Reviews (page 3 of 7)
When I was like 14, I wanted to *be* 60s Joan Baez. She has such a beautiful, ethereal voice and such evident passion for folk music. I think she has better albums, but this one is beautiful and thoroughly enjoyable. 8.5/10
That voice. Some absolute favourites here.
A really good folk album. It made me want to listen to early Bob Dylan.
Just nice melodic folk music, nothing edgy here, music to sit with contentedly while you read a book on the porch. I'm unfamiliar with Joan so this was a nice new listen for me.
Pretty, harmless folk music. Some decent versions of songs that would be done better in the future. She’s got a lovely voice
I was familiar with Joan Baez from her cover of the Band's "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" in 1971, but this her debut album, is more of a traditional folk album. A beautiful album even if - as is often the case with folk songs - the subject matter is dark.
Ok, she yelled quite a bit
Love her. Love her voice. Loved listening to the album.
I love Joan Baez. I’m smiling throughout this album. That said, her voice has never been my favorite. Her vibrato is a little too fast for me. But this album came out in my birth year so for that reason, and for the nostalgia, and for my love of her, I will give it a 4.
Vocals
A classic.
Very strong start and I can easily see how it influenced folk going forward. Wish the back half was stronger, but there's still a lot of goodies.
This is the iconic version of "Mary Hamilton."
Joan Bae more like
Lovely
Beautiful singing voice makes for a nice folk album. Great guitaring showcased in standout "I Know You Rider".
So beautiful, so beautiful im giving it an extra STAR!!
One of the great folk revivalist singers. Her performance at the 1959 Newport Folk Festival garnered Baez enough acclaim to be signed to Vanguard records, where she would sing and play an assortment of English and American folk songs with unmatched beauty. Listening to it now, her voice is clear and true, carried with an appreciation for the songs that came before her. Hear her rendition of House of the Rising Sun to revel in her dynamic power, haunting the song the way it was meant to be haunted. The albums strengths lie most in its simplicity, with only Baez and her guitar recorded in the Manhattan Towers Hotel Ballroom, one microphone for each. These are the real folk songs with no extra arrangements, no fanciful renditions. It's an impossibly wonderful listen, enjoyable from start to finish. Baez can hang with the best of them.
The music is incredibly simple folk music, with most tracks simply Baez and her guitar. The recording apparently took place in a community hall with a couple of microphones and Baez sitting on a rug. "As long as a dog didn't run through the room or something, you had it." There is something refreshing about that simplicity sometimes. And for a very simple recording from 1960, it sounds pretty good. Her voice is gorgeous and distinct and deserves the space it gets to breathe. It's obviously not the most innovative album ever released, but put in it context of its time, you can forgive that. She beat Bob Dylan to a debut album by 2 years and did it pretty well. Her politics are obviously divisive, and even some on the left may have felt that she was a bit much. But I personally admit her stances. Regardless of what you may think of her, she certainly left a big mark on the 60s, on popular music, and American culture.
Classic
Bangers
Really liked this one. Like a bridge between pre-rock era traditional folk music and the more familiar contemporary folk stylings of artists like Bob Dylan or Neil Young. Lovely singing voice, too. Key tracks: Silver Dagger East Virginia Fare Thee Well (10,000 Miles)
Beautiful, ethereal. The ultimate in folk music.
Absolutely blown away with her beautiful voice and how raw this entire album felt.
I think Baez isn’t as well respected as other folk singers because she does a lot of traditionals and covers. Of course people know her name, but who listens to her anymore? I love her renditions of selected Child Ballads. Folk singers like this have saved and are saving old Western European folk songs. She recorded this album when she was only 19.
She had such a great voice
The music is excellent, but I’m not a fan of her voice.
**In-Depth Review of *Joan Baez* by Joan Baez** **Introduction:** Joan Baez's self-titled debut album, *Joan Baez*, released in 1960, is a landmark in the history of American folk music. The album not only established Baez as a significant voice in the folk revival movement but also laid the groundwork for her future career as an influential activist and artist. With its stark arrangements, powerful vocals, and poignant song selection, the album reflects Baez’s early commitment to traditional folk music, while also hinting at the social consciousness that would come to define her later work. **Lyrics:** The lyrics on *Joan Baez* primarily consist of traditional folk songs, ballads, and spirituals. As a traditional folk album, Baez draws heavily on the canon of American and British folk music, offering renditions of songs that date back centuries. These songs, while not written by Baez, are carefully selected for their emotional depth, storytelling, and the ability to convey universal human experiences. One of the most striking aspects of the lyrics is their narrative quality. Tracks like "Silver Dagger" and "House of the Rising Sun" tell stories of love, betrayal, and sorrow. In "Silver Dagger," for instance, the lyrics describe a young woman warning a suitor to stay away because her mother has cautioned her against men, weaving a tale of generational mistrust and heartbreak. "House of the Rising Sun," a traditional folk song that has been covered by many artists, tells the story of a life ruined by vice, with lyrics that resonate with a sense of inevitable doom. Baez's interpretation of these songs brings out their timeless themes, such as the trials of love, the inevitability of death, and the quest for freedom. Even in tracks like "John Riley," a song about a man returning home after a long absence to test his lover's fidelity, there is a deep exploration of loyalty and the passage of time. The lyrics Baez chose for this album reflect a deep respect for the folk tradition, with their ability to convey complex emotions through simple, often stark, language. **Music:** Musically, *Joan Baez* is a minimalist masterpiece. The arrangements are sparse, primarily featuring Baez’s voice accompanied by her own acoustic guitar. This stripped-down approach highlights Baez’s vocal prowess, allowing her to convey a wide range of emotions with subtle variations in tone and phrasing. The simplicity of the instrumentation also serves to foreground the lyrics, ensuring that the stories being told take center stage. The guitar work on the album is intricate yet understated, providing a solid foundation for Baez's voice without overshadowing it. Baez’s fingerpicking style, heavily influenced by traditional folk and classical guitar techniques, is precise and melodic, adding depth to the songs. In tracks like "Henry Martin" and "El Preso Número Nueve," the guitar plays a crucial role in setting the mood, whether it’s the haunting, almost dirge-like quality of the former or the lively, rhythmic accompaniment of the latter. One of the musical highlights of the album is Baez's interpretation of "Mary Hamilton," a Scottish ballad that tells the tragic story of one of Queen Mary’s maids who is sentenced to death after bearing an illegitimate child. The song’s melody is haunting, and Baez’s delivery is both delicate and powerful, perfectly capturing the sorrow and