Reviews (page 4 of 7)
Quite enjoyed it. Can't bring myself to rate it more highly as she didn't write any of the tracks, but they're performed beautifully.
good voice, good singer folk. but nothing remarkable
Love a bit of folk
s'alright. not her best work but fine
Nice enough but I struggled to find anything that made me want to listen again.
Oväntat fint gitarrspel
not my style, but chill
3.5. Better than expected
There's not much to criticize here, Joan Baez has a beautiful voice and all of these renditions of traditional folk songs are well-made, but personally I could never fully connect with her music. I just think there are plenty of more interesting artists in the genre. I wish the list went a little more in-depth with '60s folk, though, having no Townes Van Zandt or Phil Ochs on the list is a strange decision, to say the least. Favourite track: Fare Thee Well
Joan Baez like all the US early 60s folk scene, just seems like a footnote in the mythology of Bob Dylan. Maybe that's an unfair assessment on my part when you look at wiki. Musically it takes a moment to get used to the pacing, it sure is distant from all the derivatives of rnb, but it can be quite pleasant, with a simplicity, it's all on the strength of the song and voice. Sometimes the songs feel a bit samey., and there are definitely highs and lows which makes it a lengthy listen. If I had been around in1960, think I would have been into rnr and not this folk thing, and not likely to return to it any time soon, was a pleasant pallete cleanser today which definitely enjoyed in places and can see the value in, and the influences she had. 3 Stars
I'm not a folk person but some of the traditional ballads are compelling micro stories and my attention certainly perked up.
Some beautiful vocals with some incredible story telling. Kind of crazy to think this was recorded and wrote by a 19 year old. Does stay a bit samey however, and the magic wears off a little by the second half Have had DONER DONER DONER stuck in my head all day 3
This was a pleasant album to listen to. It calmed me down
Listened to this a couple of times and found it extremely pleasant. Can totally see why it felt exciting in it's time. It now feels extremely limited in scope, but it's not Joan Baez fault that Bob Dylan exists.
Mid 3 As a folky i wanted to like this more. Ive tried to get into it a few times. Its just a bit boring sorry joany.
Not really my thing, but still well done.
It was all okay, but not really great. I appreciate a "raw" folk album, but I still want the sound quality to be a little better. To have the voice cutting in and out at times was unpleasant. In terms of the songs, I tried to compare it to the first couple Dylan albums. I love those albums, so I wanted to put them in the same context. I don't want to write off the Baez album just because I wasn't as familiar. But after the album was done, "Don’t Think Twice It's Alright" played, and it was pretty clear that Dylan was another level at this point. So it was a bunch of traditional folk songs that didn't do much for me and it was kind of poorly recorded.
Her voice was unique but I didn't really like it
What a voice!
Joan Baez’s debut is defined by its stark simplicity, built almost entirely around voice and acoustic guitar. Her singing is beautiful — clear, controlled, and expressive — and carries the material with ease. However, this stripped-down approach doesn’t fully work for me. I tend to prefer folk with a richer instrumental backing, and here the arrangements feel too sparse to sustain interest over a full album. While the vocal performance is consistently strong, the overall sound lacks a sense of fullness.
I have to admit that when I saw this album was the choice for today, I was… concerned. I ended up liking it more than I thought I would but there were times her voice kind of grated on me (but she does have a hauntingly beautiful voice). It was interesting hearing her version of House of the Rising Sun. Donna Donna was truly a sad, sorrowful song. Mary Hamilton was quite sad, too. I was intrigued by Girl of Constant Sorrow (I’ve only heard it from the male perspective before). Album 33, March 31, 2026
OK, so I got an album that most people (me included) haven't heard of. I thought "Self-Titled" was fine and had some good songs. All of the tracks are covers of mostly traditional songs. Folk music isn't my cup of tea, so I wasn't invested in "Self-Titled". I probably would've enjoyed it more if there were some originals. 3 stars for "Self-Titled".
Her voice is absolutely gorgeous and the intonation alone is enough to make me incredibly emotional. I'm not exactly well-versed in this style of music, nor would I say it's my favorite genre, but I can recognize the raw talent on display here. That being said, it's not really something I would really listen to again on my own.
Not my cup of tea, but surprisingly good.
Aurally inoffensive.
Entirely story driven, singer songwriter album. She focuses a lot on relationships but it’s a mix of warnings of loving the wrong men, abandonment, returning love “John Riley” and even Moses. She also has two famous songs, “House of the Rising Sun” and “Girl of Constant Sorrow” (where Brother Where Art Thou copied lyrics for “Man of Constant Sorrow”) Even though I didn’t catch all of the Spanish, I enjoyed “El Preso Numero Nueve” for the native Spanish lyrics. Her voice and playing style are fairly consistent with soft guitar and clear vocals, but didn’t necessarily wow me skill wise.
Honestly, sadly this is not as good at all as I would expected. Her delivery and flow here on this album drags on and is boring. At the very best I would probably give it 3 stars, maybe even just 2, not sure. When first Bob's album came out in a couple of years after this and was much more interesting I think. P.S. Also really I should remember I listened to this on my way home from all night of drinking and not sleeping which absolutely affected my judgement. Perhaps someday I will re-listen to more. Now it's evening and on the 2nd listen I am really enjoying "East Virginia"!
So one thing I’ve learned about myself working through the list is that folk is really not my scene. That said, this was a better representation of folk than most. Baez’s voice has a clear and clean sound, even if a bit fluttery. I enjoyed the simplicity and how the guitar feels like it's just there to enhance her voice. 3.5⭐️
Her voice is divine but too nymph in the woods at a renaissance festival for me.
Had its moments but her banshee like singing didn't hit the spot at other times
She has a good voice but this is so incredibly dated
J'aime bien la voix de Joan Baez mais la guitare solo devient vite redondante
Sympa mais trop calme
Sympa mais un peu boring
Lovely folk songs and incredible voice in a first album. Great listen.
Folk is supposed to be my favourite category. And I have massive respect for Joan Baez and everything that she has achieved in a stellar career. This has a great version of House of the Rising Sun and I like Man of Constant Sorrow turned into Girl of Constant Sorrow. But I'm afraid the high pitched voice for about an hour was just a bit much. 3 out of 5 stars
Beautiful voice. Cute folky record.
