Reviews (page 6 of 14)
A very good album with that classic talking heads sound. Unique sing stile and awesome bass lines.
Talking a winner and a classic that outlines the power of the Heads.
Very groovy and fun album. A little rudimentary compared to their later stuff, but still captures a lot of their energy. David Byrne’s singing and funny lyricism about modern city life goes a long way. Favourite songs: Uh Oh Love Comes To Town, New Feeling, No Compassion, Psycho Killer, Pulled Up
I have three talking heads albums generated right now, so figured I'd go in order as a new listener. After my first listen, I was going to settle on a 3, but I felt the nagging of a friend to try again and I'm glad I did. Eager to see what they did next
Talking Head origins. A couple of wonderful songs, some good ones, and some fine ones. On the bouncy side or post-punk or the quirkier side of new wave. Melodic punchy bass lines mesh with crisp drumming as guitar riffs interweave, with Byrne’s odd, semi-not-quite-manic-but-something-is-a-little-peculiar, vocal delivery and lyrics that only he can do. Good album, but not their top. This sound reaches their apex in their next album before they ride that high while incorporating more diverse influences as they move forward.
4.5
Some of my favorite Talking Heads' tracks are on this album: Psycho Killer and Sugar on My Tongue. Overall, I like this album better than Fear of Music--a better overall sound and arc for an album, though still probably not my most favorite of theirs.
Strong 4 for me. Almost a 5... I really like "No Compassion": those words speak to some of the stuff I've gone through and I wish that my wife would catch on to the same idea. Also enjoy "Don't Worry About the Government" and "Pulled Up" even if that is light and silly. A good closer.
It's interesting to hear their debut album and see the quirky inventive seeds that paved the way for their later more intricate work. Besides Psycho Killer (of course), I enjoyed Uh-Oh, Love Comes to Town, Tentative Decisions, No Compassion, Pulled Up. "It takes a lot of time To push away the nonsense"
Quirky, funky, poppy, always themselves. I am biased though, I think Talking Heads is the best "80s" band. Fun songs, makes you want to move. Simple constructed lyrics but not shallow. Not a sound replicated by other bands, like they are their own style. Not their best album though :P
nice
Haven't listened to any Talking Heads save a few singles including the (in)famous Psycho Killer on '77. I get Talking Heads a bit better now, even if I don't know if I'll double click on their discography after this listen. My initial impression of Byrne's voice is, well, it's unchanged - not for me, mate. Blasphemous and especially weird for a guy who's long loved Jello Biafra and Gordon Gano. It's a weird line to draw but you can't argue or reason with personal taste I guess. Still! It's interesting that the TH singles are the least interesting and representative of their albums so far. I wouldn't have written them off so fast if I had heard Born Under Punches or No Compassion first. Update: Alright I've listened to this twice more since the review. My stance on Byrne's voice stands, but the instruments and melodies are getting under my skin. Moving on to Remain in Light while we get dinner ready.
Yep. Easy listen from a great band
A classic debut album with some brilliant songs. They got better as they went along but this was a pretty great intro. Nobody does rhythms like David Byrne.
early talking heads is still excellent talking heads
their 4th worse album (it’s still really great)
elsker psykopat dræber sangen, men generelt lidt for repetitive
fun, doesn’t take itself too seriously, lyrics are surrealist, postmodern but still sounds good
A great debut. Not as strong as later albums though
It's been on my bucket list to listen to a Talking Heads album, and their '77 campaign was a banger. Favorite Song: "Tentative Decisions"
Really solid album. I liked this a lot.
Muy buen álbum. Fan de Psycho Killer desde antes, tenía ganas de escuchar algo parecido y cumplió mis expectativas. Definitivamente un álbum que voy a escuchar bastante. 4½ / 5
While not quite as strong as the two albums produced by Eno. This one is still funky and a lot of fun to listen to.
Great. I don't think I have all that much to say about it. Driving beats and lyrics from art School students.
3.5 stars. Appreciate David Byrne's creativity and this is a solid art rock album. Very listenable without being overly pop-y. Standout is "The Book I Read" "Love -> Building on Fire" and "Psycho Killer".
The first movie I ever saw in the theater was Stop Making Sense. In spite of that early exposure, I've never sat down and listened to the Talking Heads entire catalogue. So, this album is new to me except for Psycho Killer of course. It's quite lovely and Byrne is honestly almost at his best here in many places. Vocal range, vocal strange, fun lyrics, and happy bouncy beats.
This album’s appearance on the random generator caused a bit of deja vu. “How many Talking Heads albums have we listened to?” “Did I listen to all of them?” “Did I actually write reviews for the ones I listened to?” In fact, it would seem I had the same discussion with myself when we got our second Talking Heads album. I went and listened to both and actually wrote the reviews at that time. This time, I’m listening to our fourth (and final) Talking Heads album and thinking about how I like the Talking Heads more than I thought I did. And do you know what I wrote a year ago when I reviewed number one and two? Yep. So I guess I dig Talking Heads. Sometimes David Byrne’s voice is annoying. But sometimes it works great with the jangly and buoyant guitars. And “Psycho Killer” is not overrated. It's delightful.
love this one! i do prefer talking heads’ later albums, where their production choices get funkier, but the songs on here are so damn earnest that it’s impossible for me not to like.
Enjoyed, The guitar work is cool and the album has a slightly frenetic feel to it that draws me in. There is no other front man like David Byrne, he is truly unique Think I prefer their later, more poppier sound as not all tracks hit the mark for me, but the highs are cracking
Great debut by Talking Heads, very upbeat and signature high-antics vocals by David Byrne. Standout Tracks: Tentative Decisions Psycho Killer, No Compassion, Don't Worry About The Government
Frankly I find all Talking Heads records to be listenable. There’s a lot happening in this classic from David Byrne and company. Love Comes to Town and Psycho Killer stand out. But the extended edition has my absolute favorite song of their’s Love -> Building on Fire.
Really enjoyed this. Had only heard Psycho Killer before but the rest of the album holds its own as well.
