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From the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.

Morrison Hotel

The Doors

1970

Morrison Hotel

Album Summary

Morrison Hotel is the fifth studio album by American rock band the Doors, released on February 9, 1970, by Elektra Records. After the use of brass and string arrangements recommended by producer Paul A. Rothchild on their previous album, The Soft Parade (1969), the Doors returned to their blues rock style and this album was largely seen as a return to form for the band. The group entered Elektra Sound Recorders in Los Angeles in November 1969 to record the album which is divided into two separately titled sides, namely: "Hard Rock Café" and "Morrison Hotel". Blues rock guitar pioneer Lonnie Mack and Ray Neapolitan also contributed to the album as session bassists. The album reached No. 4 on the Billboard 200, and performed better overseas than the preceding album (it was the group's highest-charting studio album in the United Kingdom, where it peaked at No. 12). The accompanying "You Make Me Real" / "Roadhouse Blues" single peaked at No. 50 in May 1970 on the Billboard 100 chart. The cover photo was taken by Henry Diltz.

Wikipedia

Rating

3.6

Votes

19853

Genres

Reviews

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Jan 13 2021

Man I hate The Doors

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Aug 23 2021
2

Well this album does nothing to change my perception that Rge Doors are the most overrated "great" band from the 60s.Even the one hit is pretty icing to me and no other song does anything to save this very ordinary album. 2 🌟

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Jan 13 2021
5

Loved it. Never listened to an entire Doors album. This is down to my assumption that they were pretty depressing to listen. I’ve been missing out though. It had everything, and Maggie Magill the last song was sensational

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Feb 04 2021
5

Clean, loud, stereoscopic. Great.

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Feb 08 2021
2

I reckon these guys have better and more adventurous albums than this. Sometimes there were moments when they diverted from the normal blues formula, but this was rare and fleeting. After some research...apparently these guys were the pioneers of edgy, social-outcast, counterculture (which I'm all about). But I think it's partly coz people fancied Jim Morrison and loved that he sang low and about ominous and dark subjects. "Peace Frog" and "Indian Summer" were good, but they're no "Riders on the Storm". They deserve credit but this album in particular is probably not the one for me.

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May 19 2021
5

Amazing album. Loved it from front to back. Lots of good blues stuff with killer keyboards

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Sep 10 2024
3

Someday I will fall in love with the Doors. Today is not that day.

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Jun 16 2021
5

Such a weird, yet cool blend of blues and psychedelic rock. Normally this isn’t something I’d like but The Doors just pull it off so we’ll. I especially love “Waiting for the Sun”. Such a cool groove to it.

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Jul 27 2022
2

Waiting for the Sun was good, but nothing else left much of an impression.

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May 06 2021
5

Bluesy with some funky undertones and the classic Jim scatting riffs.

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Jan 07 2025
3

Listening to this sober I feel like a busy sex worker who's all fucked out but still has clients to get to. Lyrics like "Indians scattered on dawn's highway bleeding...ghosts crowd the young child's fragile eggshell mind" go from being gloriously ridiculous to just being regular ridiculous. It says it right on the cover - "Passenger Loading Only" - if you aren't loaded, you're on the wrong trip.

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May 29 2023
3

I find The Doors are like Marmite: some people love 'em, some people despise them instinctively. Me, I think they've got some great tunes on occasion. Pretty good album, love me some Peace Frog. Could happily never hear Roadhouse Blues again. Mainly reminds me of trying to get off with hippy chicks at the Whirl-y-gig, while 15 and wearing tie-dyed shirts from Kensington Market. Good times

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Feb 22 2025
3

Could any band have equalled the excellent of The Doors' debut (self-titled) LP. Strange days almost did, but other LPs struggle. That doesn't make Morrison Hotel a poor album, but it does suffer by comparison. Side One is great, but half-way though side two, I was already thinking about what I'd listen to next. T'is a pity I can't rate it as 3.5/5

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Feb 17 2025
2

more like the snores lol

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Oct 30 2023
1

Jim Morrison was a lazy hack convinced of his own genius. Where are the songs? I am aggrieved at having to listen to this dull collection of uninspired jams and feel like I might never be able to listen to music again. It is that bad

