Reviews (page 2 of 15)
Starts strong, ends strong, not overly impressed by the middle. I think 4 is just about fair.
The album that really got me into them. Nearly on a par with fear of music
Highlights: The Book I Read, Psycho Killer, Pulled Up. It's a good debut, for sure. Fantastic closer (Pulled Up). But Talking Heads get better with each album. If I were to sacrifice an album for their magnum opus- Stop Making Sense- it would be this one. Overall: 5/10
Was pretty repetitive
Talking Heads is one of those bands I've heard a lot about but never listened to. I expected a rock band, but instead the music is infectious: groovy, funky, danceable, and with doses of psychedelia. The lyrics are not so much sung as spoken in a shout, and they're witty. It's quite unique, no wonder it seems to be popular. I liked that I got the debut instead of something later. My personal favorite song was "No Compassion", because it has more of the darker elements I like in songs.
Being the fourth or fifth best Talking Heads album still means you’re one of the best albums of all time.
The Talking Heads are a ground breaking type group. Lots of good music being produced in the 70’s but nothing like this. Their first studio album produced in the year I graduated from college. Enjoyed it all. Love David Byrne…. I could watch his videos all day. And Tina Weymouth is perhaps the best female bass guitar player ever. She’s also fun to watch. Bit of trivia - Tina is married to Chris Frantz the drummer…. Since 1977 and still married. By my math -almost 50 years of marriage playing in the same rock and roll band. Wow!!
Slow start but felt it picked up by the end. I think I liked Fear of Music better, but Psycho Killer is an all-time bop, and No Compassion was a ton of fun. Suffers from a but of sameiness, but ultimately I enjoyed this.
I feel like I would have ranked this higher if it was the first Talking Heads album I reviewed, but at this point I am sort of getting use to their schtick and it isn't as exciting to me now as it was the first few times. It's still a pretty solid schtick though, so it wasn't a bad listen.
Like most things from the Talking Heads, odd but not unenjoyable.
Eh. 80’s.
Before listening to this record, the only song I knew was "Psycho Killer." I hadn't been aware until then of how great the guitar work in this band is (my bad). I could listen to it just to focus on the guitar. It will definitely be in my rotation, and it makes me want to get deeper in their discography.
Ended up listening to this bunch and I really loved it but I can see it not fully hitting the mark for some.
debut of the heads sounds like a demo in some ways. recording is a bit rough, in a way that im not sure adds to the charm...but the way they dip their toes in and are finding that talking heads sound makes up for it. No compassion is a suprising post rock guitar driven track with some sliiiiide that I much appreciated. album cover is red. font is green. brave color combo.
Quite bland and vapid; though I can hear what new wave and post-punk will become, seeing the seeds is not enough to enjoy something quite dull ('Psycho Killer' itself is meh compared to what they'll play, in terms of catchiness and neurotic earworms.)
Would have been 3 were it not for Psycho Killer which almost merits 5 alone. It’s highly inventive stuff but most of the album is a touch too jaunty and clean to excite a grump like me. But that song…
Over the years, this hasn't even been one of my favourite Talking Heads albums but it's close to 5 ⭐️ for me. They came out of the gates with such a unique, jittery, anxious sound, that they kept building on each year. They don't sound like any other band. No Compassion is fantastic and Psycho Killer is one of my favourite singles of all time.
Didn't know much Talking Heads other than the suit and "Once in a Lifetime", but "Psycho Killer" was a callback and overall a good little sound.
music to march in place to
Uh-Oh Love Comes to Town Who is it? Don’t Worry About the Government Psycho Killer
No Compassion Psycho Killer +acoustic Sugar On My Tongue I Feel it in My Heart
Pretty cool
Really good album. I don't think I've ever listened to this all the way through, even though it has my favorite Talking Heads song, Psycho Killer. Taking Heads really are one of those bands that even though the song isn't popular, it's still really great to listen to; and this album was no exception.
A great opener and closer to the album with some tracks that aren’t as strong in between. Overall I enjoyed it. Almost a 5.
Sounds and seems like a very 80s album, so I was surprised that 77 stood for the year this album was released. I can see why so many people hold Talking Heads in high regard, and this album is clearly at the forefront of new wave music. David Byrne's twitchy, anxious vocals give the tracks a unique edge, especially on standout songs like Psycho Killer. Even with its minimalist art-punk style, it set a huge benchmark for what was to come. 6/10
Funky beginning for Byrne and the talking heads. Fewer hits than other albums, but I like it a lot.
Great rhythm. The nervous singing takes a little getting used to though.
Definitely not the Talking Heads’ best stuff but plenty to enjoy. It lays the groundwork of all the great stuff they’d do later
3.5
Not my favorite, the vocalist isn’t great and it seems like they’re trying too hard to be queen
Obviously Psycho Killer is cool, but the rest didn’t blow me away. Still, not a bad start for this legendary band.
B side I found was more to my liking that the A side, but overall great album, especially enjoyed the funk style sections and rhythms.
No strong feelings.
77/77
Psycho Killer!
Great talking heads album
I do love Talking Heads
I sometimes think in the back of my mind that 77 is overrated. It probably is but it's way more than just Psycho Killer. The second side of the album is so fun with lots of the greatness that TH would grow into. Obviously they needed Eno to get the most out of their sound but this is a great foundation.
It's perfect.
Un muy buen álbum, bastante destacado, pero no cambia nada. Personalmente destaca lo inclita de una de sus canciones. 5/10
this was fun i liked it, could probably listen to it more
I can see why David Byrne call pull women half his age.
