Sail Away
Randy Newman
1972
Album Summary
Sail Away is an album by Randy Newman, released on May 23, 1972. It was produced by Lenny Waronker and Russ Titelman and issued on Reprise Records. While all of its songs were written and composed by Newman, several had already been recorded by other artists.
WikipediaNot bad, but I just couldn't escape the feeling that I was listening to a Disney soundtrack.
Sail Away is another addition to the long list of songs that could be a genre labeled "Talking to Americans" if Rick M didn't already own that title. It reminds me of seeing Springsteen and the biggest US flag imaginable dropped as he opened with Born in the USA. Of course if you just saw the flag and listened to the chorus, you might think the song was pro USA. Hell, Reagan invited Bruce to the White House to perform it. Sail Away contains a similar facade of the wonderful USA and if you don't know either the relevance of Charleston Bay or what the word "wog" means, you might replace your poppy with a Stars and Stripes lapel pin, put on your MAGA hat and go about about your day with blissful ignorance.
My first memory of Randy Newman was as a little kid and "Short People" was being played all over and I just didn't get it - why was this guy so mean to short people? Of course my dad had to explain the satire to me and once I got it, I loved it. That was pretty much the last I'd heard Randy Newman outside the random cut (e.g. "I Love L.A.") as he would never really again be played on my rock radio stations. So when I discovered this album "Sail Away" only a few years ago it blew me away. Starting off with the title track "Sail Away" is pure genius - one of the saddest songs I've ever heard for obvious reasons when you quickly realize what it's really about. I'm not sure I would have been able to appreciate this album when I was a little younger but I'm a huge fan - the music is tremendous; occasionally to me sounding like Broadway tunes for people who really don't like Broadway tunes (mea culpa). I enjoy the *sound* of this record - the clarity and simplicity of the production centered around Newman's piano and voice while accented by perfect accompaniments - of particular note is Ry Cooder's slide guitar on "Last Night I Had a Dream." And Newman is the rare songwriter who just through his unique voice actually makes me listen to the lyrics which are most often brilliantly satirical - poking fun at religion, nationalism, exceptionalism - fits comfortably in with my worldview :) As one who is mostly a rock fan first and foremost, I absolutely love everything about this album - perhaps because it gives me a curveball in my listening habits - and there are no missteps in this whatsoever. 9/10 5 stars.
Yusss. It can take a while to ‘get’ Randy Newman or take him seriously, but once it clicks it’s worth it. There’s humour. There’s satire. There are piercing home truths and humdrum observations side-by-side. There’s a blend of orchestral/New-Orleans-y ragtime pop that you don’t really get from anyone else. I think what I like most is that while his default position might be mockery, I reckon there’s plenty of affection and sincerity too. There are enough classics here to guarantee a 4. Does the rest of the album push it into genuine 5-star territory? I’m not sure; but as a devout Randy fan there was always going to be some rounding up involved. Wish he’d stop cancelling gigs I’m supposed to go to though.
He may not be the greatest singer, but Randy Newman is a brilliant songwriter and I think his voice works incredibly well with his writing style. At this point in his career, he's probably thought of mostly as a movie score/song composer. His ascerbic wit is on full display on this album. I think it's great even though my 2 favorite songs of his (Mama Told Me Not to Come and I Love LA) aren't on this record.
This was such a solid album. I was actually surprised with how much I enjoyed it and I look forward to listening to it again later. From the lyrics along, I really couldn't figure out if Mr. Newman was for or against religion, or perhaps specifically against organized religion? I really started to questions things at God's Song (That's Why I Love Mankind). I may have to listen to the album a few times before I understand.
Un excellent album de la part de notre ami Randy. Mention spéciale à l'interlude précédant You Can Leave Your Hat On au cours duquel on entend Jean-Luc Reichmann s'écrier "C'est la question COOO... C'est la question IIIIIIIINE..... C'est la fameuse question coquine...." sous les applaudissements rythmés du public.