7/10 evitable. Canción rescatable: I know you rider
I understand the album significance and her role in the development and success of folk music, but this album is not particularly compelling to me as a listener. It is lovely in its own right but kind of boring.
Nice voice and ballads, its very relaxing to listen to her but there's nothing exceptional in this album. Happy to revisit it 3.5
A lot of really nice tracks and a pleasant listen. Not in love with her voice, but appreciate how it feels ahead of its time.
Fine and folky. Folksy but pretty polished, but nothing really stuck with me. Doesn't feel as raw and straightforward as Dylan or Ramblin Jack, the songs are folk and traditional but the delivery feels polished like a concert or baroque styel. Even though this is the same songs and format that other folk musicians were making at the time I don't enjoy Joan Baez as much. Between a 2 and 3 for me, but I'll bump to a 3.
I can smell her hairy armpits from 2026. It does sound fascinating though, just not for me.
This is pure folk music. She has a very clean voice and the simplicity of the music is really pretty. The guitar instrumentals enhance her voice so well. Very calming music. Not sure why so many songs were about historical figures. Gets pretty samey after a while though. 7/10
Beautiful voice. Not really my thing, but I can respect this!
I haven’t really listened to Joan Baez much before, but certainly she must have better albums than this. She’s a good singer but the songs are just folk covers and feel lacking
Beautiful songs, but her voice is so high-pitched so I feared it will damage my hearing.
3 out of 5. Dated but pleasant.
She has a beautiful voice but this simply isn’t her best album. The fact that it’s traditional song covers makes it feel impersonal, the production and musical backing is sparse, so if you don’t care for her light trilly singing style, this will be a turn off.
Not bad. I like her voice. I like the stripped down nature of folk music. But an hour long album is a bit long for this kind of music.
I've always been aware of Joan Baez, but think this is the first time I've properly listened to one of her albums. Her pure, unencumbered voice, simple guitar accompaniment, and choice of folk songs really informs a lot of what I like. But now it is merely interesting rather than essential.
Old school folk! Not bad at all. Joan's voice was a bit rough for my liking
Spare, traditional arrangements built from clean acoustic guitar picking and unadorned folk structures, with a soaring, piercing voice carrying melodies high above the mix, move this folk album like a clear bell ringing across an open valley—singing of the perils of love and biblical figures like Moses with devotional intensity that feels luminous, unwaveringly solemn and boring at the same time.
Great voice, not my vibes
My rating 3.0 Enjoyed the variety of songs included and her guitar and vocal work is excellent. I could do without the warbling but atleast it’s not on every song.
She's a legend, obvs.....she and this album have their place in history, for sure. Just not super replayable for me.
I mean its kind of monotone, but in a good way?
Great voice, nice songs but long winded and not enough variety.
Very Inside Llewyn Davis vibes. These are pretty, melancholy songs but I find the way in which Baez is singing to be rather outdated and thin.
An excellent selection of songs, but I really don’t like her voice. Without her, so many of the bands I love wouldn’t really exist, but the vocals are just too warbly for me.
Finally getting some proper exposure to Joan after knowing her connections to Dylan for the longest time. Hearing this with some of that work in retrospect and my other exposures to artists who seem to have lifted from her technique (I'm shocked that Happy Rhodes seemingly doesn't list Baez as a vocal influence, their styles especially with vibrato sound very very similar, and I love that) makes for an interestingly aware listen. Cool album.
The most annoying and beautiful voice at the same time. Incredibly talented but her style and vocalizations did not stand up to the test of time.
Some nice guitar playing and vocals but not my type of album really
Not heard this lady before - I love Folk so this is a good one for me. She has a gentle warble to her - not overly drawling which is nice. Another one I'd give 3.5 to as it's ok but very exposed and I'm not sure that there is enough variation to the melodies or vocal tone, I think they're all in the same key even (or at least sound like it). It's Joni-esque but without the sparkle. Rounding down this time as some of the songs sound strained rather than uplifting so I found myself skipping through it. I wouldn't rush to go see her live.
Raw, vulnerable singing but for me really only a glimpse of things to come. As an album it's a bit too over blown in terms of the singing. By the time Joan Baez was writing her own and has found perhaps more in the way of dynamics her legend was assured. Songs like the later Diamonds and Rust are among the most astonishing things ever written and performed but this early album is not something I think I'd find myself listening to that much.
I liked the choice of songs (I didn’t realize ‘House of the Rising Sun’ was a folk standard), her voice is very nice and the sound quality was solid. I do not understand why every song featured her reaching for notes that made me turn down my volume. It felt like she could only interpret each song one way.
Very beautiful voice and lovely tracks, nothing I'll be relistening too I don't think
This is solid, old school folk. Not my thing, but I liked melody on Henry Martin. El Preso Numero Nueve was a favorite, too. This is great for what it is. Still a 3 from me.
With Joan Baez it all boils down to how well you like her beautiful soprano like voice & I just never did. The songs are great (traditional folk) the guitar playing is simple and pretty but her voice as impressive as it is to even non-fans as myself is just too much and what works as a one-off song on the radio overwhelms on a whole album.
It's alright. Not my style, but I don't dislike it. Lyrics are sometimes compelling
Folksier than i usually go
Only the coldest of hearts could resist being charmed.
I’m usually not the right audience for this kind of music, but reading the backstory was compelling, and I was able to find my way in.
And we end the year of 2025 with a relaxing folk album. It ok.
Good voice, a lot of vernacular songs being captured here. Works as a snapshot of that kind of music. The songs are often stories with all of them only sparsely accompanied by a guitar. A fine choice considering the source material. Though the runtime is on the long side and the variety is not enough to keep it interesting throughout. Listen at least once for the history, not going to relisten later.
It’s not great as a casual listener, but was super influential. Baez explores the less-explored internal dialogue of (white) American experience.
An 84 year old Folk Singer from Staten Island, New York.
Classic stuff, but don't listen to more than an album at a time or it'll wear on you quickly.