Pre Listen: 2nd to last Talking Heads album on here, this one I actually like. I still despise the fact they included their "More Songs About..." album, rather than "Speaking in Tongues", as the latter is their strongest album in my opinion, but it is what it is. Feeling good about listening through this album again. Notable Tracks: Uh-Oh, Love Comes to Town - Great start to an album, I think it sets the tone and energy for the rest of the album quite well. On my playlist already. Happy Day - Least favorite track. David's singing here is just too weird for me, and the instrumental work is incredibly mid. Psycho Killer - The hit classic of the album, and a major highlight for me as well. Fun lyrics with a catchy melody. I too, hate people when they're not polite. Pulled Up - My favorite track of the album, and a great finish to it. It's got the catchiest melody on here to me, and I love the positive lyrics. I feel them! Post Listen: Just like the album cover, I think this is the Talking Head's plainest album. It's not bland, it's still the Talking Heads, but it's noticeably toned down compared to some of their other stuff. Each track does have its own identity and feel to it, which is always a bonus for any album. I just don't really connect with the majority of the tracks. I think the whole thing makes for a good enough introductory album to the band, to those who've never heard of them before, but as I've said on every Talking Heads album on here so far, they have better stuff. David's singing is as weird as ever though. 4/5
Sort of feels there's a lot of filler in this one, but some decent grooves as well
Das Talking Heads-Debüt lässt für mich ein wenig das Hit-Gespür missen, was spätere Platten von ihnen so besonders macht. Man merkt, dass sie sich viel ausprobieren und experimentieren möchten. Nicht jedes Experiment geht für mich auf, gerade weil die Laufzeit vieler Songs recht kurz ist. Da hätte ich mir manchmal etwas mehr Raum für solche Ideen gewünscht. Ich liebe den Bass-Sound dieser Platte. Tina Weymouth ist einfach der GOAT. Und natürlich mit "Psycho Killer" ein Über-Klassiker der Band vorhanden, der auch nach all den Jahren kein Gramm Fett angesetzt hat.
Hatten wir die nicht sogar schon 2x? Besser, aber immer noch nicht der Knüller.
Woah nicht mal Psycho Killer geht mir gut rein. Was ein unglaublich nerviges Album von Menschen die so verbissen Kunst machen wollen, dass sie dabei vergessen, dass Musik auch Spaß machen darf. Klingt vielleicht etwas hart und ungerechtfertigt, aber es gibt mir nicht nur nichts, es langweilt mich in den meisten Momenten und in den anderen Momenten nervt mich der Gesang.
Entretenido
7/10
Is there a more idiosyncratic band than Talking Heads? They sound like no one else and vice versa. Tina Weymouth is an underrated bass player.
i wish i liked this one beyond Psycho Killer. I mean, their music is unique, and you can easily identify it. But it felt like background sounds to me, mostly.
There are better Talking Heads albums in my opinion.
#9 - No Compassion is a new favourite!
Muy bien
'Stockbroker make a bad investment / When love has come to town.' There have been rhythms like it, of course, but simply put, the Talking Heads put on the map a style & an approach that haven't really been matched since. I think it has something to do w/ the busyness of their sound - the feeling of layer upon layer of innovation happening in realtime. 'I wanna talk / I wanna talk as much as a I want'; 'I want to talk like I read / Before I decided what to do.' I don't think I know of a more loquacious group than the Talking Heads - I guess I never put 2 + 2 together that they're indeed talking heads. Their heads talk, their mouths talk, their instruments talk, Byrne loves to talk, but only about himself. 'Other people's problems / They overwhelm my mind.'
"The Book I Read" should be my entrance music for all occasions.
There’s peeks into the brilliant weirdness of Talking Heads to come, but even Psycho Killer doesn’t quite reach to the heights of their best.
David Byrne has the same kind of autism as me and that's awesome
Great album. Not my fave from Talking heads, but still great.
Discaço
I’m unfamiliar with the Talking Heads outside of a few songs I like so I thought I might like this album. Unfortunately, I do not. It does have likable qualities, however, thus I can’t bring myself to rate it lower than 3.
5 - AVERAGE
Psycho Killer is an absolute banger. I also really liked Don’t Worry About the Government.
Some of these songs were new to me
Yet another of those famour records where I don't share the common enthusiasm.
Album #152 - Talking Heads: 77 Genre (W): New wave, art rock, art punk Singles: Uh-Oh, Love Comes to Town, Psycho Killer, New Feeling, First Week/Last Week…Carefree, Pulled Up I have not listened to this album before. Thoughts?: This is a decent album, while some songs are forgettable, the ones that aren’t make up for them for being so irresistably groovy. Favorite tracks: New Feeling, Tentative Decisions, No Compassion, Psycho Killer, Pulled Up
This is my first generated album, and it is from an era I love, a band whose music I loved, and a record I bought and still have, and a band I actually saw live. Spot on first impressions. .
As with other artists on the list, this seems like the wrong album. Remain in Light, Fear of Music, and even More Songs about Buildings and Food show much more intensity and depth. However, this one is a very pleasant listen from start to finish. It doesn't have the bangers of the other albums, but not many weak spots either.
I read the term "minimalist punk" to describe this album and instantly seethed with jealousy I didn't think of it first. Byrne & co. were/are famous contrarians, so it comes as no surprise to hear this early work from them and share in their sense of defiance towards the status quo.
Not a huge fan of talking heads
Surprised by the album to be honest. Not a fan of the vocals but despite that, I thought it was a very fun and funky album that I quite enjoyed.
Like so many albums on this list, this has some great songs, but also some absolutely unlistenable duds.
4 stars for psycho killer. The rest is fun but not up to par. Might improve with further listens
It is just so GOOD
So... I hate the singers voice. But the instrumentation, lyrics and beats are great for most of the songs. No Compassion and Don't Worry about the Government are my favorite songs from this. But I would never listen to any Talking Heads again without it being for something like this. They know how to write lyrics for sure...but the singers voice ...
mal
Obviously this belongs on this list. For me it sounds fresh after almost 50 years. But I think I’m in a similar boat here to the one I’m in with The Blue Nile: I like the idea of the album more than I do actually listening to it. It’s probably a bit too cool for me when it comes down to it. Too art house and funky. But I’m glad I listened to it.
It should be rated better than this. But the annoying moments piss me off too much to rate this highly.
I hadn't listened to Talking Heads first album before, and really only knew it had "Psycho Killer" on it. After listening, it definitely sounds exactly what their debut album should sound like, given what I know about their later stuff. Fun, quirky, nothing too complicated, but still probably different than most stuff out there in '77. A good album.
