Groovin'

Play that funky music, white boys! 3.5, would listen again.

Hear me out, this album sounds like what would happen if the lead in a spaghetti western fell in love with a hippy dippy flower child.

This is derivative trend chasing with nearly zero originality by four white blue eyed squares. It's not even that this album is technically subpar or that they can't at least sing decently, but i hate everything that this represents.

Definitely could have died without listening to this. Top track: "Groovin'"

Boring honestly.

what a bunch of rascals

Inoffensive, but unengaging and unnecessary. Blissfully short ⭐⭐

The music was fine, but the mixing was a bit obnoxious on some of the tracks

This again feels like it was added completely because of the hit single. If the list was "1001 singles from the 60s you might like" I could see it being added. The rest of the tracks weren't bad but it was just like the nascent combination of songcraft and the business side where each song is engineered to be a sellable product. Maybe it was a necessary step but wow is it boring to plow through.

Had this been early-60s, I could plausibly see how it could have been "trailblazing" or something. But really, by '67, it's just another quite good example of pop / soul / harmonies. The hit single itself isn't even that good ("How Can I Be Sure" the standout track with the OTT vocals and strings)

some nice funky music (3.4)

Nice

Really liked it!

Though they wear their influences on their sleeves, I don't necessarily find that to be a bad thing, and there were plenty of moments I enjoyed, even if it does feel a little bit lacking in distinction.

This is a great and entertaining album. Very Beatles like at some points. Has a chill vibe to it and I very much enjoyed listening to it.

Capa muito feia, mas simultaneamente bem charmosa. Me deu uma ideia boa do que esperar desse álbum – pastelão anos 60. Até o nome da banda passa essa vibe. E já falei várias vezes que a pira sessentista é meu ponto fraco. Sonoridade leve e relaxante. Divertido, descontraído. Não tenta ser descolado e nem precisa ser. Disco verdadeiramente wholesome. Como de costume, este disco, com seus sessentismos, pegou no meu ponto fraco, e conseguiu me conquistar. Álbum curto, compacto, direto ao ponto, nem um pouco pretensioso. 4.5/5

Not a lot to say about another average record. It was nice, but regular, great rock, but weird at times. 2.8 ratings

Hauskaa ja ajanmukaista menoa 1960 luvulta

Not the best thing ever but still a pretty fun record. Some of these songs are actually quite beautiful. :3

Una cumbre luminosa y refinada del blue-eyed soul y el pop barroco de finales de los sesenta que ha envejecido bien como un remanso de serenidad, ingenio melódico y madurez compositiva. En el plano de diseño formal, la producción alcanza una notable claridad acústica: los arreglos orquestales concebidos junto a Arif Mardin —que incorporan cuerdas delicadas, congas de cadencia afrocubana, clavecín, flauta pastoral y acordeón— se despliegan con una definición diáfana donde cada textura respira con amplio espacio, permitiendo que la interacción instrumental y las armonías vocales brillen sin sobrecargar el espectro sónico. La entrega de Felix Cavaliere y Eddie Brigati desborda una fuerza y calidez que transmiten autenticidad pura, dotando al cuarteto neoyorquino de una autoridad superior al desprenderse de las convenciones del garaje urgente para abrazar una sutileza armónica genuina. Hitos imborrables como la ligereza dominical y orgánica del tema homónimo "Groovin'", la vulnerabilidad confesional a ritmo de vals en "How Can I Be Sure", el dinamismo melódico de "A Girl Like You" y el pulso rítmico de "You Better Run" configuran un documento conmovedor, crudo y real que opera como un sutil llamado a la conciencia sobre la pausa contemplativa, la honestidad en el afecto y la necesidad de sosiego frente a la prisa del mundo moderno. Por su cadencia sedosa, luminosa y envolvente, la obra preserva una constante sensación de paz y fluidez ideal para múltiples usos, adaptándose con naturalidad como catalizador para el trabajo creativo, la conducción atenta o para sumergirse en una honda reflexión solitaria.