3.5 rounding up cause it’s the Talking Heads. This is my least favorite of their albums, also why it’s probably more of a three than a 4⭐️
I see why so many indie nerds love the Talking Heads. This is prototypical indie music. I should have been listening to more Talking Heads all these years. This album sounds like it could be released today and would tear up the socials with fawning indie fans.
probably the best talking heads album. very enjoyable listen. 8/10
it ok
I can't imagine what it would have been like to hear this in 1977. It must have been so weird back then. Still pretty weird now, really. Psycho Killer is a monster of a song, I've always really liked that one. But the whole album plays really nicely; I think this is definitely a record best listened to front to back rather than just picking out a song here and there to add to a best of. While it doesn't have anything that really stands out and makes you sit and listen with your eyes closed, I will absolutely be on the lookout for this one at the record shop and will play it often. 4/5
Great album - Sugar on my Tongue a discovery
J’adore Talking Heads, et leur premier album, même si c’est pas mon préféré (Fear of Music, je suis désolé de t’avoir donné 4 étoiles, tu en mérites 4 de plus, je me suis repentis), reste quand même un coffre au trésor de petit bangers new wave/proto-punk/rock/country/folk/jazz/autres genres que j’ai oublié. J’avais donc envie de lui donner un 5 étoiles, puis je me suis souvenu que cet HORRIBLE cover allait entâcher ma belle liste des 5 étoiles, donc désolé pas désolé
Fun! I love their unique sound.
Pretty good, most of it passed me by except for Pulled Up honestly.
A little uneven at times, owing to it being their first album. But still a lot to like here.
I had never listened to this album in entirety. Wow, what a fantastic debut! The original songwriting and music, the clean production. Great work!
Only ever heard the singles, I have been missing out for so long. It's hard to tie down so I will just except It's damn good.
Nunca decepcionan.
Ig they heard me when I said I wanted a Talking Heads album with one of their hits on it. I was not disappointed.
They really came out swinging on the debut. Just need to hear Speaking in Tongues and I'll have heard all the most significant Talking Heads albums
Autism: The Album. Honestly, this is an album I already know and quite like. There's this nervous, anxious, playful energy that pervades it (and really, most of their discography). Nothing dark here. No distortion. Clean, plucky guitars, that often sound rather weird. Really, very unique. You can already start seeing what direction they'll be heading in. Fav tracks: No Compassion, The Book I Read, Don't Worry About the Government, Psycho Killer, Pulled Up
Grew on me, not yet at their best but getting there
The start of a wonderful streak. Solid, but not the perfect Heads album.
We’re getting spoiled this week.
Still weird and David Byrne’s voice is an acquired taste for me. But I liked this one more than the last two Talking Head albums.
7/10 - Talking heads will literally make songs about anything. The songs were decent but, very much all over the place.
3.5
Strong 4 for this one.
Talking Heads '77 [1977] (9.6) ★★★★½
Great
This is a fantastic debut of one of my favorite bands, but I agree with some critics that the production is a little too clean and sanitized. The songs are great, though.
Love it, softer and more melodic than what I expected
Elsker takling heads, også når det ikke er stop making sence
Very dynamic album from start to finish. Would occasionally really vibe with one of the songs I hadn't heard before. Glad I heard the acoustic "Psycho Killer" version. I've probably oversaturated myself on Talking Heads going into this, so may be underrating it.
Fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa
Talking Heads have always been a band that I have respected but didn't enjoy listening to beyond a few songs. Because of this list, I have listened to a couple albums now that have made me grow to like listening to them more. "77" isn't going to become one of my favorite albums, at least any time soon... But I did enjoy it, and it definitely made me realize that there was a time when Talking Heads evolved past their very initial rough sound but had not yet fully become the 80's outfit that started to feel more of a caricature, which I know was purposeful, but it also became less appealing to me at that point.
Yeah!! I liked this. It gets four stars.
mhm yap!!! highlights: uh-oh, love comes to town; the book i read; don’t worry about the government; first week / last week… carefree; psycho killer (aug 12 2024)
I’ve always liked this one and it sounds oh so tasty on vinyl.
Первый альбом в эксперименте , в одном из треков услышал звучание radiohead , хоть и альбом вышел на минимум 15 лет раньше
It's a good album but it grabs me less than some of their others. Psycho Killer is easily a standout and the band is great to listen to. Knowing this is on the 1,001 list I'm looking forward to knowing at least 2 more of theirs must be coming up.
Eccentricity with a tight, funky backbone.
Man some of these were great and others David Byrne just becomes grating. Pretty solid for a debut though…
Joyful Jams.
Klassischer TH Sound…7/10
Happy Day // No Compassion // Psycho Killer // Pulled Up //
Great grooves, excellent percussion to all the instruments. You can tell they are trained musicians. Amazing debut, their later albums perfected their sound. Only knock is that maybe there wasn't much variation between songs.
One of the better albums of Talking Heads.
uh oh love comes to town- 7 new feeling- 6 tentative decisions- 7 happy day- 7 who is it- 6 no compassion- 7 or 8 the book i read- 6 dont worry about the government- 6 or 7 first week- 7 psycho killer- 9 pulled up- 6 👽💖👽
Pleasantly bizarre. I wouldn't have known what to make of this when it came out, with its wild ranges in style and David Byrne's...shall we say...interesting voice. But it works. Just a really good alternative-ish album. Unexpected bangers: Who Is It?, Pulled Up, Love->Building on Fire
Why does this work? I have no idea. But it's great stuff, David Byrne's voice shouldn't work either (and I have no doubt that, for many, it doesn't), but I love it. Superb album all round (and I only knew Psycho Killer going in).
Talking Heads debut isn’t as nervy or nerdy as the later output that would make them megastars, but despite that it’s got a lot going for it. A handful of great riffs, I find myself playing Uh-Oh, Love Comes To Town every time I’m messing around on guitar, and some interesting reinterpretations of the basics of Rock music. Plus Psycho Killer, which is far and away the standout track. It’s not quite as good as their later albums, but it’s still a fun listen
Ein Album der guten Laune und der bunten Farben. Trotz klarer Highlights ist es eine durchweg aufheiternde und phasenweise spannende Erfahrung. Mit schnippischen Basslines und abwechslungsreichem Gitarrengeklimper überzeugt es definitiv auf instrumenteller Ebene. Auch wenn der Gesang Anfangs möglicherweise als etwas störend empfunden werden kann, weiß David Byrne den Hörer zu unterhalten mit Gesang, der nie langweilig wird. Lieblingssongs: New Feeling, The Book I Read, Psycho Killer, Pulled Up
A great album and symbolic of new music directions. I was at university and music was really important
Very nice, but a bit repetitive
Had to double check that the 77 in the title referred to the year it was released, bc I thought, no way this is that old! It’s so modern, and of course, these guys are just so, so fun and talented! Love it!