Biased since Heads are one of my favorite bands, but this isn’t one of my solid 5-Star albums from them. Definitely can see the funky/nervous blueprint for the albums I would consider automatic 5-Stars (Fear of Music, Remain in Light, Speaking in Tongues), but also there’s a couple of songs that either overstay their turn (“Happy Day”) or am sort-of ambivalent about (“Don’t Worry About the Government”). Overall, still a fantastic record. Favorites: “Uh-Oh, Love Comes to Town”, “Tentative Decisions”, “The Book I Read”, “First Week/Last Week… Carefree”, “Psycho Killer”, “Pulled Up”. (4.5/5)
This is a hard one to rate. I did find most of this album really enjoyable with a few standouts but I did feel like something was missing considering the reputation Talking Heads have. In between a 3 and a 4 for me
The name of this band is Talking Heads. Talking Heads are one of the greatest bands to ever do it. Their debut album is very good and has all the hallmarks of their early CBGB's era. David Byrne good singer, very coherent. That was Talking Heads.
Talking Heads finding their footing
One of the real treasures I discovered doing this. It’s punk with plenty of other influences mixed in, with a high level of musicianship
Love the unique voice and rhythm of the Talking Heads but this album lacked the blend that made other albums great. Faves were: Psycho Killer and Who Is It.
I always thought that i didn't really like Talking Heads, but I enjoyed this album. Not sure it is one I would spin a lot, but it is nice to have on while i am working.
Compared to Remain in Light and even the 2nd album, I don't find as much to like here although the seeds of the classic Talking Heads sound is still there. While Psycho Killer is an all timer, a lot of the other songs didn't quite stand out for me. No Compassion is probably "best of the rest" and I enjoyed the lyrics on "Don't Worry About the Government" too. A decent debut to be sure but not at the levels of what they would do later.
psycho killer goat, the rest are just ok
I heard this around the time it came out, my mates elder brother used to ‘educate’ us young eggs as he called us with proper music! I’m glad he did, I bought this album soon after and have enjoyed it ever since, a whopper!
Interesting album
This is a good from a really good. I like. Will listen more
this is my 500th rating entry. I always write at least a small comment for every album. this seems like an appropriate place for a reminder that all of my album comments - even reviews for things like ella fitzgerald sings the gershwin songbook - are intended to be read in the david byrne talking heads voice.
Love this record!
Probably the weakest TH album, but that's not a criticism. It only goes up from here...
Talking Heads are a band I famously took a long time to warm up to, and I think part of the reason was that every time I decided to give them a try, I'd start with this album. Something about the band's early minimalism just went in one ear out the other. But! Having discovered a love for Talking Heads through the rest of their discography, this album has been reframed for me as a perfect time capsule of the band's early sound. Despite differing so heavily from producer Tony Bongiovi (who unfortunately dulls these songs quite a bit from behind the boards) they were still able to work in so many quirks and sonic risks. Byrne is perhaps the most misanthropic he's ever been on this one, literally complaining about human emotions. Fav Tracks: Uh-Oh, Love Comes to Town, New Feeling, No Compassion, Happy Day, The Book I Read, Don't Worry About the Government, First Week / Last Week.... Carefree, Psycho Killer, Pulled Up Least Fav: Tentative Decisions Score: 8
I love this album, I might even prefer it over Buildings and Food and most of the later albums. The trio instrumentation is so lean but so tasteful. Just love the guitar arrangements along with, of course, Byrne’s odd point of view songs. I’ll never forget the first time I heard “The Book I Read” and “Don’t Worry About the Government.” It was like wait…you can make songs about literally anything, huh? Love it. I think they have a couple better albums but this one is forever special. Must-listen #396.
Another solid album from TH. No fripp and eno but it diesnt detract, just makes this a different sound, less world musicy
While everyone else is outside having fun listening to Dolly Parton (I can't since i have already done all her albums prior to this event day and i haven't made it to the user list so i can't do that one either) I have to stay inside and listen to Talking Heads 77. Jokes aside, this album is a pretty decent one. This is the only Talking Heads album on the list that was not produced by Brian Eno but i can say that the producers here did a solid job making an album from 1977 feel like a typical 80s album. I feel like some of the vocals did get a bit annoying but i don't think they were the worst thing. I think that this album is alright, just not all that special. Best Song: Psycho Killer Worst Song: Who Is It? Side note: Time for the rankings of all the Talking Heads albums on the list: 1. More Songs About Buildings And Food 2. Remain In Light 3. Talking Heads 77 4. Fear Of Music
Mauvais
New wave, art rock, art punk.
Love the Talking Heads and this is a great album. Fav tracks — the first two (uh-oh love comes to town and new feeling) as well as pulled up and of course psycho killer) learned — fela kuti was a big influence, also that they hardly charted in America (other than Burning Down the House). They met at RISD. Also learned that Eno didn't produce this album. I think I prefer their afro-beats/funk influenced sound that came after this but still love
Talking Heads’ 1977 debut, Talking Heads ’77, delivers a well-produced collection of art-punk tracks supported by crisp instrument separation and a clean mix. The record relies on catchy guitar riffs, tight drumming, and distinctive basslines, punctuated by unexpected elements like the bongos on "Tentative Decisions" and quirky instrumentation on "The Book I Read" that lightens its tenser musical moments. While David Byrne's vocal delivery on tracks like "New Feelings" may prove polarising, the songwriting holds up strong through the sharp lyricism and beat switches of "No Compassion," the recognizable opening of "Love Comes to Town," and the iconic hook of "Psycho Killer." Balanced by carefree compositions like "First Week / Last Week" and slow-burning tracks like "Who Is It?" and "Pulled Up," the album maintains a cohesive energy from start to finish, earning a solid 4/5 rating overall.
Never anything but love for Talking Heads.
JL : 1, New Feeling
Brilliant
This album is new to me, but I really enjoy David Byrne's artistic sensibilities. This is no exception. Will happily throw this album on again, though I don't know if it is the best Talking Heads album. Psycho Killer crushes, but I feel one of their other albums would make for a more satisfying complete package and my stance on multiple albums by a single band on this list is well documented (even for bands I enjoy).