resignation of the lyrics. The musical arrangements throughout the album are tailored to the needs of each song, whether it requires a somber tone or a more upbeat rhythm. **Production:** The production of *Joan Baez* is a testament to the less-is-more philosophy. Produced by Maynard Solomon and engineered by Bill Schwartau, the album was recorded with minimal overdubbing and effects, aiming to capture the raw, authentic sound of Baez's live performances. This approach gives the album an intimate, almost live feel, as if Baez is performing in the listener’s living room. The recording quality, given the technology of the time, is remarkably clear, with Baez’s voice and guitar both sounding warm and natural. There’s a sense of space in the recordings, with subtle reverb adding depth without overwhelming the performance. The focus is squarely on Baez’s voice and guitar, with no unnecessary embellishments or studio tricks. This choice reflects the album's folk roots, emphasizing authenticity and emotional sincerity over commercial polish. One of the production’s greatest strengths is its ability to convey the emotional intensity of Baez’s performances. The simplicity of the production allows the listener to connect directly with the music, with no distractions. This approach also highlights Baez's technical skill as a musician, as there is nowhere to hide in such a bare-bones arrangement—every note and every word must be delivered with precision and feeling, and Baez rises to the challenge. **Themes:** Thematically, *Joan Baez* is steeped in the rich tradition of folk music, with its focus on storytelling, social issues, and the human condition. The album’s songs explore a range of themes, from love and loss to justice and morality. What ties these themes together is their universality; the stories told in these songs could take place in any time or place, making them resonate with listeners across generations. One of the central themes of the album is the plight of women. Songs like "Silver Dagger," "Mary Hamilton," and "Fair Thee Well (Ten Thousand Miles)" all deal with women facing difficult, often tragic circumstances. Whether it’s the young woman in "Silver Dagger" who rejects love out of fear of betrayal, or the doomed Mary Hamilton, these songs highlight the struggles and limited choices faced by women in historical contexts. Baez's choice to include these songs on her debut album can be seen as an early indication of her interest in social issues, particularly those affecting women. Another prominent theme is that of justice and injustice. In "El Preso Número Nueve," a Mexican song sung in Spanish, Baez tells the story of a man who murders his wife and her lover in a fit of rage and is sentenced to death. The song explores themes of crime, punishment, and the consequences of actions, with a powerful narrative that forces the listener to confront the harsh realities of justice. Similarly, "House of the Rising Sun" delves into the consequences of a life lived in vice, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of straying from the moral path. **Influence:** *Joan Baez* had a profound influence on the folk music scene of the 1960s and beyond. The album’s success helped to establish Baez as one of the leading voices of the folk revival, a movement that sought to bring traditional folk music to a new audience and use it as a vehicle for social change. Baez's clear, powerful voice and her commitment to the folk tradition inspired a generation of musicians, including Bob Dylan, with whom she would later collaborate. The album also played a significant role in popularizing folk music among mainstream audiences. Prior to its release, folk music was often seen as niche, with limited appeal outside of certain circles. However, Baez’s album, with its accessible arrangements and emotionally resonant performances, helped to bridge the gap between traditional folk music and the broader popular music market. This crossover appeal opened the door for other folk artists to achieve mainstream success, contributing to the genre's growth in the 1960s. Baez's influence extended beyond the music itself. Her commitment to social justice, which is hinted at in this album, would become a defining aspect of her career. Songs like "El Preso Número Nueve" and "Mary Hamilton" reflect an early awareness of issues related to justice, gender, and morality, themes that Baez would explore more deeply in her later work. The album’s focus on these themes helped to set the stage for folk music to become a powerful tool for social commentary and activism in the turbulent 1960s. **Pros:** 1. **Vocal Performance:** Baez’s voice is the standout element of the album. Her clear, pure soprano is both powerful and emotionally resonant, capable of conveying a wide range of emotions with subtlety and precision. 2. **Song Selection:** The choice of songs is impeccable, showcasing the depth and diversity of the folk tradition. Each track is carefully chosen for its lyrical content and emotional impact, creating a cohesive and compelling listening experience. 3. **Musical Arrangements:** The minimalist arrangements highlight Baez’s vocal and guitar skills, allowing the songs’ narratives to take center stage. The simplicity of the instrumentation adds to the album’s authenticity and emotional power. 4. **Production Quality:** The production is clean and uncluttered, focusing on capturing the raw, live sound of Baez’s performances. This approach enhances the album’s intimacy and immediacy. 5. **Thematic Depth:** The album tackles complex themes such as love, loss, justice, and the female experience, offering listeners more than just beautiful music, but also thought-provoking content. 6. **Cultural and Historical Impact:** As one of the key albums of the 1960s folk revival, *Joan Baez* played a crucial role in popularizing folk music and influencing a generation of musicians and activists. **Cons:** 1. **Lack of Original Material:** While the album’s focus on traditional folk songs is one of its strengths, it also means that there is no original material from Baez herself. This might be seen as a limitation for those looking for a more personal expression from the artist. 2. **Musical Repetition:** The minimalist approach to the arrangements, while effective, can also lead to a certain degree of musical repetition. With most tracks featuring just voice and guitar, some listeners might find the album lacking in variety. 3. **Historical Context Required:** The album’s reliance on traditional songs means that some of the lyrics and themes might not resonate as strongly with modern listeners who are not familiar with the historical and cultural contexts of the songs. 4. **Narrow Audience Appeal:** While the album was successful in popularizing folk music, its traditional nature and stark production might not appeal to listeners who prefer more contemporary or polished musical styles. **Conclusion:** *Joan Baez* is a seminal album in the history of American folk music, showcasing the young Baez’s extraordinary vocal talent, her deep respect for the folk tradition, and her nascent social consciousness. The album’s minimalist arrangements and stark production allow the emotional depth of the songs to shine through, making it a powerful listening experience. While the album’s focus on traditional material and its sparse instrumentation might not appeal to all listeners, its influence on the folk revival and its role in establishing Baez as a key figure in music and activism cannot be overstated. For those interested in the roots of folk music or the early career of one of its most important voices, *Joan Baez* is an essential listen.
