Fear Of Music

enjoyed this so much I listened to it twice back to back and will listen again

This was another just noise album. I have learned I don’t like the talking heads.

I didn't mind the music, but the vocals were hard to listen to for me. There were moments I felt like I was getting into it and then something about his voice would take me right back out. 2/5

Feels like spoken word with a beat, and that isn't really my vibe.

Liked this better than the prior Talking Heads album I had. It's a little more accessible. I still find myself wanting to like them more than I do. It's still a little bit of a tough listen at times.

Couldn't get into it. 1/5

Solid

Funky, mildly wacky, old school, 70s

Kende Talking Heads wel maar dit album is matig, goofy ahh zang

Dit was hem in ieder geval niet voor mij. Puntje erbij voor de 40 min

delightfully quirky and upbeat, as any talking heads album should be. a fun listen. highlights: “mind”, “life during wartime”, “heaven”

Did not expect to like this

I love Talking Heads, this is not my favorite album by them though. I'd give it 3.5 if I could

After a string of mediocre albums, it was refreshing to get this funky, cool, solid piece of art. Life During Wartime is a banger. The rest is slinky, a bit tense and slightly jittery. David Byrne can convey awkwardness and menace in the same song. Good stuff.

An incredibly groovy and fun record that builds on the great sound of their first two and pushes it into a more experimental territory, and features some of Byrne’s most eccentric lyrics (I’m looking at you, Animals). The closer Drugs is probably the weakest song on the album and is a bit anticlimactic, and really the only thing holding it back from a perfect rating

I know talking heads, but only know two songs psycho killer and new feeling. 4 last songs aren't available on Spotify in here. Kind of a weird look the cover has. It's not rock, but punk and new wave so ik what to expect kind of. First song, old vibes, not English, never had that experience here. It's fun I like the energy, it's europopy. Smn said what if this song was their karaoke song and another one had this fully memorized by listening to it too much. I really liked this, it was different, full, and fun to listen to. I'd say 8.8/10. Second song, back to English, there is background "mmm" with the main singing. It's melancholic, also alien like sounds in the right ear. It's monotonous and not energetic. It increased volume two times in my left ear, I love that. I liked the voice change in 2:38. It changed again it was more desperate. Long outro. It was unique, but also boring, so 7.1/10. Third song, I love the start. It's energetic, nevermind, and now it is again. There's pauses after that energy burst. It's only energy now. I like the guitar, his voice is not soft, but not annoying. Long outro. It felt too long even though it wasn't, 7/10 worse than the last one. 4th song, I like the use of piano here. He sings in such a good way. Chorus is bad. Very monotonous. I'm not impressed at all, though I like those instruments. It was nice, but tooo uninteresting 6.8/10 5th song, start is great, it's energetic. It's simple,but fun. There is trombone like instrument. This one's was better than some slow ones here. 7.7/10. 6th song. Different vocal start. Not bad, it's not full of energy, however, it is sad. He used vocals at the end. Worse than the last one 7.3/10, I usually don't talk this less about songs. 7th song, alien instruments. Background voice saying "faster". It got slower now and stays like that, bad. It's so repetitive. Instrumental break with the guitar. Outro is very big. I'd say 6.2/10. 8th song, soft voiced, plus sad. Chorus is not fully different, though it's something. I did not like this one, it's chill and relaxing, but that's not what I came here for. 6/10. 9th song, it's enthusiastic. I like the guitar in the left and some instrument in the right ear, while there is this constant sound in the middle, a beat I suppose. His voice is aggressive, then not. WOW what a change so suddenly, it's how the lyrics are said. Long outro. For the change I rate it 7.2/10. 10th song, I like how he says "electric guitar", the beat is making it better. Best part is that otherwise it's boring. Whole song was that almost, there were verses, but not remarkable. Because of repeating name I say 7.6/10. 11th song, I love the mysterious start. Different instruments going on, that went on too much, and the vocals are a disappointment (was a glitch at the start of it). I'm not liking this, making the whole song on that beat is not a good choice, plus the way he sings is different, but in a bad way. Spooky song it is undeniably though. 2 minute outro: some talking in between, which is scary as fuck, a frog?!, guitar came in, the man talking was actually weird. This was most uniquely done, 7.9/10 for that. Overall I'm not impressed, I wanted more from them, I didn't it was gonna be this lame overused vibe. There were some parts in songs that were catchy and interesting otherwise it was repetitive (expected). So 3 stars seems like a fair rating, could have been worse.

Pretty awesome album but a step below “remain in light” and “stop making sense” so like a 4.3/5

As a Talking Heads fan, this is an essential album and I'm very glad that it's on this list. I remember thinking when I heard this for the fist time, "what the hell did I just listen to?" It's so weird, strange, and different than many other types of music I've listened to...Talking Heads are quite unique. A few songs did take a handful of times to listen to before I liked them, but they are all great (although some are better than others: Cities, Life During Wartime, I Zimbra, and Heaven). Favorite tracks: all of them.

The best kind of weird

I’ll always switch if I hear Talking heads on the radio, but in an album I got it. This is pretty cool.

More fun than expected. 3.25 stats

This is a solid album. Lots of complexity and Heaven is a beautiful song. Probably #3 of Talking Heads albums for me but that's a solid 3 albums. I think this album lacks some cohesion that other works have for them.

First listen through on the car stereo sounded like a muddy mumbled mess. Headphones corrected the issue. Memories Can't Wait stood out for me. Overall there is an anxiety inducing or manic energy for me. Which didn't work with me today. I believe I would need more time with this.