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Oct 17 2023
3

Le Morrison Hotel a toujours été l'un des plus mal notés sur les différents guides touristiques. D'après les différents avis, on y trouverait dans les chambres des prises électriques au plafond, des radiateurs hors service ou encore des spaghettis de câble en évidence. Les clients mécontents voyaient après chaque signalement débarquer un Jim Morrison ni pleinement réveillé ni aimable, venant trifouiller on ne sait quoi avec son tournevis inadapté avant de repartir la main gauche dans le caleçon. On peut difficilement s'imaginer pire.

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Mar 31 2025
5

This is basically The Wiggles for adults

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Oct 21 2021
5

This is why people like the doors.

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Jan 19 2021
5

Love The Doors, really had a good time listening to this again

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Mar 29 2021
5

great album, pretty much all the songs are good, worthy of my 5 stars.

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Jan 06 2021
5

All doors is great!

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Dec 21 2024
4

Generally it seems that people either really love or really hate The Doors. This is my second album from them and I'm starting to become a fan, I thought they have both been great. For all of the rock on this record, I personally think the best track is 'Indian Summer' which is actually quite a beautiful track. Lovely guitar, soft vocals. Very good stuff. A solid blues rock album. I really enjoy Jim Morrison's vocals. I wouldn't say anything particularly blew me away, but this is a solid record if you're into this sort of music.

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Aug 26 2024
4

A good start to this 1001 albums thing. I have not heard Doors release before, so this was my first. The first half was definitely better than the second, but both halves were enjoyable. ‘Waiting For The Sun’ was my favourite song. I will be looking forward to listening to other Doors releases.

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Aug 10 2024
4

The Doors' fusion of Psychedelic and Blues has always made for such an addictive concoction - and this album might be their most overtly bluesy one, vocally and instrumentally. Morrison's vocals shift between deep, husky, and subtle - and loud, growly, and raspy from song to song - his dynamic ability as a vocalist has always been what made him such a standout frontman. Ray brings such a unique keyboard-organ tone and playing style to the table on these Doors albums, very rarely do I associate a specific "tone" to a band but this is one of those cases. It's so subtly ominous, even on the most upbeat tracks here. It's such a colorful record with so many great moments like the entirety of the heavy and heavenly 'Waiting for the Sun' and that bassline on 'Peace Frog' rules. I love the hypnotic coasting and warmth of the track 'Indian Summer'. The Doors really mastered the sacred art of being cool as fuck - I mean they're cooler than most any band that came out in the 60s imo.

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Feb 17 2025
3

Doesn't really have any of their big hits that would usually land something on this list (does Peace Frog count?) but was also absent of any of the really irritating shit from our last Doors album (L.A Woman), kinda balances itself out to be a nicer listening experience than the latter, but not something I think I would listen to again outside of Waiting for the Sun

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Feb 17 2025
3

I enjoyed it more than LA woman.

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Jul 26 2024
3

At first this was pretty unenjoyable. All the Radio Regulars don’t do anything for me. But a couple of tunes are excellent, especially “I Need You Tonight”. With its funky bass bit, “Thug” is also fun.

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Oct 17 2023
3

Un Jim Morrisson des plus assagis sur cet album. Dès la première piste, il se permet en effet de retirer le crayon qu'il arborait jusqu'alors derrière son oreille. Suite à cet acte symbolique, les basses seront parfaitement réglèes, et les amplificateurs correctement branchés, pour le plus grand plaisir de tous les auditeurs.

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Mar 11 2023
3

RIYL: the calliope music that plays on merry-go-rounds, drinking beer for breakfast.

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Jun 03 2025
2

I'm gonna say it. The Doors suck and are boring. RIP Jim it took you dying young from drugs to make this band interesting.

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Feb 22 2025
2

It's fine - as an overstimulated zoomer who was born decades after this I probably miss out on a lot of the appeal and innovation of The Doors.