Falleg rödd og mjög kósí fílingur alla leið. Mjög róandi. Mæli með.
Contemporary folk. What an amazing voice. Loved the selection of songs, no idea if any of them were original or if they were all just covers of traditional folk songs, but her voice and I'm assuming her guitar playing were incredible. I think it dragged on just a little too long but overall very good. 4/5
I don’t listen to a lot of Joan Baez. It’s clear to see how instrumental she was to the folk movement, especially when you consider that this album was recorded at the dawn of the 60s. But it also feels a bit of its time. An important album that I am not likely to put on again.
I had almost no folk exposure before this journey, but I've found I quite like it. It's a nice changeup to my typical listens, and it normally surprises me, and this album is no different. The first song is awesome. Joan sings like she was greatly betrayed in Silver Dagger, and I like how somber it hits towards the ends of the verses. The album is a little long, but I liked it throughout.
alma
Actually really good
RNG really gave us this right after Joni Mitchell
i really like this!!!!! but it was too long hahahaha
Beautiful
Beautiful folk music album
surprised i havent heard of her before because this is great. i love her voice and her influence is obvious. 8/10
Joan Baez schätze ich sehr. Sie ist eine großartige Frau, die ihre Stimme erhebt. Die Gitarre ist ihr treuer Begleiter, sie braucht nur wenig Begleitung. Es ist großartig wie sie mit ihrer Stimme arbeitet. "The House of rising sun" ist eine besondere Interpretation von ihr. Hier zeigt sie ihre Vielfalt.
Brings back memories of the songs my parents were listening to on the radio - folk songs with great stories!
Surprised how much I enjoyed this one, her vocals were some of the best I've heard so far.
A pleasant Sunday in the park playing guitar kind of album.
Clear sound
Hands down would I rather listen to Joan Baez than Joni Mitchell. Not to diss Joni Mitchell, but I find her vocals to be too jarring to listen to. Her guitar work is fantastic though and of course her lyrics and poetry is some of the best. Joan Baez has a beautiful voice. It's akin to Joni Mitchell but easier on the ears. Acoustic guitar work is wonderful. And her lyrics are like stories. I really enjoyed this record. She did a wonderful version of House of the Rising Sun - to which, I found out isn't written by the Animals and in fact a traditional folk song. Baez' version was fantastic. She really made it her own. Great listen.
Thirteen traditional folk songs recorded in just four nights as a true solo record, almost entirely comprising only 19-year-old Joan Baez' guitar and voice. And it's enchanting. A breathy yet powerful voice that is perfect for acoustic folk. I am soothed. Rating: 4.5/5 Playlist track: All My Trials Date listened: 31/05/24
Really lovely! Fascinating reimagining of traditional songs.
Loved
Her voice is absolutely gorgeous! This album came after a string of disappointing listens for me...which may have influenced by rating a bit but not much. 4/5
Is folk song type, if in mood is 4, if not is 3
4 but if i hear another cover of house of the rising sun I'm gonna lose it
Very peaceful easy listening music.
This is album 1,075 for me, which means not only have I gone well past the required number of 1,001, but I've got to be dangerously close to the finish line. When I saw this album, it made me realize it might be the only Joan Baez album here, and that I still have one more Dylan album that I somehow haven't received yet. The point being, I can't think about Joan Baez without also thinking of Dylan. Maybe it's because she's the female Zimmerman. Maybe it's because there's no Bob Dylan without Joan Baez. Just as there's no Joni Mitchell without Joan Baez. In a way, I'm glad I got this one towards the end, since it shows just how influential Joan has been through most of the 1,000 plus albums on this list. And yet somehow she remains...I wouldn't say unappreciated, but underrated. This album's overall rating is below a 3 on here, which wouldn't be the case for any Dylan or Joni album. Joan Baez will get her just hosanas when we lose her and it's too late for her to realize how much she meant to the world of music.
really good folk album, some slower tracks but also some really good ones best songs: wildwood flower, girl of constant sorrow
Don’t have much to say except that it is very nice
Very powerful and moving covers of already fantastic songs. I appreciate that she's able to make each song her own while still retaining some core parts of the songs. Top tracks: East Virginia, House of the Rising Sun, John Riley
Good stuff tbh
want on like a cheap old vinyl. she sounds like a meadow at the heart of the woods. house of the rising sun is the original older sister song.
Loved this. Maybe became a little tiresome after an hour but every song felt like a lullaby and I want to hear Papa play and sing all of them.
