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Joan Baez
Joan Baez
1960
Wikipedia
Reviews
Like a review? Give it a thumb up to help us display relevant reviews!Beautiful in its simplicity is something I've said on previous albums but this is another perfect example. Folk that I can get behind. Nothing more beautiful than a person and their guitar. Great cover of House of the Rising Sun.
Such a beautiful first album from the goddess of folk. Totally forgot that House Of The Rising Son was on her debut. Hard not to get emotional on All My Trials or Girl Of Constant Sorrow, and have some peyote and run around like a kid in the fields of Walnut Grove as school lets out on Wildwood Flower. I would have loved to be on the hillside listening in at Woodstock when she was 6 months pregnant and missing her husband who was in a Texas prison for refusing to fight in the Vietnam War. There is a reason that a passion for folk songwriting is in my soul, and I know that Joan had something to do with it. Tip of the hat to present era folk troubadours like Colin Meloy who continue to water the flowers that Baez planted.
I know what they are trying to do and I think they are doing it well. I just am not a fan.
not really my taste in music. the singing was very high pitched and light and airy with a thin backing track. not really what i like
“Joan Baez” by Joan Baez (1960) I don’t know what you were doing in 1960, but with this album, Joan Baez was launching her career as a folk icon. Actually, she wasn’t. She was simply singing beautiful traditional folk ballads and laments with her inimitable voice and deftly executed acoustic stylings. Her ‘career’ was simply the loving conversation that the world had with her musical magic. This recording is both tasteful and tasty in its simplicity, its resonance, and its depth. Her lyrics, melodies, and chord structures are all, of course, features of well-selected traditional folk songs (Her songwriting would come later). But it’s what she did with these songs that yanked on the heartstrings of millions—and still does. Vocally, her characteristic rapid vibrato over an equally characteristic sonorous timbre wrings every drop of passion out of the poetry. When she attacks the melody in her upper register, she freezes the listener in his tracks, like the ears of a deer caught in the headlights. Her dynamic variation is frightening—going from soft and sweet to a powerful wail in the space of a skipped heartbeat. Accompanying herself on acoustic guitar, she chooses and performs fingerings and fills that are perfectly suited to each composition. Beginning guitarists would be well advised to listen to her, learn, practice, and aspire—in that order. This was Joan Baez’ first album. Most tracks were recorded in one take, with voice and guitar together. No dubbing. No effects. No frills. Folks, this is as pure as folk music gets. 5/5
Joan's voice is incredibly clear and bright. The album is mastered so well for something as old as it is. This is gorgeous, very stripped folk music that highlights an incredible voice.
This was a very nice folk album with such a clear and clean sound. I enjoyed how the guitar feels like it's just there to enhance her voice.
I thought this was going to be perfect listening for a slightly hungover Sunday morning but her voice is far too shrill for my tastes, I only made it halfway through.
tanto su voz, su música como sus letras son increíblemente bellas. este álbum se merece las cinco estrellas completas, y eso sin olvidar que es su álbum DEBUT.
this is one of those albums that are too good to rate I can’t tell you how much I love this kind of folksy music the vocals, the guitar, those nice melodies, it all comes together to create a beautiful, warm atmosphere it reminds me a lot of Vashti Bunyan’s album Just Another Diamond Day (one of my favorite albums ever) I would love to find more albums with this kind of sound Cottage Songs by Naomi Lewis is a pretty nice album, but the genre is a little too different, it still sounds incredible and I love that album, but it could use a little more one on one with her voice and some warm guitar anyway, this album is just too special for me to give a simple 10/10 I really need more music like this
My Mum played a lot of Baez when I was growing up, but, being 10, I never really saw the appeal. This album really clicked for me, though; it's very straightforward, but her pitch-perfect voice and skills as a guitarist elevate it to stratospheric levels. What's more is that it has a level of authenticity and sincerity that's sorely missed in modern music.
Alllllll the scrumptious folky singing, jangly guitar and all executed perfectly by the effortlessly cool Joan Baez. Voice of an angel combined with epic guitar skills. Absolutely beautiful and flawless renditions of some traditional folk songs. Finally, an album to get really excited about again! I love the feeling an album like this gives me, the story telling is done in such a relaxing yet haunting way. I'm so drawn into a different time in history, even if the subject of the story is super mundane. Ugh the Spanish tooooo, incredible. In awe!
