Reviews (page 5 of 13)
My group mates are smoking. This album is an absolute vibe. Rocks super hard with the instrumentation being fantastic.
Third best Pixies album, and a great listen
Yes please
The bit in 'Velouria' where Black Fancis starts screaming "MY VELOURIA" and the music mostly cuts out from underneath him is maybe my favourite section of music ever.
i was legiterally just listening to this album last week :O i was having such a moment with ‘the happening’ in particular. i LOVE kim’s bass and that swirly guitar that blends into her vocals during the chorus so they’re briefly indistinguishable (what is this phenomenon called?), it’s just so satisfying. and then the explosive percussion! in general i like the surf rock revival + grunge combination—when it works it REALLY works. i love the floppy-sounding bass. sometimes black francis’ voice is too screechy which is a shame…bring it down a notch frank… i listen to this record and i’m driving through the desert in my beat-up station wagon in the evening when the heat hasn’t yet receded into the night…the sky half on fire and half purple as a bruise… we will wade!! in the shine!! of the ever…!! we will wade!! in the tides!! of the summer…!! fav tracks: cecilia ann; velouria; ana; all over the world; dig for fire; down to the well; the happening; havalina
I enjoyed that a lot! really interesting sound and held my attention the whole time. the sound is strong but also beautiful a lot of the time and I appreciate that they achieved that balance. Fav tracks: Velouria, Dig for Fire, Down to the Well, Havalina
Good
Innovative and "alternative" from back when the term still meant something. Beautiful music with just enough chaos to keep it interesting.
Did really like this one and felt very fun, wasn’t my absolute favourite but still very nice. 4 stars
My favourite Pixies album. Brings back memories of university for me.
Lots of great songs and same variation in crashing sounds. Does seem more mellow than typical mind. Love the album still and part of their appeal still exists in this. Even if more chilled.
Another good Pixies album. It has a simpler and a more mainstream pop/rock sound than Doolittle. More like Pixies just doing the basics really well. The recording is also really good, mixed so you can hear all the detail but still manages to retain a raw feel.
Yay, a second Pixies album. Surely Doolittle has got to be on here too, then? I guess we'll see. Anyway, the fact that these songs are so short makes the frequent loudness (which would otherwise bother me immensely) palatable. I like that they have so many songs with girls' names. Just some good ol' 90s nostalgia. Highlights: 'Velouria', 'Is She Weird', 'Ana', 'All Over the World', 'Stormy Weather', 'Havalina'
Solid. Not my absolute favorite by them but a really good album nonetheless.
Is she weird? Is she white? Is she promised to the night?
Enjoyed this album a lot more than I thought I would. Enjoyed both the sound and singer on this one. Highlights: Cecilia Ann, Is She Weird, Ana, All Over the World Will return.
The floor for the Pixies' albums is at least above average. Great songs to start with, Rock Music might be my favourite in their discography yet. Very solid effort, this band is easily a significant milestone in music.
Listened 3 times to figure out what I thought of this. Only really liked the final songs, the rest was just okay.
Good psychedelicrock vibes despite not being a peace of that genre
Good album. Last song was mad cool. Not many songs stuck out but overall as an album I enjoyed. Would re-listen
Odd mix of beautiful and weird, usually simultaneously
hazy and dope
Every song has a uniqueness over the rest that keeps things fresh throughout but still keeps an overall vibe. I found a lot of the songs to be very chill besides a few, but I like a variety like that.
Surprised me! I had heard Surfer Rosa and Doolittle and I remembered them being a bit noisy-like, caothic and raw records. I didn't quite like the songs apart from the hits (and probably that's why I gave up on The Pixies). Now, this album sounds way more mature, well-structured, and detail-worked. I really liked It! I think i'll stick to It for a while. It reminds me of so many bands i really enjoy: arctic monkeys, The Strokes, Muse... Come to my head repeatedly.
Not my favorite Pixies album but still a fun listen.
Is She Weird? Is She White? Is She Promised To The Night? 1001 Albums Generator 10 (04/16/2025) Made it to double digits, almost 1% done ;) Bossanova is the third studio album by Pixies, best known for their hit Where Is My Mind off their debut Surfer Rosa, famously featured in Fight Club, as well as their second album Doolittle, which is one of the most acclaimed indie and alt rock albums of the 90's. Bossanova, following these two critically acclaimed projects, had a lot to live up to. I had never heard this album, but I am familiar with Pixies' earlier work. In a lot of ways, this album is more of what I have come to love about this band: a grunge-y take on alternative indie rock, huge inter-song dynamic shifts, esoteric vocals and lyrics, and a touch of surfer rock. There are also some touches of psychedelia on songs like Ana and closer Havalina. Lead songwriter Frank Black AKA Black Francis shows some of his strangest songwriting I've heard from him on this album. 3-bar and 6-bar phrases abound, and chord progressions need not be functional here. The opening trio of songs is extremely strong. The first song, Cecilia Ann, is an instrumental surf punk song with great energy and guitar work. Rock Music is the most aggressive song on the album and features the first example on this album of something Pixies do a lot that I call "I can't believe it's not 4/4!". Normally the drums are playing as though the piece is in a standard 4/4, but the harmonic rhythm reveals that either we are actually in 6/4 or 10/4 or 14/4 or something. The chorus of Rock Music is in 6/4, but a passive listener might miss it; Black Francis just decided to have a three chord loop instead of a 4 chord loop. Velouria, the lead single, is an even more extreme example of this, as the chorus switches between 6/4 and 4/4, all while the drums stay relatively stagnant. It also has a theremin btw. Rock on. All Over The World and Dig For Fire feature really abstract lyricism, even for the band that wrote Monkey Gone To Heaven. Side note - I can't help but hear Daft Punk's Around The World during the chorus of All Over The World. I know they are drastically different, but the similar lyric and repetition just gets me. Anyway, both of these songs are quite good, with the former being the longest on the album and featuring the band's signature quiet-loud-quiet dynamic shifting. The latter is, by Black Franics' admission, their Talking Heads imitation (although it really doesn't sound like Talking Heads at all, except maybe in the second verse), and has one of my favorite examples of "I can't believe it's not 4/4!" on the album in the explosive chorus. After this, the album does falter in quality a bit for me. In spite of this album's short length, I did find myself checking my proverbial watch a bit by the time I got to Down To The Well on my first listen. On subsequent listens, it was easier, but there is some noticeable shift in quality in the second half. The Happening, the slower Stormy Weather, and Havalina (shout out to my home state Arizona) are all cool songs, so this isn't as egregious as yesterday's album, Fisherman's Blues, in this regard. Bossanova, Pixies' last really critically acclaimed record, is great, although not quite on the level as the two preceding it. I am happy that I listened to it and can say that I've completed the trifecta, but it really just made me want to go relisten to Doolittle. Gonna go do that rn. Overall, not bad at all, 4/5 Favs: Rock Music Velouria Is She Weird Least Fav: Hang Wire
Music to watch the X-Files go by. Probably not quite as good as Doolittle, but it’s a little less dark so I think I prefer it. The second half is slightly weaker, but it’s still got The Happening, my favourite song’s All Over The World
Really dug this one, especially loved the goth surf rock vibe of Cecilia Ann. Rock Music is the only miss, the singer was a little too growly for me there.
Blimey. That kicked the shit out of Monday morning. I often overlook Bossanova in favour of Doolittle - clearly a mistake. They work well together as a pair. Velouria is a beast of a song, sweeping up and down the scale. But it's all about the bass for Pixies. BOOM.
Just a really good album from a great band that defined alt-rock. The three-song run Velouria, Allison and Is She Weird? is one of my favourite sections of just about any album ever and Dig for Fire has a great hook that lives in my head for days anytime I hear it. Maybe just shy of greatness.
