Joan Baez

Beautiful voice for sure, but very dated… not a favourite

This is very simple music, and somewhat effective. In fact, I consider this to be one of the peaks of the folk-singing-with-acoustic-guitar genre (which has wider scope than you'd think). The main problem I have here is that there's so little musical variation, and adherence to the idea of an album experience, that it's hard to seriously engage with this as an entire album. Add to that the fact that there aren't any noticeable hooks in the guitar part (which is the only non-vocal instrument) and you're looking for some sort of variation in the singing, which just isn't there. Let's talk about the singing. Joan Baez's voice is very strong, but in my opinion she heavily overuses vibrato, almost to an operatic extent. There's something just a little off-putting about melodic ornamentation (e.g. vibrato) that, rather than decorating a melody line, makes it sound kind of off-pitch. I like Baez's use of modes, though, and it's one of the strong points of her vocal part. Fun little nods to English and Irish folk music are present. I do think other artists in the genre, such as Joni Mitchell, pull off what Baez is attempting much more successfully. I would've liked to see some original compositions on here, too. House Of The Rising Sun is a fantastic (and heavily covered) song, but it can get old after so many artists cover it. 2/5 Key tracks: Wildwood Flower, House Of The Rising Sun, Donna Donna

A good listen

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.

This is a traditional folk song album by a folk singer. Baez has an exceptional voice; if you like that genre, this is an excellent album. I can listen to folk occasionally if I'm in the right mood. Somehow the publishing company botched the digitizing. The center is shifted to the right, but her voice occasionally shifts back to the center for short periods. It's extreme on Apple Music, but I also checked YouTube, where it was also noticeable, and I also tried different earphones.

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.

John Baez is wonderful. This is an old-school folk album in the truest sense, so you need to be in the mood for that to enjoy it properly. But, as a collection of folk standards it's easily amongst the best. Her voice has the sweetness of early Joni Mitchell, but with her own flavour.

The best part of this album was when it need and I never have to hear this again. A ghastly album. Utter crap.

Another fun female folk album, we are eating good in the sense that we haven't gotten any cringe or UK type albums in what feels like a week. I know I am jinxing myself by typing this out but it needs to be said. There are some good albums in this list.

Holy cow. I've certainly heard of Joan Baez, but don't think I've listened to an album before. This is her debut from 1960, quite a while ago, and good lord it's incredible. She's got this ethereal voice that reminds me a bit of Joni Mitchell (no doubt there's some influence on her), but more so of The Wicker Man or something, she sounds timeless in a way that's almost scary. It also reminds me of this song from a Twilight Zone episode, called "Come Wander With Me." She's a perfect fit for the songs, which are mostly traditional songs and folk standards. I know a few here: "House of the Rising Sun," obviously, "Girl of Constant Sorrow" is cool, and what the hell, "East Virginia"??? I didn't realize that was a folk song, I thought it was made by some wacky band in the '60s or '70s. She kills that one, and so many others on here, it's just unbelievable. Wikipedia says she's also a songwriter in her own right but as far as folk/cover albums go, has anyone done better than this? And apparently it was recorded in a few days in a hotel room, with just a couple microphones and guitars. I'm just in awe, incredible album, easy 5 star for me. Amazing what someone can create with an acoustic guitar and a voice, I'm such a sucker for minimalist endeavors like this. Favorite tracks: East Virginia, Donna Donna, John Riley, Silver Dagger, House of the Rising Sun, All My Trials, Mary Hamilton, Henry Martin, El Preso Numero Nueve, I Know You Rider. Album art: Not much to it, frankly. It's a purple-filtered, but otherwise washed out, picture of Joan holding a guitar over her shoulder. Text looks like an anthropology text book inset. There's apparently another, possible original cover, but it's not much better, just a black and white silhouette style concert shot. But hey, who cares, it's 1960, and the album more than makes up for it. 5/5

alma

I guess she has a beautiful voice and is a good songwriter. But to my ears it comes across as warbling. I’ve really tried to like Joan Baez since she’s so highly acclaimed and influential to artists I love, but I just can’t do it.

Really need to be in the right mood for this. I tried a few times to like this, but ultimately I found that I could only respect it. I’m sure this was the cats meow in the late 50s and early 60s when people were still into big band and standards, I’m sure it sounded revolutionary. Now though it’s more like a Starbucks soundtrack, which is kind of sad to think about. This collection also feels incredibly long, not a lot of variation across the roughly 1 hour and 16 songs. With that said I respect its merit as a strong example of folk and the influence it’s had on succeeding generations.