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Feb 18 2025
2

Pretty boring record considering I actually like a lot of what I’ve heard from the doors

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Apr 25 2023
2

Eerder vroeg ik om meer Doors, en het eerste nummer smaakt inderdaad naar meer. Maar daarna word ik toch teleurgesteld. Het wordt nergens zo interessant als L.A. Woman. Soms wordt ik nerveus van een irritant instrument/geluid en soms is een nummer simpelweg te saai. En na het eerste nummer komt de zang nooit meer echt tot zijn recht. Pas het laatste nummer veer ik weer een beetje op.

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Feb 25 2021
1

don't like the style

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Jul 11 2025
5

Great album, enjoyed it all the way through. I’ve always been a fan of The Doors and this album reinforces that for me. Favorite track is Waiting for the Sun, with Roadhouse Blues a close second. 5

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Jul 08 2025
5

can't help it, i love it. one of several essential doors albums with the debut and probably strange days and definitely LA woman... jim becomes the growling blues oaf he was always destined to be. i don't care if his lyrics are hack-poetic or whatever. in fact, i don't give a shit what he says. jim makes the doors sound like the doors, and i love the doors. he sounds like a blustering, untrained drunk, and that's what he was. this is where he tips the scales into "BE[ing] [a] drunken buffoon, which MAKES [him] poetic." thanks almost famous, lester bangs, philip seymour hoffman, and the guess who. robby's playing is spidery and agile. manzarek's circus organ often gives way to boogie keys, but is spooky at times, staccato at others. densmore plays the drums, baby. someone even plays bass. the second half has fewer radio hits, but smolders and flares. fell in love with them in high school, burned myself out on them in college, was too cool for them in my 20s (but always knew i had a youthful love back there), and hit a listening renaissance in my 30s, running back through all of it, collecting it, and appreciating them for what they always were: a great LA band and a great american band who sounded like no other.

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Jul 08 2025
5

should have called this album Goofy Blues, cos that's what it is. Doors are a weird mix of traditional blues concepts and, tons of keyboard/organ, and morrisons unusual deliverly. kick ass album. its fun to find new appreciation for this band....realistically first time ive listened closely since i was a teen.

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Jun 30 2025
5

I think this is my favorite Doors album. Just a great listen all the way through.

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Jun 27 2025
5

First band I really got into (a lot of 15 year olds were just like me in this regard) and still dig it. Not my favorite Doors album but Peace Frog and Land Ho! are all timers for me. Not a bad track on the album.

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Jun 24 2025
5

Jim Morrisons vocals are just awful. Lucky he was a sex symbol.

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Jun 21 2025
5

The best one!!!!!!

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Jun 19 2025
5

I know everyone loves The Doors. But honestly, some of their drug-fueled moping is just boring. This album though... this is great! After listening to the complete album, I needed to hear it again despite about 10 more albums in the queue to get caught up on my 1001 Albums project. Awarding this a rare 5.

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Jun 17 2025
5

Classic. Crooning. Crazy. Gotta love it.

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Jun 07 2025
5

The doors is amazing. Good album!

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Jun 07 2025
5

Listened to this albums 3 times. So many great songs. Roadhouse sets the tone

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Jun 01 2025
5

Not sure if this is the most "essential" of The Doors' recordings, but it is my personal favorite. "Peace Frog" alone is worth the price of admission.

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May 31 2025
5

The Doors did white boy blues rock better than anyone. Just iconic songs on here, like “Roadhouse Blues” and “Waiting for the Sun.” “Indian Summer” is a top Doors song for me too. The rest of the album rocks too, even if it’s not all classics. The Doors are divisive. I’m in a split marriage myself: my husband thinks they’re pretentious and Manzarek’s keys unbearably carnival-esque. I love them. Jim’s poetry and delivery are impressive. The songs are great. The keyboard works for me in context. This is one of their stronger albums. Five stars

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May 31 2025
5

Although there are no “hit” singles, front to back this is my favorite Doors album. Lyrically, musically fantastic. Peace Frog may the best groove they ever wrote.

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May 31 2025
5

The Doors. Always good!

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May 23 2025
5

One of the great ones!