How? How is there more than one Randy Newman album on this list? I haven't gotten a single John Coltrane album, not a single Charles Mingus album, but I have now gotten two Randy Newman albums. Fuck Randy Newman. His voice sounds like an inflatable bear with a slow leak. It sounds like Satan talking after inhaling helium. It is the auditory version of sitting down too long until your sciatic nerve falls asleep. The worst part of any Randy Newman song is all of the fucking Randy Newman. 2/5. The only reason this is not a 1 is because I kinda like You Can Leave Your Hat On. Fuck Randy Newman
Newman and his honky-tonk, Ray Charles-dreaming piano, off-beat lyrics, drinking songs to intricate to drink to. Aiming for a wry smile.
Singer/song-writers are not always the favorite for this reviewer. There is no exception here with Randy Newman. While the talent of putting music and words together is an oversimplification of what Randy Newman does here, the bottom line for this review is the question of "Why?" Why is this important? This album is track after track of walking into a conversation that has been happening for some time, no context, no circling back, each song having its own self-contained continuity stoking zero interest as to whether or not the listener should care to listen. Truthfully, the mindset going into this album was one of open-minded and intentional patience, but that only asked the second question: "How?" How is this important, and to what degree of impact did this have on the world of music? No denigration of Mr. Newman or his music is intended here, a limited number of humans have his talent to tell a story and play the piano at the same time. In terms of an album though, this would probably have more appreciation at a dive bar, or lounge, complete with spirits and smokes. By all means, this should not discourage someone else from listening to the album, it was simply not for this listener.
Gotta 😆 in the first 10 seconds I heard “you Got a Friend “ in my mind and BAM it is the same artist!!
I love this album. Randy Newman is such a clever songwriter. Favorite song is Political Science
This album is amazing, Randy Newman has such a talent at writing these beautiful, emotional pieces that’s probably why disney had him write so many soundtracks 10/10
I think I've probably only heard Randy's music because of Toy Story, but this wasn't at all what I expected. Loved the satire.
God's Song nets this baby a 5 alone. Randy is the GOAT there are half a dozen classics on here
Taken by complete surprise. The writing on here is just so ridiculously good. A real treat.
Musically charming, understatedly elegant arrangements. Sly, unsentimental, frequently cynical lyrics. Randy Newman is a treasure. Fave Songs (All songs, from most to least favorite): Sail Away, Last Night I Had a Dream, Memo to My Son, Lonely at the Top, God's Song (That's Why I Love Mankind), Political Science, You Can Leave Your Hat On, Old Man, Dayton, Ohio - 1903, He Gives Us All His Love, Burn On, Simon Smith and the Amazing Dancing Bear
I absolutely loved this album, and I had never heard it before. The arrangement was so clever, the lyrics were so wonderful and touching and thought provoking. I will definitely add this to my rotation.
I’m not too familiar with Randy Newman and didn’t know what to expect. This album was a biting satire that sent up American exceptionalism and even flirted with the absurd. I’m also quite partial to Los Angeles orchestral pop so this album appealed to me musically as well. Overall this was a perfect album for me.
This was really good. I liked the style he was going for, and the songs were pleasant to the ears.
I enjoyed it. I had forgotten that he sang “Roll On” from the opening to the movie “Major League which I always enjoyed.
Immediate hit of toy story vibe of course. Lonely at the top, Sounds like old black Louisiana blues/jazz performer, playing in his dungarees on a deck outside a shop on a box. Absolutely stunning. Album definitely has 'musicals' influence. Some tracks feel very broadway
I feel like I have overlooked his talent and artistry for far too long. This work is different than his soundtrack stuff. It feels both personal and filled with dedication to craft.
I enjoy Randy Newman's laid back style while mixing satire and cheeky commentary. Enjoyable album.
