A Love Supreme

A LOVE SUPREME A LOVE SUPREME A LOVE SUPREME A LOVE SUPREME A LOVE SUPREME A LOVE SUPREME A LOVE SUPREME A LOVE SUPREME A LOVE SUPREME A LOVE SUPREME A LOVE SUPREME A LOVE SUPREME A LOVE SUPREME A LOVE SUPREME A LOVE SUPREME A LOVE SUPREME

”If God had an ipod I would be on his playlist” - John Coltrane, 1965

this might be a technical masterpiece but let's be real, jazz is annoying

The more I listen to jazz from being exposed via this site, the more I'm realizing that I just don't really like jazz. I can appreciate the musicianship, but it's just not something I'd choose to listen to.

What can be said about this album that hasnt already been said? Its absolutley incredible. Im not a jazz expert, and have only listened to about 4 dozen jazz albums, so I dont understand the music theory of it all, I just know that its an incredible experience to listen to this.

Takes several listens to really get, especially for those not used to jazz. First track gets improvised, demonstrating Coltrane's insane talent as a sax player. Love the "A Love Supreme" underlying the entire track, starting off the song clearly then stepping out of the shadows via Coltrane's vocals at the end. Second track starts taking an intense turn. This becomes a very powerful album, with Coltrane's attempt to play as though God was speaking through their instruments. It gets crazy from time to time, invoking several instances of emotion and power, like the drum solo in the first part and near the end of Pursuance. In fact, the last track Psalm is entirely a consistent preach which goes along to written lyrics spoken through sax. I wish I could explain the theory behind this work and what makes this "modal jazz," but I'll save that for another few years (hopefully). For now, I find this to be an amazing piece of art with wonderful diversity that demonstrate both immense talent and powerful messages that convey deep emotion to the listener.

One of the most important records ever made, John Coltrane's A Love Supreme was his pinnacle studio outing, that at once compiled all of the innovations from his past, spoke to the current of deep spirituality that liberated him from addictions to drugs and alcohol, and glimpsed at the future innovations of his final two and a half years.

Thank god that was short, I couldn't handle much more. Occasionally that was a good bit but then it would be overthrown by someone who fell on the piano or pushed over a bass.

It’s Coltrane at his best, in what world was I not going to give this album 5 stars? There have been so many positive reviews written about this album that I’m not sure how much else so have to say but it really is that good. Everybody plays so well together and the solos are perfect. My criteria for a 10 is basically that I don’t think the album could be any better and this album certainly fits that description. Favorite songs: Yes Least favorite songs: No 10/10

Jazz is a lot like England's "golden generation" of footballers. On paper, there's a lot of superstars but in practice, each player seems to be out of sync with each other and playing to their own tune.

I like some jazz and I like some jazz less. This is the type where 3 or 4 musicians appear to get together and do their own thing without any interest or care what the others are doing. Personally I'd rather listen to an orchestra tuning up.

Famous sax player Joshua Redman said 'A Love Supreme is the first jazz album I ever heard, and I really hope it is the last I ever hear.' This is the best piece of jazz music that will ever exist.

An absolute monolith. Gnomic on first hearing, enlightening after multiple.

A one-time contender for my favourite jazz album, I've cooled on this over the last couple of years. Not that I think it's anything resembling bad. Frequently funky, surprising and exciting, the closest I can get to laying my finger on the root of my reservations is that those qualities are rarely co-present and that seems like part of the design, which also seems to be deliberately challenging and as a result stops me from getting transported the way Coltrane is. Except when he chants "A love supreme". Despite its simplicity--probably because of it--that always hits me as the most transcendent moment.

01) A Love Supreme, pt 1. - Acknowledgement - 3,0 02) A Love Supreme, pt. 2 - Resolution - 2,0 03) A Love Supreme, pt. 3. - Pursuance - 2,0 04) A Love Supreme, pt. 4. - Psalm 3,0 TOTAL: 2,50 (25/100) God I hate jazz! It's like my left ear is fighting with my right one. Every instrument plays it's own tune. I know this is worthy album, but it's a big no for me.

Jazz. Raw, unapologetic, beautiful, soulful, all of those other words that have certainly been said about it over the years, and more. This album is great, and definitely deserves a high spot on this list.

This was a really crisp and musical album. I'm not very well-versed in jazz, but the riffs and solos in the songs were fun and bouncy, all while blending into the chord progressions really beautifully. I hadn't listened to Coltrane before, even though I'd heard his name, so it was a really cool piece of music history to listen to him. I also took the opportunity to read about his life and career and it's so clear that he lived and breathed jazz and his passion for music was the reason his work was so groundbreaking.