Cool how David Byrne’s lyrics are both weird and cold and hard to parse but also just “I like the building I live in and my friends”
Certainly a debut!! Got me sooo excited to listen to the following 4 TH albums!!
Fun album!
Love me some Talking Heads! I will start by saying I can think of 2-3 albums of theirs that I prefer more. This was the end of Disco and the beginning of New Wave. 77 starts out with the uplifting "Uh-Oh, Love Comes To Town" and wraps with the stellar classic "Psycho Killer" which holds up really well after all these years. You still hear it on the radio, acoustic covers, elevator music, tv/movies, etc. Even my kids know that one! In between you get gems like "Tentative Decisions", "Pulled Up" & "The Book I Read", which are blueprint Heads songs, catchy and quirky. While I would not put this on my Top 1001 I did enjoy revisiting it as I'd never listened to it front to back.
A strong debut. Art students making quirky and smart art rock. No doubt many bands like Violent Femmes, Weezer, Vampire Weekend, etc probably do not have as much success without these doors being kicked open by the Heads. I found myself wondering what’s next throughout this listen which is a good thing.
Never really gave Talking Heads much listening time until I watched American Utopia. I dig the creativity of David Byrne even if a lot of his/the band’s music doesn’t connect with me. Pretty solid debut that laid the groundwork for things to come. 3.75/5
Great first album and can hear some disco influences with a bit more cutting lyrics.
Liked it a lot more than expected, no songs really stuck out to me (I was studying so the music wasn’t at the forefront of my attention) but maybe I’ll check out talking heads down the line with a more open mind
Pretty good. There were some weird parts, but I found myself enjoying it overall. 4/5
Yessssssss I love talking heads
Another great album today. The songs were quite energetic and didn't make me bored. "Psycho Killer", the big single, was good. Byrne isn't much of a singer but that doesn't matter. At least I can hear the lyrics, unlike some other albums of "77"'s type. 4 stars for "Talking Heads: 77".
I’m a Talking Heads fan. So this was a great morning listening to this. Plus a couple of my favorite songs! 4.5/5
Weird and I say this in the absolute best way possible. The album is like a serious arthouse production disguised by its upbeat melodies and grungy production. Its lyrics are powerful and quite frankly are what I needed to hear today. This album is about making concrete change in your life towards the things that matter. It’s about taking the reins and controlling your outcome. Love and friendship and ambition and career milestones. Don’t be passive, be yourself and unapologetically be yourself. Stay silly and value yourself - like the Talking Heads did when they recorded this album. They set boundaries and knew what they wanted their music to sound like, and even though they had to work with some difficult people to get through it, it was done and it was well done. No one said it was going to be easy.
love love love wish i could give this 4.5 but got to leave room for the rest of their albums so much style!
Talking Head's debut is an upbeat head bobber. They would reach greater heights later on, but 77 is a delight to casually listen to on a chill evening. *Heard before.
I think this is the most normal Talking Heads album I've listened to. The instrumentation really carries too. Best Songs: New Feeling, The Book I Read, Don't Worry About the Government, Psycho Killer Worst Songs: Pulled Up
Very mellow and enjoyable
Hear me out, Talking Heads is kinda like the Kinks of 70’s and 80’s alternative rock. They’re weird. They’re not what you expect. Yet somehow, it works. It works so well that they manage to immediately jump into the mainstream and create a record so enthusiastic and easily listenable. All this to say, I enjoyed this record. I mean, I wasn’t expecting not to. It’s Talking Heads after all and Psycho Killer is on this record. But the bands consistency is something to be admired. They know what they want to do and achieve it with excellence. Anyways, good album.
Early album for TH - really interesting to see how simple the sound was for them starting out. The quirkiness of David Byrne is there, but I think the group found their real new wave sound on the album "Remains in the Light".
Sure yeah
A good but not great Talking Heads album
Solid album. Compared to later releases, the songwriting is not as intricate and you can tell they're still finding they're footing. It's a little basic at times but the captivating groove and energy in tracks like "Psycho Killer" still make it a very enjoyable listen. A great, well made, energetic debut (which is the beginning of an insane 5 album run).
I should have listened to the Talking Heads more when I was young. They sound happy, eclectic, interesting. A couple if these were a little too bouncy for me, but they have several great songs in here, including two of their biggest hits. Definitely a winner!
Oh what fun. Feels like an album that just gave the right amount of fucks. Not too few, not too many - just right.
Ayayayayaya!
Talking Headsin debyyttialbumi nimensä mukaan vuodelta 1977. Albumi lienee aikansa taide-rockin kulmakiviä, jonka biisit kantavat vielä nykypäivänäkin.
The last couple of Talking Heads albums I’ve listened to over the past year didn’t really do much for me, probably because I listened to them so much when I was younger that they’ve kind of lost their thrill. Plus, I’m discovering all kinds of new styles of music and bands these days. But as for this album, I have to admit I actually enjoyed listening to it from beginning to end for old time’s sake. One thing I’ve always appreciated about the Talking Heads is their bass. They really do a great job with strong bass guitar rhythms that stand out in their music.
A solid rookie outing. It is obvious that they had been honing their craft for a while before this came out. They are very mature and tight. Their sound is basically the same as it would be for most of their career. Overall a good album that shows what they were capable of.
I actually feel like I benefited from listening to the entire album, rather than if I had listened to the songs one at a time. The way their songs sound is so bizarre to me. I know that I like stranger music, but I don't know how the band got so popular in general. The lyrics are very unconscious, but if you listen to them, then it's pretty enjoyable. The lyrics are like an uncomfortable person talking. That comes across in the vocals somewhat. The style fits the rest of the music well, with the 'empty studio' mixing and the wild melodies, but I think the singer either leaned into it a bit much at times or otherwise just lost the note. If tightened up, it could have been easier listening while still maintaining the same spontaneity.