Randy Newman es un compositor como pocos, tiene la habilidad de escribir letras y fraguar historias quizá aun más ligadas y cercanas que algunos otros más poéticos pero con quienes quizá es más difícil sentir esa relación inmediata como Dylan o Cohen. Tiene inventiva, métrica, cadencia en sus frases, historias completas en tres párrafos y la capacidad como pocos de incluso despertar emociones. Tiene también en mi punto dos detalles. Su música es buena, es interesante y le queda a sus canciones... y es la misma siempre, TODAS sus canciones suenan como en una plantilla 70% iguales, que creo toda persona de nuestra edad obviamente puede reconocer inmediatamente al pensar en Woody y Buzz; es un sonido agradable pero puede cansar. El segundo punto es que son canciones con música agradable, letras excelentes... cantadas por el borrachín que duerme afuera del Oxxo; su manera de entonar y esa forma tan particular y única es simpática como por una o dos canciones... ya a 2/3 del disco tambien no se aguanta mucho. De hecho el disco las dos veces tal cual le tuve que poner intermedio al escucharlo por la combinación de voz/música que me llegaba a cansar. Me encantó Sail Away y su concepto de como pretendiera alguien pintarle a un próximo esclavo lo bonito que es EE.UU. Me fascina que haya hecho una canción sobre un sueño; pero sobre un sueño de verdad como son, no todo poético y metafórico como todas las canciones de sueños, aquí el sueño es una medio pesadilla sin sentido que puede o no tener sentido o significado porque tal cual así son los sueños, raros. God's Song igual maestra, cada cuánto se tiene realmente una canción desde el punto de vista ateo, y que aparte ateo o no deja el mensaje (muy cierto a fin de cuentas) de que, si dios existiera, quien lo necesitan son los hombres, no al revés. De verdad siento que no hay letra mala en el disco, podría ponerme a platicar de casi todas las canciones y como algo bueno o novedoso o interesante se les encuentra. Decía Newman en una entrevista que "mi música no es para ponerse de fondo mientras comes papitas en una fiesta" y creo que tiene toda la razón porque, por un lado, sus letras de verdad que merecen ser escuchadas con atención y, por otro, la fiesta se te va a vaciar después de la cuarta canción con ese sonsonete. Maravilla de album pero no de corrido.
It's not just music from Pixar movies! This was actually very good. Not what I was expecting at all.
Randy is fun. I like when he observes things as they happen, or just says whatever comes to mind. A lovely “ear wash” after goddamn Slipknot
La première chose qui m'est passé par la tête, c'est que toutes les pièces pourraient figurer dans des films de Pixar.. J'ai ensuite remarqué que c'était le compositeur de You've got a friend in me et ça explique beaucoup de choses! Ça s'écoute bien, j'aime la voix et le piano mais rien d'extrêmement complexe.
Randy Newman can kind of be sad and happy at the same time. I really enjoyed this album.
Newman is a brilliant and very funny songwriter. I've like his stuff for a long time, and Political Science still amuses me! Listened twice.
Тёплый, ламповый альбом. Оригинал культовой Песни про шляпу в себе содержит. Который я, в прочем, поначалу воспринял за не самый выдающийся кавер. На самом деле особо предъявить не за что, на год своего выхода это было, вероятно, тупо топ. Но не сильно уверен, что уютная атмосфера альбома не развеется до обыденности спустя за несколько прослушиваний.
If you like Elton John's Madman Across The Water, then this is like an American version of that album. Except replace the pop friendly lyrics of Elton with some deeper lyrics about Americans. (Although I will say that Elton has got a better voice than Randy).
Great stories and effortless style - not a genre I would listen to normally, but I will put this one on again.
Great songs. I'm not usually one for orchestrated arrangements in pop music but I can overlook it because of how great the songs are. 4 stars
Fantastic Album, great lyrics, rock/blues instrumentation, very entertaining. Never heard of him before, but a few songs of this album are very familiar through interpretations by other artists.
Really good album, has a nostalgic/homely feel to it, probably due to the fact that the same dude sings 'you've got a friend in me' from Toy Story. 4/5.
pretty good. If you like that one song from toy story, then you will probably like this album. Also, this has the happiest song about nuclear war. 3.7/5
I liked this a lot. Randy Newman is a great songwriter. I especially liked God's Song - very interesting lyrics. 4 stars.
Tykkäsin tästä, ainakin taustamusana. Ei ollut tuttu ukko aikaisemmin, ainakaan tietoisesti, mutta ilmeisesti kova filmisäveltäjä. Verrattuna edellisenä arvioituun Nick Draken Five Leaves Leftiin, tämä oli vähän rokimpaa kamaa.
