chaotic nature tying them to the project’s core. You can love or hate Cave's music, but he is nothing if not interesting. Henry’s Dream captures this essence, revealing the chaos and beauty of his songwriting. Did/Do I own this release? No Does this release belong on the list? Unsure Would this release make my personal list? Never say never Will I be listening to it again? I enjoyed this far more than I expected; the album has a hypnotic quality that kept me coming back.

This was really good and definitely will get a few more listens. 4/5

I always enjoy this guy. Great songwriting and good dark tone

I always wish i was more into nick cave!! he's good

8.5/10. Haunting and melancholic. Really enjoyable. :)

Cave is at his most incisive and convictive here, crafting caustic narratives that linger like half-remembered dreams.

Nick Cave, imagine Tom Waits but good, very good. Henry’s Dream is lyrically very dark, musically a combo of acoustic punk and blues almost. Another album that requires more listens. Straight To You is an incredible song, as is Loom of the Land 8.4/10

More unhinged Nick Cave - delightful. Not quite Murder Ballads but I've got a lot of time for this

Third Nick Cave album. I never listened to him before this project and like what I’ve heard so far but enough already.

very listenable for a live album

Weird, narrative, and the dude singing looks like a cartoon villain. Overall, cool experience. Really catchy tracks, too.

There really is a lot of Nick Cave that is considered essential, huh? On the whole, I have found myself to enjoy his music, but there have certainly been a few bad albums too. Thankfully, today’s album seemed more fun than a lot of his other stuff. I’m not sure exactly why or how, but I felt more engaged than usual. It’s funny how before this project, I couldn’t say with any certainty if I could even name a song by him, and yet now his voice is instantly recognisable. His music itself may not be due to his tendency to play around with genres. This is likely up there as one of my favourites by him.

Upbeat Nice Cave is so much better than depressing/slow Cave. Enjoyed it

Coincidentally, I got The Birthday Party and this back to back, which was a fun comparison. This album is excellent, everything you expect from a good Nick Cave album.

Before starting this project, the only album by Nick Cave that I had listened to was Ghosteen, which I really enjoyed. I gave Ghosteen five stars when I reviewed it, and the other two Nick Cave albums have gotten three stars from me. I'm interested to give this fourth album from Nick a listen and see what it has in store. I thought this album was really good, and while it wasn't better than Ghosteen, I thought it eclipsed The Boatman's Call and Abattoir Blues/The Lyre of Orpheus. This album started off really strong with "Papa Won't Leave You Henry." I loved the thundering backing vocals, the guitar arrangements, and the way the song started off slowly before kicking off with frantic percussion and an eerie violin arrangement. "I Had a Dream, Joe" kept the energy high, and I enjoyed the organ playing that kept the haunting sound established on the first song. The album was really well paced with some slower ballads and up-tempo songs as well. I enjoyed hearing something from Nick Cave that was based in more traditional rock sounds that relied on a lot of guitar playing, and I thought the arrangements were all really well done. The whole album had a great haunting atmosphere to it, which melded really well with Nick Cave's usual vivid and cryptic lyrics. Nick typically does such an excellent job controlling the mood of his music with his words and the tone of his vocals, and this album was no exception to that. This album isn't really something that I'd come back to, but I still thought it was incredibly well made, and it's another example of Nick Cave's ability to create great music.

I think I’m becoming Nick Cave pilled. I knew of him for years but never really listened. But each album that’s been given to me during this challenge I love. This is no exception. A few less 5 star songs from the last but still a great time. 4.5/5

huhhuh pitää parin ensimmäisen biisin jälkeen ottaa hengähdys.... nick caveman luikertelee taas listalle kuinkamonettako kertaa... yllättävän korkealla aina pysyy numerot. kyllä yksi niistä löytöartisteista projektista vaikka en nyt hehkuttele, rupee hehkutteleen... taattua laattua kuitenkin aina on melkein sanoisin... näin. ei kuitenkaan hankkinut sitä haluttua toista vitosta plakkariin. syynä on yksinkertaisesti se, että vähän liian iso homoilija tämä ukko. henri potter papa wont leave you henry

4/5. Creepy and upbeat, these are accessible songs with the energy of a cult telling stories around a campfire where everyone knows the songs. Spooky but not scary, feels like an homage to concept songs. I enjoyed all the songs mostly, save a couple, but otherwise this was a better album than I was expecting from Nick Cave based on previous experiences. Most of the lyrics are surface level despite the intensity of them. And the album does not overstay its welcome either, which is a good choice especially with Cave's songs. Best Song: Straight To You, Papa Won't Leave You Henry, Jack The Ripper

I think the lyrics are the standouts over the music, but I liked the music too and they go well together. Sometimes idk wtf he's going on about, but it works Favorites: "Papa Won't Leave You, Henry", "Brother, My Cup Is Empty", "Loom of the Land"

Album #597 was my 1st Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds (Ghosteen)- now at #868 I have my 5th. How time flies He’s an interesting case in that there are definitely Nick Cave albums on other “great” lists (I’ve been reading through them), but critics can’t decide on which ones deserve to be there. Skeleton Tree & Let Love In are examples of touted Seeds that aren’t a part of this list. I think Henry’s Dream has a lot going for it; the drama, the macabre, the strings. His dark folkiness is still best represented in Abbatoir/Orpheus, but there’s a radio rock sensibility here that’s only matched in the Boatman’s Call (+ a couple songs in Murder Ballads) of the albums I’ve encountered. I’ve often judged music from how it’d sound on a car radio, probably because I got back into this project through long highway commutes towards a job I used to have. In that regard, I wouldn’t mind hearing “Straight To You” on a dark desert highway HL: "Papa Won't Leave You, Henry" (oof not the homophobia), "Straight To You", "Brother My Cup Is Empty", "John Finn's Wife" August 17, 2024

Not my favorite, but not bad either.