Great album. Not as high on the list as Doolittle or Surfer Rosa, but they are a great band.
my first listen fsr lol, ig i just never felt the urgency with this one? but man its rly good huh FHJSHJFS. far less on the manic Attack than the previous two LPs, i thought maybe this was something like Mellower Pixies but its more like Dreamier Pixies...a bit more impressionist, a bit more unsure, fewer layers of abstraction inbetween u and the beauty at the heart of many of their tracks. a v interesting penultimate swing for their initial run all things considered and honestly just as loaded with front to back great Ideas For Songs as ive ever heard from them! some v enchanting cuts on here
83/1089 - I liked this one the best so far out of the Pixies albums on the list. Still not a fan of the main singer's voice and some chord changes seemed weird for the sake of being weird (lots of parallel shifts from major to minor that work fine theoretically but sound off-putting in execution) but I think I understand what they're about a bit better (granted this is the most mainstream sounding of their albums). I might re-listen to the other Pixies albums with this in mind at the end of this project.
Quite decent 4/5
Much weirder than Doolittle but still pretty great. It can rock, it can funk, and it can hook, Black Francis can write a fun song. My favorite is probably Is She Weird, with other standouts being Allison, and Dig for Fire. Not quite the highs of some other albums but pretty great overall.
Luke warm first half but this is a builder. Registered to it straight after and it improved. Down to the well, the Happening, Havalima all fab
This album was what I wanted Psychocandy by the Jesus and Mary Chain to be, but that one sadly disappointed me. This one was enjoyable. I have loved “Havalina” for many years now and it was nice to finally listen to the whole album. I think I would rate this a high 3 or low 4, but I will give it the 4-star rating regardless
Pixies are always a good time. This is fun! Not their best, but still solid.
Four stars because of "Ana" :)
Yo I used to love this album, I think at one point it was even my favorite Pixies album. Now that I've relistened to it I can definitively say that it isn't as good as "Doolittle" or "Surfer Rosa" but its still pretty damn good. "Velouria" is one of my favorite Pixies songs and has been since I first discovered the band back in high school. "Is She Weird" is another personal favorite. This is simply good music. As much as I enjoy "Trompe le monde" , this was the last great Pixies album which is too bad, but man what an insane run they had... Favorite track: Velouria
I think this was the first Pixies album I heard in full. At the time I thought it was only ok, I'd heard Dig for Fire and was hoping for more like that. I like the Pixies more now than I did then.
God damn Pixies rule
Loved!
Great example of a complete album where the sum of it is better than the individual songs. Solid 4.5 for me but I'm going 4 since it isn't my favorite Pixies album.
Odd, ugly and weird in the Best possible sense.. reminds of Mr. Bungles ‘California’. Kind of gives this Vibe between happyness and paranoia. Solid listen.
Another fantastic Pixies album
This spoke to me in a way Doolittle just didn't. The noise felt more purposeful, not that noise has to be purposeful, it just felt like the noise had something to say. Also, Stormy Weather is silly-great, and now I want to figure out how to make a collection of all songs that are only six words long.
I played this so much back in the day. Is there even a filler track on here besides Stormy weather?
WTF? Not a single bossa nova tune on here. I feel a bit robbed. But what is on here is great, of course. Odd to have a second Pixies album already. 14 song is a lot. But in under 40 minutes, they're nice and short. Weird Wikipedia trivia about the recording of this album: "The three band members (while Kim stayed in the UK to record The Breeders album) lived in the Oakwood apartments (In LA), along with comic Garrett Morris and members of the band White Lion."
This is a good album. For the Pixies, I would call it "accesible".
was definitely good but not much stood out to me
i told my dad i would listen to the pixies for years and i don't think him or i thought it would be at this time or this record. like it though! funny i really like all the songs on here with women's names i like the production on this. very spacy :)
Was disappointed by most of this album when it came out. Still a 4 but nowhere near as good as the first two albums.
My favourite Pixies album, the one that got me interested in their music
Decent. I dig the pixies.
I’m starting to think 90s is my favorite decade of rock music, I haven’t heard a single bad album from this year and the experimentation is awesome, keep in mind I haven’t even gotten to nirvana yet so I can imagine it only gets better. Anyways, yeah this album is great, it’s got everything I want, cohesion, great instrumentation, fun vocals, and a sick ass cover. There was a run of four songs (8-11) that didn’t really do too much for me but they sound great with context of the album so I’ll give that some leniency. Everything else was absolutely fantastic. Ratings: Really Great (Strong ☆☆☆☆) Favorite Tracks: Velouria, Is She Weird, Ana, All Over The World, Stormy Weather, and Havalina.
Rivals Doolittle for me. A great album.
More like a 3.75 but whatever
Not awe-inspiring like Doolittle and Surfer Rosa but still a great listen
Pretty lit
Very cool
Bossanova is great, but it's still far from Surfer Rosa and Doolittle (which is maybe in my personal top 10). Not sure it merits being in here.
A bit rougher than the earlier albums, but still quality. Might help I saw them again last summer and they played some Bossanova songs and were overall brilliant!
Na het beluisteren hiervan durf ik wel zeggen dat dit een underrated allbum is. Ik kende enkel Dig for Fire en Velouria, maar de rest is ook echt steengoed. Niet hun beste, inderdaad, maar nog altijd een klepper. 3.9
Хороший альбом, не жесткий рок
Oh hey, these guys are pretty good. Sometimes a little spooky. Little punky. Good vibes.
There's a few really great songs on here. The album started off really strong with Cecilia Ann, and there were a couple of other songs that were really fun. I liked the energy of the album and the sound. 4/5 stars.
Pixies are much like Nirvana in combining some melodic and catchy songs and lyrics with what would also slide into songs of the noise rock category. This album is a good mix of the two. Songs like Velouria and Dig For Fire mix with noise core like Rock Music. The music is rough around the edges, and purposefully so. It's easy to see why Cobain considered Pixies an influence over Nirvanas sound.
The sounds here are very good, full throated rock with a nice bit of nuance and personal style. I like.
Pixies have always been a blind spot, so this was a great kick in the butt for me. Did not disappoint.
This rocks harder than the Bossanova I expected!
Really good album— wailing rock songs with spitting lyrics
Love the pixies, haven’t listened to this one as much but it rocks
Wow, definitely hit different places for us. I was thinking to myself, it's not often I listen to an album on this list, and think to myself, I don't listen to enough of this band. That's how I felt about Bossanova, and Pixies. I was definitely a strong 5 through the first half, but the second half didn't quite live up to the first album, Definitely an A side/B side album.
That's the kind of alt-rock I like, to put it simply.
More Pixies, not much to distinguish it from the previous one. I gave Doolittle a 4 but it was more of a 3.5 and I am finding this one a better listen so it has better be another 4.
Still in the classic Pixies era, with some unquestionable classic songs like Velouria, Alison, Dig for Fire, and Havalina. Is She Weird is one of my favorite tracks on the album. Not everything follows the quiet-loud-quiet Pixies formula, like Ana. But it's still there, if not slightly muted. They also dialed down the weirdness found in Surfer Rosa and Doolittle, which may be appealing to some (though I like the quirkiness). Despite not having their biggest hits, Bossanova is still a really straightforward, solid, and easily digestible Pixies album.
Very enjoyable album
The comic book was hunting me I think
Якщо мова іде про Pixies, то альбом Bossanova прийнято вважати найгіршим. І це насправді не дивно, адже концептуально, він хоч і схожий на попередник Doolittle (1989), звучанням та настроєм - відрізняється доволі сильно. Bossanova став куди більш містичним, #surfrock - овим та атмосферним. Та на відміну від Doolittle, в ньому навіть можна почути нотки #postpunk - у. І причиною таких змін, безумовно, стала творча криза колективу після неймовірного успіху. Вони дуже втомились один від одного , та перший час, займались кожен своєю творчістю - Блек Френсіс вирушив у сольний тур, а Кім Діл заснувала The Breeders, з якими згодом досягла значних успіхів. І що характерно, на цьому альбомі Кім не написала жодної пісні. Оновлене звучання Pixies прийняли далеко не всі, його вважала «безідейним» та «наспіх-зробленим» альбомом. Проте я вважаю зовсім інакше. Як на мене, він не чим не гірше за перші два альбоми, а завдяки своїй атмосферності, в чомусь навіть глибший та цікавіший. Так, в ньому дійсно менше шаленої енергії та експресивності, але її тут, певно, і не мало бути. Адже альбом інший навіть лірично. Його тексти засновані на науковій фантастиці, та замість звичних для гурту тем смерті, наркотиків та алкоголізму, розповідають про космос та прибульців. Це більш спокійна, мʼяка і «доступна» робота, яка при цьому, не позбавлена фірмової «фішки» Pixies - неймовірно влучно поєднувати чипляючі поп мелодії з «сирими» та шумними гітарними партіями. І якщо ви будете слухати цей альбом неупереджено, то неодмінно отримаєте від нього максимум задоволення.