Ugh - not a fan of hers at all. Don’t get the hype

Twangy, whiny voice

Just an excellent set of traditional folk songs, recorded before the poor woman was infected by the repulsive affliction of Bob Dylan. Yeah, she's a bit warbly at times, but this kind of music actually calls for it, and at least she doesn't sound like she's singing it with her eyes shut. There's no way I'd want to listen to her every day, or even more than once or twice a year, but if the mood were to strike me, this is a lovely example of what it is.

She's not bad but I don't really like her singing if that makes sense

Enjoyed

9/10. Awesome, unique voice. Has her own style too. Holds up for 60+ years!

not my thing but i can respect it at least

She’s got a nice voice, but nothing I would listen to again

Can´t stand the voice. Quit after track 3.

a folk album that's guitar and voice only, you can't get more simpler than that. the songs are not original but up to centuries-old folk songs that make up the roud index. the songs are rather lovely, but baez's voice makes it fall a little flat for me. i feel rude for saying that, but her shaky and operatic voice, while initially sweet sounding, almost sounding like a disney princess at times, eventually gets a little grating on the ears. she can absolutely sing, but it's just not the kind of voice style that i would listen to for long.

I see why she is influential, but this genre is really not my thing.

5/10 Wake up, its some folk music 7-26-2024

Beautiful voice, however the vibrato gets too much after 30 mins and 7 songs later. I understand why so many love her.

Actually really good

Good music, just not for me.

Ok in places but not for too long

This was a strange listen. Great voice and feeling behind it but it almost felt like it eventually didn't go anywhere. I didn't dislike songs but I don't think I'd want to listen to the entire album again. Makes sense to be on the list.

Almost haunting voice. It's a woman and a guitar. She does that well. I'm not a fan of her version of Wildwood Flower.

Nit my style

Soft, careful, beautiful

RNG really gave us this right after Joni Mitchell

i really like this!!!!! but it was too long hahahaha

Great songs and a beautiful voice. Not always into this kind of stuff, but really dug it on this listen.

First impression of this album - what if Bob Dylan had a little bit more feminine voice? It really reminded me of his early music, which I guess is a good thing. I don't know much about her history, I just read a bit of her wikipedia page, but music is pretty decent, probably more prominent back in the 60s than now. Just an okay album.

Beautiful

Wow. Seriously haunting album. This one floored me. Phenomenal.

Solid.

Plenty of warbling. Too much warbling to be honest. Cant argue that her voice is incredible and also really irritating! Felt like I should have been sat at a small local folk festival at Sun Down pretending to enjoy a local pint of ‘proper’ cider when I’m really just concerned that it’s stripping all the lining from my stomach. 2.6

Beautiful folk music album

mér finnst þetta ekkert spes.

I could never get into Folk music and this was pretty much how I expected it would be. I'm sure it's great for fans of the genre, but I found her voice a bit grating after a while

I now know what Joan Baez sounds like. It's not for me, but this is why I'm doing this list.

surprised i havent heard of her before because this is great. i love her voice and her influence is obvious. 8/10

Not great.

It’s ok

Not bad, not memorable

Pure

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.

I guess, technically, it’s good to have heard Joan Baez once, if just for reference. I already had. I’m good.

The kind of voice that is like nails on a chalkboard. I never got how people could get into this kind of music - really any folk music of this era. I get it - it's poetic and inoffensive but just not my thing at all and if it wasn't for the grating voice I maybe would've scored it higher. Also detected at least one cover song which is just so lazy to include on a studio album (House of the Rising Sun). 3/10.

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.

Wow. I had forgotten how powerful her voice was. I love these classics. This was part of the soundtrack of my early college days.

Wasn’t feeling the trills

A pleasant Sunday in the park playing guitar kind of album.

Clear sound

Joan Baez is of course extremely well known and loved by many. I've never been one of her fans and this album doesn't change anything. Typical folk music singing. Songs played at a camp fire by so many. Of course she can sing, of course she can play the guitar ... but there is - in my opinion - simply nothing special at all about this.

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.

Some great oldies! Very iconic voice!

not for me

Красиво ли это? Да в целом да Понравилось ли мне это? Ну местами да Но не зацепило меня. Тяжело шло( А вот лайвом послушал бы Алкоальбом: абсент с сахаром и водичкой

Un ptit peu plate, la genèse de l’accent country gossant, peut-être

Great voice, incredible lyrics, simply a treasure.

fine, I guess

Damn this is old. I've listened to older albums on here like "Birth of Cool" but this just feels so ancient. It's just her and the guitar which is an admirable feat but, it sucks. The guitar is fine but her singing is not for me at all. The fact that nothing else is going on other than the guitar and vocals makes it a very skippable album.

A folk legend knocks it out of the park.