Filled out arrangements help make this one of Cave’s hits

Nick Cave I really began to listen to later in my listening journey. I am so happy I gave him a chance. His records are all encompassing. I find they really benefit from listening on big speakers as opposed to other iPhone output devices.

So much better than Ghosteen. 4/5

Nick Cave can sing the most ridiculous lyrics and make them work. Great band and performer. This isn't my favourite album of theirs but I always like hearing them.

3.5, but happy to round up.

3.5

Nick Cave continues to be an interesting and unique storyteller in this album. It's not an everyday listen (reminded me most of Murder Ballads, I think), but definitely something special for the right moment. I enjoyed it.

This didn't thrill me, but it was actually interesting.

This is one of the NC&tBSs records I've not heard much of. It's great!

Ohhh Nick Cave… I have such mixed feelings, but fear the worst. Nope! Weird storytelling does me just fine I guess as long as it isn’t all dreary murder songs!

Nick Cave has always been an expressive writer and Henry's Dream is an apt example of his capabilities. He and his Bad Seeds crank out endless tale after endless tale as if there were no tomorrow and, while the results may sound and feel lengthy at times, it is still a pretty sonorous experience hearing them swing for the fences. Favorites: Papa Won't Leave You, Henry, I Had a Dream, Joe, Brother, My Cup is Empty, When I First Came to Town, Loom of the Land.

I wasn’t looking forward to this, I’m not a big Nick Cave fan, I find his music and persona pretentiously dark. I fucking loved this album! First listen was odd, but then I listened to it a few more times and started to deeply listen to the lyrics. The chaos and raw sounding production, magnified the drama even more and helped to elevate the mood of the album to the next level! Fucking loved it

Good album, but there are better Nick Cave albums. Strong start and finish and moody throughout

Arranca este sólido disco brillantemente con la apocalíptica "Papa Won't Leave You, Henry". Desde este primer momento brilla la imperceptible producción poniéndonos frente a un sonido que suena como si fuera un directo culminado con las líricas letras de Cave que vuelven a hablarnos de amor, lujuria y muerte. La declaración de amor "Straight to You" fue la canción elegida como single del álbum, con un ritmo más pausado pero igualmente potente. Mientras canciones como "I Had a Dream, Joe", en la que Cave nos habla de desilusión y pérdida, o "Brother, My Cup is Empty", sobre el sufrimiento destilado a partes iguales por la soledad y la adicción, nos muestran a una banda perfectamente engrasada, capaz de fusionar estilos clásicos con un sonido agresivo propio. Todos estos temas me gustan, pero destacaría uno de los más tranquilos, "Loom of the Land", una canción fundamentalmente romántica en la que Cave narra un paseo nocturo de dos amantes por el "telar de la tierra" hablando sobre el amor, la inocencia y lo efímero de la vida.

I've only ever known about these guys vaguely. Love the strong baritone voice and the cinematic outlands vibe that they curated throughout the album. Very distinctive and understandable why it was so big in Australia. A major player in an important musical time for Australia.

Pretty much!

This is my favourite type of Nick Cave: almost preacher-esque, fucked up story telling. Always dark and haunting, each song is like a mini story which somehow The Bad Seeds manage to turn into great songs. The instruments and vocals never really compete, they just fit really well together. This doesn’t have all the best examples in my opinion of Nick Cave at his preacheresque best, but Papa Wont Leave You, When I First Came To Town, Jack the Ripper, I Had a Dream Joe, would all be up there. It’s a strong 4.5 for me.

I don't really mind Nick Cave now. The Boatman's Call was cracking. This does get monotonous. His shtick is dreary, miserable songs about death, and once you look past that I think you can see the craftsmanship in each song. Lyrically interesting, but overall less enjoyable than Boatmen. I Had a Dream, Joe, and Christina the Astonishing were my favourite tracks. 3.5.

I respect the man a lot, I just don't care for his music. I should pay attention to the lyrics, shouldn't I? Ah well. I can't say that 'Henry's Dream' is boring, there's enough sounds and textures to carry me along and I have a suspicion that this might elevate this album above the other NC&TBS' on the list, but meh. Mostly meh. If Jim Jarmusch had made From Dusk Till Dawn, this would be the band instead of Tito & Tarantula. Is my deepest thought here. Which makes me round up a 3.

Theatrically dark ballads that few can pull off, yet Nick Cave relishes in them. His vocal delivery draws you into the stories.