Thanks to this 1001 albums project, I've come to learn that I really don't like 'Post Punk', so at least I could come into this album preparing for the worst. And yes, it still holds! I just think it's way too weird, and it does absolutely nothing for me for the most part. I don't like his singing style at all. He's either singing with some kind of mania, or just mumbling and farting about. I thought I would hate this more though. There's a few upbeat tracks that work well, but that's about it.

Not bad.

Meh. Didn't like his voice. Or songs. Haha

Better than I expected since I usually don't listen to them. Added a few songs to my 2024 Playlist

Last one through the door before "Remain in Light" kicks them into transcendence. Pretty good, but suffers a bit from the same issue as "Speaking in Tongues," where all the live versions of the songs on here are not just better than the originals, but completely blow them out of the water

pretty boring but catchy I guess

It annoys me in the same way the music from the challenge island in animal crossing is annoying

I expected to like this more, I'm barely able to give it a three

some of it sounds interesting but then he starts to sing and it sounds so dated and all I can see is his stupid big shouldered suit and lame-ass broadway musical

David Byrne is still a genius.

Not a great album. Feels like a drug fever in salmon coloured dockers.

Air.

Classic sound i feel

Mostly excellent

Jeah

Not as good, nor as well produced as Remain In Light, but still fantastic.

gets boring very quickly

“Cities” was fine. Most of the rest was similar-sounding babble.

I like Talking Heads but this was a little hard to get through

True Talking Heads 'stuff' here. What a flashback to the '70's and revisit of their style and sound. The era of (true) MTV videos really brought these guys into the limelight. Thanks, this was a good one.

Magical and confusingly interesting

This is good but I always was to like talking heads more! Good diversity between songs 3.9

A&R folks were way more adventurous in the late 70's. Very cool to hear this band on the front end of their development...

Starts out with some raw-er rock, seques to more prog-ey with lower energy and volume

Own

The result of a quirky, eclectic band meeting a quirky, eclectic producer and bringing out the best of themselves. Odd rhythms, a range of subjects and characters in the songs and yet you can't help wanting to dance. Even if you may look like you're having a seizure, it's the coolest seizure you'll ever have. Best Tracks: I Zimbra; Cities; Life During Wartime.

I knew less of this than I thought. Three tracks in the middle are brilliant but the rest didn't catch me as much. Very possible that my ranking will go up a star with additional listens.

5 stars. Great fucking album.

Proof there's music for out there for everybody. This just isn't for me. 2/5

No

About as high as one of my 3.5’s can be. 3.5/5

Really great album, but not the best by Talking Heads. I’m waiting to get Speaking in Tongues and Remain in Light so I can give them both 5 stars.

I hadn't listened to this one before, but I really enjoyed it. Not every track is a home run, but there are a bunch of great ones. You're either into Talking Heads or you're not, I find. Not many casual fans of this band.

So full disclosure I could not get through the entire album. For me this is 2* at best. What's weird to me is I can definitely hear the influences on music I love, which usually rates higher for me but the fact I couldn't finish it says a lot.

I was underwhelmed by this album and was perhaps expecting too much since I've liked some other pieces from Talking Heads. It wasn't bad, but it really doesn't do much for me, and I don't think I'll return to it.

They definitely get points for having a unique sound, but this didn't do enough for me to move it beyond a 3.

Very good, I need more than 24 hours to really develop a fuller opinion.

Ooh yes modest fan of this one. This style of funk sort of post punk is tight. Nearly every song on here is too-the-point and nice

Pretty good

Me gusta ésta banda

Interesting sound with each song. Great vocal harmony as well.

Dated

Love talking heads. Not this album

Technically speaking, these Talking Heads are good, I know this. However, any time I have to listen to one of their albums, I groan. They really aren’t my speed or style. Some of these tracks are bearable, but a lot are just annoying. Whatever. 3/5

More Talking Heads!!

Very interesting, much more alternative (dada) than expected

Interesting

Meh

Did they make a bad album? Classics Cities, Life During Wartime, Heaven.

breaking voices. Love the highlights not the low lights

Experimentelle LP mit für seine Zeit innovativen avantgardistische Rock und Creative Sound. Leider wirken einige Stücke sehr provokativ und tolle Arrangements wie z.B. „Heaven“ or „Memories Cain‘t Wait“ sind leider die Ausnahme.

One of the best bands to emerge during the most innovative period in the history of pop music. They released five consecutive masterpieces (no mean feat!). 'Fear of Music' is the third of these and a singular experience. African rhythms, twisted melodies, endless layers and textures, this album never fails to captivate

An eclectic sound for the ‘70s but at the same time, very fitting for the time. Their creativity shines throughout the album and makes for a fun and groovy time. I think this is an album that deserves multiple listens before judging

Just feels nice to listen to

I’d give this a 3.5, I think it has some potential. I will have to give this another listen.

A bit too art school new wave strange rhythms for me palette.

Much better than I remembered it to be.

The building blocks of a lot of weird music I pike better than I like this.

While I am a fan of Talking Heads later albums, this is too weird and sometimes repetitive for me

meh

Not my cup of tea but I can recognise the talent of Talking Heads.

Air.

Seems quite original and has influenced a lot of music ever since.

Fun

Didn't get a chance to really analyze but I was listening to this while cooking some pork tenderloin. It had me moving out there. Best sear on pork I’ve ever done and I couldn’t have done it without David Byrne as my companion throughout.