I know it's a highly unpopular opinion, but to me, this is their best album. The contrast between the more mellow, swoony tracks and the hard-hitters is what makes it a really pleasant listening experience to me. To be honest, I wasn't sold on this band until I listened to Bossanova. 4 stars
Better with each listen!
If 60s surf rockers grew up into corporate middle managers. And it slaps
‘Twas cool
4 As someone who adores the Pixies, I was admittedly a little surprised to see that this album made the list. The group has two or three albums I would probably give a perfect 5/5 (the ones preceding this), and this is not one of them. In fact, I would probably even go as far as to say that Bossanova is my least favorite from the group’s OG run. Overall, this comes across to me as the most mainstream, radio-friendly offering of their catalogue thus far, and while it still contains solid songwriting and some of the group’s iconic quirks, it never quite fully commits to being weird - and I think we can all agree the Pixies are their best when they’re at their weirdest. That all out of the way, this album still certainly contains some bangers, with Velouria being what I would consider an all-time classic from the group, and Rock Music, Is She Weird, and Down to the Well all being really solid inclusions as well. Despite my earlier nitpicks on the overall sound, I do still genuinely think just about every song here is pretty good, though there is one miss for me - Stormy Weather. I’ve always found the track kind of cheesy, to the point where I might quite possibly list it as my least favorite of theirs (again, just from this era - post-reunion Pixies gave us a lot of crap). For all the knocks I just gave at this, I still think this is a really enjoyable album. As someone who loves the group, I guess I just felt the need to explain what holds this back from being a perfect 5. That original five-album run (counting Pilgrim) was straight fire, and the fact that a ⅘ is as low as I’m willing to go on any release from it is really saying something. I’ll be seeing these guys again for the fourth time this summer (first time with the new gal), and I could not be more excited. I’m dragging a buddy along as well who’s only familiar with Where Is My Mind? - let’s hope we have a convert on our hands.
Ts bangs, lil corny at parts though
I was a fan in the early to mid 90's and was excited to see how I like Pixies now. I knew lyrics by heart. Needless to say, I liked it. I have a penchant for quirky music and Pixies are just that. They play with rhythm and sounds, strange melodies are a must, their very distorted guitar parts make even the lightest of pop songs feel menacing and filled with emotion. Favourite track have not changed, Veloria, Allison, Is She Weird and Dig for Fire are still SOOOO good.
Great stuff.
As a huge Nirvana fan, I know that Kurt was a big fan of the Pixies and they were influential on the band. This album was a lot of fun and it sounded great. Outside of track 2, which I didn’t really vibe with, I thoroughly every track on this album. Nothing was super special but as a whole it worked!
A good precursor on what's to come in punk. Listen past the first song 100%
I liked this more than Surfer Rosa
this really grew on me after a few listens. maybe not as outwardly weird or noisy as their earlier stuff, but there's a sinister ambience to this album that's really interesting to me, and there are a lot of really strong songs
It started out weird, but with a vibe that I love (surf rock) the Nirvana connection is not as prominent on this one but still you can get some hints of it. All in all a great album. Maybe Stormy Weather should've been more cooked in the lyrical aspect or put out as a B-side.
Pixies have always had a way of blending chaos and melody into something uniquely their own, and Bossanova is no exception. While it might not be as raw or unpredictable as Surfer Rosa or Doolittle, it still delivers some incredible moments, with a surf-rock edge that sets it apart from their earlier work. The album leans heavily into spacey, atmospheric sounds, but what really stands out to me is the guitar, it’s just fantastic throughout. Joey Santiago's guitar work on Bossanova is sharp, creative, and drenched in reverb, giving the album a hazy, cinematic feel. Tracks like “Cecilia Ann” and “Rock Music” hit hard with raw riffs, while “Velouria” and “The Happening” explore dreamy textures. The spot-on guitar tone elevates the record throughout. Black Francis' vocals are wild yet more controlled, blending yelps with restraint to match the album's vibe. His contrast with Kim Deal’s harmonies adds depth, shining on tracks like “Is She Weird” and “Allison.” The album’s polished production keeps the Pixies' off-kilter energy intact. A clean mix highlights tight drumming and melodic bass, ensuring even the weirder tracks feel cohesive and well-balanced. Bossanova leans even more into abstract lyrics, with Black Francis’ surreal style feeling vaguer than usual. While this detached approach suits the album’s aesthetic, it lacks some of the sharp storytelling of earlier records. Bossanova isn’t my favorite Pixies album, but it’s a fantastic listen. The top-tier guitar work, crisp production, and spacey surf-rock vibe give it a unique identity. It’s more polished than earlier records, losing some raw intensity but gaining atmospheric depth. A solid 4.2/5, especially for the guitar.
Yeah I think I love the Pixies
I can't help but imagine how 15 year old me would have thought of this album and how it would have influenced my aesthetic and musical tastes. I liked this band back then but I only ever listned to Surfer Rosa and Doolitle because I liked fight club and it made me think of homosexuality. Wish Kim Deal had more vocal preformances on it
8/10 My suspicion behind the mild acclaim behind this album can probably be answered by me listening to this back to back with Surfer Rosa. There’s not much of a drop in quality at all, in fact I’d say it pretty much deserves to be respected as an end of a great trilogy, but it’s obvious that people may have been disappointed by the peak that they reached on Doolittle, and I can’t really say I don’t understand that, no songs on here can really beat the highs on Doolittle or Surfer Rosa, but I still had a fun listen to this, it’s Pixies doing what Pixies do best. Super Mario R
At one point in my life, when I had such a thing as a favourite band, Pixies were it. I hadn't listened to this in full in many years, though Allison and Velouria pop into my head on a regular basis, not least when i meet someone called Allison. Heard in full, it is still great and it might not lose a star if it didn't come after Surfer Rosa and Doolittle, but it doesn't quite hit those heights.
Pretty dang good. I don’t know if any of the songs on this album will still be played 100 years from now like some of their other classic songs, but this album is super solid.
Hey, you know who gave me this album for Christmas? Santy Claus! I do love Pixies, but I will say while I enjoy this one (and thank you Santa for bringing it to me) it’s not my favorite, I think the previous Pixies products are superior. But this is full of really really goodness.
It’s got to be hard to try to keep up the quality of their previous two albums. And they didn’t. Still a really good album, though. Despite my rating, this could not be on this list, I think. Surfer Rosa and Doolittle are a good enough representation, right? Two of the best albums of all time? Why push it. Maybe could have freed up a slot for the Presidents of the United States of America.
This one wasn’t as good as Doolittle for me personally, but this was still a great time. The tracks feel a little weaker than some of the hits from Doolittle, but they are still very catchy and have the band’s charm. Velouria and Is She Weird especially are earworms. And it feels like the perfect transition between the 80’s and the 90’s, carrying the hard arena guitar sound from the prior decade and the more experimental, weird sound from the latter decade. It’s not the peak Pixies, but it is still the Pixies. Favorite track: Valouria Other hits: Is She Weird, Dig for Fire, Stormy Weather, Havalina, Allison
This was more fun than I imagined. I’ve always felt kinda weird about not knowing their stuff as someone who’s lived in Boston for 20 years, but I think I do actually know their stuff, I just might not have realized it was them. And this isn’t even their “best” album.
It's not Doolittle but it is terrific. Some fantastic songs on this one.