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May 20 2025
5

Stu LOLLL LOLLLL thumposaurus on mothersucker? as for this Doors album.. Peace Frog is my favorite Doors song and I agree w Mike - this album is fantastic. Land HOOOOOO!!!

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May 20 2025
5

This is the one Doors album I come back to listen to over and over again. Every track other than the last is flawless. Jim’s vocals have fully matured. His ability to float from crooning to full on rage is mesmerizing. The segue from Peace Frog to dreamy Blue Sunday is beautiful. Robbie’s guitar is sublime and transports you. The Spy, so groovy and jazzy. They are exploring and pushing each other to greatness.

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May 20 2025
5

In with a splash on Roadhouse Blues, to then drop into his sexy vocals, off to powerful vocals and an epic piano...etc, etc, etc. This album has all the things in the first three songs alone. And it keeps getting better.

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May 07 2025
5

In my library and I love it 5

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May 06 2025
5

The Doors are fantastic. No Riders on the Storm here makes me a little sad. Roadhouse Blues is amazing! The bassline is simple but solid and rolls along. Throwing in a bit of harmonica makes for great gap fills. I also enjoy the various piano parts. The different variety of instruments throughout really give them a variety that keeps the album from getting dull.

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May 03 2025
5

What a fantastic album. I hadn't listened to it in a few years. I'd forgotten that every track is a winner.

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May 03 2025
5

Banger just absolute banger!

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Apr 29 2025
5

Very cool, 9.5/10

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Apr 19 2025
5

A great album, I even enjoy the listening to the 50th anniversary mix which was mixed from the original masters.

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Apr 19 2025
5

Excellent album, is there really a bad album by The Doors though?

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Apr 18 2025
5

This is really great. Classic rock and roll with interesting sounds and lyrics. I really love this album. Saving a bunch of songs.

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Apr 15 2025
5

Great album but one of my least listened to Door's albums. Love J9m Morrison's vocals and that wonderful keyboard sound

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Apr 10 2025
5

5/5. I think this is the best doors album, even with all their other records. I just feel like every song offers something different while still remaining mostly blues-y. It feels creative and new without being too experimental. Morrison sounds great here and he gives off the most energy while taking it down smooth and slow on songs like The Spy. I don't ever skip a song here and can throw this on any time. Great album. Best Song: Roadhouse Blues, Waiting For The Sun, Maggie M'Gill, Peace Frog

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Apr 05 2025
5

Brilliant. One of my favorites when I was a teenager

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Apr 04 2025
5

really liked this one!!

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Mar 31 2025
5

Yes yes yes yes oh yes

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Mar 30 2025
5

The Doors have been in my musical DNA since I first discovered them when I was 19. There are a few songs I like less than others but the sound just does it for me—bluesy psychedelic rock.

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Mar 29 2025
5

Was between a 4 and 5, but options for the 5 for the culture. Jim Morrison is just such a great singer.

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Mar 27 2025
5

First time listening to The Doors. Really good album, I enjoyed all of the tracks equally. I'm sure I'll listen to it again soon (especially while I study)

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Mar 25 2025
5

never particularly cared for the doors before, but maybe I'm just old now.

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Mar 21 2025
5

A fave ffrom back in the day

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Mar 11 2025
5

Overall great. There are some dumb lyrics but damn near every album has some depending on your viewpoint. I’ve never understood the derision for this band. I’ve liked them since I was a kid so maybe I’m just nostalgic for them. Or maybe their combination of rock, psychedelia and blues just works for me.

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Mar 08 2025
5

Неперевершений альбом

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Mar 08 2025
5

Man i like the doors

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Mar 04 2025
5

Always a favorite

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Feb 14 2025
5

Hope you guys like the piano, because Jim’s rocking it in this. Huge fan whenever it kicks in. Roadhouse Blues is such a strong opening for the album, not sure it ever gets better than that. Some of this is a bit too slow and down for me, but whenever we get a bit of rhythm it’s so lovely. 4 songs added to my playlist, 5 added to the 1001 playlist.