Wow, another 60's singer-songwriter folkie! Is it time again for me to complain about how I don't understand their lyrics? Thankfully, no — and thank goodness for that. This is an album made up entirely of traditional tunes. Baez only arranged these songs (except for, like, two or three), so luckily I don't hafta worry about parsing out what any of these songs "mean" and try to judge Baez's songwriting. But I'll tell you: it **is** sort of strange that this is Joan's debut and yet she didn't write a single song on it. Now one! I mean, it's not that odd that it's made up of folk standards; Bob Dylan's two years later was largely standards as well. But then, Dylan somehow managed to sneak two of his own originals on there, so... Whatever, though. This album clearly wants more to show off Baez's skills as a performer. That's fine, that's fair; I probably would've focused largely on the performance even if there were some of her own songs. And, I mean, this thing lives and dies on its performance; for the whole runtime there's only Joan and her guitar. There ain't even a harmonia to break up the pace. So, if you're not into her performance, I can't imagine what a slog these 40 minutes would feel like. Is it a slog to me? Well ... here's the thing: I can tell that Joan is a very nice guitar player and a very nice singer. Normally I don't have much tolerance for this kind of "plonking along on a guitar" sort of thing, but I think Joan plays pretty enough that I can look past it. Her voice is really nice, too. When she sings lightly and softly, I can completely understand that one person I saw who called her voice "haunting." No doubt, I think I'd get a little tired of a whole album of just this and nothing else, but I think it'd happen pretty slowly if Joan kept this up. If she did. I wish she did, but, no — you've also gotta put up with her **vibrato**. This isn't the first folk album I've come across with a vibrato album, and maybe it's not the worst, but goodness me. It just builds, the entire length of the thing. Every time Joan holds a note, it suddenly sounds like she's in a car on a bumpy road, or like someone's started shaking her by the shoulders. I really can't understand why so many folk singers decided they want to sing like that. I'unno if they think it's more soulful or real or whatever than just holding the note straight, but goodness me. If you ever hear Buffy Saint-Marie's cover of "The Circle Game" at double speed like I have, you'll never take vibrato seriously ever again. And that's not even the only issue I take with her voice. There are also times where she puts some volume in her voice, and goodness me, they don't sound great. Whenever it happens, it sounds like the song's bricking. Her singing seriously just gets that loud and overpowering in comparison to her everything else, and it is seriously not pleasant. I know this album was recorded in 1960, but there wasn't **anything** they could have done about this? Jeez, at least tell her to lean back from the microphone; she's a moment away from putting it in her mouth. It's a shame I take such issue with these two elements of her voice. I can clearly tell that she's supposed to have the voice of an angel, but then these two flaws ... well, they keep it from truly ascending, y'know. I do wish I could be more into it, but, just how things go sometimes. At least I was able to write a folk singer-songwriter review without bringing up the lyrics, for once. Goodness.
This was an interesting album. Baez has a really nice voice. It's very minimalist but it would have been so much less impactful with more. Much like Bob Dylan, a voice and a guitar is all you really need, especially when you are as talented as Baez. I don't often love the singer/songwriter type genre, but Joan Baez really sucks you in with some outstanding lyrics and melodies. It would take several listens to really absorb all the stories being told here, but on a first listen, it's a strong album. Standouts were "House of the Rising Sun," "All My Trials" and "El Preso Numero Nueve." "Girl of Constant Sorrow" off the reissue tracks is pretty great too. Pretty cool album. Not the kind of thing I listen to often, so I'd give it a 3 because I love her voice and Joan Baez is a legend. It's pleasant and I'd not shy away from listening to more of Baez's work.
It’s easy to hear why this album mattered so much and why Joan Baez became such a defining voice of folk music. Favourite Songs: Silver Dagger, East Virginia, Wildwood Flower. Least Favourite Songs: House of the Rising Sun, Little Moses.
I really dig the 50s western romance vibes in this album. 3.5/5
Not totally for me
Never heard of Joan Baez before this. This is what the project is all about! Similarly, I don't think I had had much exposure to 'Folk Music'. This was a pleasant surprise, with Baez's beautiful haunting voice and equally haunting acoustic guitar. I particularly loved "East Virginia" and Baez's cover of "House of the Rising Sun", both tracks somber and moody; these vibes, I realise, are near integral to my music taste. My only reservation with this album is the lack of variation, same were my thoughts on Don McLean's American Pie. Nearing to the albums close, tracks begin to blur together, though I appreciate that in 1960 American Folk was going through a revival period.
It’s an okay album. Her voice is strikingly beautiful and some of the songs are really good. There are a few that start to get close to renaissance fair music and this is what hurts the album. 2.5/5 Might listen again
It was ok not my type of favorite music lol
Minimalistista kitara ja tyttö tyylistä musiikkia. Oikein hidastempoista mutta kerrontavoittoista musiikkia. Tykästyin!
I enjoyed this album fine. Joan has a pretty voice which is very pleasant and enjoyable to listen to and I loved the folk vibes of the album. I felt like many of the songs sounded similar so it was hard for me to tell them apart but overall I enjoyed this album and would listen to it again!
This debut is undeniably important, but importance doesn’t always translate to enjoyment. The clarity and power of Baez’s voice are impressive on a technical level, yet the tone can drift into something sharper and more piercing than I ultimately find pleasant. It’s a style built for commanding attention, not necessarily for warmth, and over the course of a full album it wears on me more than it draws me in. The material itself is solid enough, with familiar folk standards delivered cleanly, but nothing here feels definitively hers. After finishing the record, hearing Joni Mitchell immediately highlighted the contrast: the songs felt more inviting, more nuanced, more emotionally textured. Baez’s interpretations, by comparison, come across as admirable rather than moving. I’m glad to have heard it as a historical touchstone, but it’s not something I see myself returning to. A respectful three stars—valuable to know, not essential to revisit.
Decent debut
I don’t really know how to rate folk music since I don’t listen to a lot of folk, but I gotta say Baez has a fantastic voice, and she is a stellar guitar player. Beyond that, though, the songs are just alright.
I like Joan fine. She's not my go to but I'm fine with hearing this every now and again.