Nobody sounds like the Talking Heads, that's for sure. Listening to this album - which predates most of their better-known hits - makes me realize that I really like the music, but really dislike David Byrne's yelping, coyote-like vocals. It seems like he settled down into a more human range in the later albums, and that works for me better. Or maybe I just like the later songs better because I know them better? It remains a mystery.
I'm loving the funk rock of this Talking Heads debut. There's always something interesting going on, whether it's steel drums on Uh-Oh, Love Comes To Town, the military drums on Tentative Decisions or the African style guitars opening The Book I Read. It's constantly interesting. David Byrne's lyrically style and delivery seems to have directly influenced REM, and it's easy to see how this band has been so highly regarded. There are many highlights, but if it was to pick a couple, it would be Tentative Decisions and Don't Worry About The Government. It's grown on me after lot. An very good debut earning a high 4 stars.
kinda jammin
Typical TH. Great music until David starts to get on your nerves.
Textbook definition of "promising debut" - two great songs (you can probably guess which ones I'm talking about), and a bunch of half-baked stuff which, if properly baked, would maybe be pretty good.
I NEED this in my records collection!!
In my opinion, this is the second best Talking Heads album. A strong four stars.
All-around a good time that shines even beyond Psychokiller
Fun album
Ek het rerig gedink ek sal meer van dit hou maar damn die was nie baie lekker nie
Two talking heads in a row? Let’s go.
4.5
P good
Think I’m much more a fan of their later stuff, but a hell of a way to come out of the gate, so funky and weird
Eh, psycho killer slaps but outside of that there wasn’t very much on here that impressed me, and a few songs were a bit irritating tbh (happy day) 2.5
It was fine.
Definitely not their best but still a pretty great time
Genuinely the most underrated Talking Heads album. It's a high 4
Easily Talking Heads worst album that I’ve listened to. I really liked the songs about Buildings, I hope they’ll do more of that…
2026-08-16: always liked the the Talking Heads. Not sure I’ve ever listened to an entire album. I liked this one.
4/5. Being their debut, “Talking Heads 77” is not as fully formed as its follow-up albums, but it’s still very good, packed with a ton of songs that have a nervous edge to them. A key example being the records biggest song “Psycho Killer” with that iconic opening bass-line and off-kilter post punk groove which mix perfectly with David Byrnes sing-speak vocal performance where he inhabits a character who seems to be very on edge. But I also love the more laid back groove of opener “Uh-Oh, Love Comes to Town” and the tense “don’t worry about the government.” I do tend to prefer the Brian Eno produced trilogy of talking heads albums as well as their live album “stop making sense” but this is still a very fun listen and a great proof of concept of what the talking heads could do when they were still up and comers.
Definitely some bangers on here, it's wild that this is a debut!
I love Pscho Killer, but I don't much like the rest of this album. Good to hear it, though, even if it just confirms that I'm not a fan of Talking Heads.
The album is fine. Going into it with high expectations since Psycho Killer is already on all of my playlists set me up for disappointment, though. I was expecting something a bit more unique, but this was just average. Favorite Track: Psycho Killer
Not my cup of tea but I can appreciate the Talking Heads were a revolutionary band... Psycho Killer will always be a banger though!
Im sure objectively it's better than I personally believe it is, but I was leaning back the whole time while listening, nothing caught my ear to the point where I forgot that I even listened to the album.
OOh baby. Love Talking Heads. This one I haven't listened to all that much either. Not a lot of 77' songs on Stop Making Sense. This one is more punky or so I've heard. Very fun record. Right mix between nervy post-punk aesthetic and good pop songwriting. Would love to hear or see some of these songs in a live context. Best pop-adjacent - uh oh (9/10) - my favourite song on this album. So joyous. Fun lyrics. Great bass line. Also really like no compassion as well for something a bit edgier. Awesome outro. Worst song - Tentative Decisions (6.5/10) - chorus doesn't do a lot for me. Still catchy and far from a bad song. Final score - 8.5/10. Had a lot of fun. Talking Heads does not dissappoint. Perhaps less variety than their other records, but right up my alley. Love it!
So good I wish I bought those David Byrne concert tickets
They became a pretty good, at times great band, but this is a pretty tame debut. Which is fine, that’s true for most bands! But including it here suggests it is some visionary marvel and that would not be the case for a few years yet.
Rock, New Wave, 1977 -> 3
Absolutely brilliant, full stop; unique, authentic, engaging, expansive. To think they came up with this sound when the world was listening to the Bee Gees and Led Zeppelin. (And bonus points for delivering 11 tracks in under 40 minutes. Concision is seriously underrated.) Sadly, David Byrne makes me anxious; like, seriously anxious. It’s like a designer you adore always adds to every piece the one color that happens to trigger your seizures. Ultimately, no matter how impressed I am by the work, listening is not a pleasant experience.
Amazing sonic depth, the whole album is fun to listen to. I especially liked No Compassion because it felt like multiple songs rolled into one, almost like a wild jam session
My 4th (and final) Talking Heads album - thank heavens. This was a slight improvement on the previous effort but I just can't get past the bizarre vocals. I hope I never get forced to listen to David Byrne again. 2.5/5.
Psycho killer is a classic, the rest, not so.
I don’t really get why this album is on here, and I quite like talking heads
STUPID. not for me. Lyrics are like a 10 year old wrote it.
hell naw
Uh-Oh, Love Comes to Town - 4/5 New Feeling - 4/5 Tentative Decisions - 4/5 Happy Day - 3.5/5 Who Is It? - 3.5/5 No Compassion - 4/5 The Book I Read - 4.5/5 Don't Worry About the Government - 3.5/5 First Week / Last Week… Carefree - 3.5/5 Psycho Killer - 5/5 Pulled Up - 4.5/5 The Heads' first two albums were a good proving ground for them, really getting their footing with how to make a studio album before finally locking in for Fear of Music and beyond. This is a very solid debut punctuated by Psycho Killer, arguably their most well-known track, and for good reason. It's got that spunk that a decent bit of tracks are either lacking or need more of, and is a preview of what's to come from them down the line. It's slightly better than their follow up but pales to their later works. Overall: 4/5 Favorites: Psycho Killer, The Book I Read, Pulled Up
I just recently started to get into their discography. This is such a good album
this pulled me up up up up up up up up up.