No. 54/1001 Acknowledgement 3/5 Resolution 4/5 Pursuance 3/5 Psalm 4/5 Average: 3,5 Jazz is not my favorite genre. But I can appreciate the incredible musicianship on display here.

John Coltrane, already well-establish as a one of jazz's greats, wanted to go in a different direction after his last album. Leaning more into avant-garde jazz, Coltrane blended elements of faith and religion to create what is effectively a new subgenre of jazz: Spiritual Jazz. More spiritual in form than in substance, A Love Supreme is a piece that honor's Coltrane's relationship with God. It is reflective, passionate, and amazing in it's music. Not only that, but this record would mark a move into free jazz, for both Coltrane and Impulse! Records. Context aside, this is a beautiful jazz record. It's a little weird, but makes up for it in spades with expert use of dynamics and improvisation that only seasoned jazz musicians could follow through on. Excellence had never sounded so good. God bless.

4 guys got on stage and just played their own shit for half an hour. If anxiety had a musical sound, it would be this. I'll give it a 1 star bump because of the technical musicianship of the band members and the undeniable influence he had.

I’m trying. Truly. I’m trying to understand jazz and appreciate it. I know that John Coltrane is a brilliant musician and rightfully revered. But I simply don’t “get” this type of jazz. To me, it just sounds like a cacophony of disparate musicians, and I struggle to find anything resembling a melody to grab on to.

Powerful and intricate, I could listen to this 100 times and continue to glean something different each time.

I have a hard time with a lot of jazz albums, but this one just owns it from start to finish. Everything about this album is excellent - from the rhythms to the sound of the recording and of course the songs themselves. I understand why this is a classic.

Not only a spectacular jazz album, A Love Supreme is a beautiful expression of the relationship between man and God. Coltrane’s saxophone wails and sobs like a sinner yearning to be cleansed.

From the first sound of the gong you are aware that you’re about to witness greatness. Jones’ cymbal washing and later use of timpani is breathtaking, but it is nonetheless Coltrane that stands out as the main character in what can easily be described as his magnum opus. Another milestone by Coltrane that still stands tall almost 60 years later.

Another groundbreaking album and modal jazz classic. This album in four movement takes a more avant garde approach to the form with its experimental rhythms and improvisation. Though less melodic than his work on Kind of Blue, this album is very listenable and has a lot to offer the casual jazz listener. This is one of those albums that rewards multiple listens.

Spiritual. If you're in the right frame of mind, hard to describe it as anything else.

Rare among jazz albums in that I feel like I genuinely get it, I think it's a masterpiece. This might not be considered a ringing endorsement given my general ignorance, but I'll stand by it.

Wow. I've never listened to this, but have always wanted to. What a masterpiece. It is such a beautiful expression of humanity. Always surprising, but in a way that keeps you in the piece. This could be listened to both in the background of a coffee shop and on head phones in the dark. Gorgeous.

Amazing album, fantastic playing, great sound. Still amused by how underwhelmed the singing is after such sparkling music. They sound like they're high schoolers being made to recite something. But hey, it's honest, it's pure, it's amazing.

Monumental. From a simple theme grows jazz played with a sense of spiritual purpose, instilled with passion, intent, and real feeling. You won't find dance hits here, but careful listening will reward those willing to do so.

Oh yes. This is sitting in a smoky bar, drinking a whiskey, and watching the band wail onstage. I am about this life.

I had heard this album a few times and, though I was a fan of parts 1 & 4, I found part 3, with its squonky bits and 2 drum solos a little much. However, on re-listen I like the way that the drums set up an awesome McCoy Tyner solo and in general, I love Elvin Jones’ loose and impromptu playing throughout. I’ve had other Coltrane albums on high rotation over the years but I’m glad that 1001 forced me to listen again this one again, with greater concentration. He takes post-bop jazz and makes it feel spiritual. It's a shame he died a couple of years later.

Gilt als Meisterwerk, nicht wegzudenken aus dem Kanon, gottgleich die Verehrung. Tue mich aber seit jeher schwer mit dieser Aufnahme (der Blue Train fährt cooler). An manchen Tagen hat “A Love Supreme“ die Kraft, graue Wolken vor den schmutzigen Fenster hinfort zu blasen. An anderen stellt sich eher ein Gefühl des Aushaltens ein. Das meist permanent hohe Tempo zwingt zum konzentrierten Hinhören, eine Aufgabe, für die es manchmal eine Kraft und Kontemplation braucht, die man aufzubringen nicht immer vermag. Musik als Rechenaufgabe oder Rätsel - faszinierend und (über)fordernd zugleich. Aber im guten Moment das magisch unbeschreibliche Begreifen ohne je eine Note zu kennen. Ehrlich diffuse Gefühle; selten verrückt, wie die Platte je nach subjektiver Empfindung morpht. Aber ein Sturm ist kein Buchhalter, sondern bläst und tobt unverzeihlich, wo und wie er will. Krasse 4.5