Pretty crazy this album came out in the '70s. It sounds like it's from the 80s or 90s. I loved what they do with the beachy guitar sounds. The vocals are weird but for the most part endearing. Favorite song was Pull Up
Non avevo troppe aspettative perché non mi è mai piaciuta Psycho Killer ma è stato un bell'ascolto, ha quel suono che mi manca il lessico per descrivere che mi piace. Una costante battaglia tra 3 e 4 ma alla fine è stata un'esperienza abbastanza piacevole e allora 4 sia. Copertina particolarmente brutta, ho sentito il bisogno di sottolinearlo
My third Talking Heads album in this list and I think I love them all, this is no exception, it bops along at a steady pace and everyone loves "Psycho Killer"
They really found their (production) sound on the next album, but this is still a great time. Super tight!
Some songs stood out more than others, but I liked the whole album. It was more fun and energetic than I expected, though it did kinda start blending together at some point. Standouts: "Uh-Oh, Love Comes to Town", "No Compassion" and "Psycho Killer"
Just outside of reaching 5 stars.
Imagine having a debut album with a song like Psycho Killer! I love Talking Heads and have listened to most of their albums, but this was my first listen of their first album. They are delightful, genius, goofy, sincere, and out of the box in all the best ways. 77 didn't become my new favorite, but it's still wonderful and brought my the usual dose of joy I've come to expect from their music.
Not quite a five, but Pull Me Up and The Book I Read were great
Very ‘70s. Rock album with some dance/disco elements mixed in.
Feverish pop with crazy lyrics and settings - love it
Classic album, I enjoyed it.
What is this? Some kind of Spaz Rock? I like it. Talking Heads are great. Lots of good ones on this album that I've never heard before. Cool to take in a full album.
This is a pretty special album. Great year too. It’s fresh and funky and even some of the songs that start off “just ok” have fun little surprises to them as the songs go on. There were a few songs in the middle that didn’t draw me in as much, but super solid overall. Love the Talking Heads!
Solid! Not my favorite but still talking heads is 4+
Entire thing is really stylist, needs a few listens to grow on you, very thumpy guitar all round with slight electronics thrown throughout
What a year, '77, checking the releases in that year makes one wonder what was in the water. From disco, to punk, to pop, to funk, to r'n'r, to new wave, to glam There are 2 albums released that year which are TOP10 all time for me, and this one isn't one of them. However, excellent album and oh so close to being a 5*!
Not my favorite Talking Heads album but Psycho Killer is an all time classic.
Yes. I like the Talking Heads.
Wait, this was their DEBUT album?
Not my favorite Talking Heads album, but that doesn't mean it's not awesome.
Talking Heads é clássico demais. Psycokiller fah fah fah fah
Thoughts before listening: I love the Talking Heads. One of the best bands of the punk/new wave scene, and one that I feel a lot of mainstream music fans know little about. Most people recognize "Burning Down the House" and maybe "Psycho Killer", but I think they see the band as on par with something like Flock of Seagulls, A-Ha or other 80s one hit wonders. Talking Heads are so much more than that, and I am glad that the 90s and 00s jamband and indie rock scenes really elevated them as the true trailblazers that they are. Anyway, I'm pretty sure this is their first album when they still leaned more toward angular, punky new wave music, as opposed to the more world music influences found on "Remain in Light". This should be a great listen. Review: You know what. I don't think I've actually heard this album before. The first song is definitely not familiar to me, and it surprisingly does include some Caribbean sounds that I wouldn't have thought would be part of their sound this early on. The rest of the album settles into more of that artsy side of the punk movement sound that I would expect from the band though. While I don't believe I've heard this album, I do know a lot of these songs because of the Talking Heads' excellent live album "The Name of This Band is Talking Heads" which includes their early material. In general, I'd say I prefer the live versions of these songs. Still though, this is an enjoyable listen. The ultimate highlight here is "Pyscho Killer" which remains one of their most enduring and well known songs. I'm also enjoying tracks like "Who Is It?", "No Compassion", "Don't Worry About the Government", and "Pulled Up". This is actually the rare album where the best songs are backloaded. Usually bands get the hits out of the way early, but I was a little bored by the early songs while 6 of the last 7 ended up on my playlist. 4-stars
Absolutely fantastic
That stretch of songs from The book I read through to the end was incredible! The first half was good but they saved the gold for the second half. It’s a really good debut from a band I have yet to do a proper deep dive into. I’ve listened to them over the years but just never really dug in. I think I might do just that after listening to this.
Excellent debut album. Takes a little while to get going though. I definitely preferred the second half to the first.
If this band has no fans I am dead.
Enjoyable, but a bit samey at times. 7/10
Huge fan of the band. This album only hints at what they'd eventually become. The production is sparse by modern standards, sort of angular sounding, and because of that, it hasn't aged particularly well. That said, it sets the stage for future inspiration.
nice
Always enjoy Talking Heads stuff I heard and watched via single, but had never listened to a whole album. This was very good
I keep getting albums I've heard many times before, Talking Heads are one of the best bands of all time and while this is nowhere near their best album it's still really fucking good. 4/5 imo - incredible album but not perfect, a trully impressive debut that showed incredible potential.
4..0
Very good album
This feels like the prototype for so many weird, funky, off kilter bands. A very fun listen.
Legendary with sick bass
My first Talking Heads album and it did not disappoint. Didn't quite feel like there was anything for me in there but I still thought it was great and get the feeling there is an album out there for me that I will love front to back.
Whenever I listen to any Talking Heads album I think about this story: “He (David Byrne)’s a genuine eccentric,” says Eno. “He’s always been exactly like that, and I’ve seen him remain like that in quite extreme situations. For instance, we were mugged together once in New York. It was quite frightening; we were mugged by 14 people. My enduring memory is of David being dragged off into the bushes, saying ‘Uh-oh!’ That’s absolutely true; it was like a cartoon scene. - Brian Eno
Loved it. Such a fun album, and a great debut. Tina Weymouth is incredible.