Powerful singer, only okay songs

I’m probably going to get kicked out of the senior citizen white American woman club for this, but man do I find her singing hard to listen to! No thank you.

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

I was hoping for more gripping stories, but the timeless, placeless almost medieval melodies did grow on me. The shrillness of her voice makes sense in the last song, underscoring her Mexican heritage. She makes up for it with sensitivity. Her Scottish songs (Henry Martin, Mary Hamilton) really brought this album together for me.

A beautiful voice singing simple, delightful songs.

Meh

Really lovely! Fascinating reimagining of traditional songs.

Jag kände att detta inte var riktigt min grej. Säkert fina texter men jag orkade inte fokusera något på dem. Sparade vissa låtar men det var för att de var bra Easy Listening. Hade det vart på svenska skulle jag nog ha gillat det mycket mer.

Loved

A bit too minimalist for me.

I went into the listen thinking it would be singer / songwriter and had high hopes. All the songs were so old timey lyrics and not written by her. The voice pleasant at times with just a guitar became very boring. This album was released almost 20 years before I was born, feels like it is a relic of the past.

Very traditionally-minded, but a bit one-note and after about halfway through I "got" it. Very powerful voice, but not much else to speak of. Favorite track: "House Of the Rising Sun"

Great album by Joan

Gods music let down by screechy vocals

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

I know a little bit about Joan Baez, but other than her version of "Blowin' in the Wind," I can't recall ever having listened to her music. I'm not really big into folk music, but this album was pretty good. Joan Baez has an incredible voice, and she's able to put her own unique touch on each of these traditional folk songs. Even the songs that are traditionally from the point of view of man still carry an earnestness as Baez performs them. While I appreciate the vocal talent that's on display here, this album wasn't really easy for me to engage with, and the overall length of the album really wore on me. However, I really did love her version of "House of the Rising Sun." The Animals' version is one of my favorite songs from the sixties, but Baez's version is great in its own right as well. Even though I didn't love this album, I know this album is incredibly important in the context of music history, not only for launching Baez's career, but for its influence on folk music. The folk music of this era was the spark that lit the powder keg of the social revolution of the sixties, and it's overwhelming to think about all the music that evolved out of that folk era. This album earns its place on this list, but I understand that it's not going to land with everyone.

Rating: 4/10 Nah.

I wanted to like this album, but it's just too bland and boring. Great human and I respect and admire her accomplishments, but this was a struggle for me. She has a beautiful voice, but folk is outdated and dreary today. Probably why Dylan went electric. Big contrast to the Crickets album we just heard that's full of life and raw.

Joan Baez is a badass political and social activist. Her song selection and writing is impeccable but her shrill voice is like nails on a chalkboard. This album felt like an extended play of church camp Kumbaya, and that’s not my jam.

Is folk song type, if in mood is 4, if not is 3

Great vocal control, sounded ethereal almost with how she sang, added in with the tender lyrics this is a beautiful album. 3.3

4 but if i hear another cover of house of the rising sun I'm gonna lose it

pleasant folk music

The 1960s represented the apogee of the folk genre in mainstream terms, giving us some of the most prominent and impactful names, songs and albums that still makes its presence felt to this day. Joan Baez, album and person, encompasses this moment. As though she were both a gust of wind and a kick up the ass, Joan solidifies her stature with delicate arrangements of materials well sung and well-traveled yet her approach to them veers them into becoming the definitive versions, most notably on House of the Rising Sun, Silver Dagger and John Riley. Baez also makes poignant use of her Spanish tongue on (what was initially) the final track El Preso Número Nueve, offering representation within folk. Overall, an excellent debut and a sign of things to come.

"In 2015, this album was deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant" by the Library of Congress and selected for inclusion in the National Recording Registry." OK. I guess Joan Baez was a pivotal figure in that famous sixties folk scene that also saw the likes of Pete Seeger and Bob Dylan emerge. And yet today, this record feels more like a "historical document" than a truly timeless record filled with legendary details and touches such as the ones released by... Bob Dylan. Including during his folk period.  Oh, and it's an album of covers, of course (contrary to Dylan's usual output). Those are traditional folk tunes expertly and tastefully played for sure... But (mostly) everyone knows the art of truly "essential" albums should go beyond that. "Silver Daggers", "John Riley" and "Girl Of Constant Sorrow" (in the bonus tracks) are beautiful and evocative. The rest sounds a bit quaint and stilted, though. Including that cover of "House Of The Rising Sun", which has had better versions elsewhere... 3/5 for the purposes of this list of essential records. 8/10 for more general purposes. Number of albums left to review: more than 200, approximately - I've temporarily lost count here. Number of albums I'll include in my own list: half so far, approximately. Number of albums I *might*  include: a quarter, approximately (including this one) Number of albums I'll never include: another quarter, or just a little more (many other albums are more important to me)

Heard this one years ago, remember it being nice. It's still just that - nice. Never reaches another level like the best folk music, but it does have several highlights and is consistently cool.