Whoa. The Pixies. I’m surprised they didn’t just make up the entire list. I like quite a few of their songs. Interested to see how this one plays out and if I can finally ascend to the final plane of nerd euphoria. I’m ready RYM and r/music. Take me upon your gentle wings to the promised land. Nick Cave and Tom Yorke will greet me with open arms. Alright. I’ve heard this somewhere it feels like. Decent intro. Nothing crazy, nothing grating. Not bad. Heaviness!!!! Oh sweet Jesus it’s beautiful. Even if it’s ironic, this is a cool song. As a critique of loud rock or otherwise this is fun. They write nice songs. The eerie synth running under the whirring guitars and the well sung vocal refrain are all elements of another good song. Great alt rock/pop-rock track here. Even get a little gallop in there. Basically an interlude, but highly entertaining. Is she weird?? Gee whiz I sure hope so. I pray for weird every time I open this browser. A lot of repetition here, but I still love it. Incredible attention to detail in these songs. This one is less to my taste, but we’re in a pretty great spot still. Wow. This is one of the best ones so far. So ahead of its time as well. This is the stuff that Weezer would emulate years later. A clear progenitor of 90’s alt rock. So bloody cool. That’s the thing. It’s interesting and musical, but it feels fresh to me, even now. There are elements that reach into arena rock choruses which isn’t my thing, but 90% of this track rules too. Cool, heavy, fun. I have a ranch I call Number 52 that you CAN see. This was a lie. I don’t have a ranch. This song starts heavy and continues into another excellent low-key alt rock song that doesn’t shy away from making sound. That’s the difference between quiet music and music with restraint. Anyway. Another win. A let up. Let off?? Whatever. It’s still really good, I just can’t say it’s a highlight. This is crazy. Why do I love every song. The screeching, the lyrics, even if they’re only two bloody words, the drive. This record keep impressing. Hmm. The only grating track so far. That’s crazy. One grating moment. Nice, ballad-esque closer. There is nothing wrong with this album. Not a track passed with me thinking it was bad and I’d say all but one passed with me thinking “that was great.” I don’t know how this band is so popular, because they’re truly excellent. The music is accessible and welcoming while having an alternative edge as well as a downright aggressive tone at times. It was hard to formulate praise over and over. I am a much more eloquent hater. There’s almost a guilt about rating an album highly that hasn’t been pre-ordained as one of the “perfect albums” but I truly believe there are no objective truths in art enjoyment. This is exactly what I was hoping to discover. With a half point deducted for the slight monochromatic nature of this record, this is almost perfect. I thought this would be a more poetic moment. I thought it would be my best review and the words would flow as they never had before. While that might not be true, I have an album to return to again and again. 4.5 HIGHLIGHTS: Rock Music, Allison, Is She Weird, All Over the World, Down to the Well, The Happening, Hang Wire
Pixies har altid mest været Surfer Rosa, og Doolittle for mig. Der er momenter på det her album som jeg kan værtsætte, men kvaliteten er bare ikke lige så høj.
Pixies vil ofte alt muligt på deres albums. Det kan give nogle mega spændende albums med den tilgang. I dette tilfælde bliver det sådan lidt Hit ‘n Miss. Nogle numre fungere mega godt. Andre tiltaler mig mindre. Standout tracks: - Cecilia Ann - Rock Music - Is She Weird - Down To The Well
The sum is better than the parts on this alt rock classic
interesting album, different to other pixies albums
Pixies > Sonic Youth. I listened to this album 3 times, so I clearly don’t hate it. That being said, I don’t think it’s amazing. Probably 3.5 stars.
Great album, great band. I really should have paid more attention to them in the 90s when I was falling in love with many similar bands, but they didn't get as much exposure here in the UK. I like this album lots, it feels comfortable, like slipping on a favourite pair of boots.
Probably their third best album. That said, it's still really good. It's a solid four. Pixies were all class. Innovative, imaginative, cool. Four stars.
Day381 - i’m becoming a pixies fan
4 songs in - exactly what i expected it to be based on the era, artwork and band. Enjoying it but very easy listening pop rock... like i walk into Cheapo and they're spinning this for sure while i sift through the carly rae jepsen records 8 songs in - i listened to a lot of music that was derivative of this while growing up because my brother thought he was edgy so this isn't really doing much for me. While i don't think it's bad by any means, it so easily gets lost in the noise for me. With another listen or two, i feel like i might pick out more to enjoy but currently it's feeling very one note. With that last note being said, I feel like this will be a solid 4 star album from me in the end since I can tell if i was paying a bit closer attention i'd be really into it. Down To The Well .. liking this song
this started and i just immediately said “absolutely.” very much my shit. obsessed with Allison!! wonder who that diva was… all over the world!!! let’s gooooo girlllsss So different than the songs i previously knew the pixies for!! this album sounds like so many of the artists i listen to today it’s so fun to see the influence!!!
Somewhere between 3 and 4, but I already gave Coldplay 3 so I have to do 4 now.
Nice blend of catchy hooks and edgy songs.
Heavier than expected
not as good as Doolittle but, Havalina
It’s good, the Pixies bring always bring it.
“Rock Music” will never get old! It’s definitely one of my go-to tracks when I need a pick me up. As for the rest of the album, it’s solid. This one feels more polished than their previous releases, and it might just be their most cohesive and consistent effort up to this point.
After Surfa Rosa and Doolittle, I did wonder whether the Pixies could pull three absolutely amazing albums out of the hat - and they did. It’s all there - the growl of Frank Black, the accompanying harmonies of Kim Deal, the guitars of Joey Santiago - and it just works. The Pixies were, and remain, the GOAT.
My second Pixies album on this list. This one was more polished and coherent, yet not quite as interesting. It took a few listens for it to click, but it's a vibe.
Classic. Not outdated, one of the albums I'll listen again.
underrated pixies album
Incredible.
Going back and adding reviews for the couple albums that I didn't early on. But re-listening to the album first to collect my thoughts. Kinda understanding why I didn't write a review previously. Just don't got a ton to say about it. It's not as good as Doolittle which was basically my memory of why I rated it the way I did. Will say, it does explore different sounds throughout that Doolittle doesn't, for example the very first song Cecilia Ann being a kinda western sounding surf rock song, and I appreciate that. This album is also produced a lot dirtier and noisier than I remember Doolittle being, which I like (Rock Music being a good example of that). Overall, re-listening to this album has allowed me to appreciate it more, and am gonna bump my rating up from a 3 to a 4.
Was very pleased to see this pop up. I mean it's no Doolittle for me but still excellent. It's funny how different style wise this is compared to Doolittle only a year apart. Not massively so. Hard to put my finger on. Just slamming songs, catchy riffs, loved it
Yeah it's great stuff. I never really listen to Pixies but they are damn good
some were pretty good, a lot faded into each other. for now not really my style, but i thought the intro idea was cool
Some gold here, Jerry! Some gold!
I might be incorrect about this but I got a lot of Weezer vibes from this album. Favouirte Songs: Velouria, Is She Weird, Ana, The Happening. Least Favourite Songs: Rock Music, Allison.
Maybe not as iconic as Doolittle, but their sound is so unique and exciting
Flows really well, a solid offering. Only missing memorable hooks. 4.2
Pretty cool, you could tell they influenced Nirvana and others
The got my attention right around Velouria
surf rock pra gente esquisita. esse tem umas guitarra boa demais vsf. acho esse QUASE no mesmo patamar segundo album deles (que ainda está por vir). mas porra, é bem melhor que o surfer rosa, na minha opinião. é mais centrado no que se propõe e envelheceu muito bem. velouria e the happening são ABSURDAS demais
Great, particularly enjoyed Rock Music and Dog For Fire
Of all the original Pixies albums, this is probably the one I've spent the least amount of time with. Released on the heels of their breakthrough, Doolittle, this one is less "punchy" and warmer in tone. The bass dominates on most tracks, creating a fuzzy boundary within which everything else plays out. The run from Is She Weird to All Over the World is fantastic. Is She Weird is one of my favorite songs that they produced. Thrumming bass with tight songwriting that is just catchy as hell. Ana drops into what I can best describe as downtempo surf-jazz, with clear surf guitar bleeding a slow progression; all complemented by airy vocals. Then there is All Over the World which pulls closer to the unpolished tones of Doolittle and Surfer Rosa with some wonderful blistering guitar interludes between polished segments. Down To The Well is another classic. Love the weird high pitched alien sounds that are buried in the mix -- delightfully bizarre. Sum total I really enjoy this album. While it doesn't hold the same level of appeal to me as Sufer Rosa or Doolittle, it still scratches a certain itch and truly that run from Is She Weird > All Over the World is among the best on record I've heard in a while. In my eyes this straddles high 4 / low 5 territory. Like a 9.0
I feel like I should like the Pixies more than I actually do. There are great aspects of songs but something rubs me the wrong way on a bunch too. Velouria rules though. Elvis Costello's Allison > Pixies Allison. Is She Weird was weirdly awesome. Idk if I was listening more to this than the others or in a different mood but I really enjoyed this. Weird but with some cool instrumentals.