Very beautiful
What a voice. Arrangements very sparse. All in all a great album.
Love the song writing. Love the folk guitar. In most respects, enjoy her vocal stylings but never have been a fan of Joan’s vibrato-heavy stretches.
I liked this, not in a 'oh I must go out and buy this' sort of way, but in a 'this is folk, its really old and it's refreshingly good' kind of wsy. Her vocals were captivating and she showed her dexterity with the Spanish song. Not normally something I'd like, but I did. A 4.
this woman got vocals one of the better house of the rising sun covers out there imo 3.6/5
I struggle with reviews like this because folk is generally not my genre, so I always feel like I'm grading these albums on a curve. The strength of her voice is on full display on this album, though. Weirdly, her voice sounds sort of generic, but I think that's because every female folk artist who came after her took some influence from Joan Baez 4/5 It could have used some distorted guitar solos, and maybe an 808, but still it sounds real good
Such a pretty album. Just what I needed for a nice walk at night.
I really enjoyed this album, and guess I didn't realize folk singers would be singing songs that have roots back hundreds of years. Maybe it's just Joan's style that really brought back the olde time feel of these tracks. As an example, "House of the Rising Sun" sounds drastically different here than in the Animals version, but nevertheless is a folk song. At any rate, the nerd in me is drawn towards this bard-like telling of these tales and is just fascinating. There are a few that end up being more old west style and cross the line into a country music, but overall it was a nice album. Favorite track "House of the Rising Sun" 4/5
A neat collection of traditional ballads. Very minimal production with just a voice and a guitar, and she has an amazing voice that's very clear and pleasant. It's a really cool change to listen to a more minimal album that doesn't rely heavily on production and adding multiple instruments.
Många fina låtar. Inte lika vass som Melanie.
A really lovely collection of folk tunes. A bit long for how similar the songs are, but full of gems.
Basically just good music. No faults, no particular affection to itz no stylistic choices. A boring idea of perfection.
Classic folk featuring popular standards such as House of the Rising Sun and I Know You Rider.
That was lovely - Similar to Joni Mitchell, great production to let the guitar and soprano sing.
This was a surprisingly pleasant album to listen to. Her voice is beautiful, very clear and calming. Overall a really nice folk album from the early 1960s.
3.5 - This could easily get bumped up to a solid 4 with a relisten. Her voice is great and I actually found myself interested in the stories these songs told. It's a solemn and pretty album. Oh, that closing track is pretty awesome too.
Folk tranquilo. Un 4.
The First Lady of folk’s debut. A sign of the great things to come.
The only singer who is allowed to cover everything. Need to be in the mood but have some records.
Love me some Joan Baez!
I braced myself for something that would be worthy, earnest and a bit dull - and though I wasn't entirely wrong, I've been pleasantly surprised at how fresh this still sounds. I've been listening to the excellent Let It Roll podcast about the history of rock 'n' roll lately, and just finished the episode on 1960, the year this was released. The music scene wasn't as moribund as history would have it - amidst dross like Larry Verne and Connie Francis, October's singles chart featured great stuff like Sam Cooke ('Chain Gang'), the Drifters, Chubby Checker, the Everly Brothers, Brook Benton and Ray Charles. Yet this...sounds nothing like those songs. It could have been recorded yesterday. I know Baez's voice can be an acquired taste, and the trilling can set one on edge, but mostly it's lovely, a pure, crystalline instrument. I imagine her technique influenced Sandy Denny. Highlight? 'Donna Donna', its modal chorus sounding like it derives from Eastern European folk traditions. Yeah, this just about scrapes four stars.
4.0
Always happy to be immersed in Ms. Baez’s world.
Incredible voice filled with deep feelings
Prelude: Can't believe I haven't heard of Joan before, but I knew I was going to like this album when I played a clip before I left Annapolis. Acoustic folk especially from that era is a soft spot for me. The album was pleasant overall and her rendition of House of the Rising Sun was a dope surprise. Nice background music for knitting by the fireplace while the snow pours down outside (if that was something I was into). If I'm allowed to make comparisons, she reminds me of Joni Mitchell but twice as haunting in her voice.
- Never listened to Joan Baez before - Wasn't expecting much from a folk album released in 1960 but very pleasantly surprised - Amazing voice - Fav songs: All My Trials, Silver Dagger, House of the Rising Sun
Folk music Galore! so many good classic songs sung so beautifully.
4/5 she has a sweet voice
Die Songs haben natürlich alle etwas sehr ursprüngliches, da die meisten nur mit einer Gitarre begleitet werden. Sehr schöne Stimme. Es ist auch mal ein Spanisches dabei, das sowohl melodisch aber auch stimmlich mal etwas Abwechslung reinbringt. Bin kein Fan ihrer Interpretation von House of the.r.s.
Not my thing, but glad I listened
She has a gorgeous voice. The instrumentation is simple, yet beautiful. There is no fat on this album. Only what needs to be, is here. This memorable trait of the project is also what leads to its biggest flaw. The album never gets particularly exciting. It keeps a, believe me, lovely, but stagnant pace throughout. I don’t mind a single song on the album. I love this thing entirely. It simply doesn’t inspire. 4/5
Was thinking I’m going to get a lot of hippie singer songwriter but I got a record sung by one of the most strikingly powerful and beautiful voices - while being full of wonderful songs, sea shanties and even ends with sung in Spanidh. Much more than I bargained for - this is truly a memorable record.