Not a fan of the nose (nasal sound). Classic 70s type beat though they be screaming and creaming (no cookie)
You can kinda tell they went to RISD. Very College Hill-coded. BCA probably ate this up in 1977
i was baking and my hands were dirty so i couldn't change the music and i listened to this several times over. i think i liked it. but it's hard to tell because i couldn't change the music
Continua soando inventivo. Grande banda.
Just as wacky as I hoped. "Psycho Killer" is obviously the best but the rest are pretty good as well.
Enjoyed!
Fantastisk album, og selv om det er hard konkurranse mener jeg dette er bandets beste. 7/10
Velger meg helst Remain in light, difor er det lenge sidan eg har høyrt på denne. Men det var no eit triveleg gjenhøyr! Passeleg køddete, veldig originalt og mest av alt fengande som berre det.
Andresporet er deres beste, så de peakst tidlig. Voksne i formen, men lekne i stilen. Som et postpunk-band som peker nese til både samtidige og alle som kom etter ved at de har så absolutt kontroll over hva de driver med.
Aldri vært noen stor fan av denne typen post punk/ new wave. Er ikke fælt, men tar meg selv i å kjede meg rett og slett. Skikkelig midt på treet.
Vrien å sjangerplassere – postpunk, new wave, funk, art rock og pop, alt sammen på én gang. «Psycho Killer» er selvfølgelig høydepunktet, men «Uh-Oh, Love Comes to Town» står også sterkt. Midtveis blir det litt søtt og skisseaktig; flere av låtene føles nesten ikke helt ferdige. En gitarfigur her, en idé der, men ikke alltid nok til å bære en hel låt. Noe de skulle fikse fint på senere plater.
Talking Heads - Talking Heads 77 Kul, fargerik plate med ein vokalist som av og til er litt vel langt framme i skoa for min del. “Don’t Worry About the Government” og “Tentative Decisions” er begge fascinerande turar nedom holet til Alice (😱). Og, så klart, dei to siste er knallbra. Likar denne betre no enn sist eg spelte den. Imponerande signatursterk til på være ei debutplate. 7/10
heads
loving it so far
This is the third Talking Heads album I've had on this project. I think the Talking Heads have some great stuff and have definitely been a very influential band over their career, but it seems like a lot of albums from one band when I'm just a little over 200 albums into this. And maybe the relevance is that this is their debut album, but I don't think it's my favorite. The big hit on the album is "Psycho Killer", which is one of their best songs in my opinion. But I think the rest of the album is just ok. They are always fun and unique. I love how they knew who they were and what kind of music they wanted to make from the very beginning. Good album that I enjoyed listening to today, but not sure if it belongs on the list.
Solid album. A good start to a great discography. 4 stars
Fav track: “The book i read”. Obviously “Psycho killer” is also good
A nice debut album, with of course 'Psycho Killer'.
Enjoyed this more than Fear of Music
4/5
Vraiment sympa
A classic. Knew "Psycho Killer" going in of course, and few others on here were definitely familiar. The whole album was great, but "Psycho Killer" "Uh-Oh, Love Comes To Town" "New Feeling" "The Book I Read" "Don't Worry About The Government" and "Pulled Up" are the standouts for me.
I think I’m going to need more time with this album. It is not my kind of music but there were a couple of interesting sounds throughout. I did like (and did know) Psycho Killer, and maybe because of that I also enjoyed the songs that followed as well, the last one.
Okay
Talking Heads are the atypical alt pop band from the 70s to 80s. They had some pretty good hits, but unfortunately not many were on the same albums. This album is decent but Pyscho Killer is really the only good song.
Album #234 Talking Heads: Talking Heads 77 When Da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa, everyone forgot about all of his other art; but the fact is, in order to make something so beautiful, he had to have started somewhere, making art that was indicative of his promise. When Talking Heads released “Remain in Light,” it seemed like everything they had released up until that point was meaningless. Today, Talking Heads are a pretty respected band amongst music fans, but when you push them further into their favourite album, 99% of these fans will just spit out Remain in Light, because it is the established classic, universally agreed upon greatness. Well, for my money, Talking Heads have about four albums on the level of Remain in Light, and their debut is absolutely one of them. 77 is a real statement of intent; nobody else in the post-punk scene at the time was blending autism and funk like David Byrne, and though the zolo sound would begin to pick up traction with bands like DEVO and Oingo Boing, Talking Heads were the progenitors. Of course Psycho Killer is the standout here, but pretty much every other track holds its own, blending Byrne’s addicting vocal inflections with vivid banal imagery to create songs that feel like everyday epics. The only complaint I have about 77 is that they left some of the best songs out as B-sides, with Sugar on My Tongue and Love Goes to a Building on Fire being two of my favourite Talking Heads tracks. This album is always a blast, and its quality should have left nobody surprised when Remain in Light dropped. Best Songs: Psycho Killer, Uh-Oh Love Comes to Town, Tentative Decisions Worst Song: Happy Day Score out of 10: 9
Always partial to punk rock.
Erhhh.. it’s fine. Not the worst. But I don’t see the hype. At all.
never really been a fan of the talking heads, and a full album kinda solidified that for me they just feel so bland to me, and i don't see much from them Psycho Killer being the leading hit here doesn't bring up the score a ton
Took about half an hour to get to the yard-ya-ya-ya’s, longer than I expected for a Talking Heads album. The most impress Part of this album is the band sticking to their roots as long as they did.
They're unique but not enough in a good way for me to really enjoy them outside of their big hits.
fine
I liked the melody. I’m not a big fan of his voice, and I can’t really figure out the vibe he’s trying to convey through his songs. He has some beautiful lyrics, but the way he arranges them and his choice of pronunciation can be annoying at times 3/10
Good listen...nothing much to say
Saiko kilöö
All the pieces are there for what they’ll achieve. It’s not the beat of what they’ll do - but it’s the first and for that it worth it!