Det her var ret fedt. Der var noget gak og gøgl på en god måde over det som føltes legesyg og holde min koncentration på albummet hele vejen.

Good.

The master of death and destruction makes another appearance on this list. There's no surprises here - with this era of Nick Cave you know exactly what you're going to get. Luckily, it's always songcraft of the highest quality. Best Tracks: Papa Won't Leave You, Henry; Straight To You; Brother, My Cup Is Empty

Very good, but not the best Bad Seeds album.

7/10

Nick Cave W 👍

This I like. These songs are like short stories set to music. I didn’t love every song, but I enjoyed the ride.

Tilfinningaþrungið og hittir í mark, eins og flest frá Nick Cave.

More quality from Nick and his mates

This feels more like an event than a record. It sounds like the soundtrack to a stage show. Like, if you picture Nick Cave prowling around, narrating the story, while a full cast acts it all out, then this starts to make sense. He’s got such a dramatic voice, it’s nearly operatic. As a performance, this album is excellent. But it’s not something meant for mixtapes.

Jesus, why hadn't I listened to more Nick Cave before doing this? I think this is the second of his I've gotten and I'm loving it.

I'm a long-time Nick Cave fan, so a nice selection for today. And this is a solid album for him, thankfully, so a double-bonus! (Although probably not one of his best, oddly, so I'm not sure why this one was chosen.) A bummer, though, that making this album was such a painful and unhappy process; thankfully the conflicts with the producer don't show too badly (although I guess I'll have to listen to "Live Seeds" to get many of these songs the way Nick Cave was envisioning). It's kind of hard to imagine that Nick Cave sang a variant of "Papa won't leave you, Henry" to his young son (and then admitted that it's a "kind of a nasty fucked-up lullaby").... "Brother, my cup is empty" is a great classic-Cave-sounding song (to me, at least).

A concept album that feels like Sweeny Todd. Deserves a re-listen and strong lyrics / characters that is reminiscent of Pink Floyd or The Who.

love always aber ein bisschen zu furios dieses album john finns wife <3

Lots of energy. I feel slightly angrier having listened to it.

3.75

Just an all-around great record. Especially loved the opening, more energetic tracks, because the mood and delivery felt very inspired.

Another uplifting selection of songs from Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds, full of seedy tales inhabited by protagonists that are broken and damned. For an extra good time, have a drinking game and a shot of alcohol every time Nick Cave inserts a biblical reference, religious allusion or Old Testament omen into the songs on ‘Henry’s Dream’. It’s quite often and you’ll be well and truly shitfaced by the end of the album.

This album is really weird and I love weird music. The second half does lose me a little bit, but this was a lot better than I expected. I am definitely going to give this one a second listen and I could see my rating going higher

I've listened to quite a lot of Nick Cave's music since I got The Boatman's Call on this about a year ago. This album definitely isn't my favourite of his, but it's still great. Both the opener and closer are some of his best tracks, but I don't think it's quite as consistently good as Boatman's Call or Murder Ballads (my fav of his). Fav songs: Papa Won't Leave You, Henry; Jack the Ripper, Straight to You

This feels more like an event than a record. It sounds like the soundtrack to a stage show. Like, if you picture Nick Cave prowling around, narrating the story, while a full cast acts it all out, then this starts to make sense. He’s got such a dramatic voice, it’s nearly operatic. As a performance, this album is excellent. But it’s not something meant for mixtapes.

4st

Another heater from Cave. This one is a bit less intense but still so dark and brooding. I think it's a good complement to some of his other more aggressive material. His vocals are on top game here as well.

I can't figure out what it is, but something about this sounds so Australian... the imagery of the lyrics, the music. I really like it, but sometimes it's just too bleak to listen to. But when the mood strikes, it's great stuff.

Enjoyed this even more than the previous NC&TBS album from my generator. The standout to me was Straight To You because I was only familiar with Josh Groban’s cover from his Illuminations album (which I love).

This is not Nick Cave’s best album, but it is still quite good. Musically, this album can be described as blues and outlaw country inspired with a punk ethos. There’s a anthemic and sing along quality to some of the choruses as well. Cave’s lyrics are dark, exploratory, and harrowing. In a lot of ways, this album is an early look at a more realized sound that would come to fruition on 1996’s Murder Ballads. Of course, the real star of this album is Nick Cave’s sonorous baritone which gives the heft these songs deserve.

this may have been the wrong nick cave album to start with? i had never heard a nick cave album before this one and i always hear people raving about him- plus, he dated my fav pj harvey. his voice is pretty odd to me, and i was never into the type of music that influenced this, but i still had a good time. this murderous catholic bluesy punk vibe they have is something else. the lyricism is awesome, and i like the arrangements as well. 7/10 fav tracks: straight to you,

Lovely Nick with his apocolyptic visions and gruff guitair. There are better but still a quality album.

Nick Cave doing what he does best. Brilliant lyricist and great music, very much rewards an active listen. Great album.

I've always been a bit hit and miss with Nick Cave. Luckily, this one hit yesterday, enjoyed it.

Nick Cave is often a challenge. This is a good album, but he is perhaps a touch overrepresented in this list.