Prairie music to settle down and make a farm family to. Shes got a very pleasant voice. I feel like I have heard her in the intro to an old animated film or something. The audio mixing wasn’t great. The background music and her voice would be very quiet then she would hit me with the full yell and make me go deaf. Songs didn’t vary enough for me and kind of started to sounded the same. SPANISH SONG. There were two songs back to back where she was just talking about people named Mary. Lot’s of storytelling in the writing which was very nice and helped create a scene for the songs. Pretty decent country folk album 7/10
I really liked a couple of songs from this, so I’m going to make it a 4, although I’m not entirely sure abut it.
Lovely music just not my style.
simple and beautiful. could have been a bit shorter, but the melodies and lyrics are so heartfelt, they almost make you forget its length. a solid 4 for its timeless charm.
Very good folk album. Joan Baez is one of the best.
Baez's hauntingly beautiful voice and the stripped-down acoustic arrangements create an intimate and timeless atmosphere. The way she interprets traditional folk songs and injects them with her passion and authenticity is truly captivating. Tracks like "Silver Dagger" and "Donna Donna" showcase her ability to convey both vulnerability and strength through her vocals. "Joan Baez" is not just an album; it's a testament to the power of folk music to tell stories and evoke deep emotions.
La verdad, me sorprendió lo mucho que me gustó, no podría explicar específicamente por qué, capaz una mezcla de lo relajante que es escuchar de vez en cuando un álbum no tan producido en exceso, o con melodías y voz que combinan para hacer un sonido que parece de cuento de hadas, o película vieja de Disney, súper relajante y me trasmitio algo que no se que es pero hizo que le subiera un punto, eso y que haya incluido un tema en español en una pronunciación bastante decente
It's pretty and lovely. Dated, but the talent is clear to see. Some lovely versions of standards on there too. While I didn't love it, it is hard to see how stiff I do love (Joni, Dylan) would exist without it.
Good arrangements but the singing gets on my nerves after a while.
Such a well sung album. Great for long drives in the evening when you’re just trying to relax
Enjoyable old time folk
Like a female Gordon lightfoot
My dad loved listening to Baez. I recognize the purity of the sound, the accuracy of her playing and her voice. It's impressive for what it is. But it's not my taste. And that makes it hard to rate.
Not my usual taste in music but with some light rain outside and heartache, I enjoyed her warbling voice.
I actually really liked this, very whimsical and gives me Lana del Rey nonsense lyric vibes. Also makes me want to homestead by the river and bake bread for my husband working on the farm. Shoutout to the Spanish folklore song 🤌🏼
lana for the 60s girlies
YEEEEEE HHHAAAAAWWWW
Good voice
I don’t think I have ever listened to a whole Joan Baez album before. But I really enjoyed this one.
Голос интересный у неё
I'm more of a Joni fan than a Joan fan from a musical standpoint, but Joan Baez is such an awesome chick that she gets 4 stars for that alone. Plus, her withering, whispy naked vocal is lovely. There's no hiding when performing the way that she does.
I enjoyed this one a lot, she has a very beautiful voice! It did dominate the album and drowned out most of the background music. But she is very talented. Cool album!
Mostra a força da simplicidade e da capacidade de seleção das canções, e com a versão de "House of the Rising Sun", torna-se uma obra-prima.
I really liked it... magical voice. I would listen again.
Several songs made me feel sentimental. Simple but warm and emotional
old folk but very classic
Hauntingly lovely. Bare bones classic folk with one of the prettiest, most charming vocals you will hear in music. Pretty much a flawless collection of songs, although it's the kind of album you have to sit quietly with to appreciate. Fave Songs: El Preso Número Nueve, All My Trials, Donna Donna, House of the Rising Sun, John Riley, Little Moses, Silver Dagger, Girl of Constant Sorrow
A genre that I can be really hot and cold on, yesterday this hit hard and went down smooth. I enjoyed just about every track on this stellar debut album. I think the highlight may be House of the Rising Sun. Girl of Constant Sorrow was interesting, but the Soggy Bottom Boys did it first (and best!)
beautiful playing and songs, a bit unsettling vibrato
Her voice and guitar playing is amazing, and her songs can range from the folky traditional tunes of Bob Dylan to the dark, introspective tracks of Leonard Cohen, a few years before either were apart of the mainstream concious. So, to all of that, hats off. I just think the album sometimes suffers feom being an older album, as those more country tracks feel like something put on their to appease the masses, rather than be something truly groundbreaking throughout, which Dylan took and and ran with a few years later. However, this is still a very good album, and I'm still at awe of that final track.
I never tire of hearing this album, or Baez's voice.
It’s not hard to imagine why this album was a big deal. Baez’s voice is unique and these are great interpretations.
Beautiful vocal accompanied by hypnotic guitar playing
fuck it's lovely as fuck but it is boring at the same time what am i supposed to do bruh
J'ai pleuré
Classicczz
Mycket fint gitarrspelande och vacker sång... chilled out
She has a beautiful voice and a gift for phrasing.
Ik was door de eerste tonen zo omver geblazen dat ik het vier sterren geef, terwijl ik het op een gegeven moment ook wel zat was. Stem is exact joni Mitchell. Rest eigenlijk ook.
Joan Baez by Joan Baez is the most Joan Baez-sounding record by Joan Baez that Joan Baez could have made if that makes sense. This is strictly a folk record and it sounds pretty good. Nothing more to say really. There are some country influences, and some faster-sounding folk music, but it's still folk. My favorite song is All My Trials, it sounds pretty and it's performed well and so on and so forth. This is a pretty short review but I'd say this record deserves a 7/10.
One of the cassettes in my Dad's car in the 80s so fond memories.
perfect kateralbum
Oooh zeer leuk om te beluisteren. hopelijk bots ik hier nog eens op
I appreciate that the dynamics come from the vocals, rather than instrumentation.