A vision of music to come. Eno and Byrne in virtuous form.

It’s okay not wild about it.

More a collection of sound experiments than I remembered, though Byrne’s unique repetition of certain sounds and phrases is entrancing — “tune this - elec - tric - gui - tar.” “Life During Wartime” and “Memories Can Wait” could carry the worst of albums. Fortunately, Fear of Music is not that.

I’ve always been a Talking Heads fan but I don’t know much beyond the hits and Little Creatures so this is a good choice. Aptly named, cuz these songs are kinda scary and disconcerting. Heaven is a great homage to Bowie. I’ll definitely be on the lookout for this on vinyl. Tracks added to Spotify: 3

I liked it a lot but not as much as Remain in Light! :)

still too bizarre for my tastes

It was ok. Wouldn't listen to again

Great album, glad I finally listened. Life In wartime and heaven are both amazing songs, but I think their live performances on stop making sense are better

Some songs were great, some I found myself wanting to skip to get to the good ones.

Will be coming back to this one. I liked it but needs more listens

7/10 First TH album I’ve heard, none of the big tunes so went in blind. Pleasant surprise. Sounds really fresh for a 70s album Lyrics and delivery by Byrne excellent and witty Loved the fact that the rhythms were essentially disco But in the end maybe a bit musically monotone for me, not a huge range of style Can totally see the influence this has on jangly art-rock. Lots of stuff still sounds a bit like this Best: Memories Can’t Wait

Depois da primeira audição pouca coisa ficou na cabeça de modo que eu não consegui destacar nenhuma canção em especial, apesar de que na "levada geral" do disco tenha sido uma experiencia agradavel.

My first Talking Heads experience. Why I thought the album was average, I’m excited to dive more into their discography after listening.

I have known and loved several of these songs but never heard this whole album before. Knew the ones from Stop Making Sense and the greatest hits collection. I was glad to hear the album in its entirety but still am a fan mostly of just the songs i knew before. The album feels a bit dated and while I can appreciate the creativity, I couldn’t get into many of the other songs.

Original and energetic

Oh look, my favorite Talking Heads album! I've already got 2 of their albums at 5* (gonna be 4 by the time we finish this 1001 thing), so you know what this is gonna be. Another absolutely effortless 5, this album kicks all kinds of ass IMHO.

Compleclex, a bit experimental but not bad. Annoying at some point

I imagine this is what I would sound like singing high on LSD. Some interesting things musically, but otherwise just ok.

Know Talking Heads well and love many of their songs. This one, I was not aware of and it threw me for a loop. Felt like I was on the Disney Haunted Mansion ride for the majority of the album.

No for me. Sound doesn’t resonate.

Kind of psychedelic. Tried to like it but just okay.

SO FRENETIC. Would be good for cleaning the house or dancing out some feelings.

The Talking Heads are weirdly delicious. I like a lot of their songs, but haven't really put them into my rotation...that might change now!

Talking Heads always deliver interesting rhythm, this album is no exception. Very creative but at times monotonous.

Overall, kind of annoying.

Day2- i wish i was introduced to the talking heads when i was younger. such a cool album

I liked this more than I thought I would. I've never been a fan of this vocal styling, but I like the song structure and the music, especially the bass.

Pretty fun talking heads classic.

Innovative music. Lyrics make one think. Popular in the early 80s

Meh

I don't really like the Talking Heads. I find the music structure interesting but the overall sound abrasive and without flow.

Nicht zu Emde gehört. Am Anfang interessant, wird aber zunehmend nerviger. Anstrengende Vocals. Stellenweise gute Texte 2,5

War mir relativ unschlüssig. Ist zwar musikalisch nichts super Besonderes, aber die Lyrics waren witzig und es war dann doch recht kurzweilig.

I've slightly forgotten what I thought of this - it's talking heads so obviously I liked it but I don't remember any particular songs so it will go in the strong 4 category

I mean what did you think I would rate it

Ironic that I start this project (one where I will discover new music) with an album I already have heard many times from a band I love. I do feel this is one of their weaker albums in terms of entertainment value. While it’s definitely progressive and shows the band at or near their peak of creativity and originality, that doesn’t mean it’s entertaining or capable of eliciting an emotional response, personal connection, or overt reaction other than “huh, that was cool.”

anders aber cool

Verrückt, funky, Pop. Nicht für mich.

If I didn't know anything about this album going in I would've been able to tell you it was a late 70's or early 80's record by the vocals. The singing is painfully stuck in that time period. The production was good, but more so in a I want to see if any rap producers sampled these instead of a wanting to listen to this record way.

Not something I would usually listen to but otherwise mostly enjoyable.

This was a great album

Not a huge fan, too repetitive and "experimental" for my tastes. Frenetic is another word I would use to describe this album.

Banger after banger. Made me want to listen to more talking Heads.

boring

Not for me

Cities is amazing, I love the talking heads so obvi 10/10 for me 😊

David Byrne loves disco

Interesting listen. Did not think I would enjoy but I would listen to it again.

Geschrummel

5,0

It’s so crazy that this is from the 70s!

Nice album.

Have this on vinyl (From Jimmy Mac). Masterpiece.

I hope there are at least two more albums from these guys on this list. Personally Little Creatures Remain in Light and Speaking In Tongues are all superior albums. Love these guys those and also one of my fav tracks from them on here.

The Talking Heads know what they're about. Many of these songs are among the Talking Headiest of the Talking Heads' repertoire.

Kinda funky but overall not that exciting

Good album, lots of interesting ideas, good performances. Enjoyed this.