Whenever I hear Randy Newman I think of toy story, to me they are so linked, and that’s not a bad thing as both are memorable for good reasons. He has a distinctive voice which is quite a mellow, soothing sound, it’s very pleasant. I have never really listened to any of his music before outside of movie tracks, now that I have I want to find out more about his back catalogue
Brian Wilson fell in love with this album when it came out, and as someone who thinks Brian Wilson is one of the best artists of the past century, I also love this album. The vibe is exactly the type of 60's beatlesque pop rock that goes straight to my soul. Not the most profound thing ever, but well worth a listen if you like The Beatles or (especially) The Beach Boys. Favorite Tracks: "Sail Away", "Lonely At The Top", "Simon Smith and the Amazing Dancing Bear", "Old Man", "Political Science", "Burn On", "Dayton, Ohio - 1903"
By turns cynical and sincere, Newman is a hard man to pin down. What does he believe in? Perhaps the intrigue will keep us listening but the lack of trust means we’ll never warm to him.
Never listened to Randy Newman besides the famous "You've Got A Friend In Me", so this album made me amazed. His voice together with the piano is something beautiful to hear, especially on a sunday like today, relaxing and not thinking in anything else. Favorite tracks: *Sail Away * Lonely At The Top * Dayton, Ohio - 1903
There are some great songs on here, but a few of them feel slightly underdeveloped. I also prefer the more complex arrangements on his later albums to the focus mostly on piano and strings here. Love the Cleveland song!
Really enjoyed this. Not as fun as Good Old Boys but a little more consistent. Might be a Randy Newman stan. There’s also a clear line you can draw from this sound to Bruce Springsteen
Solid album front to back. Songs are mostly distinct from each other. Has a subdued version of "You can leave your hat on". Has some actual songs that go somewhere and say something. "Old Man" is him talking to his dad who's dying, "Political Science" is hoping for someone to just hurry up and drop a nuclear bomb. There's happy songs, sad songs, silly songs, serious songs, y'know, actual variety. Despite being a music style I'm not heavily into, I could listen to this from time to time.
It's inescapable that Toy Story has done for old Randy since it's very difficult to separate him from the film. What some perhaps don't know is how many well known songs he has written (mainly for other people)....... for example halfway down the list is 'You can leave your hat on' which was a huge hit for Joe Cocker from the film 9.5 weeks. This music is 'One man and a piano in a smokey bar drinking singing about his troubles in life' which some may find dreary but in the right circumstances is soothing to listen to.
A collection of short, simple, beautiful songs by 'the Toy Story guy'. A number of these songs (all written by Newman) are well known for versions having been recorded by others. Here they mainly comprise piano with strings. The simpler versions highlight the quality of the songwriting and soulfulness of Newman's voice. Simply lovely. Rating: 4.5/5 Playlist track: Sail Away Date listened: 21/06/22
This guy is basically a machine churning out songs for movies that stick in the mind long after the movie has faded...... I think he also works as a film composer so that would make total sense. As an album though, Sail Away is a collection of short but sweet songs showcasing Randy's vocals. Loved it.
This one I guess is peak Randy Newman, at least of this particular aspect of his singer/songwriter persona. And I like it, a lot of it is pretty funny, the music is all solid and some rises to a higher level. But there is the issue of the kind of condescending sneer behind a lot of the satirical lyrics, this attitude of “let’s channel how these idiots think” but without any hint really of pointing to a better way.
Randy Newman wrote some very creative songs but not the most fun to listen to. "Sail away" was eerie when I realized what it was actually about. If I was a bigger lyrics person maybe this could be a 5 but the music itself is just not fully there for me.
Strong effort. The music is particularly strong. Newman's lyrics are less bitter and cynical than later efforts. From the start, Newman's music was cinematic (no surprise given his background).
A very underrated songwriter who I don't know a ton about. But lots of musicians rave about him.
I didn’t realize so many if his greatest songs were on this one album. Political Science and Sail Away are tremendous. Lonely at the Top and Burn on are also classics. Great album overall.