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds create a distinct version of alternative rock. His deep, warbling voice and his very dramatic lyrics are accompanied by a talented, energetic band. Henry's Dream includes a collection of songs that showcase Nick Cave's talent as a storyteller, which is one of the elements that draw his devoted fans.

I'm going to give this 4 stars - I hate Nick Cave and I still don't like him. This isn't good music, but it might be his best? Way to go, Sport!

Hard for me to rate because this is clearly evening music and I do a lot of my listening on commuter trains but will give it some time over the weekend to take in the stories and let it percolate. I'll say it was a lot more accessible and fun-sounding than I thought it would be.

Awesome

Buen disco de rock, con una voz poderosa y con fuerza, reforzada con unos coros habituales y que le dan un estilo muy personal. Canciones con clase. Me ha sorprendido, aunque le ha faltado que variases un poco el estilo

Not a top album for Cave perhaps but still a very respectable one in general.

On the weaker side of his discography, but not bad, of course!

Shocked it took me this long into this project to get Nick Cave. I’m happy to see my old friend. 4/5

I like Nick Cave a lot, even if he can sometimes be a bit over-dramatic. Production on this one seems a little flat, but the songs are good. 4 stars.

I think Nick Cave unintentionally casts ominous dread onto his listeners, which is an amazing accomplishment. He effortlessly sells stories with great imagery throughout Henry’s Dream. Nick Cave is the crux of a compass. Listeners will be directed towards extreme emotion. That’s not to say all emotion will be favourable. Regardless, listeners alike feel Nick Cave and his albums are memorable- for better or for worse.

Good story telling

My favourite of Nick Caves albums so far

4.0

His voice is captivating, his stories are brilliant, his style is strange, and category defying. I like it.

Liked this one more than Murder Ballads. I’m surprised to read that the band didn’t like how this one turned out. I need to listen to the live album to see if I like any of those versions better. Liked the first half more but second half was still solid. After listening to the versions on the live album, I do think they are slightly better with a bit more energy. If you could replace those versions with their live counterparts, I’d raise the rating to 4.6. Just relistened to murder ballads and think I like that one more. Rating: 4.4

Lyrics- 5/5 Vocals- 3/5 Instrumentals- 3/5 Vibes- 5/5 Overall 4/5 A truly great album, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds do not disappoint. However, I feel like Nick Cave's vocals are not for everybody. I think in many songs his vocals are amazing, but a few really do not do his beautiful lyrics any sort of justice at all. However, I definitely did enjoy this album nonetheless. Its composition was beautiful.

This could be fun and serious when it needed to be, but never really exciting. Definitely enjoyable. 4/5

Weirdly reminded me on Tenacious D

Always liked this album, though there are some forgettable songs which keeps it from being a 5. Straight to You is amazing.

Uggh with this stinking site... they never showed me Nick Cave and just went straight to Big Brother and the Holding Company. I will have to listen to this album, but yeah - it's a guaranteed three+ stars for me, so I'll just go ahead and call it a four.

Prior to this album I knew some of Nick's "cult following" songs like Deanna but this is the first of his albums that I listened to a lot and from which I knew every song. There are some monster songs here. It's hard to even consider a 3 or lower rating for an album that has the lyrics: I counted up my blessings And I counted only one One tiny little blessing And now that blessings gone

A bit polarizing but I suppose that's to be expected with Nick Cave. By the end of the album I say: "I think I like this? I'm not sure." It's good but maybe not as striking or impactful as it could be. Here, the macabre feels turned down a bit to make room for more gospel flavored material but with less fire and brimstone, and so I would be more inclined to listen to some of the older albums or later ones such as Let Love In or Murder Ballads. One thing for sure, Nick Cave is a good story teller and builds mystique and morbid curiosity.

I had to listen to this quite a few times to form a proper opinion. I like this way more than "The Boatman's Call". It feverish and nightmarish with some really cool lyrics and tunes. This really feels like a concept album and something akin to Tom Waits ramblings. Some of my favourite tunes were the more shanty-like anthemic songs "Papa Won't Leave you, Henry", John Finn's Wife and "Jack the Ripper". I think this gets a weak 4 since a 3 seems a bit low since i felt to listen to it again after completing it multiple times.

Like all things Nick Cave, the production on this is incredible. If you’re the kind of person who vibes with his music then this seems like a top shelf album. I’m not that person but a respectful 4 stars.

Another stonking effort from Nick Cave, full of vivid imagery and foreboding music. The gothic Wild West setting is a thrill and few artists are as inspired as this.

Goth drama kid energy. I like it.

It's always such a theatrical experience listening to Nick Cave, and I find his voice incredibly compelling. Though I might not be tempted to seek this out on my own, I enjoyed this quite a lot. After a few loops through it I felt so absorbed in this whole wretched and dramatic world. I'd love to see a movie full of all these characters and their sordid tales. This album cover is *chef's kiss* brilliant too, it represents this full package of ominous and chilling songs perfectly.

