Heartbreaker

didn't actually listen to this because fuck Ryan Adams, instead i listened to A Tribe Called Quest - Thank you for your service.... We've got it from here Q-Tip's product is as slick as ever and opener Space Program followed up quickly with We the people.... set the tone for the rest of the album. Solid wall of sound has the best use of a Elton John sample and i think is a stand out non single track. This is a fitting final album for an amazing group, RIP Phife

2.5 - If this album was a sexual encounter, it’d be a third date and in the middle of dinner she says she’d rather be friends. I’m reminded of live acoustic music you might hear at a winery. It’s contemplative, downtempo. Your mind wanders to boring places as you listen. How does this tiny vineyard town support a music scene? How many musicians make their living playing these winery venues? Why is this dude on the guitar wearing so much turquoise jewelry?

I loved that song he did for Robin Hood Prince of Thieves. It was number 1 for 16 weeks. And what a 16 weeks they were. This doesn't stand up to that monster.

I kove this album. Yep, Ryan is a douche and always has been. All of you up on your soapbox aren't going to sway me. If you want to whine about every creep in the music biz you might as well just give up on this project right now because I've got some baaaaad news for you. It's a rock solid 4, but I'm making it a 5 because this overall score is criminally low.

This albums is actually pretty solid. It just sucks dick that the dude is the fucking worst.

Never heard this album, nor listened to Ryan Adams. The first track, “To Be Young”, is a good example of the mood of the music and the mood of the lyric completely and intentionally opposed to one another. Not sure to what purpose, but intriguing. Good instrumental settings and performances. Good acoustic guitar with sensitive coloring backgrounds—well-produced. Vocally pleasing, effective use of hushed melodies. Not a trained voice, and lacking range in the natural register, but effective, given the genre. Emmylou Harris’ backing vocal on “Oh My Sweet Carolina” is not an example of her better work. (I suspect her agent was trying to keep her relevant, when by 2000 she was over the hill.) Kim Richey does better on “Come Pick Me Up”. The lyrics are vague enough to allow multiple interpretations, more of a collage of impressions than a conveyor of meaning. Adam’s frequently tries to be Dylan-esque (“Damn, Sam”, “Don’t Ask for the Water”, etc.) in lyrics, guitar finger-picking, vocal style, and in harmonica accompaniment, but he’s obviously not in the same league. (Although I bet he makes Dylan wish he’d learned to play the banjo.) “To Be the One” is powerful. “The empty bottle misses you, and I’m the one it’s talkin’ to”. That hit home. “Shakedown on 9th Street” and “To Be Young” demonstrate that Adam’s can rock. He should do more. Overall, a good album. 3/5

Beautiful music from a reprehensible human being. I went out of my way not to pay for this, and probably can't make it a repeat listen.

It’s a 5. Get over yourselves Wokesters. No crime was committed. It’s life. It’s complicated. And you’re hypocrites.

Fuck this predator piece of shit abusive garbage man. I’m not giving him a dime of royalty money today or ever! Justice for Mandy Moore and Liz Phair. I’d rather listen to a Bryan Adams album.

Did not listen, due to the sexual controversy surrounding the artist. The 1 is a reflection of my distaste with Ryan Adams.

This album is phenomenal. I always knew I should listen to Ryan Adams as I had been recommended him from iTunes and such. I have also heard most of this album being played at restaurants and coffee shops. Every song is a winner and I was astounded he was keeping it up throughout. But I also know this guy has had a messed past with women and he will likely never recover professionally. I don’t think I would feel good ever supporting this guy financially. Again, another album we have to evaluate our feelings about. I think criticism of him is justified. I think he deserves the hardships he seems to be experiencing. But this is obviously a great record and likely influenced a lot of artists. Still deserves to be on this list.

Shitty like a fruit stand in New York

Absolute dog shit. Words, almost, fail me. Not a single redeemable feature, plus he's a twat.

Dull album by a shitty human being

Great album. Too bad he is a slime who uses his status to prey on young women.