Very groovy album with positive vibes. Vocals were annoying at times.
The second talking heads album for me on this journey. I remember it being rhythmic and dark with distinctive vocals. _______ This is rockier/punkier than the previous album it gave me. I guess that's the risk with this project - hearing bands out of order. The vocals are definitely going to be marmite, but I love the earnestness and honesty of it all. It sounds human, something more modern production wouldn't stand. I really like the guitar throughout, choppy, funky almost proggy and looping (slightly like everyone's favourite polka dot aliens). As a debut this is unreal - a fantastic statement of intent. 4*
Psycho Killer might be the only song I outright love on here and want to belt out, but the rest of that album just has that effortless cool weirdness to it. Incredibly listenable for how otherwise challenging aspects of it are.
Talking Heads are GOATed. I have yet to not at least like one of their albums.
This benefitted from me listening to half of it twice in 3 different sessions. I think that probably speaks to the Talking Heads, where you go "that's kinda fun and whimsical but I don't love it" to... OK that's funny and catchy. Not all of it. Ignoring Psycho Killer, which lives in my head, Uh-Oh, Don't Worry About the Government and The Book I Read were all brilliant. Listened to Don't Worry again afterwards and was amused to read debates about it's meaning. Would definitely listen again.
This starts brilliantly. A bunch of other things I like are clearly influenced by this. The grooves are cool, the rhythms are great. Sadly at some point in the middle it gets a bit samey, and each time I've listened to this I've got a bit distracted... Then psycho killer comes on and it is awesome. I think that due to the middle bit it's probably a low 4.
Didn’t love. Good, but not as interesting or polished as later stuff
This was unusual because I could understand anyone giving this any rating from 1-5
Again these guys aren't bad and I can see why they're loved it just doesn't catch me 3/5
Psycho killer good but generally not my type
Great album to me, except the last track.
I mean, any Talking Heads album is a 5 for me. This one is a bit less fully cooked than later releases but still incredibly good, and a unique sound for them too.
Definitely out of my comfort zone, really different. Might need a few more listens but its fun!
Was not able to listen till the end
I don't like the Talking Heads, and I'm not going to become a fan of theirs, either.
Fire
wow another talking heads album...
An amazing album.
A strong debut. I've never totally understood the production on David Byrne's vocals -- he sounds a bit like he's in a small box. It doesn't ruin the vibe or make him unintelligible, it's just kind of weird in a way that doesn't add anything (unlike their varied musical influences or Tina Weymouth picking up the bass just to play in this band). This is good and shows the promise of the band immediately. It's still not up to the standard of their later work for me ('Psycho Killer' excepted). 3.5/5; we'll see how I round that in the morning.
2,5/5
For how much I enjoy the Talking Heads albums that follow this one, I have to say I was a little underwhelmed. Not to say this album is bad, and you can hear the early influences that would become staple parts of their future output. But I didn't connect with this album as much as I wanted to. Top tracks: Uh-Oh, Love Comes to Town; New Feeling; No Compassion
Замечательный альбом, который я слушал много раз, и даже имею физическую копию которого. Примечательно, что первая пара прослушиваний далась мне довольно тяжело, но после я полюбил этот альбом
I quite enjoyed this album, a mix of many genres and very ambitious in sound and style for a debut release, the first song hooked me right away and the rest of the album was good although as always with the talking heads very weird sounding. Also has one of the most recognisable songs with psycho killer on it. While it’s good I don’t think (like all talking head records) it’s one I’ll revisit often, but still good
Already listened to this one. Struggled a little bit to get into this one, but I am going to preserver as its one of my Dads favourites
Definitely a unique art rock band to check out. It consists of David Byrne's quirky songs and vocal delivery, great Tina Weymouth bass lines with Jerry Harrison (from Modern Lovers) keyboards and guitar. Upbeat, fun and happy. This is their first album and is more stripped down their next 3 albums that were produced by Brian Eno. A few weaker songs but still great.
Throughout this journey I’m struggling to remember why I thought I liked Talking Heads… After reflection, Psycho Killer and a handful of singles from their other albums are fun, but I haven’t cared for them otherwise.
For being so eccentric this is surprisingly boring.
Phenomenal Never heard a talking heads record I didn’t love. Ranks a bit lower for me than some of the later albums, but would still rather listen to this over most new bands. Favourite track: uh-oh, love comes to town
Solid debut album but not quite at the level as their later stuff. I think this is my last Talking Heads on the list so I'll say that I'm surprised Speaking in Tongues or the Stop Making Sense soundtrack didn't make the cut and this did. I've accepted that this band will probably never do a reunion tour (I saw Byrne on Broadway a few years back which was close enough to be honest), but if they ever do I'll be first in line.
I don't have this album but I know most of the tracks from the compliation CDs like "Sand in the Vaseline". I do have "More Songs About Buildings and Food", "Little Creatures", "Remain in Light", "Speaking in Tongues" and so on, inc Stop making Sense. In fact the only albums I don't have is their first (this one), "Fear of Music" and True Stories". No idea why or how that came about. I haven't listened to many of these old albums for a while though because when I feel like listening to some Talking Heads I just put on "Sand in the Vaseline". So I'm already familiar with: No Compassion Don't Worry About the Government Psycho Killer Sugar on my Tongue Loves goes to a Building on Fire I Want to Live I Wish You Wouldn't Say That Anyway of this album, from the tracks I've never heard of before, I really like the different sounds (to me) from the band of: "uh-oh Love Comes to Town" "New Feelings" "Tentative Decisions" "Who is it?" So 7 top well known songs I have always liked plus a bonus of discovering some funkier and groovier songs from their first album above. 5/5
these heads sure are talking also this grooves
Even though it's got a lot of filler because of Psycho Killer it deserves to be on this list. I give it an extra star because David Byrne went to my high school and grew up near me.
I like it. It has autumnal vibes, so i’m saving it for later. 😎
There are 2 Talking Head songs that I really like and a whole lot that I find too stressfull and nerve-grating. This album is sitting somewhere in the middle: It's a pleasant listen, but nothing more than that.