For how weird this guy is, some of these songs are downright normal! (Straight to you, When I first came to town). I don't adore deep voiced male singers, but this album is pretty fun and intense. Overall, good! 4 stars

Pretty good

A raging, roaring, vaguely menacing album of folk/rock tunes about dark things, sung by a songwriter with a rangy, smooth, growling baritone. The band sounds like cartoon characters hanging, flapping from the back of the runaway stagecoach that is Cave. Sounds, all at once, like Leadbelly, Dylan & The Band or an evil Leonard Cohen. Rare. The musical forms are very old and a bit theatrical but the tradition of writing ballads about dark themes like this is old. It's just not so prominent as it once was, anymore. This is very nearly a country album but absolutely does not come from that tradition (though I'm sure Cave has heard some Johnny Cash) - that distinction alone makes this a fascinating and engrossing listen.

Not my favourite genre but I'm interested in the energy behind it, in the performances, the story about the production. Four stars as a note to self.

The tears we cry today will soon be washed away... By the tears we cry tomorrow is a brutal and hilarious line. It's exactly what you'd expect from Nick Cave, however, I'd say it is perfected on Murder Ballads, this falls a little short of that admittedly high bar!

Rating: 8/10 Best songs: Papa won’t leave you Henry, I had a dream Joe, Loom of the land

Wow 🤩

Punk blues de Nick Cave. Un 4.

Sounds a bit rough, but not bad.

Probably a lot of people’s introduction to Nick Cave and co. Still a lot of that 80s post punk edge. Good stuff.

this was a great listen. it reminds me of a dark folk/punk hybrid. pretty heavy for an acoustic album. highlights: “i had a dream, joe”, “brother, my cup is empty”, “john finn’s wife”.

4++

Straight to You is a banger

Very much a Nick cave album

Well, well, well, if it ain't big man Nick himself yet again. Love this scary guy. This is the fifth album I've had featuring him and so far every single one has been a 4/5. Gonna go with the same score this time. Sidenote: Weird that there's so many Nick Cave albums on this list, yet none of them are his pepperoni-nipped biggest record "Let Love In". That one would have been a big old 5/5.

I thought it was a fun album, but there was almost an effort at parts to sound too raw that really didn't work for me.

Una altra pedra gran i robusta, part de la catedral impressionant que forma la discografia de Nick Cave. Part d'uns anys on no tenia ni una sola ensopegada. La melancolia, la brutícia, l'introspecció, l'elegància i la majestuositat de la banda es concentra en temes tan bons com 'Straight to You', 'Papa Won't Leave You, Henry' o 'Christina The Astonishing'

Een iets hardere Nick Cave. Goeie plaat

Listened Before? N I'm starting to become a big fan of Nick Cave. I had never listened to much of him before this list, and I'm glad the project pointed me to him. He's diverse and an amazing songwriter. This album is no exception. Awesome stuff. I didn't enjoy it as much as his later, more ethereal Ghosteen... but it's a totally different vibe. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Straight to You

I like it but I also feel like listening to Nick Cave is going to give me tetanus.

on first listen i think i like this less than Let Love In but it's still really fucking cool. love the lyrics

primeiro dele que gosto mutcho?

I generally like Nick Cave a lot, and this project is a great way to get exposure to some of his albums that I've overlooked. This is no exception, and I really like the sound of this record - like the soundtrack to a western musical about murderous cowboys.

Very good

A great album towards the start of a fantastic run from Tender Prey to No More Shall We Part, and maybe Cave’s strongest release up to this point. The opening song is so impactful and the energy continues throughout the whole record, though it is well balanced with some beautiful moments like Straight to You. A fantastic album from a legendary artist at the top of his game

Favourite tracks: loom of the land; jack the ripper; straight to you; pap won't leave you, henry

I want to like Nick Cave as much as Nick Cave

Overall Rating - 2.56/5 (5.11/10). It's middling, early 90s rock. Nothing special, but nothing terrible, either.

This had a nice vibe. Whenever I hear or read about Nick Cave, all I think about is his theme song for the TV series “Peaky Blinders”, which I really like and fits the show well.

I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with Nick Cave. I love the voice and the power but lyrically it's not there for me. 8th track "Loom of the Land" was the pick for me but one of the lesser tracks according to Spotify listens.

Really conflicted between 3/4

From the first song, I was transported to when I listened to Scott 2 with a country twang. I was really caught off guard by the one lyric, which reminded me of "Jackie". On a storytelling category that includes Bob Dylan, Scott Walker, and Tom Waits, Nick Cave totally fits into this storytelling troupe. Their cadences and lyrics can get very theatrical or verbose, which I'm realizing is my musical weak spot. Throughout the record, the songwriting has a poetic, vignette feel to it. I like to use the word "atmosphere" a lot, but "Henry's Dream" definitely sets a macabre mood. Don't really get what Wikipedia means by "punk blues". If we're talking about his time with "The Birthday Party", this record's not it.

it was okay but the singer was not that good. i did like the guitar though.

This album was very mixed in my perspective. They had some amazing vocals and instrumentation. But some songs weren't that good to be honest. I would call it a middle-tier album. I could recommend this to almost anyone because it is really PG.

I like the music in the background, its pretty nice, but I dislike the voice of the singer. It's a little too slow for me. And a bit too dramatic at that.

It was alright, not my favorite but overall pretty good. I would recommend to punk-blues fans.