Joan has a beautiful voice and I really liked the intricacy of the acoustic guitar fingerpicking; wish there was more variety in the sound/that it got a little more experimental with other instruments, musical styles, etc. (even though this is a pretty pure folk album); felt a little long/got a little boring
Nice folk album. She has a beautiful voice. Favorites: Donna Donna
Baez’s teenage voice was pristine. And these folk selections are gentle and tasteful. Maybe too gentle? I yearned for a little more variety.
Long but chill
She has a lovely voice. I don't love the "traditional" folk songs, they all sound like updated takes on Greensleeves. I like her take on House of the Rising Sun but the Animals are still the definitive version. There's something both innocent and knowing about her delivery. I Know You Rider is the best song on the album. It's good, not great, but better than Joni Mitchell. She loves using the phrase "deep salt sea".
***An ok album, easy listening. Most tracks sound alike
Glad to listen to a joan Baez album. Feels like Paul Simon where if I grew up on this I would totally get it. Just too sparse for me. There were a few times I thought the album had looped because I was sure I had heard this one already. It’s still pretty and she’s a great vocalist.
3.5
Little bit of a religious element to these folk songs.
Groundbreaking, but not breathtaking
her voice is obviously incredible but folk songs aren't super my jam. 2.5
Great voice, nice guitar, gets a bit boring by the end but calming listen overall.
My parents loved Joan Baez and we had some of her records in the house growing up. I didn't pay it much attention at the time, but listening to this brought me back to childhood and hearing her, S&G, PP&M, and other folk singers of the era in our living room. What a beautiful voice she has, and the arrangements range from somber to joyous, sometimes in the same song.
Well, she has a beautiful voice and the guitar work is solid. I respect Baez deeply and I enjoy a collection of well-performed folk songs as much as the next person, but this was a bit monolithic and overlong for me to outright love.
Something just doesn't quite float my boat here, and I was hoping that it would, returning to her. Curious to see if other albums of hers feel the same.
I’m not a fan of Joan’s voice. Her vibrato, especially in the higher registers, is grating on my ears. It’s tough to listen to sometimes. This was her debut album, so all traditional folk music. I do like some of her music on later albums when she branches out to include more rock/pop influences and her voice smoothes out a bit more. This album wasn’t for me, but she became one of the most influential folk singers as a result of this, so giving it a 3.
While this is not my style of music (folk) I can see why this album was popular during the 60’s. The message in Baez’s songs is more important than the actual arrangement, but this girl can sing too. I imagine that this style of music was a change from the rock and roll blasting the air waves during the 60’s and Baez’s lyrics connected with the masses during a very tumultuous time period. Again, not really for me, but I get it and can see how her songs pushed future artists to be successful.
Like many other albums, I think I might like this more if I was in the right mood for it.
A collection of covers of traditional folks songs done in such an intimate way with just a girl her guitar and incredible voice. It’s a must listen for folk enthusiasts (loved her rendition of house of the rising sun).
Best: "Wildwood Flower" Worst: "Mary Hamilton"
Not my cup of tea really but quite peaceful
Stellar instrumentation and songs that are so sturdy that they feel juxtaposed on the delicate voice of Joan.
Beautiful, airy and ethereal. But a bit monotonous towards the end.
very pretty.
A talented woman whose falsetto I do not enjoy
Great arrangements and musicians. I can understand why it is considered one of the best albums of folk music. My biggest problem is I am not a big fan of Joan Baez's voice. Between the tonal limitations and continual vibrato in her voice I can only listen to 3- 4 songs then I have to take a break.
If thou likest thy folk music, thou shall like this. Best consumed in small batches.
One of Mom's favorites. It's good, but the voice is definitely an acquired taste.
Good singing and guitar
muy linda vos y lindas canciones. otra vez no es algo q pondria pero reconozco q es muy lindo album
Very cute
Partly beautiful, partly haunting
This one's tough. She's got a great voice, but I just don't enjoy the trilling. And boy, does she trill. 3.5*
Very nice
silver dagger- 5 east virginia- 5 fare thee well- 5 house of the rising sun- 5 all my trials- 5 wildwood flower- 5 donna donna- 5 this is boring as fuck joan
Vackert men inte så spännande
Ganska trevligt och definitivt mysigt! Kul!
Fint men inget speciellt.
the queen of 60’s folk.
Simple and pleasant, doesn't leave any major lasting impression but her voice and vibrato are nice
3.75
She has a really good voice
I couldn’t find this one on the streaming services so I listened to Farewell Angelina instead. There’s a chance I could really like this if I stuck with it but I was in and out on it this morning.
Simple but sweet
I like her picking style and her voice but it’s too slow and downbeat for me.
Top track: Silver Dagger / Henry Martin
Classic folk
Good singer, some good tunes - but folk has never been my thing. Respect it though.
She walked so Joni Mitchell could run
Favorite Track: House of the Rising Sun
OK
3/5 Didn't expect much since it's folk music, but this is actually pretty good. Baez has a soft vibrato voice that calms me down funny enough, even if I don't like the music in particular.
Honestly pretty good. I was annoyed at her vocalising a bit too much in some songs
Enjoyable.
Pleasant performances but quite same-y when heard back-to-back. Probably carries more weight if you belong to the folk of these songs.
A beautiful sweet voice and a mostly boring album.
Better than expected. There are other performers who sing these songs better, but they might never have bothered to record them if Joan Baez hadn't made it OK for urban northerners to listen. If that makes any sense. And she plays a mean guitar too, which I didn't know.
I liked her voice, the songs weren’t as politically charged as I expected them to be. I enjoyed listening to her and wish I had the time to just sit and do that as the activity. I particularly enjoyed wildhood flower and her version of “girl of constant sorrow”.
The album is fine. Didn't hate it, won't be listening again. For a folk album from 1960, it isn't bad. Just kinda boring. Joan has a nice voice, but I'm not a fan of her vocal gymnastics.