It was painful attempting to listen to this. The songs were so boring and her excessive warbling vibrato drives me nuts.

Very peaceful easy listening music.

Whilst I very aware of Joan Baez I have never bought any of her music. I was always happy to hear her on the radio and when she came on randomly on streaming services. I cannot say that Joan has a voice I enjoy. A bit harsh and warbley for my taste but I cannot underestimate what she stands for in terms of her involvement in protest movements which sometimes comes out in her music. This album however as far as I can tell, is just traditional folk music where she began her career. What makes this album important for me is that Joan is retelling these folk tunes and keeping the songs alive and ensuring that they are passed from generation to generation. You do not need to like all of them but important to know that they exist and are part of musical history. A lot of the tunes are old English folk tunes. Although I am English I did not know many of them but learnt a lot about them simply by reading the wiki pages relating to the songs which increased my appreciation of them. 3/5 1/5/24

Just okay

Nice folk tunes

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.

Not as bad as I thought it was going to be. Folk music, sung high.

This album is what I would refer to as “excessive folk.”

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

Yeah, it's Joan Baez. Perfectly okay.

5 seconds was enough for me to make up my mind about it, but I decided to give it another 20 seconds, that being said, can I have my 20 seconds back now?

How have I literally not listened to her much before. I know the name so it’s not lack of awareness. Somehow just haven’t listened. This was great. I love the simple production. Woman and guitar. What more do you need.

Not an album for a rainy Saturday morning unless you want to kill hourself…

Good stuff tbh

Folking folky folks.

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.

I like the olde English ballades. However, Joan's voice was never my cup of tea in the genre. Too much head-voice & embellishment, though spot-on pitch. Hard to judge. I'm going with 3.

Baez is a very talented musician. Her vocals are impressive and pair well with the instrumentals. The album does sound very repetitive though, all the sounds blending into one continuous experience without much variety. I’m just not crazy for singer/songwriter.

Beautiful voice - sounds like a theremin. Appreciate the talent but not really my kind of music.

Nice voice

Her voice is beautiful and some of the guitar playing is actually very good. I really like the darker songs. But as with so many albums it's way too long.

I couldn't name you one Joan Baez song before this. She has an incredible voice but it was a little too old folky for me. Loved her cover of "House of the Rising Sun" though!

This was one of the toughest listens in a while and came during a stretch of some very bad albums for this listener. Not much to say except this is something I would never seek out and something I never an to hear again. If this was a top listen in 1960, I'm convinced this was the best year for top quality acid. 1

2 A lot of folk lately. I don’t mind the genre, but it hasn’t been great gym music. This was especially tough at the gym this morning, and unfortunately it didn’t get much better during subsequent listens. I’ll give credit to Joan for this - the sound of this album feels a bit ahead of its time being that it predates artists like Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell by quite a few years, but man, I just didn’t find anything about her take on the genre here interesting. The fact that these are all covers doesn’t do her any favors, and while I think she at least deserves a shoutout for doing House of the Rising Sun four years ahead of The Animals, it’s nowhere near as good as their version. The one aspect I’ve seen a lot of people praise Joan for is her voice, and while I agree it can be beautiful at times, it changes to the most piercing thing you’ve ever heard on a dime - I had to adjust the volume on my speaker multiple times while listening because of it. And the more I listened to this album, the more shrill I found her voice to be, to the point I kind of dreaded putting this on again. There are definitely some enjoyable aspects and charm buried in this, but as an album, it’s just too long and not overly interesting - the only song here I could point to you as having somewhat enjoyed is actually the Spanish song El Preso Numero Nueve. I was impressed with her fluency of the language (granted, I’m not fluent, so can’t vouch for that), and it’s probably the best vocal performance of the whole album - or it might just be the only one without any of those grating high notes. Maybe this is just the kind of thing you need to see live to get, but this album wasn’t it for me. I could maybe see myself being somewhat of a fan of her work in moderation, but even then, I don’t think I would opt to listen to any of this over stuff from similar artists. Sorry Joan - I hope your music picked up a bit after your debut, but I’m not going out of my way to determine that anytime soon.

Oh wow, I didn't think I would love this as much as I do. Her voice is absolutely gorgeous, and the simplistic instruments are not only beautiful and atmospheric, but give her voice so much more of a presence. And her storytelling is just amazing, the lyrics are so captivating and really make me want to keep listening.