Never listened to this debut. It was good.
Classic album. The origin of Psyco Killer
4 stars
Such a mind bogglingly good debut album. "UH OH!" the opening track grew on me extremely hard, and is now one of my all time TH favorites. Would be a 5 if it weren't for a couple of dud filler tracks.
I did drunken group karaoke to "Psycho Killer" once, which is ill advised, because you cannot replicate David Byrne's vocal tone, but more importantly everyone had forgotten that there's a whole verse in French. Except me. I sang the French verse by myself. Don't do group karaoke to "Psycho Killer." Your group does not know how the song goes. They just don't. Generally speaking, I love a debut studio album and this one has a lot of the energy and rough edges I'm looking for.
I liked this Talking Heads album more than I liked the other ones we've listened to. I thought that the songwriting was really good, and I like how they have such a unique sound that you can instantly tell you are listening to the Talking Heads.
The Talking Heads album I am most familiar with, which is probably related to it being the one I enjoyed the most to date. Slightly Unsettling Pop Jams for Slightly Unsettling Pop Girlies
-I have put off listening to Talking Heads for too long -It’s interesting, it has a very “80s new wave” feel despite being a bit earlier than stuff like Tears For Fears -As always I like the world music influence -Favorites are New Feeling, Psycho Killer, and Pulled Up
Fresh new wave album with the melody always at the top. Rating: 3.5/5 Playlist track: Tentative Decisions Date listened: 13/06/24
so off kilter in a good way. still feels and sounds relevant to me. Don't worry about the gov't is a fave. hard to listen to this without being a fan - I ain't impartial! I get the feeling this deluxe version is gonna have some weaker tracks on, I won't include em. This isn't my favourite work of theirs, but there are a few great songs on here. Pulled up is great. 3rd listen, not a huge fan of no compassion. MY BUILDING HAS EVERY CONVENIENNNNCE. earworm'd. It's talking heads. it's good. :)
Another Talking Heads album... I'm not opposed. Except David Byrne's voice is still pretty grating. Psycho Killer has been stuck in my head all day now.
A very fun and funky debut from a stellar band - not their finest work but a great way to introduce themselves
I had never listened to this album but had heard several songs from it as I like the Talking Heads. I really enjoyed this album. I really think they are unique and ahead of their time.
Steady 4 has to be.
Fun. Good first showing. Glad they got better.
4.5/5
Really cool; trippy experience to listen to. Very simple lyrics that somehow feel mind-bending. Really liked "Don't Worry About the Government." If I felt like it had more "bangers" in terms head-bopping, it probably would be 5 stars for me.
Miley Cyrus deserves jail time for what she did to Psycho killer. The Rest of the Album is Fine too
3.5
merci scho s dritte talking heads album. erste song sehr nice de david singt funny und de riff mit de cleane gitarre isch sehr groovy. im refrain wird s arrangemwnt super gross und er rüeft ume gfalltmer temtative desicions isch funny glaub? er loht sini stimm extra breche glaub heter huere druf happy day isch au eaaasy geil wennd die akustisch gitarre inechunt meega geil. churzi these zwüscheddure: wäred die kijkers vo aachen oder kinshasa oder bettwiese het nonie öper vo ihne ghört. d misig isch würkli guet mer chan sie bahnbrechend nenne aber sie hend afoch vode new yorker szene profitiert wo gad bitz weirdi musig gsuecht het. immerno sehr e cools album bis etz. no compassion foht sehr sehr cool ah. the book i read isch au seeeehr geil. hani glaub auscho ghört. dint worry about the government sehr funny. my buolding has every convenience hahaha. loooved ones looved ones. ich check nöd soo ganz vo was dases satire isch aber finds funny. psycho killer isch en rieeeeeese banger ok vlt bini chli harsh gsi vorher. fafafafaaa faack de song slappt. PULLED UP ISCH JO RIIICHTIG GEIL ICH HA HUERE SPASS. VIERI. füfi?
# Playlist track - Uh-Oh, Love Comes to Town # Notes - That's the album with "Psycho Killer", so my hopes were high! - David Byrne's vocals are super weird. It's hard to pin the whole thing on a specific genre on mood, but that keeps it fun and interesting. - Ended up listening to the whole thing 4-5 times trying to make sense of it.
I was on the fence about giving this album a 5. So with my hesitation, I’ll give it a 4. It was super enjoyable though. I’m definitely taking a few songs away from it. Of course, this was my genre of choice before starting this project.
My feelings about Talking Heads are a little difficult to fathom even for myself. About ten or fifteen years ago I got a free DVD with a newspaper of "Stop Making Sense". I fell in love with that performance and think it is one of the best live concert films ever (which isn't a very controversial opinion). But I felt no need to get their albums. And in this age, where you can listen to any album you want via streaming, I have gone through their back catalogue and... I like it but I don't go back to listen to it. Like, I never think, "I'm in the mood for some Talking Heads!" I don't know. I like the quirkiness. I like the surprising underlying funk to it all. But somehow I don't gel with it. Even the many songs I like on this album, I can't help feel I'd rather be listening to the live versions. It's like when you feel you "support" someone in doing what they are doing what they are doing, even though it's not your cup of tea. I'm going to give this a 4 because I know I like more than I feel it. But "Stop Making Sense" would get 5.
A great debut album from Talking Heads but by no means what they had left up their sleeve.
ahahahahah good album
Great album by Talking Heads but outshone by its successors.
Første indtryk med 3 børn i bilen var ikke særlig godt.. Så den får lige et lyt mere på et andet tidspunkt. 2. Og 3. Indtryk var bedre! Godt at jeg gav mig tid til at lytte ordentligt efter. Det er et super fint album. Og vild nok debut.
A very interesting debut. Psycho Killer clearly the most obvious track but there is that blend of New Wave, New York and Punk which would take them elsewhere over the next few years. There are not the glorious melodies and sing-a-long pop classics we get later but its a really credible start for a very interesting band.