A pleasing mix of pretty sophisticated summery soul and (for its day) edgy guitar garage. Highly enjoyable. 3.5

Catchy, solid; saturated in that nostalgic ‘60s “flavor” & mix.

Man, this album caught me completely off guard. I knew the Young Rascals primarily from “Good Lovin’,” which is a great example of that mid-60s frat rock sound. You know, “Louie Louie,” garage bands playing high school dances, that whole thing. So I went into this expecting a pretty straightforward 60s rock record. Boy, was I wrong. The opening track, “A Girl Like You,” is practically pure Motown. It’s this fantastic piece of blue-eyed soul that sounds like something Otis Redding might have recorded, or maybe an early Blood, Sweat & Tears track. It’s a tremendous song and immediately had me reconsidering everything I thought I knew about this band. Nothing else on the album quite topped it for me. But there’s a hell of a lot going on here. “Find Somebody” heads straight into Byrds territory, with those jangly guitars, folky vocals, and a vaguely Eastern, psychedelic quality. Elsewhere I’m hearing the accessible 60s pop rock of the Monkees, the garage psychedelia of Jefferson Airplane, and even some Moody Blues. It’s a surprisingly eclectic record, and the band seems perfectly comfortable moving between all these different styles. The title track brings a lot of those influences together beautifully. First and foremost, “Groovin’” is a lovely little soul song. I could easily imagine the Temptations singing it. But there’s also that distinctly late-60s psychedelic atmosphere running through it, like Motown filtered through the Byrds or Jefferson Airplane. “You Better Run” is another standout, and one I was already familiar with. This is just great, menacing 60s rock and roll. Bluesy vocals, a killer fuzz-guitar riff, a huge chorus with female backing singers, and this bright Hammond organ just oozing all over the track. Terrific stuff. Then there’s “How Can I Be Sure,” which is fascinating in a completely different way. It’s incredibly theatrical, almost like something out of a Broadway musical. I hear a lot of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons in it, which makes sense given the band’s New Jersey roots. There’s that whole northeastern, Italian-American pop and doo-wop tradition, going back to Dion and the Belmonts. But it’s also got a decidedly psychedelic quality. At moments, it almost sounds like something Pete Townshend might have written as a strange little musical interlude on Tommy. I think that’s what impressed me most about this album. The Young Rascals weren’t just another garage-rock band riding the British Invasion wave. They were pulling from Motown, Southern soul, doo-wop, folk rock, psychedelic rock, and traditional pop, and making something that was very much their own. Not every song is equally memorable, and I still think that opening track is the best thing here, but the sheer range of influences and the quality of the musicianship really surprised me. I came in expecting “Louie Louie” and found the Temptations discovering psychedelia. A really pleasant surprise. 6.9/10

very quick 30 min album, some good funky songs to listen to. Very much a groovin album, why not give it a fo!

It's fine. Seems very 1960's oldie station fine. I can have it on in the background and be in a pleasant mood because of it, but nothing is good enough to actually pick out.

It’s got You Better Run, How Can I Be Sure, and Groovin’. But if you can find a greatest hits collection with those three songs, listen to that instead.

Some famous songs. It was OK.

Aptly titled album. It’s groovy, fun, upbeat. Most of the songs sound like they could’ve been singles. It sounded like the transition between the 60s and the 70s.

--A Girl Like You...a song for swingin' lovers --Find Somebody...some weird stereo trickery going on as we begin; not pleasant. there might be a good song in here somewhere but it's probably in mono --I'm So Happy Now...going for a walk on a sunny day --Sueño...nice groove and harmonies --How Can I Be Sure...this is just great pop. classic --Groovin'...cheesy but also classic --If You Knew...pleasant but forgettable --I Don't Love You Anymore...a Latin flare to this. see "If You Knew" for my ultimate feelings --You Better Run...Lennon coded --A Place in the Sun...a bit long, but there's a singalong quality to it that makes me want to join in --It's Love...decent groove to close. we also get some sexy flute

Standouts Groovin'

Ftom the sounds of it nobody cared about this record while writing, recording and producing it, so why should I care about it?