This is the album that taught me that “ugly” sounds can be beautiful. At times, the album is so noisy, or David Byrne is just making weird sounds with his voice—and it’s still so excellent. There’s also the unapologetic weirdness of this album, which was so exciting and refreshing to me in high school. And all throughout, the album just moves! Talking Heads somehow manages to stay silly while being groovy and danceable. So many classic tracks: “Cities,” “Air,” “Animals,” “Memories Can’t Wait,” and “Heaven” are all favorites of mine. “I Zimbra” is one of the greatest opening tracks of all time, and “Life During Wartime” is iconic. And this album marks an important shift in their sound that culminates in my favorite album of theirs, Remain in Light. It simply is a 5/5 album, and it’s only my third favorite Talking Heads album. They’re just the best.

Lyrics: The lyrical content of Fear of Music is a compelling exploration of the human psyche, delving into themes of paranoia, alienation, and self-reflection. David Byrne's distinctive lyrical style combines abstract imagery with introspective observations, creating a unique and thought-provoking narrative. Tracks like "Life During Wartime" and "Heaven" exemplify this, as they touch upon societal anxieties and the search for meaning. Pros: Thoughtful and evocative lyrics that invite listeners to interpret and reflect on their own experiences. The use of vivid and surreal imagery adds depth to the storytelling, making the songs memorable and open to multiple interpretations. Cons: Some may find the abstract nature of the lyrics challenging to decipher, leading to potential misinterpretations. The thematic consistency may be overwhelming for listeners seeking more straightforward narratives. Music: Fear of Music presents a dynamic musical landscape that defies easy categorization. The album seamlessly blends elements of punk, new wave, funk, and world music, showcasing Talking Heads' versatility. The rhythmic complexities and experimental instrumentation contribute to the album's distinctive sound. Tracks like "Cities" and "I Zimbra" display the band's ability to create infectious grooves while maintaining an avant-garde edge. Pros: Innovative musical arrangements that push the boundaries of conventional genres. The incorporation of diverse influences creates a captivating and eclectic listening experience. Cons: The experimental nature of the music may alienate listeners who prefer more straightforward, traditional structures. Some may find the album's sonic adventurousness challenging, making it less accessible for casual listeners. Production: Fear of Music benefits significantly from the collaborative production efforts of Talking Heads and Brian Eno. Eno's influence is evident in the album's atmospheric soundscapes and experimental textures. The production choices enhance the album's thematic elements, contributing to its overall cohesiveness. Pros: Brian Eno's production elevates the album, adding a layer of sophistication and experimentation. The attention to sonic detail creates a rich and immersive listening experience. Cons: The dense production may overwhelm those looking for a more stripped-down sound. Some listeners may find certain tracks overly abstract, hindering the accessibility of the album. Themes: Fear of Music explores a range of interconnected themes, including existential angst, urban life, and societal unease. The album's title reflects a pervasive sense of apprehension and uncertainty. Songs like "Mind" and "Paper" delve into the complexities of the human mind, while "Air" captures a sense of detachment from reality. The thematic consistency contributes to the album's conceptual strength. Pros: Cohesive thematic exploration creates a unified listening experience. The album's themes resonate with the anxieties and uncertainties of the late 1970s, offering a timeless quality. Cons: The intense focus on certain themes may limit the album's broad appeal. The abstract nature of some themes may require repeated listens for a full appreciation. Influence: Fear of Music has left an indelible mark on the music landscape, influencing subsequent generations of artists. Its eclectic blend of genres, innovative production techniques, and thought-provoking lyrics have inspired musicians across various genres. The album's impact is evident in the experimental tendencies of bands that emerged in the post-punk and new wave eras. Pros: Fear of Music's influence is pervasive, shaping the trajectory of alternative and experimental music. The album's innovative approach continues to inspire artists exploring the intersection of different musical styles. Cons: Some may argue that the album's uniqueness makes it challenging for artists to replicate its success without veering into imitation. The niche appeal of Fear of Music may limit its influence on mainstream music. Conclusion: Fear of Music remains a landmark album in Talking Heads' discography, showcasing the band's willingness to push creative boundaries. The synergy between David Byrne's enigmatic lyrics, the band's eclectic musicality, and Brian Eno's avant-garde production creates an enduring work of art. While the album's abstract nature and experimental tendencies may be challenging for some listeners, its thematic depth, innovative spirit, and lasting influence make Fear of Music a timeless and essential piece of musical history.

None of my top 4 talking heads songs are on this album, but id still argue this is one of their best albums Flows really well Good vibes

The Talking Heads love making generally fine albums with a couple absolute bangers on them forcing me to give it 4 stars every time

Typical Talking Heads music. Some good songs. I like Life During Wartime.

Brilliant instrumentation. Vocals bearable at 3rd listen...

Started off so good, and then.... What do these guys have against animals anyway? Three nosedives out of five 👃👃👃

Weird af

Wilder Genre Mix, aber viel hat klare Handschrift von talking heads. Viel Funk und upbeat. Loved: time during wartime, muss nochmal gegen alternate Version vergleichen Deezer link: https://deezer.page.link/2ErEQ3mKYQuudbaH6

Favorite

sei lá, não me pegou

Fine, albeit somewhat unremarkable. Still not a Talking Heads convert.

Ok, I really like Psychokiller, but this album never killed my boredom.

not my fav talking heads album but the eerie vibes were there

This one was a grower for sure. not the immediate funk of remain in light, but has become my second favorite from them. I zimbra, life during wartime, and cities are just amazing avant garde dance tunes. I've head them referred to as mutant disco and I couldn't agree more.