A great insight into what the future would hold
Good
psycho killer una delle mie canzoni prefe in assolutoo, adoro i talking heads💕
🗣️ Psycho killeeeeer 🗣️ 🔊 QU’EST-CE QE C’EST 🔊 🥁🥁🥁 Fa-fa-fa-fa, fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa, better 🥁🥁🥁
Non avevo troppe aspettative perché non mi è mai piaciuta Psycho Killer ma è stato un bell’ascolto, ha quel suono che mi manca il lessico per descrivere che mi piace. Una costante battaglia tra 3 e 4 ma alla fine è stata un’esperienza abbastanza piacevole e allora 4 sia. Copertina particolarmente brutta, ho sentito il bisogno di dirlo
Lots of songs I didn’t know on here and I really enjoyed them. The hits are obviously bangers even if I’m not the biggest fan of Psycho Killer. Aren’t all Talking Heads albums at least a 4?
More guitar oriented. Love comes to town and psycho killer are great, rest was lacking.
Surprisingly good
Some real post punk bangers, if only David Byrne was so tough to listen to sometimes
Don't Worry About the Government Psycho Killer
Nie takie złe nawet
It's got psycho killer which is pretty great, but it's great for other reasons too. Lovely driving beat across the length of the album.
I LOVE THE GUITARS. no one makes a vibe like them. So avant garde. Who is it? Is a super stand out. Such a cool sound. They always sound like they’re searching for where they’re going in a song.
Some great tracks on here
One time I attended a birthday party for a family friend and an obnoxious 9 year old girl was there. She asked if we wanted to hear a song she wrote, then proceeded to sing “Low” by Flo Rida. In response, Andrea Elyachar’s wife Susan asked if the little girl wanted to hear a song she wrote, then started singing Psycho Killer, with which Andrea, mom, and I enthusiastically joined in. This is my core memory related to this album. I didn’t know any other songs, but enjoyed the album and really love Psycho Killer. 4 stars.
Great album! My only problem is the same that I've been having with similar bands of this era of, I love everything except the tonation of the singer. The vocal weirdness was of the time and I do think the talking heads do it pretty well because it fits well compared to others, but sometimes it's just hard to ignore. Favorite Song: Psycho Killer 8/10
This album was energetic, a little funky, and weird in the best way possible. On this debut, Talking Heads really combined an eclectic mix of influences to make a truly unique sound. Fav Songs: Uh-Oh, Love Comes to Town Psycho Killer Pulled Up
Those heads can sure talk!
Enjoyed
8.9/10
Molto orecchiabile 3/4
7.5/10 Second TH album so far and preferred this one. Alt rock with lots of afrobeat, world, funk influence Catchy tunes, well delivered I can see how influential they are, lots of it sounds like 90s indie music in the UK. The guitar in particular Best: Pycho Killer
Not Talking Heads at their absolutely brilliant best, but still a good romp. You can tell that this is early in their career I think; it's not as adventurous as some of their later records. Still, it's got Psycho Killer on, which is one of the all time great songs to sing in the car. It also will always remind me of one of the best cold opens to a TV show ever, when Mac arrives at Paddy's in IASIP playing this on a boombox.
Sounds like it came out yesterday, despite the steel drums
Probably not the strongest TH album, but, has one of their best songs in Psycho Killer. Still goes alright.
Love Talking Heads
Probably my favorite of the Talking Heads albums so far
The album has some great tunes I actually hadn’t heard before. Pyscho Killer has been an iconic song for me since I was a teen. I enjoy David Byrne’s style but it can get repetitive and it doesn’t work for every song. I generally enjoy how disjointed the lyrics feel at times especially when they work with the melody and the story. Also; album cover is so simple yet so recognizable. 3.5
Delightful. I love Talking Heads, there are some great songs on this album, but I can’t quite bring myself to give this album five stars due to its unevenness.
Another solid album, though not one of their best. They certainly grew and improved but you can’t deny that most of these tracks are solid. 77 was a great year for music and for people to be born in.
Not their best album, but still a great album. There are several five star songs, several four star, and one or two three star. I don’t think the balance was enough to give this album a 5, and a lot of this all sounded the same, but I very much like it and I love Talking Heads! I recently saw Stop Making Sense during its theater run and it was glorious.
Innovative
Veel vette nummers, af en toe net iets te wazig
I think i like them but the way they sing makes me hate them at the same time
Classic
Unreal that this 1977. I’m only familiar with a few songs. Good to hear them all. Very much a classic.
marching, upbeat, melodic
4.1/5 Best Track: Psycho Killer
Love Talking Heads. Never listened to the whole album through, delightfully strange.
Rating: 9/10 Amazing album overall. A fantastic introduction to this band, at this point in their careers they already had their trademark sound figured out. The way they blended funk, new wave, and rock with odd melodies is done incredibly well here for the most part. This album has the quirkiness this band is known for while still being very catchy and fun to listen to. I did not enjoy a few songs as much as the others but this album is amazing for the most part. Favorite songs: Uh-Oh Loves Comes to Town, New Feeling, Happy Day, Who Is It?, No Compassion, The Book I Read, Psycho Killer, Pulled Up. Worst song: Don't Worry About the Government.
Whatever new wave even is, I don’t usually like it unless it’s coming from the Talking Heads. Love their off-kilter but rock-solid rhythms and the thin, wiry guitars. Pretty weird but highly listenable. Best song: Psycho Killer
Two playthroughs, but probably not enough for it all to click. The Book I Read is one I liked. Psycho Killer second to last is an interesting placement for the biggest song on the album. One of the best bass lines of all time. It's enough to push it up **** territory almost on its own. The rest is good enough to get there.
Gutes Rock-Album mit abwechslungsreichen Ideen. Muss ich noch mal in Ruhe hören.
Uh oh love comes to town, psycho killer, happy day
Unique and catchy songs, a bit dated now, but still different than anything modern and fun while making you think a bit.
these guys are so silly?? such fellas. also psycho killer is a banger
Talking heads
I personally never gave the talking heads a fair shake and this album is reall cool. Think 1977 when this comes out? Holy crap so cutting edge and upbeat all at the same time. This album still sounds fresh almost 50 years later.