7/10
i can understand why someone would consider this inferior to Doolittle (it is), but i don't really think it's that much of a step down. in fact, i think you could slot a few of the cuts on here into Doolittle and most people wouldn't even notice -- what's even changed? they do surf riffs sometimes? the snare is a bit gated? it's still the same band that made "Hey" and "Gouge Away". what's the crime, not being "Doolittle"? They already made that album! i think there's maybe a few slow bits, like "Ana" and "Blown Away", but i don't think anything's gone wrong other than some songs being a bit less memorable than the constant hookfest of the last album. Pixies docked their surfboard-ship on the station they built with the hull duct taped together and the engine sputtering, but it still runs, dammit.
Soft
Allison / Dig for Fire / Velouria are all top drawer
Another great Pixies album. I really regret not giving Surfer Rosa 5*, to distinguish that it is better. But, this is still a banger with quite a distinct cohesive sound rather than particular stand-out anthems. Velouria was the first pixies song that I downloaded on Napster, so holds a special place in my heart.
rad
not the best from the pixies (it’s still pretty damn good though)
Better than I thought it would be. Not my bag, but I have to admit some of the tracks are very good. I'll give it four stars.
This was interesting, if a bit confusing by the album title. I think that overall, I enjoyed the album - solid instrumentals and vocal work. I do feel like it got a bit samey throughout though. 'Is She Weird' was my fave.
Personal enjoyment: 4/5 Relevance to this list: 3/5
Great!
The Pixies record a mellow Western soundtrack. It is great, but still has some filler songs. I absolutely love "Velouria", by the way.
Cool rock songs, not my cup of tea, but the craft is there and I can appreciate it
This got me into a Pixies mod this weekend and I relistened to the first four albums a couple times. So so good but the drop off between the first two is definitely noticeable. Still a generational run.
It's a fun and dynamic album, but it's not my favourite of the Pixies. Nice to see them on this list though
A little better than Surfer Rosa, but Doolittle is still by far my fav from them.
Liked a lot of it to my surprise. There were some very irritating bits though. But in the end liked it enough for 4 stars.
Pretty good consistently
Very good but lacks Kim Deal’s freshness
I really really liked this album. I see how Nirvana considers them one of their biggest inspirations. The similarities are strong. There also seems to be some similarities with R.E.M. Favorite parts: From "Ana" until "Hang Wire" ...all those songs HIT. "Blown Away" will be in my constant rotation
liked songs: Rock Music, Velouria, All Over the World It's the Pixies. Not quite as good as Doolittle, but still excellent 4
Pretty good
Still sounds great
Doolittle is my favorite Pixies album; this was the first time I listened to Bossa Nova multiple times in its entirety. I would definitely revisit this one; I'm not sure if it's a 5 for me (and to be fair, Doolittle is likely a 4?), but I could see this growing on me to be a 3-4. More on the grunge side of Pixies, which I like; the first track (2 tracks) are leaning heavily into that harsher sound, and the rest feels very much like a good Pixies album.
Not the best Pixies but still good Pixies. You get a 4 but only because Surfer Rosa and Doolittle deserve 5s and they're better.
I liked this more than I expected! Released in 1990, it sits right between 80s hair bands and, like, Nirvana. I would listen again. I felt like someone who goes to record stores listening to this album.
Feels like a slightly tamer version of the Pixies when compared to Doolittle / Surfer Rosa, but I kinda like that.
Pre-hiatus Pixies are all pretty beyond reproach. This one to me is probably the one that sticks with me the least. The laid back surf guitar vibes along with some super solid standout tracks make it a great album for sure, but not nearly as great as Surfer Rosa and Doolittle. Still an excellent and classic record though.
solid 3.5. cant decide between 3 and 4, so went with 4 because i liked it but it was just a bit too grunge for me. idk if thats the right word but it felt very emo. good music though, better than i expected. fun to listen to. made me feel like a teen boy lolol
I really dig Pixies. I love love love Doolittle, and I assume it's also on this list, and I will give it a 5 when I get to it. I know some of their other songs, so I was surprised I didn't recognize any of these ones. This is still a really solid album, even if I do prefer their earlier stuff more. My favorites right now are Is She Weird, Down To The Well, and The Happening.
опять альтернатива/// первые несколько песен заслухал думаю не вообще не моё. потом подрубилась is she weird и за эту вещь отдельное спасибо группе. круто. потом подрубил альбом заново, понял - вторая половина альбома - огнище. там атмосферу главное поймать.
Never really got into the Pixies as much as I probably should have. Nothing wrong with this album though.
So Dave Grohl just copied them
Bossanova is the third Pixies' album, and the follow up to their breakout Dolittle. This album continues with the Pixies "loud-soft-loud" dynamic - their music often uses radical changes in volume, rhythm, and style, for the effect of the transition. Theirs is the hard, edgy side of guitar driven alt-rock, and "soft" segments do more to established melodies and narrative elements. This collection of songs is a reasonable match to - but not much of a departure from - the band's previous work. These are good tunes, but seem to lack the glimmer of brilliance that ran through Dolittle.
4.5 The most under-rated Pixies album
I’m a massive fan of Dolittle, and also enjoy surfs Rosa. But this was actually the first time listening to this album today. This one is also great but just doesn’t quiet match up to their first two albums, but it’s the pixies and they are still head and shoulders above most bands.
Bossanova was an album that came so unbelievably close to being a 5 star album but it just barely missed the mark. The majority of this album consisted of nothing but pure, full on bliss. The guitars were heavy enough to easily make it an album that you can easily rock out to while the melodies were prolific enough to make the album always move me no matter what it tried. My only issue is that some of the songs were not as great as they could be and should have either been cut or improved. If that slight blunder was fixed, then i would have easily given this album 5 stars but as it stands, it sits at a very high 4 stars Best Song: Velouria Worst Song: Is She Weird
Good rock music, I liked the instrumental intro song
great opening track with Cecilia Ann....then Rock Music was probably the weakest on the album (screaming vocals are not my thing). apart from Rock Music, I really enjoyed this album-great driving guitar, drums, and kept the songs from dragging on. Hang Wire was great wrap to the album. 4.5 stars
Solid album. I thought the weird, sometimes nonsensical, lyrics were fun. Even without knowing beforehand that they inspired Nirvana, I could hear it here. Favorites: "Velouria", "Is She Weird", "Ana", "The Happening"
when i started listening it transported me to a rich new york moment, and really felt uplifted and inspired and had enjoyment of the instruments and his voice. by the 3rd song though it all blended together and i felt like it was all the same i couldn’t get passed song 6. great sounds and voice, but i would probably continue to enjoy his music song by song sporadically rather than listening to a full album in one sitting.
Pixies, one of my favourite bands! They were hot when I was in uni and I remember when this album came out. I have always loved their quirky mix of punk, rock and grunge. Very recognisable sound. Lyrics don't make much sense which makes them at least much better than bad lyrics. Simple but highly effective bass lines from Kin Deal, and aggressive yet musical guitar by Black Francis. Only giving it a 4 because I don't think this is their best album, a bit too poppy at times, but a great band.
Is She Weird -> Ana
sweet album, didn't hear before. quite a few hits.
Feels so ahead of it's time
This is my first Pixies record and I loved it. They've got such an influenced sound that creates something even more influential. They took the best from genre's I hate and made something not too shabby. Favorites were Velouria, Down to the Well, and Stormy Weather
While not having the heavy hitters that Surfer Rosa and Doolittle have this album is a model of consistency. No song outstays its welcome and the whole album provides a consistently good sound. I would say this album is very well paced. Needed more Kim Deal vocals. Highlights for me were Cecilia Ann, Velouria, Allison, Dig For Fire, The Happening, and Stormy Weather.