If I liked folk music, this might be my favorite album yet. Unfortunately, there's only so much folk music I can handle in one sitting. Most songs here are fine by themselves and aren't long at all. There's not much going on here either. Few lyrics, strong vocals and some light guitar playing. Also, all of these are just traditional folk songs or covers. So... the only new thing we're getting is the vocals. It's worth it honestly. I did struggle to get through to the end, though.
Can you believe this thing was recorded in just 4 days by an artist who had never released a single project ever before? That is the story that started the legendary career of Folk legend Joan Baez, who at 19 wowed people for just what she was capable of doing with a guitar in her hand and a whiff of that youthful creativity flowing inside her. While a lot of the songs here are renditions of popular tracks from the past, having them shown on such a display as this with Joan's gorgeous singing is nothing short of stunning. Everything from Scottish Folk tales to the iconic House of the Rising Sun are all pieces that come together to make Joan's beautifully aged debut album. This album is a really solid representation of Folk music as a whole before it really started popping into the mainstream with Bob Dylan. This album is extremely consistent and a damn good time, so if you haven't already you should definitely give Joan a chance here because she really kills it on this album.
Ok
I don't like her vibrato but the songs were nice.
This is going to be another very similar album review compared to the other Folk albums I’ve rolled so far. Folk isn’t generally my thing, but I can appreciate it for what it is. It makes it a lot easier when I like the singers voice, obviously. Joan has a very soothing voice, and it’s extremely relaxing. The way she can hold a note for so long and really make it vibrate is very impressive. It’s also really cool hearing her start singing in Spanish on one of her tracks. Unfortunately, much like the other folk albums I’ve rolled, I’m probably not going to remember this one all too much in a few days. That being said, I’m an absolute sucker for good “House Of The Rising Sun” covers, and this one is pretty dang good. For that reason, that and the aforementioned “El Preso Numero Nueve” are my favorites on this one. Very pretty, but not the most memorable, as has been the same case for a lot of the other Folk albums.
Her voice is clear and smooth but a little too operatic for my tastes.
JOAN BAEZ?? DE FLÜGEL VO FROSINONE? mega cooli stimm!! silver dagger suuper die nächste 2 lieder findi schön aber chli apathisch ahhh fuunnyy house of the rising sun find d version vode amimals schochli besser glaub ahh all my trials kenntmer au oder poaaah donna donna isch suuuper, vorher hani chli abgstellt leider ohh es jiddischs lied!! hmm ja aso megaa schöni stimm aber ich merk, dass ichs schnell chli langwilig chan finde und denn s nächste lied isch denn wieder MEGA SCHÖN mega cool, dass na es spanischs lied debii isch! find sie het e suuper stimm, doch gitarre, di meiste lieder...sind eifach easy? weiss nanig genau, 3 oder 4
If only she had songs some Dylan songs…
Died off a bit but I enjoyed most of it
Astonishing talent. Found myself tiring of this fairly quickly but there's no denying Baez is something special.
This was decent. What really caught me off guard was the first song!! Silver Dagger! Apparently it's what Saint Etienne used for their song Like A Motorway. This whole time I thought it was their original tune! So that was cool to hear that. She also had a version of House of the Rising Sun, and All My Trials. It was some good folk reminded me a ton of Peter Paul and Mary. But still only 3 stars
This was okay. Folksy, but that seemed to be a given. I personally didn't hate it and it had a few good songs, but I won't put it in my regular rotation for listening. 3 stars.
novamente, não é ruim mas é terrivelmente sem sal
A funny little folky album. 3/5
Not really my vibe, solid 3
3.5
Glad I listened to it. House of the rising sun?!?!
Pretty, haunting, wish it was shorter or more varied
Definitely the chill vibes I needed today.
Pretty nice folk.
Incredible voice. Not a surprise she crushed it at Woodstock.
I don't think this is essential. At times the voice is a little annoying, but for the most part it's pretty good. Would have been better if it was shorter. Favorite song: donna donna
Always heard her name and never knew what she was about. Played a big role in the Dylan movie and then watched the Rolling Thunder Revue and she’s in that too. Seems like a pretty cool lady. Good to do a full listen of an album. As for this album, all these songs are beautiful, but pretty darn similar. I think I’ll add Silver Dagger and keep a lookout for more Baez.
Wow, I guess I didnt know how far back Baez went. 1960 for this flower girl folk is really ahead of the main wave. Silver Dagger had some neat fingerpicking. Vocals were excellent throughout- particularly on All My Trials. Didn’t always love the vibrato though Pretty slow, but this fits a particularly relaxing vibe that can work. Not the easiest record to call up for the future, but enjoyable when you thirst for the slow and sweet. Rounding up to 3
Is Joan Baez one of the best cover artists of all time? I just watched the Bob Dylan movie a few weeks ago so Joan is top of mind. I had no idea she and Bobby D were such a thing (musically and romantically). She's got PIPES. I like her version of Bob Dylan's songs (and their duets) much more than I like his songs. Seems like a match made in heaven: an incredible songwriter with a mediocre voice + a mediocre songwriter with an incredible voice. Talk about strategic fit. But in her own albums, the meh songwriting really comes through (except in covers like House of the Rising Sun). This seems like why she's not the household name that someone like Joni Mitchell is, even if she's a better performer. She'll do a beautiful rendition of any song but her own stuff isn't up to par Side note: her cover of The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down is sick
Ted's review nailed it - amazing voice, and was really drawn to her story in the Bob movie. These songs are boring as hell though, and a little lifeless - thinking her energy doesn't translate over studio recording. I dabbled in Live at Woodstock and Live at Woodstock. Similar songs, but so much more engaging.
She has a great voice. Folk music is a big meh, but it was still a good album despite that.
A very nice voice, but the whole album felt like one long song with different verses.
Too much of Joan's voice can grate on my nerves, but this is a relatively solid early 60's folk offering. 3.5/5
I don’t dislike folk music but I do find I can only abide three or four songs before I get antsy for something different. I do like Joan’s voice, though. 3/5
6/10 - it sounded like Joni Mitchell which is alright I kind of like her music
Mid folk
A very beautiful and traditional folk album
I like this album. Nice warm tones and beautiful song writing. My only issue is the use of vibrato is a bit excessive, I know that was indicative of the time but it’s a bit grading. Lots of nice highlights Fav tracks - Silver Dagger - East Virginia - Wildwood flower - Donna Donna - John Riley - Rake and Rambling Boy - El Preso Numéro Neuve
Pretty fun but nothing remarkable. 3.5/5
I'm sorry, I just can't. I'm breaking my own rating system to give this a 3 just because. But there is no way I'm listening to it ever again.