Hm. Would've enjoyed this one more with a different vocalist.

poco convincente, tranne che per un paio di tracce, ma coerente in sé stesso.

Another Nick Cave album that I like but I'm not obsessed with or anything. Onto the next one... Favorite track: I Had a Dream, Joe

1/2

NICK CAVE AND THE PEOPLE SEEDS??? IN 2026??? Will you would never get it like harsh and I do. This was cool but never really lives hype of the first song

Always happy to hear Nick

This was quite the surprise! Fun and dark and gravely and tough. 6/10

My 4th Nick Cave Album if you count The Birthday Party and his voice continues to be the biggest obstacle to enjoying the music. This album has more going for it than any of the others though. The interplay between the guitar bass and drums keep me listening and even his voice sometimes helps, its got a manic rock sound that would fit well in a hole in the wall pub full of broken bottles and sleazy people.

Mmmmpueke q si pueke no, lo dejaré en 3

Aller on retente Nick cave Fiou enfin de la bonne musique ! Bon finalement je trouve ça un peu mou quand même Je ressors pas forcément une chanson du lot

Standard Bad Seeds

Enjoyable album. 3 is fair

Cool, but I feel like Nick Cave is over represented on this list

Very Nick Cave. I think middle of the pack of the Nick Cave we've done on this list so far, but a decent listen and mercifully short. 3.5

I try to like him but it's not my thing

3 stars

I liked the opening track immediately. The style and delivery reminded me a lot of Eric Burdon. I like the blusey story based lyrics of a couple others as well, “Brother, my cup is empty and “Jim Finn’s wife”. Some tracks fell flat but I liked those three. 3.5/5

Nick and The Seeds are an acquired taste no doubt. With dramatic sounds and some of the strangest yet interesting lyrics. But I’ve been a fan since first hearing The Good Son, the album prior to this one. I like that one better than this one, but both hit at a sweet spot time where Nick was doing some of his better stuff. Seeing them live in ‘94 solidified my liking of them. Definitely not a go-to listen at all times, but an easy retreat to escape to.

Helt ok. Ikke en favoritt fra NC. Føler han av og til høres ut som en parodi på seg selv her.

A pesar de ser rock y buena energía, no me enganchó. Lo sentí muy narrativo.

Good

The classic Nick Cave predicament/conundrum: the man is undeniably a lyrical genius, but the execution here feels like a "flawed masterpiece" at best. There’s an incredible, theatrical energy in tracks like "Papa Won’t Leave You, Henry" and "Jack The Ripper", where his gothic, country emo storytelling really shines. But, the production? It's a bit of a mess, sounds kinda cramped and muddy, probably because Cave and the producer didn't get along. The band is good, and I dig the sea shanty vibe they're going for, but the album's all over the place. It goes from super intense to just plain boring. It feels more like a stepping stone for the Bad Seeds rather than their best work. I like the ballads like "Straight To You" and the stories in "John Finn’s Wife", but it doesn't all come together. It's frustrating, you know? The sound gets in the way.

Unable to listen because we are on holiday with very poor phone signal, but I'm not too bothered about this one

Before listening: Nick Cave again? Can't wait to shit on this album! After listening: OK Mr. Cave, I'll throw you a bone here. This one was slightly tolerable. I didn't really follow the "story" here, but you certainly hear the despair and tension in the lyricism and the arrangements. It's...not bad, but this isn't something I'll be raring to go back and listen to. OK, one more Nick Cave album is still waiting for me...I can do this...

These songs are just like bar/drinking songs. They're kinda boring. While I enjoy the Dream Songs by Berryman, this album is just kinda dull.

Depressing but decent.

Good

It's an OK Nick Cave album, not as good as some of his later work!

I had a really great time with this one! Nice proportion of bangers and ballads,  some murder ballads as only nick knows how to write. Great sound from the band and some lovely little melodies are sprinkled here. Musically though, it's not exceptional or different for a nick cave album. Still Very good A high 3

Some of the songs are bit bluesy for my taste.

I like Nick Cave, but am surprised this album is here.

Decent listen

His singing style on this album is pretty hard to get into but even on first listen it's clear some songs (e.g., Loom of the Earth) are really good. Maybe it would grow on you.

probably my favorite Nick Cave album so far. of all the ones i listened to, this one was probably the best from everything ive heard from him. i think the opening track was actually kind of killer, but the back end fell off a bit.

Detta hører dem på

Vähän erilaisempaa Nick Cavea. Ei tämäkään nyt niin huonoa ole, mutta tykkään ehkä niistä muista levyistä enempää vaikka tää onkin paljon suorempaa rokkia, eikä niin taiteellista kuin muut levyt. Wikin mukaan genre Punk Blues. Parhaat: Straight To You, Loom of the Land, When I First Came to Town

Henry's Dream was definitely on the weirder side of albums on here. I honestly thought that going into it, i was going to hate this album because Nick Cave gets really into what he is singing and i thought that it was just gonna get annoying but i found out that it wasn't very bad. The music here is pretty cool with all the extravagant melodies on offer. I was pretty mixed on the lyrics as sometimes, i thought there were some cool stories that gave me a lot of vibes of that Marty Robbins album i did but at other times, they could get rather stupid. This is definitely an album i have mixed opinions on but i think i enjoyed it overall. Best Song: Loom of the Land Worst Song: Papa Won't Leave You, Henry

I like the songwriting but the whole package is lacking something.