Found this slightly odd but really listenable - not sure I'd go nuts on playing this one again but will check out more by the artist for sure

Von den bisherigen Alben das, was man sich am besten geben konnte.

I love Talking Heads and this album.

I have to listen to this record several more times. But after just two tracks I can already sense a tremendous depth in the songs. It's probably a record that you have to have.

Melancholy

Altbekannt!

Very strange but at least entertaining, could get a bit repetitive but the lyrics kept me on my toes.

This ain't no party; this ain't no disco; this ain't no foolin' around. Good album. Not my favorite Talking Heads album, but you can't beat some of these tunes: Heaven, Life in Wartime, Air.

Pretty classic TH, I give it 4 stars

I wouldn’t say this is their best effort, but I still had a great time grooving to it.

Beautiful songs, easy to listen to but stylish and cool

Classic

Air is my favourite but overall would not listen to again, second talking heads in a row, don't think I really like them

Don't even need to listen to it again since it's been almost on repeat since I watched their live concert film 'Stop Making Sense' a couple months ago when it was in cinemas (I watched it 3 time actually). The groovy 'Life During Wartime' and melancholy 'Heaven' are both featured on there and the live performances are just as amazing as the studio versions. Other highlights on the album are 'Cities' where David Byrne sounds like he's literally going insane, 'I Zimbra' which opens the album and showcases the afrobeat influence they'd really hone in on on 'Remain in Light' after this album, and 'Mind' which has one of the stickiest melodies on the album. It's a banger front to back.

I Zimbra, the opening track here, exemplifies everything Talking Heads really are and so much so than the few overplayed singles which made them famous. Tina Weymouth’s bass holds it all together. A dance track but with African rhythm. But not tribal, more artistic. Undeniably brilliant all the same. And then the pop sensibility kicks in on Mind and, despite the unwelcoming old style computer screen sleeve, we are confident progressive pop boundaries will be pushed. It’s edgy, more rhythmic than melodic but, in the main, pulsating. There are no hits per se here but the ensemble are creatively working towards what will be their eventual masterpiece, Remain in the Lighr. Essential listening. Cutting edge New York New Wave 1979.

Not full of bangers compared to other releases, but solid none-the-less. Unmistakeable sounds of Talking Heads.

Yes, they were ground breaking. Yes, they were different. No, never actually liked their style of music and vocals. Pop/jazz/techno/funk with a French touch. Mais non. I Zimbra was listenable. Thereafter it just moaned and droned on. A pure perfect 1

Love some much on this album, but this lacks a little to put it in the category with Speaking in Tongues or Remain in Light. Still a great album. 4/5 Will listen again

A blend of showy dance music and some thought provoking lyricism. Dave Byrne’s quirky style may precede the band, but it doesn’t quite define it. The melodic chorus and sporadic guitar licks accompanying the chanting hooks are what serve the creation of an interesting and eclectic rock-blend. This is the type of music that you can’t not pay attention to, it’s too strange, and ultimately too intriguing to not give a chance, for better or worse. It’s definitely a better for me.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Definitely not for me – one of my least favorites I’ve listened to and really lacked any charm. The songs all carried an awful weird energy, and even when I switched to the remastered version and it was mixed way better and less empty-feeling, it still felt like it would be bland regardless of what mood I could be in or drug I could be on. All I could picture was the frontman trying to bring this real kooky energy to a standstill crowd while some geezers play some boring ass music in the back. I’d find it really hard to believe people think they pulled off something interesting or worthwhile; there’s so little in terms of redeeming qualities, besides giving me so many ways to describe how much I didn’t like it and don’t want to hear it again. 0.5/10

wobbly, like a spooked ostrich in a house of mirrors. the stereotype is true, no talking heads fan has ever had sex nor has any band member

Super solid Talking Heads album. I always love David Byrne's vocal mixing on his projects. He's like a megaphone wielding orator screaming in the streets. The production is also very well done. Bringing us into the 80s pop scene.

Such a fun and funky, percussive group of songs discussing societal disfunction. First time listening to a Talking Heads album, and I automatically get why people say this album is a classic.

Its rhythmic experimentation is sheer genius...most of the songs just don't smack tho, except Life During Wartime.

i feel like im listening to the meme beats of horns and clown sounds

always a fan of Talking Heads! but I loved listening to This Must be the Place after this album more than the actual album, a little underwhelming but still upbeat and energizing! glad to have heard it

classic Talking Heads funky music! david byrne's voice is very goofy sometimes and I appreciate that a lot! 4*

I am already a fan of the Talking Heads and love this album, so I'm happy to give it another listen today as it shows up on my rotation. Such a great album, and I know I'm way over-romanticizing the cultural context in which this album was written and recorded -- NYC in the late 70s and the people in the music and arts scene at the time -- but I still find it fun, so off I go. Back to this album itself: so many great tracks and we can hear the interesting direction the band was taking. Very cool rhythms, clever composition, and David Byrne finding his voice and style more and more. Superb album.

Knew a few songs before but nothing that well. Ranged from good to kinda boring.

Really good album. I never really got into the Talking Heads, but this was a really fun album to listen to.

Wierd

Mind // Heaven // 3.5/5

Favorite Songs: Life During Wartime Mind Air

Love this band.