Very beautiful

It is the singing that drives these recordings and I'm not a fan of that, especially at the high notes.

Quite enjoyed this, very different to what I'd usually listen to and folky

Ahead of it's time. Chill, yet somehow boppy at the same time.

What a voice. Arrangements very sparse. All in all a great album.

It's all very wholesome but her warbles bring on a migraine. Not for me

Perfect example to me of how it’s possible to appreciate music, but not like it.

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.

Awful. Every song was pain. Butchered House of the Rising Sun too

I really wish I could praise this, because nothing about it is explicitly bad. I understand if people find her voice annoying, especially when she belts, and I also get that this style of music can be boring if you don’t like folk. And while I think those critiques are fair, I also don’t mind anything here. Not to say I would revisit this frequently, but it has its time and place and purpose, both historically and in someone’s record collection. But then I factor how frequently I checked my phone while this was on. Not only to see if the song was over yet, but to do other things. I paused this to go on TikTok for 20 minutes. Twice. I paused this to do chores. I changed the song to listen to other artists not once, but three times! And I think that’s the things – this album is important, but Baez is also incredibly boring. The fact that she doesn’t do anything unique [by today’s standards] with her traditional folk songs suggests that maybe, in the end, while there’s nothing “wrong” with this album, there’s also nothing particularly good about it, either. The only songs I actually enjoyed were “El Preso Numero Nueve” and the CD-reissue bonus tracks. So while I could argue apathy but say it’s still enjoyable enough, I also don’t truly believe it’s actually enjoyable. Important, sure, but I never want to listen to it again.

This was a good listen on a wet, cold, spring day, and I'll gladly listen to it again, regardless of the weather.

Shrill, dated, and not my thing at all.

Bile inducing.

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.

I understand why you would want to preserve an album like this. All these traditional songs to be saved for posterity. But my enjoyment of this album is another matter

Not my thing. She's got a nice voice. But desperately dull.

this woman got vocals one of the better house of the rising sun covers out there imo 3.6/5

OK album, takes me way back, 3 stars

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

J'ai un peu de la difficulté à embarquer dans un album composé uniquement de pièces du répertoire traditionnel, mais la voix de Baez est tout simplement sublime. Malgré la simplicité de la musique, on ne se tanne pas de l'entendre. 7/10

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.

Perfectly pleasant I suppose. Not going to rush back to it but I can definitely see the appeal. I might check out some more of her stuff in a bit.

could i write poetry to this? n

If you strip away those high, shrill vocals, there's some really solid acoustic guitar work and melodic interpretation here. But that voice... I just can't... It's so high, and so very, very shrill. After over thirty years of listening to "I Know You Rider" via the Grateful Dead, Joan Baez' version is painfully disappointing.

2.5 stars. Rounded down because sometimes her voice is unbearable.

Not my cup of tea genre-wise, but she does have a beautiful and strong voice that makes it a good listen anyways. I like the simplicity of the tracks using only some soft guitar, it allows her voice to really shine.

Typical 60s folky album. Good for a couple of meaningful tunes but the album just felt a little whiney and samey as a whole.

Before listening: I've heard of Joan Baez because I think my dad had a cassette. I knew she was a folk singer and it's a bit strange I'd never heard her songs because you better bet your ass I listen to the Mamas and Papas and Peter Paul and Mary and one of my favourite movies is Inside Llewyn Davis. After listening: I think this album is fine. Her voice was so nice and clear and I half expected her to start singing Senor Plow. But nothing about her songs particularly grabbed me. I think this deserves a relisten though and I hope there's more Baez on this list.

Very pleasant.

Hate the techno

Många fina låtar. Inte lika vass som Melanie.

Um monte de música parece a mesma, mas o som é bom

This really felt like it went on forever. Not a big folk music fan and after awhile Joan Baez’s earnest high pitched voice got pretty grating and gave me a headache.

Reading Ms. Baez’s Wikipedia page, she seems like a very good and genuine person. She was obviously a skilled guitarist even at 19 when this album was recorded. “Silver Dagger” “House of the Rusing Sun” and “Wildwood Flower” are pretty good songs. Now that all the positive stuff is out of the way, this sucks and I hate it. I hate her voice. I don’t like hearing Colonial Williamsburg music. If I hear about the “salt sea” one more time I’m going to scream. Fuck all of this.

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.

Folk. Mit ein paar bekannten Songs. Aber ich habe schon besseren gehört.

hippies

Never listened to Joan Baez before this. Never will again. Magnificent voice and a great storyteller, but just could not handle the music. Felt like I was at a rennasounce fair, and for far too long.