I'm not sure if I like it or not, but there is some clear artistry in there and the production value seems quite high.

Enjoyed this one and have always liked the idea of Nick Cave. Need to listen to more.

This is the second Nick Cave album I have listened to, but I am not really fond of his voice. It is depressing to think that there are three more on this list, but perhaps there is room for me to grow to like it if I listen to it many times.

gracias por musicalizar a los picos blandos

Interesting and slightly musical. I wouldn't listen to it again as it was quite dark and brooding.

I see why this massively appeals to some people. I do. It's not awakening anything in me but I can respect it

3.8/5 cool swagger from cave

It was okay, I like his voice.

6/10

Interesting.

Still not sure about this band. I had never heard of them before, I like their music style but I must be missing something as they seem like a lot of other bands and dont stand out to me. A few more listens to them are really required I think

There's something a bit off about Nick's voice that doesn't let me fully love the band, but the songwriting is solid. For Straight To You alone, this might bump to 3.5 maybe someday a 4

2.5

An interesting album but I don't know that I would listen to it again. 3 stars or C+.

One of my least favourite Nick Cave albums. It is a bit too one note for me. 3.5 stars

This would be fine if it were a 1001 Nick Cave Albums Before You Die but I’d like to think even Nick Cave would be fed up of this one. (“I’m forever doing 1001 challenge and asking what the fuck is this garbage and the answer is always Nick Cave” - Nick Cave 2026) It’s just oh so typical of his stuff with no outright classics like Red Right Hand. I’d just have Abattoir Blues, Let Love In and maybe the first Grinderman album if it were me. Even Dig Lazarus Dig is better than this.

I liked the first song and the last song. Rest were so so. Not my favorite, but not awful. I might listen to some more Nick Cave

Fav: Brothers My Cup is Empty

Enjoy his voice and the music. I remember liking the other album I heard from him better though. Papa, Won't Leave You, Henry stood out right from the start and Jack the Ripper to finish it up. 3/5

Really fun The rhythmic shanty/ pub folk style big narrative pieces are awesome and theatrical. Ballads didn't quite hit as hard for me on these first couple of listens, but I'm sure there's some quality there. Just a really engaging cool listen.

Favorite songs: I Had a Dream, Joe, Straight to You, Brother, My Cup Is Empty, When I First Came to Town

Nice. A 3.

Interessanter Sound, aber dennoch kein Album was ich mir kaufen/speichern würde

Ik hoor waarom het populair is, en het eerste album van Nick Cave dat ik het begrijp. Toch niet mijn ding.

I think I liked this, but I can never decide whether Nick Cave's obsession with Southern Gothic and his funereal delivery are cool, or very silly indeed.

love the nick cave sound

3.0

Hmm

A very different album, this one is interesting, but doesn't really fit my style. I like the other nick cave album (Abbatoir Blues/Lyre of Orpheus) more.

I don't really care for Nick Cave. Or so I thought. I've listened to some of his stuff before, and I didn't love it. So I wasn't looking forward to this. But I like it! This is pretty good. Looking at RateYourMusic, however, I see this ranked as Nick's 8th best album. The 1001 project omits the top six Nick Cave albums. :( Of course, I realize it's all subjective, but still. 3 stars.

It was okay

Noone deserves 5 albums on the list. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds definitely do not deserve 5. We enjoyed this well enough and Cave is a skilled vocalist and songwriter... But 5 of the best albums of all time? We remain unconvinced.

I didn’t love it. I generally like Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds (let love in is one of my top albums ever) but this one just didn’t tickle me

This album starts out pretty rough. Seems like Nick Cave was trying too hard on some of these vocals. Then mid-way through Nick Cave does a great job of creating the ominous gothic style he is so great at. Let Love In is a better album though.

Dracula does sensual country

Did not enjoy this, but it seemed well made. Just a matter of taste

Interesting rock album.

It was alright.

Good album. Love the way he sings and his timbre!

- what a freak. - I like some of the chiller songs like Loom of the Land and Straight to You - I don’t know if this is for me

To be honest, I have been getting nothing but psychodelic 60-70s albums these last days, so I am already happy we're finally in a different decade. What to say about this album by Nick Cave? Nick Cave has quite a unique sound, but I do feel like this isn't his best album, 3, 5 stars for me.

to the review that said this sounded like sweeney todd music: irl LOL. yes. this sounds like a drunk man trying to remember show tunes. i just don't like nick cave that much!!

i've had so much nick cave from this list and even another album of his in the last week. it's fine. sometimes good. sometimes dull and boring. i'm just over it at this point. this album is fine. it's got songs. it's good if you like this sort of thing. i'm not sure i do. i had to queue up the song "straight to you" three times, sometimes minutes apart, to remember how it sounded (ok but forgettable) and decide whether i liked it or not (it's fine). i don't hate it, i'm just weary. 3 stars. favorites: papa won't leave you henry, john finn's wife, jack the ripper