Fun album! I liked a lot of the songs and loved Is She Weird.
Dies ist ein Konzeptalbum, das man nur im Gesamten anhören kann, um die besondere Note der Alternativ Rockband zu erkennen. Einzelne Stücke wirken für sich belanglos, Mainstream. Da würde man dem Album insgesamt Unrecht tun.Sehr gut produziert. In einem Rutsch anhören, dann geht das Konzept auf.
An album that feels very much like “one thing”. Enjoyed it.
This album was rockin…becoming quite a Pixies fan through this project. Didn’t love this one as much as Doolittle but still super solid.
3.5
Tru
Pro Tip: Don't listen to any album after Joni Mitchell's Blue--take a day off. This album was better for me than Doolittle and my instinct is 4, but is it on par with Blue? IDK ... it's a 3.5 and bumping to 4. Maybe Blue is really a 5 ... it's at least a 4.5 and that makes me feel better.
I hadn't listened to this album before and honestly I liked it more than a lot of the pixies stuff that I know
Gorgeous
On the surface, this is a pretty standard album that hits right in that transition from 80s rock into grunge. But the more you listen, the more complex this gets. The harmonic structure is really impressive throughout the album. Definitely worthy of inclusion on this list.
Not as good as Doolittle, but it's Pixies so I like it.
Solid
My least favorite of the three big Pixies albums, but still a good listen.
I dig the guitar and the bass.
pretty solid album. i like the pixies well enough but haven't explored their music beyond listening to doolittle. i enjoyed the evolution shown here but i felt like although the songs were pretty consistent, they were a little bit of a step down from doolittle. but overall, a good album with great production.
Was pgood forgot to fucking write which song I liked the most and shit. Might re listen soon
Pixies are a band I've been trying to get into for about a year now, but every time I try, it just doesn't do it for me. I'm glad this album in particular showed up here as it was an album I hadn't tried to listen to yet. I was pleasantly surprised. I quite liked it. Chock full of short and sweet alt rock bangers with maybe even a little Surf Punk influence on a couple of songs? Really interesting music, whilst not being super unique. Though in truth, does music really have to be unique to be enjoyable? I think not. I find the biggest strength of this album are the long songs that are explored a little more than the others, especially with tracks like Is She Weird and the Happening that stand out from the rest for their interesting ideas. Overall a really good listen, and maybe a good gateway into other albums by Pixies? Hopefully?
Like, it's decent! It didn't blow my mind though! It just sounds like 90's rock music.
Sounds like the Pixies. I’ll round up from 3.5.
The Pixies set the stage for so much of 90s alt-rock, particularly the loud-quiet-loud song structure. You can hear a bit of what they do in so many other bands. Bossanova doesn’t have any hugely well known songs, but maybe that’s for the best. 4⭐️
Listened to it twice, back to back.
Only knowing Pixies from "Where Is My Mind?" and "Waves of Mutilation" (shoutout Rock Band on PS2), I was expecting a more alt-rock, indie vibe from this album. However, this 1990 release proved to have more grunge and punk intermixed, which was a pleasant surprise. This band has been on my list to delve into for awhile and this record just makes me more excited to do so since they wade in more of the waters that some of my favorite bands are in. Notable Tracks: - Cecilia Ann - a rare instrumental album opener - Ana - All Over the World - The Happening - Hang Wire - Havalina 7/10
Not at all what I expected from an album titled “Bossanova.” I think the first instrumental track set a high bar that the rest never quite reached; nothing here was a definitive standout or an instant favorite, but I liked the overall sound. There’s just enough darkness and variation to keep things interesting. (Actually, yeah - by the end, I was pretty much sold.) Favorite tracks: Hang Wire, Javelina
Great album but my 3rd favorite of the 1987-1990 trifecta of Pixies albums. Still a smash hit album with great quacky references and wonderful pop punkish melodies way before the genre would have a name.
I have a liking for Pixies. And I can’t quite put my finger on it. They just work. Terrible live though; which was hella disappointing
ayy
Good album. There are a lot of great elements to this album. The tracks are pretty tight, which works well for the whole. There are some fun influences and guitar work/arrangements (e.g., surf rock). Vocals are a little indistinguishable on some songs. I like it. ****
I have never really liked the Pixies before, but I loved this album. It has some great songs on like Alison and Is she weird. Its a solid begining to 90s rock, yet slightly repetative after 6-7 songs. You can see Ash, Feeder and other bands like that being really inspired by the Pixies and this album. Its very close to their sound. Favourite song: Alison Least favourite: Hang wire and stormy weather. Album artwork: I love the artwork
This is not my favorite Pixies album, but Bossanova is still an amazing album with so many gems: Dig For Fire, Is She Weird, Velouria, Allison. It’s not a 5-star to me but it’s quality is undeniable.
A great album showcasing what feels like a more mature version of the Pixies. My favorite song on the album, Dig for Fire has all the hallmarks of what I love about them. Brash and loud swinging to quiet and melodic, with lyrics that just barely make sense.
Great album
Mucha potencia musical. La voz del cantante me cuesta en el primer tema, pero se recupera muy bien en el segundo. Original Is she weird, me gustó. El de la marciAna es una muy linda canción también. El resto transcurre entretenido, sin grandes sobresaltos. Hasta esos grandes temas que son Happening y Havalina.
A very strong album
Pretty solid!
Another Pixies album! Just had one 4 days ago. This first track was dope!! Cecilia Ann. It's a shame I have not heard more of these guys. So it's been nice to be introduced to their albums lately. I like this sound. You know I never really listened to The Pixies a whole lot, and only ever really knew Where Is My Mind? thanks to Fight Club. But just in the last week I've had 2 of their albums for the album of the day thing. I think I have a new found appreciation for them. They're pretty awesome. IMO. 4 stars.
It’s a cool listen. Very fun guitar and vocals. It’s good!
4.5/5. Never listened to any tracks from this album before and it only took the first three songs to get me hooked.
It's a good album! But, like, this is maybe one of the issues with the 1001 albums list: looking at the overall album list (you can find a spreadsheet online) there are ... three Pixies albums? And this one, which is GOOD but not, like, an album you need to listen to before you die if you've already listened to Surfer Rosa and Doolittle, was chosen over a bunch of artists that aren't represented but probably should be. anyway... four stars.
The Pixies were so good the first time around.
J'y vois un album qui aura influencé Arcade Fire. Les Pixies ne ressemblent à personne et sont difficiles à décrire; toujours au bord du précipice, dans l’énergie de la dernière chance, une expérience cathartique
Rating: 8.5/10 Great album overall. Incredibly catchy while also being unique to the Pixies' trademark sound. The riffs are mostly fantastic, the instrumentation and vocal melodies are great, as well as the production. Some songs are a bit underwhelming but the highlights are amazing. Favorite songs: Cecilia Ann, Velouria, Allison, Is She Weird, Ana, All Over the World, Dig for Fire, Down To The Well, The Happening, Hang Wire, Stormy Weather. Worst song: Rock Music.
Not the greatest Pixies album, but not bad album. In retrospective, the music is good.
Pixies. 4
Pretty soft 4, only criticism is that it's pretty same-same all the way through. But enjoyable
Bossanova is more garage/grunge music that is presented with more consistent song production and writing than their previous albums and yet they still never compromise their core sound. It is easily the most consistently enjoyable album of The Pixies on a track by track basis. Having said that it does not have a generational single on it on the level of "Where Is My Mind?" from SURFER ROSA or "Wave of Mutiliation" or "Here Comes Your Man" from DOOLITTLE, but ultimately I enjoy Bossanova more as an album, and the previous albums as a collection of songs that I can cherry pick songs I can bear. I enjoyed the lovely surf rock nods in "Ana" and the instrumental "Cecilia Ann" (which is a cover of a Surftones track), the post punk of "Dig for Fire" and "Hang Wire"; and the beautiful "Havana".
Potentially controversial inclusion this. Will review this on the basis that Doolittle is yet to come…..if not then hell has surely frozen over. So, Bossanova is probably the Pixies 2nd best album. Polished sound, great blend of thrash and melody. Stand out songs include Velouria, Ana and Dig for Fire, but it’s all good. Lacks some of the raw quality of the first two albums which some will dislike. Great to hear this again.