Beautiful debut album from Joan Baez. Just her acoustic guitar and her angelic voice. So many gems here, but my favorites are House of the Rising Sun, Donna Donna, Mary Hamilton, Henry Martin, and El Preso Numero Nueve.

terrible. could not finish.

Music best suited for walking through a field in Bethel, NY high on psychedelics.

Classic folk featuring popular standards such as House of the Rising Sun and I Know You Rider.

Non si può dire che non sia brava, ma non è il mio...

Avec tes grandes dents là

That was lovely - Similar to Joni Mitchell, great production to let the guitar and soprano sing.

Not my thing. Never got it. There is good folk music, but not this.

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.

Just a girl and her guitar. Her guitar should be taken away. I prefer silence to her minimal style.

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.

The dog hated this. I can see why.

Folk tranquilo. Un 4.

Casi 4, pero por El Preso Numero Nueve ...¡¡5!!

Sorry not for me

Found it difficult to listen to.

I liked her voice and the music was nice, but nothing I'd listen to regularly and I probably won't again. I did like Silver Dagger though.

Album feels simple. There was nothing that stood out to me. Just kinda dragged along.

The First Lady of folk’s debut. A sign of the great things to come.

I like the idea of Joan Baez and she has a feel songs that resonate, but this album was a little too whiny and not enough Joni.

This album hasn't aged very well...

Extra star for her influence by I find her music to be unbearably boring.

I'm not really into late 50s/early 60s folk stuff. I enjoyed this album but it isn't quite my style. If you like this style, this is clearly good stuff.

The only singer who is allowed to cover everything. Need to be in the mood but have some records.

Singer/songwriter, folk, blues, ballads, female, mid/slow, guitar, voice very much in focus, quite fragile, no beat/rhythm, hard to follow, not catching me at all, voice too high and too much tremolo

Love me some Joan Baez!

Had I been around in 1960 this may have played well for me. But growing up in the 80s, this is what they made fun of when they made fun of folk music. It's really hard to take it seriously.

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.

Joni > Joan

Not bad but not really my taste

Really nice voice, the songs are very relaxing

Genre: folk Instruments: 2/5 Modern Translation: 1/5 Dance Potential: 1/5 Listening Location: chadstone Heard it before: no Favourite Song: house of the rising sun Made me feel: her voice was beautiful, it cut through me, but started to sound too whiny by the 4th song. Impressive range but wouldn’t listen again.

🤮🤮🤮🤮

4.0

It’s ok, not a big Joan Baez fan, but gave it a go.

First listen Saved 2/13 Top track: House Of The Rising Sun

Nice folk album, beautifully simple and profound at the same time. The vibrato in her voice became a bit much for me all at once but was better broken up around the errands I had. Definitely renaissance festival vibes. Nice chill listen

Very pretty voice. Not sure what on this was original there were a lot of folk songs or covers of other original works.

Casi 4, pero por El Preso Numero Nueve ...¡¡5!!

Not bad

Just so damn light and folksy and sparse

Always happy to be immersed in Ms. Baez’s world.

Den gamle engelske folk, det er sgu meget hyggeligt

Enjoyed this!

I had no idea this counterculture figure started out in the 50s! I could see why she had such a large following, with such a pleasant, dreamy, youthful indie sound that was non-existent at this time. It's just Joan with an acoustic guitar covering traditional folk songs. It's simple and straightforward but very pretty. A bit long, some forgettable songs in the second half, and I find the quality of the songs to be based on how expressive her voice is and how she can match the emotion and storytelling of the lyrics which is above average. Favorites: Silver Dagger, Fare Thee Well, Wildwood Flower, Donna Donna

Loved her voice.

She has a nice voice and this album feels simple -- just vocals and guitar. Not really enjoying it though, maybe I need to hear the instrumentation come through more, 2*. The vibrato in her voice I found a little jarring after a while. Super repetitive, many religious lyrics.

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.

Listened Before? No Long folksy album. I expect I'll lose focus quickly, but will reserve some hope that this exceeds expectations. 6 songs in, this is a bit of a snore fest for me. In execution it is fine; very stripped down acoustic + vocal arrangements of (mostly) traditional folk songs. She's clearly talented, I just don't care for it. Maybe I'm just not in the mood for this out of the gate on a Monday morning, but there is no way I'm going to go the distance on this nearly hour long slog. Perhaps if I was sitting on a hill covered with daisies on a sunny Spring day, I might be into this, but for a cold start to the work week, I'm just not feeling it. 2 / 5 Added to Library? No

She is talented but this isn't my jam. 2.5 stars.

Good voice. That's about the only thing I really liked about the album. Everything else was just not in my personal taste. Not very exciting as it's really just a guitar and a voice for an hour. This one is falling under a similar rating to Depeche Mode where I think the music is objectively good, but it doesn't resonate with me personally. Another plus to this album is that it was recorded in 1960 and it sounds flawless. That is impressive especially because there is no mention of remastering.