Obviously a pinnacle talent in this genre, though I think her style meshes better with some songs (Silver Dagger, John Riley), but can't quite carry others (House of the Rising Sun) where her singing is just too refined and frankly pretty for the content of the lyrics.
Beautiful renditions of some classic songs. Interesting to read about how it was recorded in a hotel with just Joan and an acoustic guitar. Highlights: -East Virginia -House of the Rising Sun -I Know You Rider
Love her or not, Baez is definitely one of the foundational pillars of modern folk in America.
Love her. Her voice is haunting and so gripping. I've only heard this first album a couple of times, so it's a nice revisit.
I was very surprised when I heard woman of constant sorry and house of the rising sun on this album. She has a beautiful voice that fits so well with the genre she was playing
A very soft and intimate album... Like you're sitting in someone's living room or around a fire and listening to them tell you stories. Thoroughly enjoyed. Favorite Tracks(s): "Silver Dagger," "House of the Rising Sun," and "Henry Martin"
I thought I wasn't gonna like this but you know what? First song is really pretty. I like her voice. I feel like Mandy Moore probably loves the hell out of this woman. But seriously I'm surprised I've never really listened to her. This is lovely. Makes me very calm. Sometimes she veers into sea shanty vibes lol. Bitch even sings in Spanish! This is dope. I'm gonna give it a 4/5 not cause it was one of my favorite albums but it's really good for the genre I think.
Sets the tone from the beginning. Wasn’t expecting an album of ballads, and wouldn’t expect to like one, but this is interesting. House of the Rising Sun was great. All in all an enjoyable, relaxing listening experience.
This is the first time I've ever listened to Joan Baez. I surprisingly enjoyed it. She has a very pleasant voice and impressive guitar skills. Some of the songs are depressing but musically engaging. I'll check out some more Joan Baez someday. Wren liked it too.
I wish I could say that this was a revelation for me. Maybe it would have been if I were a teenager when it was released but I have to listen through the spectrum of my already established tastes. 4 🌟 just for her angelic voice and the intimate recording.
Top Picks: Silver Dagger and House of the Rising Sun. Really liked this one! Obviously very Dylan-esque. Some really nice songs on here and due to the recording techniques used, it managed to capture studio sound with a very live, authentic feel.
Beautiful folk album. Stripped back instrumentation shows the strength in the vocals and the lyricism of the stories.
Even through these are mostly traditional songs, her voice is lovely and I really enjoyed listening to them.
J’aime bien le cote folk rock et la voix. C’est tres bin et ca secoute super bien dans le style. Content d’avoir decouvert cela. 4.75
Easy listen, I'm not usually into the ethereal ladies voices, but somehow this grabbed me. Interesting how these are all traditional songs -- many of unknown origin. Some of them are first take. Amazing. Reading more into this makes me like it more.
What a pleasant surprise! Thoroughly enjoyed this, relaxing backing with a really impressive vocal performance on top. Not a 'get shit done' album but fully here for it as one for an after work wind down
Baez is such a lovely and talented writer and musician her folksy soprano perfect placed within subtle guitar. Lyrically she’s tearing my heart out “All My Trials” is a STANDOUT.
This type of folk music is not my favorite but I appreciate it from a historical perspective.
Such pretty/haunting melodies! I’m so impressed with the multiple languages and styles of songs across the board, and “House of the rising sun” is one of my all-time favorite songs, so this is a winner for me.
Her voice has a kind of hypnotic power. Interesting to listen to this shortly after the Joni Mitchell album - she must count Joan Baez as an influence. Their voices are similar. Recently I’ve enjoyed listening to mellow music on headphones late at night when everything’s quiet and this album fits that mood. I may have to add her to the nighttime rotation. (And she sings in Spanish too? God bless!)
Despite the several songs in which her warbly trilling hits the exact resonant frequency that vibrates the pain receptors behind my eyeballs, I enjoy much of this album. But then, I grew up with folk music. I love finger picking, I love story songs. Hard to believe she was basically a kid when this was recorded.