Pleasant enough to listen to, but there's nothing here that makes me want to return to it. ★★★
3.5
First listen
Loved it.
Psycho Killer is definitely a known song from this album and I know that for example Haley Williams enjoys Talking Heads. Not my thing though.
é pequeno mas é legalzinho
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA EU AMO TALKING HEADSSS
This debut album by Talking Heads is one of those albums that has left a lasting impression on me. I still remember the amazement when I first heard it. It was an album that sounded strange and catchy at the same time. One of the best debut albums ever.
#439 / 1089 Heard before? ✅ Revisit? ❌ I feel like I've heard this album before, but can't be truly certain. It's not my kind of music, except for few tracks that tickle the right bits in my brain. Sits at about 2/5 on average
Such a brilliant and fun debut from one of the greatest bands in music history. David Byrne shows of his charisma and super witty lyricism, all the while the rest of the band do what they do best, creating such a unique and quirky sound with various influences and ideas being used that on paper feel like they shouldn't work. Looking at the first half of their discography, this album does stick out just a bit. It's definitely the simplest of the lot, as future projects would end up being a hell of a lot more ambitious and innovative. But Talking Heads were still off to a really strong start, and this still serves as a great starting point to such a legendary discography.
Really good album.
I should probably give it a shot, but not today or even this year. Gonna save it for a better time (switching to DragonForce as a cure).
good album 👍 7/10 maybe an 8, needs a re-listen probably. i didn't always understand what he was singing about but i liked the guitar
Something about talking heads feels so ahead of their time.. even though it’s clearly funky 70s music. Like the song don’t worry about the government!
Overall rating : 4 / 5 ----------- I had already listened to this one a while ago actually lol. Classic release that ACTUALLY deserves its place in this list (unlike the two previous ones I've got...)
Such a great album, not their best but outstanding for a debut.
7/10
This must’ve blown peoples minds in the 70’s
Would've gotten 1 star, but got 2 just cause of Psycho killer. Did not like the rest
They always make me feel basic because their hits are just so good :'( Highlights: "New Feeling", "First Week/Last Week...Carefree", "Psycho Killer"
So good - basically had their whole sound here. Lot more glockenspiel than I remembered. Psycho Killer and Pulled Up both classics. Not enough songs about Buildings and Food IMO.
Luv. A classic.
meh, muy similares las mayorias de las canciones, no me convencio
Fantastic debut and worthy of 5 just for Psycho Killer.
I wish I had been in my twenties when Talking Heads was big. I would have gone to so many Talking Heads concerts in the early 80s.
Like it 3/5
Awesome start for me! Obviously Psycho Killer stands out but what a great album overall!
A good and important album. Without the genius that is David Byrne we wouldn’t have the art rock/pop scene we have today. But with all that this album was only great not the best of the best.
cool
Starts off a little cheesy. Interested groundbreaking kinda catchy and a little weird as is always the case for the Talking Heads. But also a little annoying and musically. goofy sometimes. Don’t really know how to rate this one. I really do love Pycho Killer… my favorite TH song for sure. I give that song a 5 and the rest of the album 3.5. Rounding down cause I wasn’t in the mood for this today.
It’s Talking Heads. What’s not to like? Even their debut album is a banger.
Clean and odd, I do think this is a valid choice but it's not an album I play constantly. I do like it though.
No es malo, pero la voz de él me resulta desagradable
Have I listened to this album before No How familiar am I with this album Less familiar than any other Talking Heads album How do I feel about this artist? I really like the Talking Heads Pre-Listen Thoughts: The only thing I know here is a psycho killer, I know this isn’t their big break but it’s bound to be pretty good Favorite track(s): Psycho killer Post-Listen Thoughts: I missed my favorites on the other albums, but it was still a great listen. It was a good way to end the week for sure.
An all timer, always vote for Talking Heads.
I understand the Talking Heads now. Their music is about the small bigness and the big smallness of life. Also Psycho Killers.
psycho killer is great though
Besser als ich dachte, alles klingt zwar etwas repetitive aber ansonsten echt cooles Album
My sense after listening to this through the first time was a bit like George Carlin at the end of Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure..."They do get better, I promise." The album is fine but their later material connects with me better.
I had not heard this in many years, and it is funny now to think that this was called punk rock at the time. Angular, yes, but pretty mild sonically. An interesting listen - thoughtful, precise, erudite, and considered.
7 / 10
Utterly boring and flat, with the exception of Psycho Killer which is a well-known hit for a reason 😬
Pretty approachable talking heads. Upbeat, a bit more regular 70s rock? But with some quirks, parts remind me of primus and a little bit of weirder The Beatles in a strange way, namely Who Is It? and parts of Don't Worry About The Government. Favourite tracks: Uh-Oh, Love Comes To Town New Feeling First Week/Last Week...Carefree Psycho Killer
a classic. love that it feels like they were playing this right next to me.
This record rocks. I like every song. I can turn it on and jam out any time. Its weird, its corky, its also deep and even sad at points. Its fantastic. David Byrne just knows how to do it. I wasn't sure if I had already gotten this album, so I looked and I've had a few and also reference David Byrne or Talking Heads many many times in my reviews. They're one of the most influential bands of all time. This record rocks.
Beside Psycho killer who is great, the remaining tracks are just okay-ish.
Man, this is good. Also this band came out swinging fully formed.
Nothing particularly special which is a shame
A unique sound mixing despair, yearning and joy. Low on melody it washes over like a rythmic wailing meditation. A tribal dance. Almost improvisational in its pitch.
appreciate the real music from 70's but personally i didnt really enjoy listening this album. For me the vocal and voice itself kinda dry, boring and silly. Sometimes feel Fleetwood mac vibes but worse. The instrumental is funky and colorful tho. Like the enegry of music itself. Maybe would rock this album on a background while doing my things. I feel 5.5/10 for instresting instrumental mixing. Best songs: "No compassion"
This was an exceptional album. From start to finish, the mix of pop and punk/rock just had me going. Loved every minute of it, and of course Psycho Killer is just an absolute banger.