I’m a sucker for folk songs and a clear soprano voice.
What's not to love about Joan Baez? Her heartfelt, soulful style and incredible voice and guitar performance on this album really put you in the booth with her. She has a very organic sound and makes me nostalgic for a time I never lived. Production wise, obviously it's the 60s. There's like this weird panning thing going on with the mix throughout and I highly doubt it's intentional. If it is, it certainly is interesting..
Very relaxing folk music
Folk in its purest and most basic form.
I was into it
Pure and gorgeous. The crystalline voice. The reverence for traditional material. Folk music how it oughta be. Hard to believe this is 60 years old for it still sounds fresh.
Huge debut by Baez with a perfect blend of sparse guitar arrangements and her authentic vocal. Also nice to hear the clear influence that she would later have on Dylan.
Sometimes you just need to hear a sweet voice simply accompanied by a guitar
Reedy warbling vibrato and piles of self-conscious sincerity but a remarkable voice nevertheless. These are predominantly covers, and dominated by a stripped-down folk faux-socialism. I think there is inadequate vulnerability, honesty or artistic expression to be considered truly era defining but she's left her imprint and deserves some recognition for that
Gorgeous and good for you, too. Has anyone ever had a purer voice? A great set of songs, too.
gorgeous vocals. THE HILLS ARE ALIVE
Beautiful in its simplicity. Amazing voice.
Ok
Before today I'd never heard of Joan Baez before. She is a folk singer-songwriter who rose to fame as part of the folk music revival of the late 50's. Upon first listen it is clear that she is one hell of a guitarist! This album is all covers of older folk songs, and Joan's beautiful voice and guitar playing skills have definately done right by the original songwriters! One thing that is hard to get past with her style of singing is the register she sings in (it is so high that I think dogs down the street were barking because of it). Also, her constant vibrato can be a bit annoying, but none of this is to say that she can't sing. Actually quite the opposite, she is a master of her craft! It's just that that craft isn't for everyone. I enjoyed today's listen! Not something I will revisit daily, but I can appreciate where she was coming from, and what she influenced as a result! A few songs I wondered if I would make it through, but after the song All My Trials, the album gets much better! Favourite songs: Wildwood Flower, Rake and Rambling Boy, Little Moses, Henry Martin, Silver Dagger Least favourite songs: All My Trials, Fare Thee Well 4/5
Folk stripped down to its barest elements: a guitar and a voice, singing simple truths and stories of life. Feels as though it’s always been around, somehow.
Joan Baez's debut is strong, especially given her age and the conditions of recording. The largest drawback is that these are all cover songs, though excellently interpreted. Her guitar playing is lush and expansive, and her voice is singular. She sings with such force and conviction that she inhabits these songs and their stories.
Quite pleasant listen. Makes me want to get more into older folk standards. Feels like the bridge between traditional and Dylanesque. Not transcendent but very solid
There were a lot of "give peace a chance" folx that came out of the 60s, and most of them were schmaltzy or overwrought. There were a few, however, that were amazing, and Joan Baez led the charge on that.
There's just something about a woman singing folk that I can't help but love. The vocals are so clear and beautiful and the guitar is simple but compliments her voice perfectly. Top tracks: Donna Donna, Rake and Rambling Boy, Henry Martin, and El Preso Numero Nueve.
Прослушано! Очень хороший и мелодичный альбом. Обязательно послушать другие альбомы этой певицы.
All the folk
HL: “Silver Dagger”, “All My Trials”, “Wildwood Flower”, “John Riley”, “El Preso Numero Nueve” December 5, 2022
This is fucking beautiful 4
In verbalizing the feelings, I have to justify the way that Joan Baez impacted me in contrast with the other folk stalwarts. I think it has something to do with in-betweenness, the way Joan's voice is a bridge between the traditional forms and the moment one listens. There's precious little else in the recording. A lot of dynamic range, I suppose. These are compositions held gently, and offered now and for the future: After all, they arrived at Baez.
At first sight it seems a really normal album of folk, however it's interesting that "the house of the rising sun" is present and also a song from Roberto Cantoral who wrote a lot of songs very popular in spanish
"Joan Baez" is the debut album by American folk singer Joan Baez. The album is also known as Joan Baez Vol. 1 and includes 13 traditional folk songs. It was recorded in just four days in a NYC basement with Joan's voice and her guitar. There is some backing guitar. The sparse musical arrangements stress the lyrics and Joan's voice which can be stunning and sometimes piercing. It is also one of those culturally, aesthetically and/or historically significant albums selected for the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress. The album begins with the American folk ballad "Silver Dagger." Nice guitar playing. The female narrator turns away a suitor based on a warning by her Mother. Baez shows her vocal strength on the English folk ballad "Fare Thee Well (10,000 Miles)." Bidding her man farewell. The Animals do a pretty evil-sounding version of "House of the Rising Sun" but with just her voice and a guitar Joan's version is even more haunting. A person's life goes wrong in New Orleans. Joan goes country in "Wildwood Flowers" and then Yiddish in "Donna Donna." The highlight of the album for me is her version of the Scottish ballad "Mary Hamilton." Speaking of haunting, a lady-in-waiting to the queen becomes pregnant by the king, kills the baby and then awaits her impending death. Quite a tale and Joan's emotional range is just fantastic. I think a decent job at the accent too. This was an interesting album. I really liked the way the songs switched from traditional American to English to country to Yiddish to Scottish and back. With a simple acoustic guitar, Joan's voice carried the emotion and was able to successfully achieve the variety of folk songs on this album. I recommend this for obviously anyone who likes folk and/or wanting to hear one of the best artists in that category.
Fantastic folk from the beginning of the 60s. It's easy to see where a lot of the singers who came after Baez took their inspiration from.