A fascinating album, full of clever, cutting lyrics and crystal clear imagery. Highlights for me were the devastatingly dark "Old Man" and the wry humor on "Political Science". The original version of "You Can Leave Your Hat On" takes on a whole new meaning with slurred lyrics evoking a sense of drunken sleaze adding a dimension that is absent from the more famous Joe Cocker cover version. I found the production to be a bit uninspiring at times.
I think, to a certain degree, I'm generationally preconditioned to have a positive emotional response to Randy Newman's voice. His contributions to Pixar films aside, Newman really does have a very comfortable and easy delivery that seems somewhat designed to put the listener at ease. That's why it's so jarring when he comes at you with a song like "Political Science" and drops lines like, "They don't respect us/So let's surprise them/We'll drop the big one/And pulverize them." It feels out of place. But, honestly... it works. His delivery disarms the defensive cynicism that protest songs tend to provoke in me. I enjoyed this album a lot. Way more than expected.
Great 70's piano led rock but with dark fucking lyrics which can tend to get over looked as the melodies are sometimes so great. For example, the title track is sungfrom the point of view of a slaver singing about how great life is in America to slaves from Africa who are bound there. Another about how the US shoudl just drop nuclear bombs on everyone that way no one could criticise them for dropping bombs on everyone. Like I said - dark. Best Tracks: Sail Away; Last Night I Had A Dream; God's Song (That's Why I Love Mankind)
Long before I had a friend in Randy Newman and Toy Story I was burning in with Major League! One of the most distinct voices.
4 stars - its classic Randy Newman. I'd definitely say he has a unique voice and his early albums, such as this, are a lot better than newer Randy Newman
Is this soul? Blues? Rock n roll? I guess it's all of them, it switches between songs. Songs are really varied, like there's no way this came from one writing session etc. The songs themselves are honestly pretty damn good, and it has the good sense to only go for half an hour, but there's something weird about his voice. Like an odd inflection or something. It's not a deal breaker, but it kinda stops the album being a 4. I hadn't heard this version of leave your hat on before, which was cool but not the best version of it. 3/5.
I can't help but laugh when I hear his voice. He sounds like a drunk Disney cartoon side character singing to the protagonist during a traveling montage (Thanks Toy Story?) and it's really hard for me to get past and take him seriously no matter how good the lyrics might be. The music is rather cartoonish too (but interesting!) Definitely hear how he may have influenced someone like Rufus Wainwright. Last Night I Had a Dream and Burn On seemed like the best fit of his voice and music. Overall, pretty silly. I can see how he became known for Schoolhouse Rock and Pixar.
Sabía que el de la canción de Toy Story era famoso, pero no sabía que desde los 70 cantaba con voz de viejito. Tampoco que con esa voz creó "You can leave your hat on" que definitivamente tiene mucho más sentido con Tom Jones. También conocía "It's lonely at the top" con Big Bad Voodoo Daddy y misma historia, me gusta más con ellos. En fin, no es un mal disco, tiene aportaciones interesantes, pero su voz rasposilla de fumador y que todo sea en estilo como de Honky Tonk, no son lo mío.
He's got a distinctive style, I'l give him that. I think a lot of the charm is probably in the lyrics, so it's not well suited to listening in the background while working. I'll potentially revisit it at some point! Since the Monk theme tune wasn't on here, fave track "God's Song (That's Why I Love Mankind)", as that one made me stop what I was doing and pay attention...
LE GARS D'HISTOIRE DE JOUET. Je l'ai spotté tout suite. Mais honnêtement, dans quel mood il faut être pour avoir le goût d'écouter la soundtrack d'histoire de jouet? Il fait bien ça Randy, mais je pense pas réécouter ses albums. Mon hit: Elle est pas sur le cd, mais je m'en fou. Mon hit c'est You've got a friend in me. Go Woody! Go Buzz! Fuck Sid!