The next four albums are better but still a great debut. Brian Eno brought out the best and weirdest part of them. If not for the rest of their career, this would've been remembered as a fun and forgotten oddity.
I enjoyed Talking Heads.
Fun and still holds up well
Not my cup of tea but that bass was great
Big fan of Talking Heads. I love their quirky uniqueness. It’s just fun music.
Great album
Talking Heads debut album, fun stuff, great early new wave
So good
Very enjoyable album with several standout songs that I avoid smiling and bobbing my head to like “Sugar on My Tongue,” “Love —> Building on Fire,” and of course “Psycho Killer.” I will definitely be listening to this again.
Entertaining entry from Talking Heads.
The ONLY complaint I have about this album is the repetitiveness of the tracks \"Happy Day\" and \"Who Is It\". Otherwise it is a fabulous album!
Not my favourite Talking Heads record, but still good. You can hear the rules going out the window one-by-one. Music for that twitchy, weird guy at the office. Don't Worry About The Government is the best track on the album.
Not my favourite of theirs, but still better than most
As a debut album from a band who would later release the seismic, revolutionary 'Remain in Light', '77' may seem to be a a rather safe collection of songs. However, the album contains probably Talking Heads' signature recording a brilliant rendition of Al Green's 'Take me to the river', which is lent a hint of threat in Tina Weymouth's prowling bass riff. Though undoubtedly the standout track, the stop/start 'No compassion' comes close to surpassing it. There are a handful of lesser tunes, such as 'What is it?', which are rather throw away, but '77' lays the ground for the great leaps forward which the band later achieve with 'More songs...', 'Fear of music' and the aforementioned 'Remain in Light'. Definitely worth investigating.
Take it or leave it. The Talking Heads can make a good album, but is it too much to ask of them to make a good song or two as well? This album feels finished and realized and original and unique and all that good stuff. However, to sit down and listen to it is to sit down and listen to eleven songs that kinda annoy me. I’m not asking for a dozen chart toppers, but when “Psycho Killer” is the only thing keeping you going, the wait can be exhausting. It’s his voice, I think. I don’t know. 4/5
Liked this a lot! Maybe my favourite Talking Heads so far.
Þetta er true to form, fjörugt og skemmtilegt.
Talking Heads! A great band, even when they hadn't yet quite figured out their sound. This album gets 4 stars, not as a knock against it but because I know there is better to come. Favorite track is probably "Psycho Killer," and I am also a fan of the acoustic version.
I loved this. Talking Heads: 77 is packed with sharp, clever pop songs that feel fresh and slightly off kilter in the best possible way. The rhythms are tight, the guitars are clean and punchy, and there is a nervous energy running through the whole album that makes it completely engaging. I had not heard many Talking Heads songs before this, but this has definitely converted me. There is something unique about the way they combine art rock ideas with genuinely catchy hooks. It feels intelligent without losing its fun. Psycho Killer is obviously the standout. Such a great song. Instantly recognisable, tense and ridiculously catchy. It anchors the album brilliantly. Favourite song: Psycho Killer Least favourite: None that stood out negatively Album artwork: Simple and cool. Instantly recognisable and very much of its era
Great album. Doesn’t have the strength of some of their later works, but still great. “Pulled Up” is one of my favorite songs of theirs. 4/5 Will definitely listen again
Talking Heads are such a unique band, who completely master their own sound. Blending punk, funk and disco among tons of other genres and influences. It all synergises together incredibly. Considering this is their debut album it's so consistent and they already sound so tight as a band.
It's not the best Talking Heads album but it's got some great tracks.
I think this is their first album. It's so weird and strange with unconventional melodies, chords, rhythms, but contextually, it's hard not look away and not appreciate the strangeness of David Byrne's whole situation here. I really enjoyed it. Not all tracks work. There's sort of a sameness that starts to come across by the end of the album, but I appreciate it and I think it only works because of the energy present.
Talking heads? i sure hope they are
🗣️🔥 💪👔🎤 👞👞
Another one where I don't have too terribly much to say. I think I like a bit more the stuff I've heard on their future albums, but this is still a fun, funky debut. And that's something I don't need to say again.
Say something once, why say it again? Talking Heads at their simplest, but it still kicks as much ass as their later discography.
I’ve been waiting for the day I finally got to talk about Talking Heads. And what better way than with the debut. I’m already quite familiar with this group, and still with each listen I am impressed and in love with their ingenuity and genuineness. They are a bit of a strange band. They took their sound they developed on this album and with each album added new additions to it to make it more complex and creative. So in terms of their discography, this is probably their most “normal” and simple record. It’s still out there and very much a Talking Heads album though. It’s still super funky and catchy. It’s still rooted in Indian, African, and Latin American music. And from day one, David Byrne was this freaky paranoid force to be reckoned with, and he truly led this band to the genius they achieved. But the other three are wonderful in their own ways. Especially Tina. The fact that she taught herself, and has been playing as well as she does from the very beginning is amazing. Of the golden era of Talking Heads, from this to Speaking in Tongues, this is usually considered the weakest of the five. Which I can understand. This is as plain as they ever got, and it doesn’t have as many of the groundbreaking ideas they pushed on their later records. But there are definitely still highlights. I consider Psycho Killer one of the most classic and catchy songs of the 70’s. They just needed that extra flavor and unconventionality to find true success.
I love the Talking Heads and have to be honest, this isn't an album I'm as familiar with as some of their others. It's really phenomenal, lots of the wonderfully groovy pop-art that I've always loved from this group. Obviously Psycho Killer is a standout, but there's lots of great tracks on here. Definitely one that I'll need to revisit more often when I'm in the mood for the Talking Heads. 4/5
4/5
little weird by good
4.2. Very underrated bass lines. Psycho Killer is an all time great song.
Admittedly I'm a Talking Heads fan so I already knew I'm a fan of the album. Some forgettable songs but mostly solid with a couple hits. David Byrne's singing can get annoying after a while but all in all a really good album. 7.75/10 (3.875/5)
My second talking heads album and I'm now turning to them without the aid of the list. The energy, the rhythms and the eloquence are all my bag.