Recognised a few tracks off this but for the most it was new for me. What can I say, it’s the Pixies, you know what to expect and it’s largely great.
Preferred Doolittle to this album, there were a few tracks that didn't do it for me (including the cowboy intro) but when it's good it's great. Still sounds loads like Les Savy Fav but there's more Weezer and Ash in this too. Velouria, Allison and dig for fire are great.
Better than Doolittle, not quite as good as Teenager of the Year. Some catchy songs (Blown Away, Cecilia Ann, Rock Music), and the album generally whips through. Quite enjoyed this, a fair few songs added to my rotation.
Not as good as Doolittle, but it's a high bar. Still enjoyed it and will be back. I've listened to teenager of the year a lot since it came up on the list. Really surprised I missed him and the pixies when I was younger.
8/10 - Nice crunchy riffs
Pretty bold intro song. Interesting set of songs, didn't sound much like Where is My Mind. Enjoyed most of them as a whole. Low 4. Edit -- Sounds good as a whole but don't see myself listening to many of the songs individually.
Didn’t like the first few songs, it got better tho. 7/10
Don’t think I’ve ever listened to this whole album .im a fan
Another difficult one. Not my favourite Pixies record but certainly a good one. I’d probably still give it an 8 even though there’s some tracks I don’t love.
"Bossanova" is the third studio album by American alternative rock band the Pixies. One critic describes it as combining the harsh rock of "Surfer Rosa" with the melodies of "Doolittle." I totally agree with that description. The album was well received critically and commercially hit #70 in the US and #3 in the UK. The album comes out loud and fast with the instrumental "Cecilia Ann." Heavy bass and drums. A darker edged guitar. One of the Zodiac killer's names was Cecilia Ann. Any connection? The first single "Velouria" brings that melodic Pixies' guitar...a great chorus riff. Kim Deal's backing vocals are also great. Velouria is a woman from the mythological people the Rosicrucians of Northern California and she has velvety skin. The second single "Dig for Fire" opens with bells and an acoustic guitar strumming. Layered guitars come in with thumping drums. An urgent guitar riff. Tremendous vocals by Kim Deal and Black Francis. The people are searching for something more in life. A great song and in my top three Pixies. A piercing and eerie guitar carry "The Happening." Why not write a song about Area 51 and aliens landing in Las Vegas? I was just thinking about something similar last night. Maybe, it was a movie I recently saw. The album closer "Havalina" is softer and more laid back. Acoustic strumming guitar. Co-lead vocals as they describe walking in the plains of Sedona, Arizona. A spiritual and chill ending to the album. This album opens hard and fast with the first two songs and swings back and forth between melodic pop/rock and a harder edge. As per the Pixies' style, there's no time to dwell on one style with songs two to three minutes long. This is a very good album. When it came out and until now, I kind of put this as the weakest of their first four albums. I might need to assess. The bottom line is that they're all good with this one included.
Occupying the space between punk and grunge, this was super enjoyable to listen to. No single track stood out as exceptional, but as an album ,the whole thing works really well.
Enjoyed this much more than Surfer Rosa - for me, the cleaner aesthetics balanced with their original energy and weirdness worked much better for me. 4/5.
Builds to a vaguely ominous majesty and feels like a slow-burning song suite, a unified complete work than a collection of songs (of which there are few standous). Each cut blends fairly seamlessly into the next. There is a cohesion of theme and tone, a lack of the unevenness, and all-over-the-place feel of some of their records. More singing and and less outright screaming. Feels just a notch off their hardest, farthest edge, but more measured and powerful for that effect and the sense of control underlying it. Also maybe more emotionally authentic seeming for being serious and nearly overwrought, and not so intentionally hysterical. Not the record the cool kids liked at the time (Surfer Rosa, Doolittle were) but preferred by cool middle-agers no doubt.
The album starts out better than I remember but the songs start becoming chunky and a sameness sets in that is unlike their previous work. I don’t know how you follow a masterpiece like Doolittle where every second is brilliant.
første Pixies album jeg har hørt hele vejen igennem. Rigtig godt!
Måske den bedste kondenserede udgave af Pixies' lyd selvom deres største bangers er på andre plader. Larme-rock, shoegaze, dream-pop i korte catchy numre! Virkelig fed!
Fed plade, elsker hans stemme!
Not my favourite pixies but still a great listen
fjollet, funky, finurlig
It's not bad. Like a niche rock album.
First exposure to the Pixies was the final scenes of the film Fight Club with "Where is my Mind?" -- where this album is several years prior to that experience, it is similar. There is a certain weirdness, but not too weird, enough to keep it interesting but not enough to make it something to dislike. In a way that spites the weird vibe, is what just seems like really careful melody and very well crafted songs. The album does not go too far in any direction but does not imply any restraint in doing so. In repeated listens, the listener might be able to detect restraint but somehow the threat that this band could just really do whatever it wants adds a bit of suspense.
Fun and weird. The whole album listens really well as a whole.
So freakin great. I love this band. They're so unique. This album is "post"-everything. Post-punk, post-hardcore, post-rock. That's the only way I can describe it. I love when they're screaming, and then back down to talking or talk singing. The distortion on the guitars is sooo fuzzy in the best kind of way, especially when they're playing chords.
Surf rock for people who wear black jeans to the beach.
twisted fate seal me away in a carcass or coffin made specifically for someone like me who might already be dead with weary feet and missing teeth a smile may never tread teary eyed clown and burning gown my blood paints my lips red cool album, really enjoyed it you LIARS YOU LIARS LIED TO ME LIARS LEAVE ME ALONE DONT LET ME BE WITH YOU LEAVE ME ALONE DONT LET ME BE WITH MYSELF AND BE ALONE
A familiar classic, energy, melody and intensity. A superb album. Also, at last, the source of a song with the correct spelling of my wife’s name; Ana. She loves the song too, which is a bonus
- Hat mich von Sekunde 1 komplett abgeholt. - Kannte von den Pixies einige Songs von dem Doolittle Album und natürlich den großen Hit Where Is My Mind? aus Fight Club - Dass die Pixies einen super großen Einfluss auf das Alternative Rock Genre hatten, hört man finde ich zu jedem Moment raus! Dave Grohl hat mal erzählt, dass die Pixies auch eine große Inspiration für Nirvana war - Insgesamt recht minimalistisch gehalten aber trotzdem total abwechslungsreich - War einfach super krass begeistert und kann jetzt verstehen, warum so viele Bands/Künstler, die ich liebe so oft von den Pixies sprechen - Gibt sogar noch Luft nach Oben in meiner Bewertung, werde es auf jeden Fall jetzt öfter hören und hab mega Bock mir das Album als LP zu holen! Rating: 4/5
Doolittle was always going to be a tough act to follow, but this album definitely still stands up 30 years after its' release.
Highly enjoyed
I few stinkers but I enjoyed this
Liked this one more than the other Pixies albums on here - mainly because Kim Deal didn't do too many vocals.
Solid Pixies, but I think I've liked some of their others better.