Schon oft gehört - aber wohl nie oft genug. Tatsächlich gibt es jedes Mal was neues zu entdecken auf dieser Reise, die noch so harmonisch und konzentriert beginnt, um dann immer stärker am Geschmack der Freiheit zu schnuppern und die Frage zu suchen deren Antwort 42 lautet, sich selbst in der Gleichung auflösen will und schließlich eins wird mit der kosmischen Existenz.

Already listened to it but I will continue to listen to it many, many times

I was working while listening to this, and unlike Black Saint, I wasn't distracted by any obnoxious muted horns, so I'd say I liked this very much. I also love using commas, apparently. 5 stars babeeeeee

This is is, this is the one. This and Kind of Blue. If you had to pick two jazz albums to take with you before jazz disappeared, it’d probably be one of those. It’s truly an achievement in sound, playing, recording, all of it. It’s no wonder this is cited in so many lists. Favorite song: all Least favorite: none

One of the most well-known Jazz records for a reason. It's not my first listen, and it won't be my last. I have not listened to a lot of John Coltrane, but this is a great album.

She coltrane on my john.

Love these style records. I’ve been playing more jazz in general but never sit down and throw on a full record. I think after I finish this full list I might find a best of jazz list as my next project.

As a saxophonist, it almost feels criminal not to give Coltrane 5/5, but even though I am amazed by the techniques and improvisation that I could not dream if doing, Coltrane's style of jazz has never been my favourite. Still 4/5 because I can hear the influence of Coltrane through much other jazz that I do enjoy very much

A beautiful masterpiece. Coltrane's expression in this album is conveyed from every complex section to the most subtle of ditties. Pt. III - Pursuance is a spiritual journey. Jazz is not my forte or most expansive genre, but it doesn't take a trained ear to know Coltrane's magnus opus is musical genius.

Peppy yet mollifying.

I enjoy jazz when accompanied by great food, or good conversations with wonderful friends. I also use it sometimes at work but not typically as my focal point of attention. I enjoyed this album, my least favorite being in part I when they keep vocalizing “a love supreme” and I was hoping this wasn’t a trend to continue. Luckily it wasn’t, I loved part II but I think part III was my favorite with how it started with the drums and had all these sections building.

I get it, this is classic John Coltrane, supremely sophisticated syncopation, rampant rattling rhythms. It's subversive to the wholesome big bad era that preceded. The jazz aficionados are lined up, looking down their noses, obliging me to rate this a 5. To me this is just jazzy, in the pejorative sense. It's like having an annoying squeaking sound in the car you try to root out and can't find, then you try to ignore it, but it wears out your subconscious mind. It's like cacophonous, chaotic traffic in Kathmandu. I do love horror-infused music, like Skinny Puppy, so maybe I should listen again and reframe it as intentionally terrorizing droning.

I'm not super versed into jazz. I'm a barely casual enjoyer of the popular stuff. I like other Coltrane albums but this feels super weird and erratic for me. With runs going on for a long time to weird places, hitting accidentals that throw my ears off. Everything is purposeful in his album but the language he is speaking in, I'm not fluent in.

Couldn't finish. Too much anxiety

Sorry Jazz, you are just not my thing. It’s not you, it’s me.

I am still trying to get more into jazz. This was an okay listen, and it wasn't necessarily difficult to get through but I'm not sure if I enjoyed it. Still, I appreciate the talent here.

Nice.

Stellar just stellar First jazz record. Really dig it. Another genre I need to learn more about

Arguably Jazz’ greatest triumph. I can’t add anything that hasn’t already been said about A Love Supreme. It’s sublime and can be a borderline spiritual experience listening to it.

It would take a hundred more listens to have anything at all to say

Extraordinary. Stunning. A mantra for all time. Pure expression, passion, soul and fearlessness

This is a stunning jazz album. It's one of the best ones out there.

Look man. It’s a five. I know it’s a five, it’s John Coltrane. I’ll get back to you when I’m done, but look at my fucking highest rated albums. I know what I’m gonna give it. I don’t need to listen to the album to give it a rating, but I’m gonna because it’s gonna kick ass. Update: FIVE. STARS.

GOAT

Wow, I am impressed, how much I did enjoyed and liked this album! :)

Solo 5 estrellas?