Oh MATE this was absolutely lush. What an amazing voice she had, interested to recognise some of her songs and wondering whether they are OGs or covers. Loved the folky country tones and the absolute clarity of her voice. Gorg
Quite amazing indeed. I truly enjoyed this one, even if it was a little too long. It's nice to discover the original voice that defined a whole folk style. I'm going to need this one in my collection!
Неожиданно многие песни зашли. Возможно, так сказывается тотальное одиночество и обречённость, а эта музыка и великолепный вокал дали луч света в этом царстве. 7 из 10.
Very Joni Mitchell-esque chilled-out folk vibes. I liked it, probably not going to revisit anytime soon.
Archetypal folk! She has an amazing voice, but I'm not so keen on the vibratto (if that's the word) technique she uses in most of the songs. Fave track - Toss up between "House of the Rising Sun" (which has a really interesting wikipedia page!) and "Girl of Constant Sorrow"
The voice of an angel. Beautiful. Never listened to her first record before; I mostly spin Diamonds and Rust.
Music from the West of the states that gives 1800 vibes. Powerful voice of Joan Baez and a rich scale of tones.
super 60s this innit. you can positively smell the flower children. i'm sympathetic to fingerpicking acoustic guitar, there's a time and place for it, it's great background music.
A vocally strong folk album. Some of the songs had a story that was a little dark or depressing which was contrary to Baez’s strong voice. It was enjoyed more than expected. 7.6/10
Classic folk songs sung & played on guitar in a sincere way by artist Joan Baez. The recording for this album is as simple as it gets, but the voice of Joan steals the show and makes a listener think they are hearing one of the specific folk songs for the first time!
Were debating between 2 and 3 because her voice is high and can be *grating*. But when she is not doing that, it is really beautiful. Jess also forced this rating
Queen of the folkies. Acoustic finger picking and powerful vibrato vocals deliver a bunch of traditional folk songs. Best Tracks: Silver Dagger; The House of the Rising Sun; Rake and Rambling Boy
Все эти бардоские песни не очень, да ещё и высокий громкий женский вокал, не по мне, даже переслушивать не стану.
Eh. It was fine. I was going back and forth between whether to give it three or four stars. I was originally leaning towards four because of how good Joan Baez's singing is, but man, this album just feels too long.
Sounds wildly similar to Joni Mitchell's stuff. In one song she even says 'circle' and it immediately made me think of the Circle Game. Pleasant enough but none of it really stuck out to me. Learned that House of the Rising Sun is essentially on old folk tune that's been adapted by many
Nice voice and songwriting. Obviously like House of the Rising Sun. Kind of music to fall asleep to
I enjoy this at first and would have likes to give it 4 stars. It outstayed its welcome though And started to wear on my patience. Still had some nice finger picking but after 45mins I was glad when it finished.
expecting to like this. 3-4? Definite 3. a little wailey. Standout is Dona dona dona tho.
3.7 - A tasteful selection of folk songs, arranged simply and sung with an undeniably gorgeous voice.
11th January 2022 Listened throughout the day while working from home home. Rosie came over and me and dad watched on her majesty's secret service. Sounds similar to Joni Mitchell, immediate 60s folk vibes. Lovely voice
Penso sia un bell'album, mi piace la voce e gli arrangiamenti. Però tende a sembrarmi un po' tutto uguale. Forse leggendo i testi potrebbe essere più appassionante.
My black olives again. Everyone loves them but me. I keep trying them, still find them meh. This is Joan Baez for me.
I've not heard much Joan Baez but this album feels very familiar. The style of singing, the acoustic guitar accompaniment, and even a few of the songs are very much a part of my youth. Joan's voice is better than most of the stuff I grew up with, though, and some of the fingerpicking hits the spot too. When they mesh perfectly it's really enchanting. I'm not above getting a little bored though, particularly in the middle part of the album. I'll relax my 'low marks for all covers' policy a bit as it's sort of the point of the whole folk tradition...