This album features a beautiful voice singing many traditional old folk tunes. Joan Baez sings soulfully and beautifully. This album doesn't offer much more than that but if you are into folk (like myself) you should dig this album. My favorite songs are 'Donna Donna', 'House Of The Rising Sun' and 'El Preso Numero Nueve'. Good relaxing album to have on in the background. 3.5/5
Such a gorgeous voice. This was an interesting album
Holy shit talk about under-rated. On the front end of a cultural revolution, start of a prolific career.
Pretty nice folk, nothing jumped out a lot to me but I've definitely heard Donna Donna before. A warm folksy blanket for a cold winters day.
What a beautiful voice
There is beauty in simplicity and Joan Baez has a airy,stunning voice, with stripped back traditional folk songs her voice shines. I’m only giving it a 4 because there is no original songwriting and sometimes bland production.
Impressive debut album and great introduction to Joan Baez.
Folk tranquilo. Un 4.
it’s a joan baez summer! go joan!! ok joan!!!!
Flawless vocals, note perfect guitar playing, and yet it all feels a bit bloodless. I still really enjoyed it though! Would probably benefit from being listened to a few more times.
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.
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!
I always love Joan Baez voice from the day I first heard it. Amazing folk artist, I could listen to her over and over again. Such an inspiration for a lot of great artist. Legend.
Really gorgeous. Such a nice voice
Very artistic folk (thanks to her voice)!
Simple and effective folk
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
This was lovely jubbly stuff
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.
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!)
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.
Rating: 7/10 Best songs: The house of the rising star, Donna Donna
...and she was only 19!
God her voice is amazing and these songs are just lovely. Solid album
This type of folk music is not my favorite but I appreciate it from a historical perspective.
A jab zone of sharp vocals and powerful songs
Some more good folk
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.
Trouxe uma vibe toda diferente. É uma voz peculiar, mas que cativa. Gostei v
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
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.
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
Even through these are mostly traditional songs, her voice is lovely and I really enjoyed listening to them.
Beautiful folk album. Stripped back instrumentation shows the strength in the vocals and the lyricism of the stories.
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.
A pleasing folk mix
Otkak sam prvi put čuo Nikolu i Barta u MGS-u, najdraža si ostala!
malinconico, ma si distingue. grande voce
Lovely listen
Every song was catchy
A little low keyed for my tastes. But I can see where Joan was impressing folks.
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.
Fantastic folk songs / covers. Can easily come back and listen again
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.
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.
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.
Joni Mitchell vibes with all the story telling
Very Great Album
j'aurai jamais ecouté ce truc et quelle perte ça aurait été, 4/5
What a beautiful guitar player with a stunning voice.
Amazing vocals and writing
Muy folk y muy 69
Great vocalist
✌️
The Queen of folk according to sam's dad
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 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
Proof that simplicity does not mean something has to be dull or uninspiring.
goodone, very nice record, the spanish track was a great find
Joan Baez has a beautiful voice. this is a great collection of folk covers
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.
Love her or not, Baez is definitely one of the foundational pillars of modern folk in America.
I very much enjoyed it. Didn’t know House of the Rising Sun was a Baez jam.
Enjoyed!
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
Fav: East Virginia, Donna Donna, Henry Martin
I've enjoyed it, calm and nice.
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.
A modern folk touchstone. Those pipes!
Simply good, great classic songs and arrangements
7.2
Interesting sound, love the House of the Rising Sun cover
what a voice
Well produced cover album, not my usual style but quite nice.
Great voice. Had memories of the Carpenters with more a country/folk twist.
Great mix of genres, like social part of the songs
1960. Key Songs: Fare Thee Well, Donna Donna
Folky and chill, but I like her later work better
3/5
I'm sorry Sara. Joan has a lovely voice, but I don't find her music particularly interesting. Favorite Songs: House of the Rising Sun
I have a soft spot in my heart for Joan Baez’s music. It’s always very comforting, and since this is the only record of hers on the list, I think this is worth hearing. I do think her later works are much stronger. Additionally, her lack of songwriting does push her work down a bit. But a very pleasant listen of classic Americana folk.
Beautiful! What a voice and lyrics, no wonder she’s a household name. Standouts are silver dagger and house of the rising sun.
Like it 3/5
3.5
you know what hell yeah lady
I never listened to folk music much. This album was easy on the ear. Incredible that this was recorded in 1960. I loved House of the Rising Sun. It’s much more convincing in this setting.
Nice interpretation of traditional songs
Lovely voice, not that much variation throughout the album though.
This is a very beautiful folk album esp for being from 1960. Holy sparks tho it’s 55mins did it really need to be that long?
Usually not a fan of this genre, but her voice is so beautiful, and there was enough variety in it that it cuts through very well. Her cover of House of the Rising Sun is quite brilliant, too. Look, it is a bit long, but it's still good.
Lille smule we have Joni Mitchell at home, kunne godt bruge nogle lidt mere interessante arrangementer men hun synger super godt
Meget pænt!
Super light and airy voice. Loads of bangers (because they're folk songs). "If it was never new, and it never gets old, then it's a folk song"
She writes well and there’s some songs on here I enjoy but it’s goes too far into gospel influenced territory for me and her vibrato is far too strong a lot of the time for it to be super enjoyable for me to listen to.
Baez's voice is clear and ethereal, and I appreciate her singing and songwriting. She's truly a voice for the 60s and 70s. Also, today I learned she wrote "House of the Rising Sun."