What a fun and quirky album. Sounds ahead of its time, has a big 80s feel, but its a 79 album. Often felt like listening to a Bowie album. Good stuff

A bit boring, but I like it. One of those albums where the singles stand out from the rest of the tracks. "Animals" was my favorite track that I hadn't heard before. "Life During Wartime" is such a great song and Pittsburgh shoutout so my civic pride rounds this album from 3.5 up to 4.

when talking heads works it works really well. when talking heads doesn't work it is the most annoying music on the planet. this is an entire album where it doesn't work.

I feel like their music makes me want to move! I don’t always love David Byrne’s voice, but I liked the songs on the album.

I thought this was really interminable, but I actually just accidentally listened to it twice. I still thought it was just Okay.

i enjoyed this

The percussion was so tedious

Alright album. Nothing really sticks out but I did add one song. Probably a 3-3.5/5

It's a hard sell in the modern age but there was literally nothing that sounded like this in 79 which is cool. I like this, I do, but I have to admit it's just not very good a lot of the time. When its great it's fantastic. 7/10

Weird, quirky. Enjoyed it. Heaven, and Life During Wartime were the stand out tunes for me

Either was fast talk singing and plinky plonk guitars or a song that sounded like a David Bowie off it.

Urgent spiky sounds with nice level of funky weirdness throughout

It's good!

Great album

Just ok

Excelent!

This was an excellent listen, despite including few of the Talking Heads tracks most people would be aware of. The production is great, some of the guitar sounds are superb, and the record flows really well. I expected this to be good, but not as good as it actually was. I'm thinking a low 5

awesome, stunning, gorgeous, amazing, left me with a strange need to listen to kraftwerk

Overall enjoyed. Highlights were definitely I Zimbra and Mind. Didn’t love Air and Heaven but can’t put my finger on why.

Admitiendo su valía, este grupo no es para mí. O tal vez es que no me acaba de hacer gracia el post punk y soy muy muy selectivo con la new wave. Puntuación en estricta escala de disfrute. La voz a veces me saca de mis casillas.

It's hard to hate on David Byrne because he is so authentic and so interesting. This particular album is not really one of my favorites, but I do enjoy aspects of it, particularly the drums and his signature vocal style.

Somehow I was present at the Hollywood Bowl to see David Byrne preform. The only thing that I can remember from the performance is his ensemblé that included a bunch of teenage boys wearing tight silver lemme shorts dancing in formation. It was at that point when I realized that I really wasn't interested in digging into David Byrne beyond what I knew from the Talking Heads. And what I knew about the Talking Heads is that they're on a whole 'nother level that just isn't appealing to me. Regardless, I did listen to this album and came to the same conclusion. Nope. Not for me.

I listened to "Fear Of Music" back-to-back with "More Songs About Buildings And Food," which we received nearly 350 albums ago. I'm kind of shocked how much I enjoyed them? In spite of David Byrne's vocals? I say in spite, because they're too weird right? Or is the oddness of the vocals fitting with the rest of the off-kilter presentation? I had surmised that the Talking Heads were too avante garde for me. Too artsy. Too weird for weirdness sake. But I actually found myself pleasantly surprised. Byrne's vocals work some of the time, but most of the time they just don't get too in the way of some interesting experimentation that manages to walk the tightrope of tolerable and sometimes exciting strangeness. I put this one slightly below "More Songs About Buildings And Food."

JBZ alert.

"Fear of Music" is perhaps an apt title, that or, as the excellent "Life During Wartime" repeats, This ain't no party, this ain't no disco. This might be the album that signified the glammed up 70s were dead, long live the post punk, new wave, fuck your disco 80s? Anyway, this is my second Talking Heads album, and I'm a convert, a true believer. Every song brings something new and different from what came before it. This is a truly great album and anyone who says otherwise is a cop. I said what I said....

The best

I never really listened to New Wave. "Cities" is probably my favorite on the album. "Life During Wartime" is also weird and wild. Brian Eno co-produced this with Talking Heads. His wikipedia page said, "A self-described "non-musician", Eno has helped introduce unconventional concepts and approaches to contemporary music." You can hear that in this album.

5/5. A sporadic and fear-fueled album, every song you believe Byrne is truly terrified of these things. His displays of unconventional vocal prowess drives each song and I do feel concerned despite also fully investing in these feelings. Not to mention the exciting instrumentation that backs Byrne's voice, sometimes he's catching up and other times, the instruments are catching up. A wonderful, crazy album; a classic.

Didn't like it much, probably not my style of music.

Ok

😍

Fantastic album from the Brian eno trilogy of talking heads albums.

Life during wartime and Heaven are great tracks, the rest of the album was hard to listen to.

Love it

not their best work, but still class

Неплохо, очень даже неплохо. 6/11 = 55%

Favorite Talking Heads album. 4 1/2 stars

ehh

I love this style of pop, generally enjoyable and simply ahead of its time for the sounds it was able to produce without hitting that "sci-fi" or over the top synths 70's and 80's pop frequently hit. enjoyed paper, cities, life during wartime, memories can't wait, leaning like a 3.6ish/5, some major L's especially at the end and ones he didnt sing

No like jazz

The last few tracks were really painful

Eclectic

j'aime pas talking heads de manière générale, cet album ne m'a pas fait changer d'avis

David Bryne

The Talking Heads - I've never loved them, I've never hated them. I'll listen to them (or not) but it will probably be by someone else's choice or by circumstance. This album was OK, it didn't really make any strong impressions on me either way.

Maybe one day I will like Talking Heads, but today is not that day.