Eh. It was fine. I was going back and forth between whether to give it three or four stars. I was originally leaning towards four because of how good Joan Baez's singing is, but man, this album just feels too long.
She has a beautiful voice on this album and the songs are interesting. I guess this is an example of top form folk singing but I didn’t enjoy it. It was not bad but it didn’t catch me.
I'll admit never been a big fan of Joan Baez, I've only listen to one album of hers before, Any Day Now, a cover of Dylan songs. Overall I enjoyed this album much more than expected, I felt her soprano voice was more constraint and subtle compared to other works. It has a very ethereal sound. There's such a diversity in which traditional folk songs were chosen I felt transported to 19th century America (Silver Dagger, Wildwood Flower) or the common room of a Scottish Tavern (John Riley, Henry Martin). Overall it was a fun listen, and I surely check out her early work but still not a big fan.
I realize the historical significance of the release of this album and the lasting influence Joan Baez has been since the 60's, but I can't honestly say I enjoy it that much. Her music and her singing is fine, I just need to hear her in small doses.
C’est bien fait. C’est pas mon genre, mais ça s’écoute bien. Ça fait beaucoup de chansons, ça devient un peu long et répétitif. Sa voix est un peu agressante dans l’aigüe. 1960, c’est surprennant, mais peut-être que c’est parce que je ne connais pas le bag.
A good folk record, nothing particularly hooked me, but the whole album flows very well and the intimate atmosphere that reigns there is beautiful.
Monumentally influential album that led to the folk explosion in the 60s. Joan Baez' debut album is the groundwork that would lead to Bob Dylan, The Byrds and the essential sound of the 70s. Combined with an ethic for doing good and protesting the bad, the hippie movement is being seeded here. 3.5./5
Joan does some good stuff with these songs, but I do find 30+ minutes of her warbling away a little testing.
Reminds me a lot of Joni Mitchell. Definitely something I want to listen to when I'm sad. Gets worse as it goes on, too much vibrato and volume increase in the upper register
Clearly has a pretty voice... but the hummingbird droning at the end of each note gets old.
Gute Geschichten, muss man schon zuhören. Vielleicht etwas zu viel klare Schönheit in der Stimme.Ungebrochen und daher nur 1.9
Не мое. Видно профессионализм, но такая музыка не для отдыха или расслабления. Сложный мелодичный ряд. Голос и стиль на любителя. Бормотание, монолог под музыку, сложно и неоднозначно
I'm a recovering wanna-be hippie (Gen X, so not a real hippie) so I know that in that culture Joan Baez was enormous. I think she's a super-cool and interesting person, I can appreciate her powerful voice, but...just never really enjoyed her music. (Sorry, my dear fellow aging tie-dyed folk!)
Man, I know she's an American treasure and all, but I cannot appreciate these vocals. The song-writing and lyrical content is great, however.
A very young sounding JB. Before she went big she apparently was a vanilla folk singer. Glad she grew into it
Didn’t really like it the high notes sounded awful I like folk music but this was something I won’t listen to again
I was not familiar with this album and didn't really care for it. There have been better versions of The House of Rising Sun.
Alright I hate folk but this was alright. Her voice is soothing and it sounds like theres background banjo the entire album.
Not bad, but a bit too scream-y for me. I'm also not a big fan of vibrato. Didn't hate it, but probably wouldn't listen to it again. I liked the Spanish song the most I think.
Very much like Joni Mitchell it gets a bit exhausting listening to a whole album with the type of voice she has.
Folk, nije losa, glas tehnika i gitara, zvuci zanimljivo. ali nisam posluso sve, nije legla iz prve niti je moj dir..
It's surprising how English folk this sounds at first, less so once you find out most of the songs were English/Scottish folk songs. When it's just guitar and voice, you've got to love the voice.... Bet there's no Vashti Bunyan in the 1001
That's some pretty good mandolin playing. (I think). Not a big fan of her super vibrato voice. I think I'd rather hear some more traditional versions of e.g. East Virginia. It sounds like something that might be on the Anthology of American Folk music. Yeah, no.