7,5

Kind of generic harmless fun really isn’t it. It’s just fine.

Now this was some soul for yo ass!! Loved most of it!

Solid enough for the mid-60s sound (and blessedly short).

Maybe I'm grumpy but it was too generic.

Not a bad album with one really big hit song along with a lot of lesser tunes. If you are in the mood for this sort of whimsical folky pop then it really hits the spot. I listened to it a couple of times and I feel like I was in a better mood to listen to it the second time. Not bad if the time is right, but I guess that is true for a lot of things.

Not sure, maybe based on the band's name and the album cover I thought this was going to be some kind of novelty album, and I am not really a fan of novelty music at all! However listening halfway through this and it just seems like decent baroque pop type of album, not great, but not terrible either. So probably something like 2 stars, maybe 3 stars if I am being just slightly generous. Update: honestly deserving 3 stars I reckon, a few really nice tracks here. I will go as far as saying - REVISIT this one

A couple of good songs but not enough for a whole album

Fine but very dated.

Fine. Kind of surprised how low of a stream count it was.

One of the best collections of 60s pop. Just enjoyable. 4.5/5

Franchement cool, et je l'ai ecouté avec elian donc c'est trop chouette 3.5

Bonne découverte. parfait contexte pour l'écouter

Feels more 50’s

Late 60’s goofy rock

Nothing much here that got me hooked, the only tune was Groovin'

++*: Groovin' ++: A Girl Like You, If You Knew, You Better Run, A Place in the Sun, It's Love +: Find Somebody, Sueño, How Can I Be Sure, I Don't Love You Anymore +-: I'm So Happy Now 7,7/10

Maybe I wasn't in the mood but this was driving me insane with boredom, why is it here. Idk if the band name is ironic but it's upsetting

A one hit wonder, plain and simple. There is nothing to this I haven’t heard before, but done better by other groups. Although the title track does save it from a 1 star review. It’s cool.

Had to go hear groovin’ in Spanish. Made giggle, ngl

Enjoyed this in a harmless enough sort of way...

Straight out of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. It’s hard to mess up this genre of 60s pop rock. A Place in the Sun stood out. 4/5

Very Beatlemania coded. I'd wager this album doesn't deserve a spot on this list, but whatever, it's a fun (albeit inoffensive) listen. Didn't realize that these guys came up with "Groovin'" and that Booker T & the MG's covered it.

Usually with these kinds of 60s albums I'll find it kind of repulsive, but I actually didn't mind this one. It was pretty sure and Groovin is a pretty popular/influential song from that time.

1960’s groovy but a cut above the average. Solid if not spectacular.

Songs that I might be persuaded to karaoke when I’m 3 or 4 deep. But otherwise throwaway ‘60s pop.

Perhaps a little uneven, but that’s because five of the songs are greatest hits. Most of the others hold up well. An important part of the late 60’s rock movement.

i'll catch up!! MKAYYYY i'd definitely create a second playlist inspired on my grandpa's music taste just to add some of these in there

Sounds like the 50s

A fun listen. Definitely good background music.

Aptly named - it’s enjoyably groovy pop

Det borde kittla till och borde vara ”up my alley”, men känner mest meh..

Borde va min typ av skiva men inte jättekul att lyssna på

Låter som ett 60-talsalbum i mängden. Ganska bra, inte fantastiskt. Snyggt albumomslag bumpar upp det till svag 4.

Oooh ett till galet bra album från 60-talet. Rätt bra variation trots tidsålder. Kan knappt klaga på något, förutom covern på A Place in the Sun. Vafan ett år efter den släpptes och den tillför typ inget speciellt? Bara utfyllnad i guess. Ska byta namn till Dino Danelli

Stark tvåa hehe. Sömnpiller. Sorry Dino Danillo

Quite pleasant 60s pop, but I’m sure I won't feel the need to listen to it ever again. However, much better than you’d expect based on the album artwork, the band's name, or the album title.

Sometimes the global reviews state the review perfectly, for example "Like thumbing marshmallows into the anus of a cat.". I couldn't have said it better myself.