Really nice, short snippets. Some of the songs were a bit out there, but Randy Newman is always a pleasant listen. Favorite Tracks: “Political Science” and “You Can Leave Your Hat On”
La verdad nunca había escuchado algo de Randy Newman que no fuera su trabajo como compositor de scores y soundtracks para películas (¡hola, Toy Story!). En ese sentido, la verdad es que de pronto sentí que el disco funcionaría como soundtrack igual, me parece un álbum que va muy bien como música en vivo de algún restaurante o como lo que escuchas en un elevador, algo por el estilo. Agradable, pero no me parece nada fascinante. Si acaso reconocí "You Can Leave Your Hat On" por esas primeras notas. También lo sentí como un disco muy gringo y aunque "Sail Away" sea justo una gringada, creo que es la canción que más me gustó, junto con "Last Night I Had A Dream". 7.5/10
A very good listen, with some really classic songs. Randy Newman's voice reminds me of my youth.
Me gustó Simon smith and the amazing dancing bear y Last night I had a Dream -tienen toda la vibra Pixar de este señor Pixar-, (a juzgar por su discografía de Spotify). Pero la verdad casi todo el disco me dio pereza
6/10. A few of the songs were fairly amusing, which made up for the fairly bland music, but there it is not amusing enough to be especially memorable.
02/03 - Yesterday I worked on door details for drum storage, talked through further detail development with Carissa, and helped Vidula bring views into the Manufacturing model. Randy Newman was actually a far better listen then I was expecting. I recognized his voice immediately from Toy Story but had never heard of any other songs he had. The description of him on Spotify listed that he is a great lyricist which I think makes his songs so interesting and what actually kept my attention. Not necessarily a genre I would save and listen to daily but definitely an album worth knowing of.
I didn’t like his voice at first but it actually grew on me a lot. Really simple musically and corny at times, but it had some nice moments and was pleasant to listen to overall 6?
órale. no tenía mucha idea de este men salvo lo que ha hecho para ciertas películas de animación. es divertido generalmente y ocasionalmente brillante. y eso que este trip como de musical no me gusta mucho que digamos.
It was a fine slice of Americana and certainly understand why it is on the list. Having said that, I think it was just ok. The singer songwriter trope is evergreen but Randy Newman's take feels a bit stale.
мде, ну и голос, конечно. привык только ближе к середине, до этого нервный смешок постоянно брал от его завываний ну особенно положительного сказать мало что могу. вторая песня дала все-таки стимул дослушать до конца, но после неё какая-то вообще жуть про Иисуса понеслась. и хотя нашёл оправдания этой песне, мол автор сам атеист, но просто хочет показать все стороны диалога - че-то не проняло, песня-то ужасная просто довольно много мрачных настроений, в связке с почти голой пианинкой этой подкупает немного, но все равно не хватает чего-то порой, а голос не настолько сильный, как у того же Коэна, чтобы достоверно страдания передать. ну наверное где-то 5/10, разве что в качестве странного эксперимента можно послушать, хотя вторая песня опять же неплоха
9th June 2021 Listened throughout the day on the day I had a staff call and lots of big sites went down, finished on a walk to the supermarket. I really like the simplicity of Randy Newman, very sweet yet soulful songs.
Surprisingly good. Sail Away the song is truly excellent. Last Night I Had a Dream, Political Science, and Lonely at the Top also good. As an overall album I got a little bored but that’s probably more a reflection on my tastes.
Pleasant is my best descriptor of Randy Newman and this album. It's soft piano and orchestral arrangements allow Newman's storytelling and portraits to do their work. It's not wholly engaging or as prescient as other folk/singer songwriters of the era but it is well crafted, it's pleasant to spend time with.
Randy Newman isn't really for me I think. I've listened to another of his albums previously and that also didn't really click.
Enjoyed his voice and some of the more lyrically uneasy songs such as gods song. Arguably though Randys best work is in film
Not what I was expecting really and I enjoyed this album more than I thought I would. Some interesting lyrics and variety from plinky plonky song to some bluesy ones as well. Pleasant surprise!
- vocal affectation is an acquired tastes - bluesy vibe but pedestrian chords.. where's the jazz? - few tracks that are just eh - songs are so short they are almost jingles..