Toight

There is nothing wrong with this album in any way, just kinda boring to me as I feel a lot of singer/songwriter artists are to me. 2.5

Bueno. Un poco monótono perro se deja escuchar!

Buena voz de intérprete americana. Con solo el acompañamiento de una guitarra. Un tanto plano, pero con algo de estilo y sentimiento

Joan Baez has an angelic voice. For me though she sounds the same in every song. Sorry, that's just me.

- 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

I appreciate the place this album has in history but I struggled to get through it. I just don't care for her voice.

Really dislike her voice and the way she stretches out each note... Unlistenable. 2/5

Thought I would enjoy this more. But, alas no.

Folk music Galore! so many good classic songs sung so beautifully.

Boring and seemingly never-ending

4/5 she has a sweet voice

Wasn't for me. Respect the 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.

Such a beautiful voice

Not my thing, but glad I listened

Echt goed gezongen, paar mooie nummers, maar ging uiteindelijk wel echt vervelen

Nah. Whinny folk.

A beautiful overall sound, if a bit... puritan? I started craving some variation about two thirds of the way through. Inevitable game of 'how do I know this song,' as is always the case with folk. Standout tracks: Silver Dagger, Fare Thee Well, I Know You Rider.

pleasant but boring

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

Ok

Pretty standard folk album. Lovely vocals and a nice listen, but nothing I'm enamored with.

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.

I absolutely LOVED this album! Her voice is beautiful and impactful. At times it felt like she was singing me folklore stories but I guess some of her songs were based on biblical stories. So, makes sense. She loved talking about “Mary’s and Maidens”. I also liked her version of “House of the Rising Sun”, seemed more genuine coming from her”. Then she sang Spanish to me which solidified my rating! 10/10

Girl and guitar. Nothing else in this album. Great voice, great playing but quickly bored. Quickly forgotten. 4/10

Really good vocalist surrounded by subpar music and man does the album get so receptive the longer you listen. Truly most of this score comes from the fact that I'd be hard pressed to name 10 singers better than her after listing to this. 6/10

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

Interesting mix of styles: some folk, some that sound like old Irish songs, etc. Also interesting to hear her take on House of the Rising Sun. And her song Girl of Constant Sorrow. Her singing has a little too much vibrato for my taste.

This is one of those 3-star ratings where about half the songs are 4's and half are 2's. On the quieter, more country-folk songs, I appreciate her singing, but on others it's just an overwhelming vibrato-fest.

Beautiful voice that at times obfuscates the darkness of the folk songs. Can hear the seeds of Joanna Newsom, Marie Sioux, and so many other contemporary artists I enjoy.

Not sure why she was such a counter cultural icon. The music was nothing special...just average traditional folk. 1.5/5

Her voice put me in a trance.

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.

Thought I would like this, given I like early Dylan, but just didn't do it for me, mainly due to the Falsetto singing. Guitar was great though.

Beautiful and charming album, from wonderfully talented young artist. Not quite my cup of tea at length, but a brilliant album and clearly important historically.

Lovely music just not my style.

Some voice. Most of the songs aren't my cup of tea but some I liked. The backing music is nice and gentle.

Didn't finish, what I heard was nice

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.

Boring as fuck. This album did not aged well...

Not for me 1

Old twists on old classics. Singing is good, but good lord is it slow.

Very good folk album. Joan Baez is one of the best.

SoZi Musik die man sich am Lagerfeuer anhören kann, während man sich über den Aufstieg des Proletariats unterhält und Mate Tee trinkt.

Hard to listen to with headphones. Feels shrill and too much vibrato.

I liked Henry Martin. This is a nice folk album but I don’t really enjoy the warbling in her voice

Heel minimalistisch. Niet onmiddelijk mijn ding

Warm, soft, haunting. While listening to this record, I feel like I'm listening to someone telling old ghost stories around a campfire. There’s just a wonderful simplicity to it all. Just a guitar and vocals, and yet Baez and her guitar are able to tell some wonderful stories. This is another one of those folk albums that absolutely would not have interested me a few years ago, and it probably wouldn’t mesh well with me at the height of summer either. But I’m well and truly an adult now, and it’s a cold and unpleasant winter. It’d be a perfect one for exploring the great outdoors, embracing nature and the elements even at this time of year, but it’d also be great for snuggling up under a blanket with a hot chocolate in the warm comforts of home. This self-titled debut is a perfect winter companion, mostly comprising of arrangements of traditional folk songs. I’ve never heard Baez’s performances of these songs, and most of these I don’t think I’ve heard in any form, with the exception of House Of The Rising Sun (Which I forget was originally a traditional folk song) and Henry Martin (My first exposure to it was by self-proclaimed “Pirate Metal” band Alestorm!) This was an excellent record. It’s one of those sorts of albums that makes me want to move far away from society and go and live in the forest. Who needs all these computers and cars and stuff? Just give me a cabin, a campfire, a guitar and some interesting friends who are good at telling stories. I can dream. Favourite: Henry Martin