Tooooo much vibrato- voice non stop wavering. I know it was the style of sixties folk, and I know her place in it- but I don’t love the hyper-restrictive folk scene of that era- and this wears thin after just a few songs.
Fint
Of its time.
It’s pretty good when she isn’t doing too much warbaling.
Joan Baez es una de las mayores exponentes de la Greenwich Village Scene y su debut es su álbum más famoso. Está bien, pues en 1960 no se podía hacer nada mucho mejor. Un correcto álbum de folk sin muchos alardes.
These are just lovely renditions of traditional folk songs, and also she says my name a whole lot in one of them :P Her vibrato does drive me a little crazy after a while, though.
Забавно, что её альбом идет прямиком за Диланом. Это заскриптовано? Если так, очень мило. У нее супер-голос, и минимализм аранжировки подчеркивает. Голос. Хороший альбом, если немного безликий в этой своей традиционности, как это часто бывает с дебютниками того времени. Лучшая песня - Donna Donna.
Some great songs and renditions on the album but some really sad songs too. Enjoyed House Of The Rising Sun and El Preso Numero Nueve the most
Great acoustic guitar and a good voice
Day540 - this sounds a hundred years old. it’s crazy how popular and mainstream she was with such a simple sound
There were moments when Baez would go for high notes or a more powerful delivery that were hard to endure. Particularly with headphones, the variations in volume were ridiculous. Certainly a commentary on her performances, but in this case, I’d chalk that up to poor production. In general, there’s limited appeal for me with this type of folky one singer/one guitar arrangement. Didn’t love this.
Slow singing. But fun lyrics. 3/5
A nice record, beautiful voice. Only got halfway through until I fell asleep though. Thought I would return to it next day but I really don't feel that I need it now. I think that's enough for now. Maybe some day later.
Simple but in a good way, great voice and nice acoustic guitar. The lyrics were hooking as well for the most part. Favourites: Mary Hamilton, the Spanish one and rake and rambling boy, I thought quite a few of them could be favourites though but those were what got my attention for some reason. Overall, 6.5/10.
As a teen i liked her, but now she is kind os annoying
A nice collection of American folk. Pleasant to listen to, but ultimately not for me. I could see how Baez was influential to the kusic of the 60s. Overall- 2.5/5
Joan Baez has an incredibly strong voice--that I found unpleasant to listen to. Probably wouldn't come back to this, but I do recognize her talent, even if it's not for me.
Not my bag, but I understand Joan's importance to the folk movement
Periaatteessa ihan mukiinmenevää folkkia, mutta levyllinen yhteen pötköön oli vähän liikaa.
The opening track really pulled me in
dosyć przyjemne, ale trochę nudnawe
This is an interesting collection of songs. One of the things that's interesting is that most of these songs are written by anonymous. They come from traditional sources and that's pretty cool. One of my favorites is Wildwood Flower. June Carter Cash played it great but my favorite version is still Loretta Lynn's. Overall I can appreciate the artistry but this isn't so much my thing (but I liked it better than Joni Mitchell).
There’s something very earthy and pure about the simplicity of Joan’s voice and her guitar. Her style also feels very Americana, despite the Scottish and Spanish influences at the end. I didn’t fall in love with her vocals but was very intrigued and comforted by them.
a quiet, unadorned work of folk of which your opinion of is based on your attachment to early 60s folk preservation. i enjoy Joan Baez a lot, and she sells the bejeezus out of otherwise overdone tunes like "House of the Rising Sun" and "John Riley", but i'm just not enough of a folk dork to care about every rendition of "Little Moses". the crown jewel, however, is clearly her fingerpicked version of "Silver Dagger" that opens up the whole thing in moody glory, and always feels as if it would accompany a shower of rain and muffled sunlight.
Folk and bluegrass feel, songs are a bit samey, two chord progressions etc (not that that's a bad thing) I probably wouldn't listen again, I'd need to listen to more of her popular stuff though
She was really giving it some during this. Found it quite tricky for volume control. Decent stuff though. The Simpsons: No
Here’s the thing about Joan Baez: a lot of her music is too warbly for me but I absolutely love her, she’s 84 and out there strumming her guitar at protests while Tay Tay sits on her private beach and feels sorry for herself and Beyoncé stuffs hats with hundred dollar bills or whatever she does for fun.
Helt ok
Very simple but catchy songs The only thing holding this one back is how old this is
Not really my style, however, I do think it is good music.
Joan plays the guitar
# Album Name: Joan Baez # Artist: Joan Baez # Rating: 3/5 # Comments: First thing that struck me - that beautiful voice. Wow, this girl has some great vocals on her. The album itself isnt bad. Decent listen. Im not huge on folk but it kept me listening the whole way. There were a couple of stand out tracks but it was the vocals which again shone through. House of the rising sun was a great example of that. But there was just something missing. Maybe its the folk style, maybe its just missing classics. Probably the latter. Overall a decent listen. Ill definitely be checking out other albums for her vocals alone. # Top Tunes: HOTRS / John riley / Henry Martin # Would I listen to it again? Maybe
Her singing talent unquestionable, but this one got a little long.
3.4
Last 3rd of the album saved it from a 2
Not a bad album but terribly boring to me. I couldn't finish it.
A collection of mostly traditional Anglo folk songs, arranged by Joan Baez. Lovely voice, remarkable recording and production. Good album.
One of the all-time voices but this is not the strongest collections of songs.
very pleasant, but also not something i would listen to that often
this made me smile in a weird way haha. definitely a different listen but something about her voice was pleasant. The folk music kinda did it for me, felt very whimsical in a way :)
not bad
Good, wouldn’t listen to a full album of her by choice it’s very repetitive.