Great sounds and not a lot of weak points. Unfortunately made by a sexual predator, so only useful in looking at associated acts and adjacent sounds.

This is really my lane. Gritty vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and folky instrumentation. Sucks that Ryan Adams is such a piece of shit.

He's a terrible person. Album very average.

Never heard of this guy, started off sort of OK in places, but then rapidly got progressively crappier. Generally not for me, I would need to be beyond bored shitless to even contemplate listening to this again..

Yeah this was dull and he is an ass

Back in 2017, before we knew that Ryan Adams was a nasty man, I listened to his album Prisoner, and I loved it. Thankfully though, I never listened to anything else of his, and I think that I only listened to Prisoner that one time. I debated even pulling up this album in my Spotify, and once I had it pulled up, I really wrestled with if I wanted to listen to it or not. Knowing what I know about Ryan's behavior, how could I look the women in my life in the eye and tell them that I listened to this? I eventually settled on listening to it, because I started this project with a desire to experience every album on this list, and I wanted to keep this journey going all the way. Besides, I've already listened to both Eminem albums on this list, and while they were both great, they were both unpleasant experiences. Also, there are other creeps on this list (Steven Tyler, Phil Spector), likely creeps (David Bowie, Prince), and creeps we don't or may never know about. The worst thing about this album is that Ryan Adams was a manipulative monster to several women in his life, and he got away with it for a really long time. The second worst thing about this album is that I thought it was really good. Even though I thought it was good, I hated myself the entire time I was listening to it, and I'll probably hate myself for the next week or two for having listened to it. Usually in my reviews, I'll mention what I liked about the music, but I'm not going to do that on this review, because now that my listening experience is over, I don't want to go back through it. I hate that we live in a world where people in positions of power do things like Ryan did, and I hate that we as consumers of art are stuck in sticky positions, trying to navigate how we feel about art we loved at one time, when we learn that the artist did disgusting and cruel things. This is a five star album, but it's sad that it was made by a one-star human being, who's so small, that he felt the need to wreak havoc on the lives of others.

Problematic at the least, but still a great slab of Americana

The only reason I had heard of this guy was cuz he used to pork Mandy Moore. This is a fantastic album and I’m not what you would call an alt-country fan at all.

2.5/5. The very definition of yallternative. Don’t love the music and I think Ryan Adams is a piece of shit human being.

Ryan Adams is not able to do it for me. Some songs I can listen to, with difficulty. I've given this album a couple of tries, so Ryan has already been in the rematch several times, but I think it is generally too slick. The emotion strikes me as affectation. I simply don't believe him.

Trash music, trash person. You can't end a song with a fade out harmonica and then immediately open the next song with a fade in harmonica. That's like album sequencing 101, bozo. This is the third faux-Bob Dylan album I've had this week and I don't know how many I have left in me, especially since all of them were at least 50 minutes long. Best song was the argument concerning Morrissey. One outta five = get outta here.

RA is one of my favorite all-time artists. This album starts out with on of my top 5 songs in his catalogue. I do think it suffers a bit from slowing down too much on the second staff, but it is still a killer in total. 5/5

This is another you must separate the art from the artist album. This album is beautiful start to finish. You may not like the man, but the music deserves a listen.

Favourite songs: To Be Young (Is To Be Sad, Is To Be High), Shakedown on 9th Street, Oh My Sweet Carolina, Come Pick Me Up, My Winding Wheel, Bartering Lines, Damn Sam (I Love a Woman That Rains), To Be The One, In My Time of Need Least favourite songs: Amy 5/5

I like his singer/songwriter style and the songs themselves see well crafted and sung. For the most part, quiet simple musical arrangement, with a convincingly heartfelt delivery. The first half of the album is really strong, with Oh My Sweet Carolina being my favorite. Still there's enough strong songs that keep the album interesting.