Pretty good

Pretty good but just another rock album, I liked the one about the wife

Probably his best one I've heard from this list, not his biggest fan however Will I listen to again:17%

Das ist so besonders, dass man es allein dafür wertschätzen muss. Rein musikalisch spricht mich das nur streckenweise an. Fühle mich konstant angeschrien und schaff es daher gar nicht auf die wahrscheinlich tollen Texte zu hören.

it's honestly a bit of a gamble when nick cave and friends pop up. a lot of his songs i've listened to especially lately, i've had mixed feelings about. i wonder what specifically throws me off. anyways, this one is some really nasty, grimy blues rock. not sure if i'm feeling this one a lot. i can't get used to his voice for that long.... the way that he sings, he sounds pissed off. like he doesn't want to be there and record the collection of tracks. he's permanently rolling his eyes. there's some variation in tracks but a lot of it sounds just... angry and messy to me.

Nick Cave isn't really my thing, but this album is good for what it is.

This has been the most enjoyable Nick Cave album so far.

I don't listen to any Nick Cave, not a big fan of his music. I do respect what he brings knowing he is a legend in his own right.

A lot of the longer lived new wave acts got a flair for the dramatics in the late 80s/early 90s. And I gotta say the beginning songs got my hopes up that this was gonna be smiths/depeche mode caliber. But nah, it’s just pretty alright. I get why some folks love it though.

Jeg synes jeg burde være større fan af ham end jeg er, som altid fed stemme og produktion, intet at sætte en finger på vibes-wise

Ved ikke om det er et hot take, men synes det her er en af de mindre gode Nick Cave plader. (Stadig rigtig god! Men føles lidt som et skridt tilbage i 1992)

Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds - very much an experience with a fierce voice and theatrical lyrics.

Good stuff, but here are other, way more essential Nick Cave records besides this one.

better than the other one

I think Cave’s vocals and lyricism are widely considered to be two of his greatest strengths, but unfortunately, neither does anything for me. His voice is too guttural, and his lyrics strike me as pompous or pseudo-intellectual. That said, the musicianship here was solid enough - nothing outright bad, but nothing that truly stood out either. At this point, I’ve accepted that Nick Cave just isn’t for me. I understand why he’s so popular, though, and I will say this album was more enjoyable than the previous one of his I got on this site, Abattoir Blues/The Lyre of Orpheus.

Oh so there’s more Nick Cave here. Guess that’s fine. Not my fav so far.

Interesting album. I like it but I am not sure I get it. Sounds like it has a similar origin story to the Decemberists but they chose beer and weed and Nick Cave chose heroin and whisky.

I enjoyed it a lot more than than the murder album. Although overall the dark/gothic country/rock vibes are not really my vibe.

I initially had higher hopes for this. Don't get me wrong; Nick Cave's got a cool sound. But four more of these may get a bit old after a while. Also, John Finn's wife is a wild song?!

man, shut up about john finn's wife. Most Nick Cave albums are basically the same so buckle up. We got six of these I think. I oscillate between finding Cave really humorless and annoying but then sometimes he'll drop a song that threads the needle so well that I'm willing to give him a million chances. To his credit, that usually happens at least once per album. When I First Came To Town is awesome. Favorite Tracks: Brother, My Cup Is Empty, Christina the Astonishing, When I First Came To Town

There is a catchy raw nerve throughout the album, but it also gets to chaotic here and there

Kinda as expected..

Good music but not for me. The voice feels too effortfull

Best Song: I Had a Dream, Joe. This really excellently channels a certain manic, targeted energy. It feels easy to get carried away with the narrative of the song. Worst Song: Christina the Astonishing. Songs which rely too heavily on Nick Cave's singing ability, as opposed to his skills at writing and arranging, I find his weakest. Overall: Unmistakably Nick Cave. I mostly listen to his music for their storytelling elements, and that aspect feels really lacking here. There's nothing in the sense of an overarching narrative, or even a vibe, and the songs always seem to get lost in these deeply repetitive chorus sequences. In a way that I can't articulate further, Nick Cave sometimes sounds like he is desperately yearning to be a musical Cormac McCarthy in a way that I find off-putting.

Listens: 3 Standout tracks: Brother My Cup Is Empty, John Finn's Wife I can't say I liked this more or even as much as The Boatman's Call. Nick's voice is coarse, and more often than not, he's not singing in tune... at all. Reminds me of the Dropkick Murphys. Lots of emphasis on story telling, which I suppose he does well enough.

Ik zit hier met een 6.5 voor me. Is dat dan een 3 of een 4? Ik denk dat als ik het rate tov andere Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds albums ik dit toch eerder een 3 geef omdat ik het wel echt minder leuk vind. Het einde van het album vond ik een stuk interessanter dan begin.

Can't really think of anything harshly negative, but I am not in 100% either. Can be a bit bombastic lyrically. Could be I like the music but find the voice turgid. Seems with this kind of music you live or die with how much one takes to or doesn't the voice.

Good poetry.

Probably as good as I'm gonna get from this man. Wasn't as slow or pretentious sounding as his other stuff, but his style is still very much an acquired taste