Good, but it became very repetitive and slow in the second half. 6-6.5/10
3
No hate to Joan, but 1 hour of Joan is a lot of Joan, even if Joan is an absolutely phenomenal vocalist.
Very pretty very folksy very nice. Almost a 4
I liked this album. Joans voice is great and she was also a pioneer of the Greenwich village scene along with contemporaries like Bob Dylan. "Silver Dagger" and "House of the Rising Sun" are good. I think a lot of this album is fairly shallow and forgettable 6/10 Favourite: Silver Dagger Least Favourite: Rake and Rambling Boy
super nice sound for something recorded super late. her voice is crazy
Not bad
Nice enough, all very similar and not quite the most excitement I've ever had.
Beautifully haunting folk music but her voice is also a little grating at times. I want to enjoy it more than I do.
Lovely vpice could have turned up the guitair bit as grated by the end
I watched the Bob Dylan movie last week, good timing. Interesting, but them folkies really did think they were saving the world, didn't they?
Classic Ren Faire vibes, I don't hate it but I don't love it. Would listen again with morning coffee chill vibes maybe? Silver Dagger, All My Trials, Donna Donna, Rake and Rambling Boy were the tracks that drew me in most. Don't like East Virginia and hated how she sung the high high notes in Fare Thee Well. I actually didn't like the cover of House of the Rising Sun, too stretched out for me. Basically any of the slower songs where things were stretched out I think were less successful than the more upbeat tracks. Overall pretty neutral feelings about this one, some nice folk tracks but nothing stood out in terms of vocals or instrumentals.
Somewhat warrbly folk
It must have been something to hear that voice in a small club in New York in the sixties.
Nice background tunes
This is #day245 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and… yet again, I'm listening to the album a day later, not the day it got generated. As I play Joan Baez's debut, it's snowing outside my window, and it's April. Honestly, it hurts to see this view. It's the window of a new apartment my wife and I moved into just a couple of days ago. It's not our own place, still rented. I say "still" because we've set a goal to one day have a nest of our own. We're working on it. These are fragile days of adjusting and settling in... Hopefully, it all turns out well. The music on this album soothes the storms inside and gives space to reflect on the moment. It's a pleasant listen overall. But since I'm not a huge fan of folk and am unlikely to return to this one, I'm giving it a 3 out of 5. Looking forward to #day246.
3.5
verrry solid ms. baez
This album follows straight after Scum by Napalm Death! This whiplash is what keeps me going on this project. I'm not a folk enthusiast, but I enjoyed Joan more than I thought I would, especially the story songs like John Riley or Mary Hamilton
p48, 1960. 3 stars. A wonderful crystal clear voice, and some excellent guitar work - but it's let down by the material, and a lot of the songs tend to just blend into each other.
a foundational pillar of modern folk music, the 1960 self-titled album by Joan Baez made its mark among aficionados in Greenwich Village and, eventually, the wider folk world. it's a collection of 13 traditional folk songs arranged by Baez for acoustic guitar and voice that sounds strikingly contemporary, despite being over 60 years old by now. to this day, folk guitarists are cribbing her style! it's an impressive thing for Baez to have achieved at the age of 19! my major complaint is just that 13 songs feels like too many. this album runs 45 minutes, but I felt like I had my fill after around 30. decent 6/10.
she has the most lovely voice. probably would have rated this a four if it had been a little shorter. 3.5
3.5
Folk music. Pretty good with a lovely voice but the high vibrato started to wear on me after a while. Would’ve also liked to hear the guitar more. It was really quiet.
Beautiful voice and some nice tracks, but a whole folk album is always going to be a tough listen.
Det balancerer mellem smukt og kedeligt. Mest af alt gav det mig lyst til at høre andre fortolkninger af gamle folkesange
I mean, it was fine, but not really my thing. I like an earthier vocal sound, but I am a sucker for old folk tunes-Silver Dagger really resonates with my own mommy issues, lol. The cover of House of the Rising Sun was unnecessary. I didn’t finish this record, but I could see how I could maybe enjoy it in the right mood? I’d give it a 2.5 if I could, but will round up to 3 for quality of vocal talent and song choices (for the most part).
I prefer her guitar work over her vocals. Even though she has a traditionally beautiful voice, the soprano vibrato gets to me after a little while, and she used vibrato about 75% of the time. She also didn’t write any of her own music for her debut, relying on traditional folk songs sang in the contemporary Greenwich Village style. 3.3/5
Beautiful voice and guitar, but the arrangement doesn't work equally well for all the songs. Sometimes it's a bit too much, and some of these ballads are just too old-timey.
I’m not a big fan of folk music, but I recognize this as very well executed folk music
Very 60s sounding hippie folk. Good voice, quite like a lot of the guitar, was actually pretty decent thinking about it, especially for the time. Pretty repetitive as these folk albums often are and some quite silly lyrics here and there. The fact I only thought it was quite good in retrospect is a bit telling that I didn't enjoy it all that much at the time, but overall okay.
Initially I thought this was going to be great, thought she sounded like joni Mitchell. However, I found her voice verging into the shrill at times and it annoyed me a bit. The covers are the covers and they don't count. I do think it was pretty good though, just not quite as good as my first impression so felt slightly disappointed. Very dated too Overall was ok, but won't be rushing back. 3
-well, this is really nice. I’ve been wanting to listen to Joan Baez but had no idea where to start -her voice is the highlight, easily, and if im being honest pretty much the main thing this record has going for it. it got a liiittle repetitive toward the end and it was harder for individual songs to stand out -still glad I listened though because holyshit her voice and some of that instrumentation… lovely -Favorites are Silver Dagger, Donna Donna, and Henry Martin
Not bad for a folk album, but definitely not my thing. 3/5
She's got a beautiful voice, and plays guitar wonderfully, but these traditional folk songs are maybe just a bit TOO folky for me. Spotify autoplay started playing Baez Sings Dylan after this album finished and I enjoyed that a lot more.
A fine folk album. It does get a little repetitive as it goes on though. Mid 3.
Peaceful, relaxing, and perfect for a chilly morning watching snow flurries outside. I hope we have more of her albums later on. Especially enjoyed her version of House Of The Rising Sun.