Powerful songwriting at times, boring tracks at others. A big bunch of hits and misses. I enjoy each track individually, but, altogether, they get lost within each other. Not offensive and I’d say more to like than not. 4/5

In terms of singer-songwriter albums this is quite good and I enjoyed the lush instrumentation. Not sure if this really deserves 4 stars in terms of that this album could just as well have been from the early 80's... So definitely nothing groundbreaking or in any way original here. Nonetheless, it's a good album and I enjoyed it.

i guess i like country more than i thought lol

The fact that Ryan Adams started this record off with an argument about Morrissey might be the most hilarious foreshadowing of character in the history of recorded music. Peas in a pod, those two. I wasn’t planning on making this a review about the moral fiber of Ryan Adams, enough of you have done that already. It’s just that sometimes the universe/matrix/whatever puts something in front of you and you have no choice but connect the (hilarious) dots. The music here was fine, expertly played country music with an alternative tinge. It’s not for me, but if it works for you, that’s great. The Morrissey thing ended up being so on-the-nose and amusing to me that it became the focal point of the record, almost like a thesis, though I assume that is in no way what the track was intended to be.

It was okay, the beginning was promising but then it got boring🙁‼️

Absolutely not memorable, but also not bad per se.

Bruh

Boring album

Good music. Seems like a bad person.

I never heard of this guy. Listened to the album, and tbh it was a bit of a sleeper. Neither his music nor words pulled me in. When it was done, I started reading to understand why he is in this 1001 album collection. I still can't figure out the rationale, but I did learn he's a putz called out in the me too movement and previously for just being a general shit. I also learned he's put out 29 studio albums in his less than 50 years on this planet. 6 between 2000 and 2002 while embroiled in the me too controversy. What? Why? How? If they are as boring as this one, God bless. 2 for the album. Minutes one for the human.

You want to talk about a broken heart? Hearing what a jerk this guy is. I used to really like this record and now his behavior has made it hard to listen to. I acknowledge the contradiction, etc, here. I am somehow able to separate Morrissey's distasteful politics of late from The Smiths music and still mostly enjoy those songs and yet somehow Ryan Adam's actions have tainted the music in a way that I can no longer enjoy it. It's through this lens that I rate the record so low. And, I guess that does make it and him a Heartbreaker. :(

A.A. Bondy released his debut album in 2007. It is a masterpiece. And I would not be surprised if he took inspiration from Ryan Adams. Adams didn't invent this style of singer/songwriter country pop style. But this particular brand seems more rare than some others. This album just doesn't click the way Bondy's does. It's good. But it doesn't elicit the emotional heft it's trying too. Songs like "Come pick me up" are too cliche stylistically to move me and the slower tracks lack vocal and lyric lines that me stop and take notice. The reality is this is a really well put together record made up of forgettable songs. There's a proto something here... But whatever that thing is, it was taken and implemented by others. I should note I didn't find out he was a likely rapist until after I had heard the record. In this case I dropped my score from 2 to 1 stars. So only a small effect overall. But fuck this guy. I also think it's funny how butt hurt he gets when compared to Bryan Adams. I almost changed my review to one about Bryan, then realizing I was reviewing the wrong guy half way though. That would have been fun. But I ran out of time.

I'm sure there are a lot of other slimey white men on this list but this one in particular is very bothersome because his music isn't even that good!!

Couldn’t finish it

First off, what a dumb fucking way to start an album. I'm shocked this dude has more than one album on the list. I can't stand this kind of NPR friendly alt country. It's almost as if he's trying to make music that'll specifically appeal to Boomers. He's always trying to chase some kind of cross-over market, hence all his song for song cover albums. He disgusts me.