I don't know enough about the how and why of this album but you can just hear the mastery oozing from each note. Great solos, perfect ensemble and really makes you feel sophisticated listening to it haha

Gay

6 étoiles. Chef d'oeuvre. Fucké et digeste, l'album qui m'a ouvert les yeux au Jazz avec un J majuscule. Immense.

Un album mythique et mystique. Pour décoller et planer très haut. La basse obstinée et l'incantation de la track 1 me hantent à jamais.

A piece of art by the John Coltrane quartet. Somehow spiritual but deeply emotional. Coltrane and his peers made a record for the ages.

It'd a classic for a reason. Just great all the way through.

Superb!

What an album, a complete jazz masterclass. It's hard to decide which instrument is more impressive, drums, keyboard or the saxophone. The album is short and doesn't mess around, not even for a second. It's half an hour of action, all the way through. Is there a higher form of music than this? Highly unlikely. These people push the boundaries of music theory, virtuosity and improvisation to the very limits. Our role is just to witness what can be perceived audibly, to learn and to admire.

Coltrane defied the laws of physics and helped to define Jazz. This is an important album.

Loved this one. A jazz classic.

I love Coltrane's playing style. "Psalm" is the highlight here, but everything is great. 5 stars

‘a La supreme’? I’m sorry but we already covered that La’s album for 1001 and it only had one decent song in There She Goes. Not supreme at all! Other than that, this is a pretty blissful record with transcendent playing that holds up as one of the most essential of the Jazz genre.

absolutely goated with the sauce swag style

Ännu ett ikoniskt jazz-album, för mig inte lika viktigt som Kind of Blue men det är ändå ett album jag har lyssnat på många gånger och gärna lyssnar på igen.

Short, but oh so sweet. My only problem with this album is having the drum solo from Pursuance only in my right ear.

I rate Acknowledgment a 5 star because I really love jazz and the saxophone sounds really good and its very relaxing ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. I rate Resolution a 5 star because I really love jazz and the saxophone sounds really good and its very relaxing ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and the bells are very good.

I wish Giant Steps was on here either instead or in addition. (God forbid we have two Coltrane albums on here, gotta make room for the NINE NEIL YOUNG ALBUMS) Anyway, this is one of those albums that is too important to talk about. It’s spiritual in a way that makes sense even to this bitter agnostic.

Again I wish I knew more about jazz but this is one of the few jazz records I own and idk I love it. Everyone knows this record but I don't care it's really cool. I'm getting the feeling there will be very little jazz on this list in general so it's just something I'm gonna try to look into on my own.

This album is perfect in a way that makes me want to stop ranking things and just allow them to exist in their magical, mystical, actual spiritual perfection. This album crawls into your synapses and massages microscopic bits that you'd long forgotten. It's soul salve. Chant with me: A love supreme. A love supreme. A love supreme.

It's torture for me to listen to any kind of free form or bebop jazz. However, I know objectively that this is a masterpiece of the genre...so it gets a 5.

My favorite piece of recorded music. Perfect in every way.

This might be the greatest jazz record of all time. I’m not religious in any way, but when I listen to music as beautiful as this, I can’t help but wonder if I’m missing something.

One of the greatest works of human creation

Man up, as they say in America

This guy can play the trumpet.

Great album

Pretty experimental, lots of cool stuff going on.

I first heard this on a slate video and now it’s one of my favourite jazz records

Only one complaint, too short

prototypical jazz classic. difficult to find any real shortcomings. maybe just not as transcendently brilliant as peak miles davis/mingus.

No notes needed

Super classic jazz album, and one of the ones I listen to the most after probably Kind of Blue. I don't have the jazz savviness to write a more in depth review about how good this is--I'm just an amateur passing fan in this category, but about as near to perfect as you can get for this style. Wild and frenetic but controlled in some chaotic way. Awesome.

Not a jazz expert or even think of myself as a jazz fan, but I do own a lot of Coltrane albums, 30 plus. So yes obviously have this and have heard it many times. Not qualified to give any in-depth analysis worth reading, there are academic books just reviewing this album for that. Can see where if you never listen to any jazz that it may perhaps seem at 1st a little jarring, but if you give it time this is just a fabulous listen, just fall into the music, the scope, the dialogue in the moment. 5 Star.

Wonderful.

so good really liked it

Absolute bonkery

This, right here, this is the good stuff.

Way more enjoyable to have on in the background than I expected.

9/10? Me agarro en um momento instropectivo (¿o el álbum me hizo estarlo?). Nunca habia escuchado jazz antes y me parece uma belleza. Descansa en paz Flaca, siempre te recordaremos.

92% Best: Acknowledgement; Pursuance Must-Hear? Yes