Excellent album. Funky, groovy, fun, weird, and completely uninterested with being put in a box. I have been listening to this album for years and even after all this time the album still sounds interesting and unique. From the opening moments of the surreal chanting and horns of "I zimbra" to the banger "life during wartime" and finishing with the appltyl named "drugs" I can't think of a track on this album that doesn't hold it's own.

Some songs feel like they lull a bit. I like the album overall, as who doesn't like the Talking heads. This album has interesting sound choices and good orchestration but I find at times it gets too slow and almost feels like I am trying to get it to pick up the pace (songs like Drugs specifically, there's a lot I like about the song but find myself waiting for more until 4 minutes in???) Maybe I relisten to it later and my opinion changes, but for now I'd say I don't feel super strong about the album in either direction, I definitely lean more on the side of liking it, but might just need to give it a few more listens. I just feel what this album does well, I can find it far better in some other places. But it's highs do hit at times, and I feel kinda torn. Overall not a bad liisten, something I might grow to love.

Not sure why I’ve never listened to this Talking Heads record before? But I did and it’s good - the combo of African rhythms, art pop and post punk make for a satisfying listen.

Enjoyed listening to this one again. I really love I Zimbra. So influential. That song is a 5 and most of the rest of the album is a 4. Cities and Life During Wartime and Mind are cool too. 4.5

I wouldn’t listen to this often but it is really cool and I like these TH/Brian eno records

I like a lot of the instrumentals and some of the lyrics. I hated Animals though it does seem like it inspired Paramore’s Running out of Time. In general I liked a 80% of each song but then sometimes things got too weird for me.

Werd ineens halverwege goed? (Wat zz top had moeten zijn)

Can't do it. Look, people love this band, and I get it, sort of. The staccato delivery of both the music and the lyrics is just too grating for me. Probably the only song I can deal with is burning down the house, because the music is kind of moody in that.

Good for … background music

Fear of Music? yeah I'm afraid I'm not a fan. Ahahaha hahaha haha ha. But honestly the songs just blended into each other and didn't really go anywhere to me. Nothing sounded awful but just really couldn't get into it.

oh my god. Same as it ever was. Same as it ever was. I Zimbra - the intro is that part of Fireball by Pitbull. i don't know what language this is but i want to assume based on what i kind of know of Talking Heads, it might be an African language? (3/5 good intro) Mine - the Talking Heads i know. the weird bullshit is here :> (4/5 funny wavy sound) Paper - i feel so bad cause i really can't get behind the Cake thing of just not singing mixed with like Jethro Tull. (5/5 cause it was giving Psycho Killer) Cities - all i heard was "look over there" (3/5) Life During Wartime - the military industrial complex targets poor and uneducated communities to do their bidding. what good are notebooks during wartime? (4/5) Memories Can't Wait - as much as i hate the talk songs, i do like the way that Talking Heads presents the music as a whole. (3/5) Air - fun Halloween spooky sound (3/5) Heaven - chill vibes but nothing too out of place here i guess (2/5) Animals - why the fukc am i being yelled at (1/5) Electric Guitar - what (3/5 scooby-doo ass) Drugs - that was Homer Simperson getting bonked on the head. (3/5 i'm getting lost on this album ngl) Dancing for Money - i also don't know the words to this song (2/5 it did the split ear thing a minute in and i was a little thrown) Life During Wartime - part 2!! i'm gonna be honest, i don't know the difference (1/5 for making me feel like I'm wasting my time. i might not "finish" this album cause the last three songs are alternate versions of shit) i have to give this a 2/5. standing by my "i don't like cake" i don't like this. i really only like Pyscho Killer and Once in a Lifetime.

A really fun, experimental sound with this one. Can't say it's something I'd listen to on repeat, but some of the songs really stood out and will absolutely make it in my rotation. Paper and Air are both great. Heaven is a favorite. Solid 3/5 stars.

Vokal ligger

I LOVE THE TALKING HEADS Now that that's out of the way, this album has eluded me as it doesn't contain their biggest hits. I love the experimental feel of the songs, quintessential Talking Heads/David Byrne, however, this album is a bit higher tempo which gives it a different feel. It is difficult to describe this music, but it's refreshing, especially for something made in 1979. It still holds up today. Not quite at the same level as their more popular albums. 3.5 stars rounded up

Ok

Fun album, really like it.

It's a good groove

Interesting

Another album where I enjoy the music but just can't get over the singer. Maybe it's me. Either way, too much vibrato and purposeful voice cracks

Classic

This is my favorite Talking Heads album. It is profoundly great. Brian Eno and David Byrne together for the third? time in a row comes with just the funkiest version of Post Punk one could've come with. This came out in 1979 and can hear the next several years of music erupting out of it. Honestly, have you ever tried to just sit still and listen to Cities? Impossible lest ye lack a single bit of soul in your body.

3/5

Good

Great to hear this innovative band again, after many years.

Im a casual talking heads enjoyer. I dont recognize any songs on this album but im sure they are all delightful

They have grown on me over the years.

I like it

Seems fun and upbeat. Not a massive fan of it so far. It’s kinda funky and weird.

Decent but didn't really catch me with anything

BASSY. That bass isn't walking he's strutting. I like the instrumentation on Life During War. I also enjoyed Heaven; it reminded me of Bowie, while Mind felt like something Daft Punk would have loved.

This is my second Talking Heads album, I love this as well. The grooves are great and the lyricism is very interesting. David Byrne and all the bandmates are stellar as well. This album is really good! I’d recommend iy.