Another 1 I missed.....! Being 11, I only ever heard the radio. The Talking Heads passed me by until the early 80's, but even then it was their more pop stuff that I heard. This album, seems to have every sort of World music, samba, jazz, pop and all sorts of odd rhythms. Finely crafted songs that are all proper ear worms. 'Psycho Killer' is a work of genius. I've no idea what it's about but it remains brilliant. 4.5 out of 5....
With psycho killer it’s going to be a good record and it is.
another one that sounded fantastic in my ears… not my favourite album in the world but i think what struck me most was the amount of fun they seemed to have with this… the lyrics were sometimes very funny and other times sad and on the other hand kinda questionable and it was enjoyable listening indeed!
This is a fun album because you can hear the Talking Heads arrive almost fully formed. David Byrne’s obsessions with certain lyrical topics such as buildings is present along with their idiosyncratic genre bending and blending resulting in a new wave record with Afrobeat and funk sprinkled throughout. The penultimate track ‘Psycho Killer’ is their most famous from this album. The roots of their more mature work (Fear of Music, Remain in Light) can be found here as well.
Not got the shape and power of their later records, but still an enjoyable, formless exploration of the band's many talents.
It was very solid. This is the first time I have listened to the Talking Heads and this album was a decent one to start on. I felt as an album it kept a good structure and I was interested throughout. Some notable tracks to keep me interested, really solid.
David Byrne is a wacky guy.
I think this would be totally different music without David Byrne's distinctive vocals, a different singer wouldn't have worked nearly as well. Fun, interesting and I enjoyed this one, a pretty easy 4.
Funky upbeat pop/rock with surprisingly tropical feel good rhythms that's well crafted and has plenty of hooks.
Nostalgia aside, this is great, amg hindsight shows it as a sign of even better stuff to come. Not a fan of Spotify's choice of the extended version though, I think it detracts from the impact of the original.
A really enjoyable album that I feel like I must have listened to a few times before. Psychokiller is such a tuuuuunne!
Way ahead of its time. Funky and fun. You can hear the 80's and beyond calling.
Killer debut.
4/5 Very fun to listen to, catchy. I like the talking heads. Good guitar riffs, great vocals, and it’s so ahead of its time!
Ich mag die Talking Heads ziemlich gerne. "Psycho Killer" ist schon alleine eine gute Bewertung wert! 7.6/10
A solid member of the second listen club. Just an all around fun album to listen through, cool to see the roots and that they're more than just the one song that we've all heard a million times. Favorites - Psycho Killer and New Feeling Rating - 4/5
Interesting introduction to the band, but a lot of sameness to the arrangements (so many Ai, ai, ai, ai, ais and chucka-a-lucka guitar chunks).
It’s a solid album. It really bridges that gap between punk and what came after.
Solid, fun, 70s alt pop, aged really well. 4.2
Really enjoyed this album, what a fun listen.
Beetje tussen 3,5 en 4. Love Talking Heads, vooral op dit album ‘Uh-Oh Love Comes To Town’ en ‘Psycho Killer’. Af en toe vind ik zijn (David Byrne) uitschieters irritant.
I have not listened to many Talking Heads tunes beyond their radio hits. So, this is a nice opportunity to better appreciate their music style. In listening to this album, I find myself almost unconsciously tapping my foot and bobbing my head to the groove of many of the songs. All the while, I chuckle at their quirky style.
I sometimes forget what a unique album this was when it first came. Nothing compared to it and, in my opinion, it has held up remarkably well. It still amazes me with it what lyrics and complex rhythms and time signature.
Pretty great, intriguing but a good semi-energetic background music while I work. Melodically driven but odd and experimental. I get why this was interesting to counter-culture folks back when (and still now)
Psycho killer wel echt heel lekker Moet die film nog een x gaan kijken
Wat een lekker album ey Snap er geen reet van dat psycho killer de bekendste is van dit album Al klinkt die acoustic version van psycho killer wel 100x beter
Solid, straightforward rock-and-roll, except David Byrne is quite a mind. Not sure how I never noticed it before, but Serj Tankian reminds me of some of Byrne's antics here.
Very fun album that manages to be fun without feeling too fake or poppy. All the songs are kind of the same pace and feeling though.
favorites: psycho killer (obv!(: ), first week/last week, pulled up.
No Compassion is a fucking banger. Tina Weymouth's bass playing is a huge inspo for me ‼️ She knew what each song needed
General thoughts: I only knew Psycho Killer from this album, to be fair that was before the Dahmer series. I had, not exactly higher expectations, but different expectations, I though their sound would ne rougher, idk why. Well, they show a distinctive style and I love that about debut albums. I like their singer, the bass style and the funky guitars, it feels tropical if that makes sense. Probably Psycho Killer greatly represents their vibe. Favorite songs: Psycho Killer, The Book I read, Love Comes To Town Cover: Plain horrible. Real rating: 3.59
I listen to the whole thing. Enjoyed it, but had some favorites.
Great to hear the beginnings of their iconic sound. I got into their music a little later and always loved their mixture of alternative yet danceable.
wow! I thought I'd listened to this- had I never? How hokey is that jaunty little riff to "Uh Oh Love Comes To Town!" And- steel drum solos? Did not remember this AT ALL. "New Feeling"- now there we go- vintage Heads. How did they bury what would be "the hit"- Psycho Killer at the end of the record? I think I knew this record, have the shirt (!!)- and I'm embarrassed to say- did not really know this record!
Great album
Excellent! Psycho Killer!!!! Very fun and groovy. Can see this rising to 5 after more listens, will def be returning for more.
Solid record.
okay: I'm finally convinced that everybody should in fact listen to 4 barely distinguishable talking heads albums before they die
Nothing remarkable. Perfect morning album when you go through the motions. Makes for oddly good jogging music. The most famous song, psycho killer, summs the vibe of the entire album - que est que c'est?
Astonishing that this is from 1977. When the filth and fury of punk was getting the headlines, these guys were working out this pin-sharp art-pop-funk. The band is lean and tight. The frontman sounds weird but charismatic. The tricky thing is, if you've come to talking heads late, through stuff like Stop Making Sense, you're probably expecting more 'hits'. So it's simultaneously amazing but also slightly forgettable.