Good songs but they felt same-y
O álbum é bem interessante, contendo a música Psycho que é bem famosa
Psycho Killer is the only tolerable song on here so this is technically a 1.5
feels like maybe the rawest talking heads most like punk or in reaction to punk david byrne feels especially squeaky on this one 💥the book i read 💥don't worry about the government 💥psycho killer 💥pulled up
토킹헤즈 짱
Doesn’t belong on the list. Not as good as their later albums.
Just can’t get down with David Byrne’s voice…
second half better than first half
4.0 - Very Good
I don’t think I realised how familiar this band would be before listening. I’ve definitely danced to Psychokiller before, not realizing it was a TH song, but after listening here, I was excited to revisit bands like Orange Juice and a lot of early-aughts post-punk (The Rapture, etc.) just for the vibes.
La cosa bien hecha pero poco emocionante.
It's hard to believe that Talking Heads released this record in 1977, despite the title. If you told me it came out in 1987, I'd be more inclined to believe it. '77 is well produced, smartly written, and a whole lot of fun. It's not perfect, but Byrne and Co. delivered the goods on this one.
Really liked it - no real appreciation of talking heads - decent album
i kind of enjoyed this, but its still kind of sounds like really bad and annoying funk. and i fuckin love funk. i jus dont understand the talking heads hype
Much more of the Talking Heads that I'm used to 4/5
Mhm I wasn't really paying attention while I was listening to it
These heads certainly are talking. I enjoyed this one more than the other talking heads album we listened to already. I loved when they were like Qu'est que c'est. Huuuuge French fan
I like Talking Heads because of their very interesting vocals, although this album felt just a bit like too much of the same
The voice got old, but the guitars kept me listening. Was the steel drum real?
I am here for that steel drum. Oooh, and a marimba! This was a fun, funky album and there are some bangers, but I did quite tired of the vocals by the end.
Never sat down to listen to talking heads before this. There is a reason talking heads is as popular as they are, very hip upbeat and dancy for those 70's and 80's nights. Not a massive fan but can see why some of their most popular songs are in this album
A strong debut. My comments are pretty similar to when I had the follow up to this album, ‘More Songs about Buildings and Food’- it’s a fun and enjoyable album with a nice sound and some classic songs, in this case led by Psycho Killer (contrary to the belief of some, unconnected to the Son of Sam murders in their home city of New York in the year of release). Like that first one, it perhaps just lacks that final gloss to take it to 5*, something that is magnified as a debut album.
While it may not reach the highs of their later few albums, this is still a great record and introduction to one of America's greatest bands. Although the band were still finding their feet, and the album is more song-oriented than later works, there was already evidence of what would become their signature style with an offbeat mix of funk-inspired grooves and punk energy. 'Psycho Killer' remains one of their most iconic tracks with good reason, 'Don't Worry About the Government' and opener 'Uh-Oh, Love Comes to Town' are my other favourites.
I wavered between 4 and 5 stars on this one, but eventually decided it was just lacking a little something to take it over the edge. But this is still a great debut album from a great band, with some really strong highlights. ‘Psycho Killer’ is the obvious pick, but I also love both the opening and closing tracks, plus ‘Happy Day’, ‘No Compassion’, ‘The Book I Read’ and ‘Don’t Worry About the Government’. Conversely, while I wouldn’t call them duds, I’m not a huge fan of ‘Tentative Decision’ or ‘First Week/Last Week…Carefree’. Still a brilliant first effort overall.
Oops. I may have accidentally written off, ignored, brushed off and otherwise forgotten about a very cool little album. Was Talking Heads '77 always this good? I don't think it was.
I seem to be handing out 4s like a cheerleader lately, but if anyone deserves these stars, it’s Mr Byrne. The man is a treasure.
Compared to the previous Punk albums I prefer the musicality of Talking Heads.
I'm not huge on David Bryne's voice, but can't deny how good some of the songs are. That said, future albums just knock this one out of the water.
I enjoy talking heads a lot. I think this album really shows off all the different instruments (including the voice as an instrument). Ironically, I think psycho killer is the least talking heads-esque song. I haven't listened to this album as much as others, though.
Was this album named 77 because it was published in 1977? I wonder! First couple tracks, Uh-Oh, Love Comes To Town, and New Feeling, are good songs but nothing incredibly catching yet. Onto the third now, I like the lead singer's (David Byrne?) voice, it has been very distinct throughout the album so far. Just started the 4th track, Happy Day, and it might be my favourite so far. Who is it, the 5th track has just topped Happy Day. Now that I'm feeling more into this genre, I decided to re-listen to the first two tracks, and I enjoyed them a lot more this time around. Starting the 6th track now. I like the lyrics. Resonates a little? 7th song now. The Book I Read. Ooh I like this one more than some of the others. Maybe my second favourite so far? Or even the first. Yep. Okay, adding this one to my Disco Elysium playlist. Nothing super interesting to say about the next two songs, also kind of just forgot to write something. Onto the more well known track now, Psycho Killer! Yep it's catchy. Espoir = power Gloire = glory Last track now... Final thoughts, I'll probably rate this a 3? It was decent, and the crtique I have isn't anything substantial or super technical. I didn't enjoy some of the lyrics and repetitiveness but these are things you cannot judge too heavily when it comes to music, since they are all subjective elements of good music. Maybe just not my genre. Excited to start this 1001 album journey, I wish they gave you more albums per day but maybe I need to get into the habit of doing things for a short period consecutively.
Must have been a cool record to experience in the late 70's. Cool guitar, vocals and bass tone!
This album started off super great with Love comes to town. I thought it was a great track with some super fun lyrics. New feeling was an absolute bop. I thought it was very interesting beat, honestly the same with tentative decisions (which I also loved the name of). Happy day wasn’t as happy as I expected it to be. I didn’t like Who is it personally, but I thought it was super super fun! Worry about the government was actually great. The beat and vocals worked so well together. Psycho killer is obviously great. No notes. Pulled up was a very strange way to end this. It was quite different from the rest of the album. Whatever, it was still a good album. 4/5 ⭐️ 179/1089
very enjoyable album, not the best but still a good album