60s pop nonsense.

I recognized "Groovin'" but the rest of the album was new to me. It was fine, but not one that really grabbed me.

Loved Groovin- throwback chill

Simple, inoffensive music.

I agree with the general idea that this doesn't need to be in the book, but it's kinda pleasant to listen to at least. I just don't see a reason to hear it again. 60s pop runs a thin line between reductive and extravagant for me.

Boring old school pop

Ça groove et c'est varié tout en restant dans une ambiance un peu hippie, pas mal

C'était plutôt sympa, j'ai bien groové

Didn’t groove with this

Sure! Why not Best Song: Groovin' Rating: 6/10 Stars: 3

Yo what a great G-rated album! The backing instrumentation was minimal but pleasing (though I could do with less jazz flute) but I loved the vocals and the songs were so catchy and shallow and fun. These guys took rock and roll and made it non-controversial and accessible.

Okay but not consistent. Not enough good songs

Classic 60s pop sound, all harmonies and stolen Beatles riffs. Nice variety within the album but there’s a reason these guys aren’t household names.

The first song hooked me- such a great album to just put on in the background or sit and listen to. I could listen to a lot of these songs casually. Groovin is such a classic that I didn't even comprehend the artist was the same until I heard it play. How Can I Be Sure is so good, and so is A Girl Like You. Good album!

It's kinda sweet, but also quite flat and boring as a result. Sure I understand that there is some historical significance but it doesn't feel as mandatory as they claim. It's very uneven as a record, and I was bored

Actually quite nice

I enjoyed this album. Going in, I knew some of The Young Rascals’ bigger songs, but I was surprised by how much variety there is on Groovin’. It has that unmistakable late-’60s sound, but the album doesn’t stay in one lane. There’s soul, rock, horns, harmonies, psychedelic guitar, and even some Latin influence on “Sueño.” “A Girl Like You” was a pleasant way to start, and I really liked the classic late-’60s guitar sound on “Find Somebody.” “I’m So Happy” stood out for its horn section and harmonies, while “How Can I Be Sure” was one of those songs I immediately recognized from hearing oldies growing up. Of course, I already knew “Groovin’,” but my favorite was easily “You Better Run.” I like both the original Young Rascals version and Pat Benatar’s later version, and this one has a gritty rock and R&B edge that really works for me. “A Place in the Sun” and “It’s Love” were also good tracks toward the end. Overall, this was an enjoyable listen with more range than I expected. There weren’t quite enough standout moments to push it into four-star territory or make me want the vinyl, but I’m glad I finally heard the whole album.

A couple bangers, a couple dogs. So-so relic of the 60s. The singles are ok, the rest is pretty forgettable.

Does not hold up to any hype it could have had

It's fine, but sounds just like so many other bands from the period.

The sound of the 60s

Yay - some good tunes to start the day! it's got enough good music that you will be groovin' right along with them.

I kind of dig it

Better than expected. More than just Groovin. But not that much more

60-tal så det skriker om dettttt. Rätt nice

Overall a bit dull. Song for song I think it’s ok, very emblematic of the era, but even 30 minutes is too much

Not very exciting... Definitely not pushing any envelopes with this one

60s Boy band. Still cool flower power

Nice music. Not exceptional.

(6.6)

It is interesting how as a non-American music obsessive of several decades, I have been barely aware of The Young Rascals. Seems they were massive! I had heard the title track of course and assumed it was by The Drifters or Miracles or Temptations or what have you, and it’s not the only track on the album where they sound convincingly like a world-class black vocal group. They do plenty more to impress too. In fact, for a 60s US pop album, ‘Groovin’’ is remarkably rounded and lacking in anything with even a suggestion of filler about it. Add to that that the group was a self contained writing unit, and I become flabbergasted that they could have slipped into a position of historical curio. This is one of those occasions where the 1001 listening experience is delivering exactly what I wanted from it. I will be investigating their shockingly small catalogue and trying to figure out further why I don’t hear them talked about as much as The Byrds, The Lovin’ Spoonful, The Monkees and so on.