Hes a scumbag and this album is crap. Why is this on this list? 1/5

Only heartbreaking thing about this album was me listening to all 15 tracks out of respect to this here initiative Suck my balls ryan adams

Fuck, another way too long album by Ryan "I am a total piece of shit" Adams. Why? Let's go. So the whole thing kicks off with a skit discussing Morrisey, and you just know the entire thing will be insufferable. Even when Adams writes a catchy tune, he either gives it a horrendous name ('To Be Young (Is To Be Sad, Is To Be High)'), or his delivery just reeks of insincerity ('Come Pick Me Up'). The fucker does NOT have the voice for a song like 'Oh My Sweet Carolina' or the pathetic closer 'Sweet Lil' gal (23rd/1st)', and it really puzzles me that people actually enjoy this. 'My Winding Wheel' is soulless through and through, the fucking banjo 'Bartering Lines' is awful, and what the hell is the uninspired 'Shakedown on 9th Street'? This has Open Mic Night at your least favorite bar written all over it, and I hated every fucking second of it.

To be Young - boring Bob Dylan knockoff The winding wheel - this is decent Amy- another dull song Oh my sweet Carolina- this is a sweet song, easy to listen to👍 Bartering lines- this is quite atmospheric in a background way Call me on your way back home- lyric very cliché Gave up on track ratings, nothing else stuck out to me God this album is The epitome of boring. Just a lot of blah 1/5

Wrongen.

I listened to this record a ton after it came out. It's as close to a personal classic as you can get. Love it forever.

Excellent. I enjoyed listening to this one immensely! Somber, solemn, exciting, cohesive - I felt like this all came together nicely. 'Come Pick Me Up' was my fave here. Side note, I ended up falling into a rabbit hole and listening to "Orion" - which is a metal album from this guy. It's on YouTube - and not half-bad. I recommend giving it a try if you have any passing interest - it felt weirdly unique and it's probably a lot more obscure than it ought to be.

Very very good, would listen to this again. Good broken heart album

It wasn't the album I wanted and ended up being the one I needed. I get it now.

2000. Alternative country, roots rock

A slow monday morning was probably the perfect time for this album. Lovely country vibes, gorgeous slow songs. Will definitely have to check out more of his stuff.

Excellent Americana album. Great contributions from Gillian Welch, Emmylou Harris, and others.

Songs with the right hooks, tasteful instrumentation and very appealing vocals: a personal favourite indeed.

5/5. This is a sweet album to listen, very country and quiet for the most part but beautiful songwriting. A great breakup album honestly and really fits the aesthetic it is going for. I am finding out more that this man is a country artist when I always thought he was rock. Glad I was introduced to these, bypassing the recent releases. Hard to find any fault on this one, it is just a series of great songs and a wonderful album front to back to listen to. Also, I am rating this on the listening of the album since that is the point of this list. Best Song: To Be Young, Oh My Sweet Carolina, In My Time of Need, Why Do They Leave?

Favorite Track: Oh My Sweet Carolina

4/5

His voice works for me. and the gentle guitar. As does his playful willingness to do very different stuff from U2 to Taylor Swift's 1989. Curious as to why I like his music despite the 'country' sound. Pure enough. Interesting enough lyrics. open to more. at least a 4. on the 'definitely listen to more' pile.

Day180 - highly enjoyable album and i don’t think it’s his best album. i never get tired of “to be young”

Really good, I want to hear more

Content

Don't know anything about Ryan Adams's personal life, but most of the reviewers on this site write how shitty he is. But I'm here to listen to somewhat significant musical œuvres of modern age and rank them, not to ramble about how shitty as a person the artist is. This is a good country-rock album, and I had a great time listening to it.

One of my favorite songwriters of the past 20 years. Too bad he got caught up in some cancel culture hype. Is he a saint, nope. But I still enjoy his music. And is releasing tons of music... although the media will not mention it. Good stuff... just stay away from the recent singles of live covers.

This is not what I was expecting. I think I have always assumed Bryan Adams and Ryan Adams were the same person. This has a great alternative country feel that I loved. I don't know if it is quite full marks, but is at least a high four stars. Oh My Sweet Carolina was my favorite. After a second listen I think this definitely gets a 5 from me.

One of my all time favorites

To Be Young My winding Wheel Amy Oh My Sweet Carolina Bartering Lines Call Me On Your Way Back Home Come Pick Me Up Why Do They Leave Shakedown on 9th Street In My Time of Need Dare I say a master piece. Banger after banger. Beautiful voice. Beautiful guitar. Can understand the lyrics. Great vibe behind the album.