This is aggressively 60's haha. It's good, just too shrill for me, grated and dragged after an hour.
voice of the lady is more annoying than beautiful, there are some great songs but I didn't enjoy it too much overall. 2,5
Pros: - Really beautiful melodies and voice - "Henry Martin" has some great chromatic / out-of-key notes around 00:23 in the melody and it's refreshing to hear. Would have liked more of that. It's haunting! - A song in Spanish was nice! - Covers are really really great. "house of the rising sun" and her variation on "girl of constant sorrow" (i might have missed another) Cons: - I don't connect particularly well with this album for some reason or other. It's a nice album; it's nice to have on and to simply enjoy. She is definitely someone who has inspired many many other artists and is unquestionably important to modern music. Misc: - Kind of limited instrumentation and arrangements, but it's 1960.
Sleepy, doesn't feel like there's much variety to the songs, and especially the vocals. This can be explained as the album is from 1960.
I tend to like folk music, but this one was hard to get into. Her voice can be a little grating, but the lyrics are very pretty. Interesting version of House of the Rising Sun, but I will not be going back to this one anytime real soon.
I get why this is on the list and it’s a really important folk album, but I just can’t get on board with her voice not one I’d come back to.
Assez minimal. Vraiment pas mon genre habituel, mais ça s'écoute bien au moment bien choisi. Un album féminin fort qui a sa place sur cette liste.
Je ne suis pas toujours partant pour du folk dans le genre mettons C'est bien fait, elle est juste et est solide à la guit. C'est diatonic harmony 101 mettons mais c'est des trad alors c'est normal et c'est bien exécuté. J'ai skippé house of the rising sun au premier they called🤣 bref, trippe pas sur son haut registre. Pas grand chance que j'y retourne mais je comprends que ce soit sur la liste
I wish I enjoyed her music, I really do. But I can't stand her voice. I totally understand why people find it beautiful, like I said I hope I can get my head around it someday, but for now now her tremolo and use of dynamics are just giving me a headache. I'm sorry Joan.
Fair warning: generally, I loathe folk music with a passion. I'm actually neutral on hip hop and rap--stop snickering. Really. I mean, if someone came out with a great rap album tomorrow, I'd be the first to say so. But folk--especially the early 60s folk revival--look, my mom listened to Ian and Sylvia and the Kingston Trio nonstop when I was a toddler and it scarred me for life. Genre per se is rarely a barrier for me, but I'll make an exception for folk. Which is all to say that I make not give this album a fair shake. You've been warned. Sure enough, Joan Baez's debut album is pretty awful, but not for the reasons I would have expected. I was tempted to begin with praise because Baez actually has pretty decent taste -- she's curated a bunch of solid tunes from various folk traditions, and her voice is strong, but no. Baez has zero interpretive skills. She approaches every tune the exact same way--not counting shifts in dynamics and an irritating vibrato--and ends up flattening the entire folk tradition into an amorphous blob. She sounds exactly like what she is--a middle class white woman with negligible life experience. She drains the blood out of every song she sings and proudly presents the bleached white corpse like it's some kind of accomplishment. Actually, I'm glad I reviewed this album because now I understand why I loathed early 60s folk as a kid. Acts like Ian and Sylvia and the Kingston Trio and yes, Joan Baez, made their living by homogenizing and whitewashing any number of musical traditions that are well worth hearing. I'm sure Joan Baez had good and pure intentions, but she ends up loving this music to death.
Really not for me. I hope her later stuff is better. I tried but really couldn’t listen to any of the tracks all the way through.
Oof. So muchbof this just feels the same. You can randomly pick a song, pick a random spit within it and pretty much know what you're going to hear. Sparse instrumentation isn't always boring but it is here. Sometimes it's okay-ish most of the time it plods along. Her voice is not exactly terrible, but its sleep inducing. It's also very same feom track to track. Factor in the way too long run time and the faint smell of hippie and I've got to hit this with the 1 star hammer. I know she's well regarded and yadda yadda but this just is not something I would ever want to listen to unless I was suffering from insomnia.
My momma said if I don’t have anything nice to say I shouldn’t say nothing.......sorry mom. Joan is a talented lady no doubt - but This was painful to listen to. Nails on a chalkboard bad.