Repetitive and annoying

Fantastic, grew up listening to talking heads greatest hits, and this was not a disappointment.

Weird but not boring

some real bangers here but side 2 is a bit of a drag

Funky, strange, not super feely, but would be good if looking for something new.

Unique for its era, didn’t grab my attention as much as I wanted. Very solid album and could hear how it’s influenced music today. Didn’t hold my attention too well. Will have to listen again at some point. Love the weird off best style that seems to becoming a norm in music I listen to

Decent album, enjoyed the variation in each song

Good album but not my cup of tea.

Interesting.

I like Tina Weymouth’s bass, Chris Frantz’s drums and Jerry Harrison’s guitar. David Byrne - the more you look, the less he has to say. His book on music is worth reading and rereading. But there are at least three better talking heads albums that are more representative. Apparently this is highly regarded but I don’t see the appeal. It’s good, don’t get me wrong, but I don’t think it’s worth a place here. The more I see this list, the more I feel that dimery is trying to impress, rather than illuminate or educate.

probably one the first albums for me on the list where it sounds like genuine and original experimentation - that trippy jamming newness with originality - AND YET - they find where 'cutting edge' meets 'enjoyable' ... its a scintillating combination of tones and rythms and finds that certain happy groove that is constantly evolving without being tiring or annoying, (which is the Art of music... especially witht he number of albums i have put ont he 'never listen again pile' on the way to this one at number 325 in my 1001. aha - I am a third fo the way through this week. And there you go. Happy sounds from the Heads that Speak to me.... (and there are apparently better TH albums out there - bring it on)

The album that followed this is often regarded as the high-water mark for Talking Heads, but surely Fear Of Music gives it a run for it’s money? Side 1 is particularly excellent, with the trifecta of I Zimbra, Cities & Life During Wartime. Listening to Life During Wartime is as thrilling now as it was when I first heard it. The only track on the album co-written by all four Heads, Its official title as a single, "Life During Wartime (This Ain't No Party... This Ain't No Disco... This Ain't No Foolin' Around)", makes it one of the longest-titled singles. Side 2 includes one of the most covered of the band’s songs, Heaven. One British critic suggested the song “ epitomises pop as Samuel Beckett might write it: tedious, beautiful and desperate”. It’s a great lyric. I saw them on their first tour here in June 1979, the month after they finished recording this album & two months before it’s release. And the 4 tunes they played from it were Mind, Paper, Heaven & Electric Guitar, in other words, none of the biggies on Side 1 of the album. When I saw David Byrne live in Sydney in 2018, the only track he played from this album was I Zimbra. Both concerts were to die for.

Talking Heads is a band that changed everything for me after hearing Remain in Light. Apparently, they laid down the basic tracks in two days in Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth's loft. They were certainly a tight unit at the time. Byrne said in Rolling Stone in 1979 "We're in a funny position. It wouldn't please us to make music that's impossible to listen to, but we don't want to compromise for the sake of popularity." And I think they were successful in straddling that line. That's what I like about this album; it's gritty and stark, weird and challenging, and smart, but also has some good tunes and you can dance to it. Eno and Robert Fripp and a bunch of percussionists bring their contributions, but it is unmistakenly a Talking Heads record. This is not my favourite Talking Heads album, but it's close. I bought my copy from a bargain bin at Kmart in Ashfield in about 1985 or 1986, and I played it a _lot_ as a teenager because it was one of only 20 or so albums I owned. Some people talk about it as a transitional record leading to their masterpiece, Remain in Light (which is my favourite). But it is a bloody great record in its own right, and it is great to hear a band with a really fresh outlook and distinctive viewpoint playing so confidently. And you can dance to it! It's not quite as perfect as Remain in Light, so 4.5 stars, rounding up because I really love it.

I always loved the stuff Talking Heads released as single but their deep cuts are pretty quirky. Good fun but I’m not sure I would like to live there

diferente, no sé en qué idioma cantan en la primera (animada) la segunda nada, 2 estrellas, aburrida y voz fatal cities bien, es muy franz ferdinand not my cup of tea heaven mucho mejor a las demás no me ha gustado

Talking Head was at their peak when I was young and I never understood their music. Now, that I'm older, I realize that it wasn't that I didn't understand it, it was that I didn't and don't like it. I didn't like any of the songs on this album. Now, I did like parts of a few songs. Which is the only reason it's not a one out of five stars.

Okay, just never connected fully with me

Wanted to love it but I was bored. Best ish songs: I Zimbra and Life During Wartime Is this really the same band that came out with the absolute BOP of Psycho Killer??? Doesn't seem like it but, alas.

I Zimbra is groovy as hell. Paper Air Need to relisten but really vibed with this album. Honestly would be a 4/5 off of gut feeling but there were some duds in the end so likely a 3/5

It’s gives me that very nostalgic 70-80s rebel vibe but still pretty tame.

Funky and energetic!

Late 70s (sounds like 80s) rock (post punk?). Yeah, I like it, though It may sound monothematic. 3.4.

I like this one. I like air a lot 😁

2/5 Weird und anders. Mutig aber stellenweise anstrengend. Nicht wirklich mein Geschmack, wobei ein paar Highlights dabei waren.

Excellent

It’s got a funkier vibe than I was expecting. The opening song is gibberish

First album! I liked it :) Especially the first song. Got a bit samey half way through, and Alexa cut it off stopping a timer, but it was either finished or nearly finished.

not exactly my cup of tea but easy to listen to and partially enjoyable