Very early folk record, so can see how this became quite popular. You definitely get a feeling that this influenced and set the standard for so many other folk albums to come during the 60s (CSNY, Joni Mitchell etc.). It sounds good, and Joan's guitar playing and singing is definitely top notch. That being said, I think this genre of 60s rock/folk has become quite oversaturated on this list, so I can't say I enjoyed it as much as I probably should and could have. I also have a hard time with covers being on this list, and this is being an album with only traditional folk songs puts it a bit in the same category. All of that taken into account lands it a 3 for me. Could potentially deserve more, but feels like a correct assessment for now.
Lovely voice and a true folk singer. Singing can get a bit show-y considering the material.
Rv
Joan Baez has a beautiful voice and it’s on display here. It’s a bit too much at times though, I’m not really a fan of the high and long notes she’s hittinf, it doesn’t really fit the vibe for me. Other than that a pretty standard folk album, you kind of know what you are getting with these.
Good album. I enjoyed this one more than I expected. It is a solid 3 star album for me. No complaints. Nice acoustic guitars and the songs are obviously good.
it got boring on some songs but it’s so much better the Dylan.
Vocals can get tedious but the guitar parts and general vibe are quite nice
Very nice.
Silver Dagger - 3/5 East Virginia - 3.5/5 Fare Thee Well - 3/5 House Of The Rising Sun - 4/5 All My Trials - 3/5 Wildwood Flower - 3/5 Donna Donna - 2.5/5 John Riley - 2.5/5 Rake And Rambling Boy - 3.5/5 Little Moses - 3/5 Mary Hamilton - 3/5 Henry Martin - 3/5 El Preso Numero Nueve - 3.5/5 Girl Of Constant Sorrow - 2.5/5 I Know You Rider - 3/5 John Riley - 3/5
smol 3
It's a nice listen, and you can definitely hear why Joan Baez eventually ended up as big as she was, but it doesn't feel like there's a lot to this one.
Pretty, but kinda dull.
She has a great voice, but that vibrato is too much.
I love love love Silver Dagger and always have. The rest of Joan's work has always been of more historical interest to me than anything else. Her voice is incredible and she clearly has a very thorough understanding of the folk canon, but I'm just not that moved by the more yodel-adjacent strain of folk that was popular at the time. It's not a fair comparison, but Bob's more grounded strain is more more kind of bag.
joaannnieeeeeeeee. need to relisten sorry
7 / 10
an all time country rock classic. I´d liked a lot her version of house of the rising sun, but i hated the last song on the album. 3 stars
2.5
Another artist that I’ve wanted to get into but didn’t know where to start. I love how smooth her voice is. I had thought that her music was more up tempo rock. Her later stuff probably was. But this is smooth and pure.. Joni Mitchell/Joanna Newsom. Holy shit she was 19!?
It was fine - even with the excessive vibrato on some of the songs. But it's folk and a little goes a long way.
3.5
her voice is so high. pearse had bob dylan this same day!
Very pleasant
Music has come a long way since the 1960s
3.5
I really like these Greenwich village folk albums. Her voice is great, but I actually prefer her voice here to her later stuff. Also, I think she is a great interpreter of these folk songs. 3.5 stars
This was fine. I think after a while, I just kind of tuned it out though. Joan's warbly voice combined with the sparse arrangements gets really samey after awhile. My favorite tune was probably the last one, "El Preso Numero Nueve".
So, Joan Baez. I’ve heard you’re a bit of a ‘warbler’, eh? Know-what-I-mean know-what-I-mean, nudge nudge, say no more. JOAN BAEZ: I beg your pardon. So uh… I also heard you like to blow. Bob Dylan says you’re a bit of a blower, nudge nudge, say no more say no more. JOAN BAEZ: Yes. Well, um… I sometimes like to play Blowin’ In The Wind in my live sets. Ahh! Say no more say no more. A nod is as good as a wink to a blind bat. So you’re interested in photography, ay? “Photography, ay?”, he asked her knowingly. JOAN BAEZ: Photography? Snap snap, grin grin, wink wink, nudge nudge, say no more? JOAN BAEZ: I do sometimes have my photo taken for album sleeves or at live gigs. Could they be candid, you know CANDID photography? JOAN BAEZ: Look, what are you trying to insinuate? Well, you’ve been around the block. You know, been a boring folk singer for the past 70 years. JOAN BAEZ: Yes? What’s it like?
This was easy to listen to in the background. The production is great - everything feels really clear and bright. Her vocals are pretty stellar, the songs are nice and simple. I was pleasantly surprised by her Spanish singing skills! I don't think I would revisit this, but it was a decent listen. Favorite tracks: East Virginia Wildwood Flower El Preso Numero Nueve
1001 Albums Generator 289 (5/12/2026) Joan Baez's self-titled is a wonderful collection of gentle folk tunes, but it isn't much more than that. Her voice is beautiful and totally a precursor for much of the contemporary folk that would follow her. Pleasant to listen to, but not something I'd reach for. 3/5. Favs: Silver Dagger Donna Donna Henry Martin Least Fav: Rake and Rambling Boy
Good album maybe a bit to indie foll for me but for the time it was very cool. Great songwriting
Ja, prima, af en toe kabbelt het wel echt heel erg voor, maar echt storend is het niet
Light 3,5
it was pretty good but not somethign id listen to again
Fun listening to this
Enjoyed her guitar work - was hard to listen to a full album, though since it all sounded so similar. 3/5
Solid, though I definitely need to be in a different mind frame to sit down and listen through
Folk songs arent my style
Didn't know anything by her but it's kind of what I imagined it would be. Great voice but it's not something I'm likely to listen to again.
Another country album
I knew of Joan Baez before this but had never really listen to any of her songs. Not really my style of music but I liked it. Reminded me of festival music..
Folk.
There’s nothing wrong with this, but it gets a little tedious to listen to.