Silver Dagger - okay normal folk. just a kind of sad love song (3/5 this really isn't my thing. i don't think i'm gonna like this) East Virginia - she has talent for sure. the vibrato is a lot for me (2/5 slow folk on acoustic) Fare Thee Well - a little more pick-me-up okay. (4/5 just for talent) House Of The Rising Sun - i guess this sounds a bit more blues. (3/5 i'm very bored of this) oh my god it was satire. two albums ago i just realized the artists are actually pretty cool. i just read it at surface level. i honestly am bored of this but there has been random pick-ups that go pretty hard for folk. i'm not really blown away but it was alright. O' Brother Where Art Thou???????? honestly a 3/5 wasn't that great but it was better near the end.

Pretty good, chill background music

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.

What a voice...not my thing tho

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

Fantastic Folk album. Classic voice, though, after half an album wears on you a bit. I did not dig her cover of HoTRS. Absolutely a timeless folk artist and album.

If I could give it 3.5 stars, I would. For a folk album, this does not sound at all dated. Joan Baez is equal parts sweet and haunting, in her voice and in her guitar playing/arrangements. House of the Rising Sun and Rake and Rambling Boy were standouts.

Typical of the singer and style (or she led the way and it has become typical). Fine for what it is - trite and predictable. A three just because it's not actually bad.

Í gegnum grúsk á ýmiskonar tónlist hef ég vitað af Joan en aldrei prófað að hlusta á hana. Skemmtilega folky tónlist en mér fannst röddin hennar aðeins of hátt uppi til að ég gæti notið heillar plötu

If I was in the ‘60s, sat in a field, toting in a doobie, this album would have been awesome. However, today it felt dated.

Goes on really far too long for someone with a really annoying voice. Also ruins a couple of classics, fuck off.

Her voice is just too wobbly. Reminds me of that Antony and the Johnsons album we had previously; would have been much more enjoyable and effective if they'd saved the vibrato for a moment where it could have a proper impact, rather than every time they held a note. It's apparently very influential on the US folk scene (the Spotfy blurb puts her as second only to Dylan in terms of importance of emerging US folk artists at the time), but it's not something I'll listen to again. 2/5.

I liked this more than I thought I would. Her voice and guitar playing are beautiful. While I appreciate the beauty in her voice, I would prefer it in smaller doses. A whole album of her lilting soprano grated on my nerves a bit, probably the opposite of what this type of music should do for the soul.

A name I’ve heard for a long time, but never listened to. Not into the warbly voice. Not into the deep cut songs from history. The guitar was good, but this felt like a really dry documentary.

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.

I like the vibe. The vibrato is nice. Had a hard time hearing some lyrics cause of it though. Could be cause I couldn't hear over the water of my shower. Still good. 3.3

Nice enough

very big Blue by Joni Mitchell vibes. i hate that album

Pleasant but it didn't hold my interest.

Good arrangements but the singing gets on my nerves after a while.

Really enjoyed Silver Dagger, great song, and she’s a great singer but wasn’t my type of music.

Niet mijn ding maar ook niet echt aandacht gegeven

Such a well sung album. Great for long drives in the evening when you’re just trying to relax

A lot of traditionals and some folk skill combined. Very worth the short listen.

Was ready to knock a star off regardless of the score knowing that these were all covers of folklore tracks...lesson learned. Joan elevates many of these classics. Beautiful, haunting, and pure. From the first measure, voice and guitar blend incredibly for close to an hour, invoking a wide range of emotions. The sound and mix is incredibly refined for 1960, just a masterpiece from every angle. Favorite track: Mary Hamilton (and it takes a LOT for House of the Rising Sun to not be my fave)

Didn't really enjoy this too much ngl. Sounded the same from start to finish.

Enjoyable old time folk

One of the worst singers ever. Makes me wish I was deaf.

3/16, 19%

Pekne to je, mozno v jednej pesnicke sa trosku opustila

Like a female Gordon lightfoot

Her voice is amazing but this started to wear on me after a while. Those high notes are HIGH and that vocal wobble is everywhere. It’s very simple, stripped back, and beautiful but it’s not something I’ll likely come back to very often.

Solid.

Joannn