Damn, that woman sure can pick a guitar! Her voice isn't too shabby either. This was a really fun collection of folk songs. I got chills listening to "House of the Rising Sun". I kept looking up who sings the original version of a bunch of these song, and most seem to be traditional folk songs that were recorded in the 30s but were around even before then.
Like Bob Dylan and others of the great folk music scare Joan Baez is a link to an older world order. I never cared for this stuff at the time but now I can appreciate it's importance in the evolution of pop music.
Ich mag Folk. Aber einige klassische Gesangspassagen passen nicht.
she’s cute
I can't stand her voice, I can't stand the music and I don't like acoustic guitar, but I think I finally get why people like/liked this. Obviously as a middle aged white dude it's not for me. She's kind of a fucked up girl singing her kinda fucked up music and I can totally get why that would be popular. She is probably the only one I really get of this era. The other female singer songwriter types of this era seem to be trying to be this weird and always feel forced.
Joan Baez has a lovely voice, and she is a great guitarist. But I wish she hadn't limited herself to doing arrangements of traditional folk songs, and actually wrote a few songs of her own.
Some beautiful moments and a fantastic voice.
I was expecting this to be more of a protest-y type of thing. But then again it was 1960, not 1968. It was fine, but I felt it was a little long for a folk album. I always expect these things to be a single album of maybe 30 minutes. 55 is pushing it. Hard to believe it's from 1960, as the sound is very good, considering. All in all, I thought it was just... okay. I didn't hate it, but from what I know of her I was expecting more. Maybe I shouldn't have for this first album. Top tracks: "House of the Rising Sun," "all My Trials," "John Riley"
she did great things but this melodic folk has aged not well
I quite liked this for the most part, although her voice does get a bit much sometimes, especially in the higher parts where she amps up the volume.
Very very good. Not enough variety for me, but individually every song is quite strong.
Yeah, it's definitely folk music. It is haunting and beautiful, the guitar work is also good. Folk music always feels a bit samey though I want it to go somewhere sometimes...
Simple but effective. Great voice, great guitar playing.
Album un peu répétitif avec plusieurs chansons faites sur le même patron musical et qui sont difficiles à distinguer l’une de l’autre. J’ai quand même beaucoup aimé les quelques chansons plus rythmées voire country et j’ai eu un coup de cœur particulier pour « Donna Donna » et la chanson en espagnol « El Preso Numero Nueve ». Et elle a vraiment une très belle voix, même dans les chansons un peu trop lyreuses.
huge folk album
Girl with guitar, not much else to say. I liked the spanish song. Stand-out: Wildwood Flower, El Preso Número Nueve
I've always found her voice a little hard to take.
Back in the 60s I remember this as a beautiful folk album. It seemed perfect back then, but not so much now. Any one song by itself is nice, but a whole album of this is a bit too much. I was wondering when it was going to end.
I don't know if album-length Joan Baez (and a long one at that) is something that I'd casually engage in in my free time. Her voice is "beautiful" but almost a bit much, though I generally like it here. (When I don't it's usually in material that I'm more familiar with, e.g. renditions of Dylan songs.) Donna Donna is a wonderful wonderful discovery from this album.
Beautifully sung and played, feels like a time capsule of 1960 folk music. I have nothing bad to say about this album other than you really need to be in a headspace to listen to it. It's perfect in it's simplicity, but that simplicity can leave listeners bored (as some have suggested on here) or maybe fatigued by it's consistency. For that, I give it a 3/5. A masterpiece for it's time that went on to inspire many more amazing artists but was left in it's time.
I could hardly differentiate her from Joni Mitchell for the longest time - It's not bad, but I find her voice too flowery and I feel like the lyrics loose some of their power in it
The vocals are a lot but it’s classic Joan
Lovely voice, but the volume dynamics were a bit much.
Her voice didn’t work for everything here but it was sweet overall
Nice voice but somewhat boring in areas.
Good when you're in the right mood. El Preso is awesome. 3.5
A folk classic, but not my personal favorite
A bunch of rich kids sitting in the park playing what look to be chairs, but upon further inspection are some sort of instruments made of wood with strings. These rich kids have spent their youth in classrooms and libraries reading about the atrocities committed by their fellow humans, and so they decide to rebel the only way they know how. They decide it best to play an old forgotten style of music and point fingers at those who treat others as less-than. In doing so, they themselves treat other humans as less-than in an appeal to get them to change their ways. This does not work, but the same style of protest has none the less persisted to this very day. You see for I am the most virtuous of all because I sing about it the loudest without any real sacrifice. MLK Jr. made a sacrifice, Joan Baez made songs and money. The album is good enough if you are a fan of folk music, which I am, I just wanted to vent about the overblown "sacrifices" these celebrity protestors make.
It's been a hard week and Hot Chip was really the only reprieve that I was able to get. A lot of folk and 60's hippie rock for me. Today, I get Joan Baez. I did find this to be a more pleasant album even though it kind of comes and goes for me. It's incredibly mellow and probably has historical significance since Joan Baez is the female Bob Dylan. This album deserves a spot in this book and her cover of the House of the Rising Sun is different from the Animals version. It's a good different though, because her version lacks the eerie musical sound of the Animals version but her voice does provide ominous vibes.
Went back and forth between she had the most incredible voice ever and wanting to plug my ears. Some of those high notes were HIGH. Incredible guitar player and musician but this got boring after the first few songs.
I find her voice a little too piercing rather than soothing, so she isn't a favourite, but I love folk music and there are some gems on here. It's interesting to hear snippets of tune and lyrics from other folk songs - not just English folk, but Scottish and even Spanish amongst others. A real trip through musical history.
I think Joan Baez is very skilled, and her music comes out exactly as she intends for it to. She's obviously a cultural icon, and a very significant figure in the 1960's counterculture movement. For me, she comes off a bit too earnest, which I don't mean as an insult and I highly doubt she would take it as one, but that is the only detracting factor in my eyes. My Top 3: East Virginia All My Trials Wildwood Flower
I should've saved my listening notes yesterday because I don't remember anything about this at all. It's folk music! I remember thinking "3 stars"
Pretty but not sure why on this list