Great album. Didn't realise this is the one had velouria and the thing we're on it and I've loved them both for a long time. Really enjoyed Is she weird and it was added to liked songs. Mum and dad both love Pixies so I kind of have to aswell but honestly it's no problem because they're a fantastic indie alt rock band and on a random one so nice to fall asleep to. Indie rock is so good to fall asleep to on like a bus because it blocks our everyone around you, gives you something good to listen to but it's also a constant sort of volume and it's just so relaxing I love it.
havalinaaa
Introduction Released in 1990, "Bossanova" is the third studio album by the American alternative rock band Pixies. It marked a departure from the raw intensity of their previous albums, "Surfer Rosa" and "Doolittle," leaning more towards surf rock and spacey psychedelia while maintaining their trademark blend of noise and melody. In this review, I will delve into the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, highlighting its pros and cons. Lyrics Pixies' lyricism on "Bossanova" maintains its characteristic blend of surrealism, humor, and darkness. Frontman Black Francis (Frank Black) delves into various themes, often with cryptic and enigmatic imagery. "Cecilia Ann" opens the album with its nonsensical lyrics, setting the tone for the album's eccentricity. Songs like "Rock Music" and "The Happening" explore themes of escapism and disillusionment, while "Velouria" and "Ana" delve into romantic and erotic imagery. Pros: The lyrics are poetic and evocative, inviting multiple interpretations and adding depth to the music. Cons: Some may find the abstract nature of the lyrics inaccessible or frustrating. Music Musically, "Bossanova" showcases Pixies' versatility and willingness to experiment. The album incorporates elements of surf rock, space rock, and punk, creating a unique sonic landscape. The guitar work by Joey Santiago is particularly noteworthy, with its blend of jangly chords and angular riffs. Kim Deal's basslines provide a solid foundation, while David Lovering's drumming is tight and propulsive. Pros: The music is inventive and catchy, combining various influences to create a sound that is distinctly Pixies. Cons: Some tracks may feel repetitive or lacking in dynamic range. Production Produced by Gil Norton, "Bossanova" has a polished and cohesive sound compared to Pixies' earlier albums. Norton's production brings out the atmospheric elements of the music while retaining its raw energy. The use of reverb and echo adds to the album's dreamy quality, enhancing the psychedelic vibe. Pros: The production quality is high, enhancing the album's sonic textures and atmosphere. Cons: Some listeners may prefer the rougher, lo-fi sound of Pixies' earlier work. Themes Thematically, "Bossanova" explores themes of alienation, desire, and existential angst. The album's title itself references the Brazilian genre of music, suggesting a fascination with exoticism and otherness. Songs like "Is She Weird" and "Hang Wire" capture a sense of unease and dislocation, while tracks like "Allison" and "Dig for Fire" convey longing and romantic longing. Pros: The themes are relatable yet enigmatic, inviting listeners to ponder their meaning. Cons: Some may find the themes repetitive or lacking in depth. Influence "Bossanova" has had a significant influence on alternative rock and indie music since its release. Its blend of noisy guitars, catchy melodies, and off-kilter lyrics has inspired countless bands and artists. The album's impact can be heard in the work of bands like Weezer, Nirvana, and Radiohead, who have cited Pixies as a major influence on their music. Pros: "Bossanova" helped to define the sound of alternative rock in the 1990s and beyond, influencing a generation of musicians. Cons: Some may argue that the album's influence has been overstated or that it has been overshadowed by Pixies' earlier work. Conclusion "Bossanova" may not have the same immediate impact as Pixies' earlier albums, but it remains a compelling and influential work in its own right. With its blend of surreal lyrics, inventive music, and polished production, the album showcases the band's evolution and willingness to experiment. While not without its flaws, "Bossanova" stands as a testament to Pixies' enduring creativity and influence in the world of alternative rock.
of the kim deal era.. this is the album i would consider the most "chill" of the first 4 albums.. this being their third album. I probably like this as much as their 4th album.. but in different ways. By the time this album came out.. they were already blown out in the radio waves by bands that they influenced and gained more notoriety and money. what a a shame. There was still room for the Pixies but they were definitely waning after Doolittle. There's not alot i would listen to from this era but luckily I would still spin this gem every now and then
I had Doolittle two days ago, what are the chances? This one wasn't quite as #iconic but still some good tracks on here, and I probably wouldn't have sought it out without 1001 albums!
well we just got Doolittle two days ago, so it was funny to see this pop up. sadly, with pixies' best album in the rearview, this one was doomed from the start. it's a solid album but it's no doolittle. the songs on bossanova just don't have that same exciting and novel weirdness. it feels like the rushed next-year sequel to the critically-acclaimed summer blockbuster that ends up with a 65% on rotten tomatoes. it's fine and existing fans will eat it up, but it's just not gonna bring in the numbers. you feel me? the they might be giants cover of havalina is great though, and that was my favorite song going into and coming out of this listen. favorites: velouria, allison, ana, dig for fire, havalina
Great pixies sound. They always sound so raw to me, don’t know how to put it really but I love it!
What a contrast to the last album, Linkin Park’s Hybrid Theory. I first listened to both of these albums around the same time in 2001, early in college. I fell in love with both of them, and annoyed the hell out of my roommates. Only one of those two stands up still. Bossanova isn’t my favorite Pixies album, but it’s a far slight better than a lot of albums on this list.
Love this album! Probably the Pixies 3rd best. Some classics on this one. Still hits hard! 4.5/5
Wow, Im such a loser not having listened to Pixies at all til now.
Quite good album
This album rocked. Francis Black is such an interesting frontman and I just dig their sound. I think Doolittle was a bit more immediately likable for me, but that might just be because I hadn't heard any of these songs before.
dobri stari pixies
First album I listened to after my dog Countess passed away. She was the best dog ever! I will miss her more than I have ever missed anything. She passed on March 16, 2024. Having said that, I can't really remember much about the album. I like other Pixies stuff though.
Probably my fourth favourite Pixies album. I enjoy the surf guitar. The run from Velouria through to Dig For Fire excluding All over the World is gold. Velouria is one of their best tracks full stop. Veruca Salt reference Stormy Weather in Number One Blind, which I love. Outside of this I find I like half of songs a lot and can take or leave the other half (The Happening). Doesn't have the bangers Trompe does for me but still more than solid.
Pretty good. I don't know if I'll be delving deeper based on this but I liked it. Especially Dig For Fire. That one spoke to me
3.6 good but it's just never been a wow album for me faves: ana, cecilia ann
Everything I want in '90s alt-rock! The Pixies are masters at blending multiple styles into something, if not unique, at least special in its appeal. Their punk is surprisingly approachable and fun. Their pop is challenging and never cliché. This is a band in their prime, playing off of and complimenting each other's strengths as they create. I'd only been familiar with Doolittle previous to this and that will be changing for sure!
Enjoyed it, will listen more regularly
I don’t know if the worst Pixies album from the original lineup is really essential, but I guess it’s fine to say people should really hear an album where they are very good but also kind of boring.
Muito bom!!!
Honestly I like this more than Surfa Rosa
I've casually listened to this album once or twice before and liked it well enough. Listening to it again after getting more into post punk music makes me appreciate it a lot more. It's an interesting mix of post punk and surf rock. There are points where it even verges on goth (Is She Weird) and art rock (Hang Wire). The addition of surf rock and more melodic elements to more traditional post punk elements sounds pretty innovative for a genre that can sometimes feel too formulaic. It's easy to see how bands like Pixies and Pavement paved (ha) the way for bands like Nirvana and the grunge movement. Highlights: "Celia Ann" is a banger of a song—it's like a cross between Sisters of Mercy and the Buffy the Vampire Slayer theme song. "Velouria" sounds like it could be a Killing Joke song, really enjoyed it. "Dig for Fire" has a bit of a Talking Heads meets Jimmy Eat World vibe, in a good way. Not so great: "Rock Music" is good musically, but the vocals are kind of annoying. "Blown Away" kind of feels like a darker retread of "Here Comes Your Way"—I prefer HCYM. Not a perfect album—there are a couple I was meh about. But a solid 4/5
Third best album of Pixies. The most simple sound. Surf-rock at it's best.
... aaahhhh the Pixies.
I kinda like this group. It’s a rock album and really good. Do I love this album, no, but I really like it and will listen to another of the Pixies albums.
I legit didn’t know this one. And my wife is a huge pixies fan.
A really solid rock album this. I feel with more listening this album can become a classic to me. I really dig the sound and it overall just sounded really nice.
Solid but not nearly as interesting as previous two albums.
Finally, now we're talking. I can hear how influential their sound is! :)
Energy and rest--a good mix. Down to the Well seems to have nearly copied the guitar riff from David Bowie's the Man who Sold the World. Although I like the music and the album, I don't really connect with most of the lyrics. They have a strong punk repetitiousness and are certainly odd enough to be interesting.
Yes, these are the Pixies. Even if the album isn't one of my top favorites, it's definitely good. And it was nice to hear the Pixies again.
favourite song: hang wire been meaning to get into pixies for a while. really enjoyed this album
Excellent!
The only, single, issue with this record is that I know how good Doolittle and Surfer Rosa are. That said, as leadoff batters go Bossanova is a treat.