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Feb 14 2025
5

One of the first albums I loved. Bush-era lyrics aside (which in spite of their corniness, I can quote like a priest from a bible) everything from American Idiot to halfway through Homecoming could be the lead single (and almost all of them were singles). The 1.5 songs remaining are by no means bad, just not quite the same level of singable choruses and catchy riffs. This was my intro to Green Day, and while I love some of the earlier albums, this is the one that does the most for me. Perfect mix of nostalgia and being actually good. Everything beyond American Idiot I've bounced right off (¡Tré! anyone?) but that's because I kneel only at the altar of St Jimmy and the Jesus of Suburbia. Final note: noticed a lot of the songs are doubled on Spotify, Holiday/Boulevard of Broken Dreams for example. I hope Green Day are getting a fair share of their Spotify pennies.

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Jan 28 2025
5

I haven't listened to this in decades, its great.

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Jan 25 2025
5

Clean, loud, psychedelic and bluesy. Classic Doors!

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Jan 25 2025
5

I listened to the album for the first time in France as a teenager. Listening to it takes me back: Hanging out with Frenchies on the beaches of Sète. They would ask me to translate lyrics and I tried my best. I think I said "I have three boats and there is land!" Good memories. I need to try and sing this album next time I have strep and am happily angry to be alive.

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Jan 23 2025
5

Some albums are whispering to you, some speaks to you. This one roars to me. Album full of great songs and Roadhouse Blues is a killer start. Quuen of the Highway lifts the end part of the album to where this belongs. This album belongs to constellation of five stars.

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Jan 22 2025
5

The Doors are great

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Jan 22 2025
5

Yes, Mr Mojo. Go off.

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Jan 20 2025
5

I'm amazed how Jim Morrison can be rough and wild in one song and gentle and meditative in another. Loved this album and was happy to hear new songs that were unknown to me and find out they all are just as great as the popular ones. Easy 5

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Jan 14 2025
5

Never got into The Doors, but maybe I should’ve given them a chance. This was a great album. Low 5

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Jan 09 2025
5

There’s just something about The Doors man, for me it’s just unexplainable. When my dad used to play them on our CD player as a kid I absolutely despised them, found them boring, grating at times. I’ve heard their self-titled album for the first time in its entirety about a year or two ago and fell in love. They have their very own brand of lyrics, their unique sound and one of the best rock vocalists of all time. You just know when something sounds “Doorsy”. This album is excellent from front to back, gets a bit weaker at the start of the B-side, but picks up again with “Queen Of The Highway”. They just do their thing and they do it oh so well. I just imagine that I’m on that trippy shit they had back in the 60s and that I’m just lying on my back in some middle-of-nowhere west American desert as the sun sets. It’s a vibe. I loved this. 4.5/5 Best: Waiting for the Sun, Peace Frog, Blue Sunday, Queen of the Highway Worst: The Spy

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Jan 06 2025
5

I find the Doors fantastic - this album doesn't have the hits or most epic songs (e.g. The End) but it does have the typical Doors sound based on gritty blues with Manzarek's signature organ and of course Jim Morrison's voice and charisma. Great stuff.

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Jan 03 2025
5

bip bap buo bada vup ba bup PEAK

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Dec 11 2024
5

jahas paras amerikkalainen bändi koskaan... uu varpaita alkaa kutkuttelenaam.. manzarekki panee paneskelee sexiä sexiä sexiä kun soittaa. paljon parempi kun paskahousu la woman albumi oerrated hypocrisy... drowning in their hypocrisy... tarvitsee lisää muminaa, sifriasthesmtiyou.. allmfyffrinjdsarejkhadings... hiljaa mumistellen sanoo vaan jotain, eikö ymmärrä että siinä on ainoa syy miksi kukaan edes tuntee jätkän. hell freezing over when the hypocrites reap.... banging on the gates the hypocrites weep... and then the lord above hath fury unknown smote the pretenders... drowning in their hypocrisy....the hiopocrates wept... the ssyp

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Dec 03 2024
5

Fantastic album from The Doors. A few of my all time favorite songs on this one.

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Dec 03 2024
5

Easy 5 star rating. Some really great songs throughout the album.

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