This is really, really good. I love the choice timings for harmonies. Occasionally there's some really interesting and great chord choices. The instrumentation and vocals pair together wonderfully. There's not a single miss on the album, and there's some really, really good songs that push it over the top for me.

Something about Ryan Adams that speaks to me. Maybe its that we're from the same hometown and grew up miles apart. Who knows. I do love all his music though!

Very cool sound.

A little like Bob Dylan. How'd I miss this guy before?

I really loved this album. SORRY YOU HAD TO BE A DICK, RYAN. I hope you figure it out.

Liked this way more than I expected. I’m not sure if Ryan was an inspiration for Jack White, but I felt like I could hear Jack taking some root in songs like Shakedown on 9th Street. Great lyrics and the kind of guitar playing that really makes you want to pick up an acoustic guitar and struggle through gaining your first calloused fingertips for the sake of learning to play.

Another new album for me that I love! Great story telling great melodies! 5/5

who knows wtf is ryan adams. His later work doesn't do it for me, but I'll admit to listening to this album mmore than once!

Surprise, surprise, I really love this album. By far my favorite of the his solo albums and the one that I think holds up the best.

Probably the album that allowed me to enjoy some country vibes with my rock n roll.

Couldn't bring myself to stream it because Ryan Adams is a POS... That said, I loved this album back in college when it came out, was on super heavy rotation so I've heard it enough to know my rating. I'm trying to keep these ratings focused on the specific album only, not the person... so it's a 5 (all-time classic).

Very good chill music

Great album by a huge piece of shite.

Ryan Adams is a brilliant lyricist. He may be a petulant jerk, but his music is great. While this isn't quite as good as Gold or some of his other later albums, it is still excellent. I would give it a 4.5 to leave room for Gold, but I'll round up.

One of the first times since we started doing this that I had the album on repeat all day. Phenomenal. I’m obviously in more of an emotional state to connect with these lyrics than anyone in the group as far as I know, but I think they are objectively very good. Combined with the music here (taking from folk, country, and rock) Ryan Adams is almost like a more contemporary Bob Dylan here. It’s a massive shame that he was also a creep and/or emotionally abusive partner. My favorites are “Come Pick Me Up” and “Call Me on Your Way Back Home. Both are devastatingly beautiful.

Amazing

When I was in college, I had a friend who got really into Ryan Adams. At the time, I was diving down my own rabbit hole of metal and hardcore so I wasn't interested in this soft-spoken singer songwriter stuff. Now, with the benefit of age, I can truly appreciate the skill and talent of Mr..Adams. This is a great album. Beautiful writing, fantastic performance, dang near perfect production. Great all the way around. My buddy was right. This is really good

Forgot how good this album is, a modern country classic.

Drags a bit in the middle but overall really terrific.

An old favourite.

Vraiment un super album que je connaissais pas. Enfin un petit truc nouveau a me mettre sous la dent. j'ai beaucoup apprécié ! 5

If I'm just judging the music and not the man... easy 5.

baita sonzao, já pela primeira se vê, pegada folk/country vozerao

This and his next two albums have some phenomenal songs on them.

Haven't heard Bryan Adams outside When You're Gone, so the album was a pleasant surprise. A lot of folk influences was heard and welcomed.

I love this album.

Dylanesque? This is really good. Would you call it Neo-country? It's not normally my thing but it's beautifully balanced with a laid-back vibe that's floats along seamlessly from track to track. Reading the reviews it seems there's a lot of people hung-up about his nastiness. Well he doesn't strike me as a saint but can you point me in the direction of someone living his lifestyle who's never acted like a jerk? Trendy chattering classes......

Oh man, this guy is a creep? What a shame. Great record.

I know he's reportedly a big-league asshole, but I love this guy's music. This is clearly (in my opinion) his best album. There isn't a song on here that I don't love. I listened to the whole album twice. It's so good.

no es el brian