I can never take Randy Newman's voice seriously. Lonely At The Top is a dark carnival soundscape. Its a charming album, I just don't think I really care for most of it.
Samanlaista kohtuullisen tyhjänpäiväistä rallattelua kuin aiempikin Newmanin levy listalla. Tällä kertaa meni enemmän taustamusiikkina, enkä niin keskittynyt lyriikoihin jotka taitaa olla kyseisen artistin musiikin keskeisin osa. Edellinen levy sai ylöspäin pyöristyvän 2,5:en, ja aika samat mietteet on tästäkin.
Tää on nyt varmaan semmosta singer songwriter kamaa, ihan mukavaa kuunneltavaa. Kolme tähteä nyt vaan irtosi.
Makes me want to watch Toy Story honestly. He has a great voice though and this album is some pleasant baroque pop. Also there's a song about Cleveland for some reason?
Cela fait maintenant 1045 minutes que le générateur n'a pas récolté le moindre 4/5 pour l'un de ses albums. Une période de disette sans précédent, qui fera certainement date. J'ai néammoins apprecié l'apparition des potes, plus sensuels que jamais, dans le clip de You Can Leave Your Hat On. A voir et à revoir.
A bit too much like a soundtrack for a musical for me. But he’s got a great voice and I loved some of the melodies and arrangements.
I’m impressed that in the same year that Steeley Dan, Alice Cooper and Yes released albums that I listened to a lot in the decade that followed, Randy Newman was doing his own thing, head down at the piano, singing away in a voice not really meant for singing. Especially with songs like Political Science and God’s Song more or less guaranteeing that he’d stay below the radar.
I know Randy Newman from his movie soundtrack work but I'm not familiar with his early albums. This has his very recognizable voice, man on a piano singing some kind of goofy half-speed ragtime music. Very contrasting tone compared to the lyrics, seems he was a religious man but then also not much faith in humanity. Interesting listen, glad I got to see this side of his music outside of Disney.
i could literally hear his toy story voice from a mile away it was so funny. i liked his album i thought it was soothing and interesting (i liked sail away- the message was chilling).
Randyn seuraava levy oli tuttu ja täähän oli ihan yhtä kova. Ihanan ironista ja jotenkin veikeää musaa. Arvostan myös sitä, että biisit ei ole kokoaan pidempiä. Nyt 3.5, ehkä joskus vielä 4.
fozzie’s version of Simon Smith was a profound part of my childhood. Much to appreciate on this album
This was alright, kinda felt like I was listening to a Pixar soundtrack. Overall it was kind of a boring listen.
A beautiful album all together, but lacks dynamics and a bit more from the instrumentation accompanying the piano.
Who knew Pixar's crown prince of the heartfelt ditty was so sarcastic and satirical? Not I! The unexpected darkness and depth of the lyrical content impresses me, but the showtune-y sheen layered on top of everything gets old fast. I appreciate the way he uses what he's got to make his point, but this won't become every day ongoing listening for me. Glad I stopped by, but even gladder still to be moving on.
Positive vibes, some songs were catchy but the album didn't leave a huge impression on me
-"God's Song (That's Why I Love Mankind)" and "Political Science" have particularly interesting themes -"Lonely At The Top" was nice enough I guess -The songs on this album all have a major problem and that is that they are by Randy Newman, but aren't "You've Got a Friend in Me" and we're featured in a beloved movie from my childhood
Genre: Piano Rock 3/5 I’ll give Randy Newman this: the man is hilarious. And a very good songwriter. Sail Away is that weird, goofy kid in high school turned into an album. Newman takes on all originals, including some which had already been recorded by other artists, and puts his own unique twist on things. Once you get passed Newman’s voice, a voice which is equal parts nostalgic (sounds like Toy Story) and equal parts hilarious (sounds like a goofball), what your left with is a very well-produced, albeit unspectacular, album. You Can Leave Your Hat On and Political Science are both great, and pretty hilarious, but those are the ones where his style showcases what he does best. The rest feel pretty small in comparison. Decent, overall.
I Liked it, I know...I know... but I have a weird liking for Randy Newman but it is always better when someone covers his work...but he writes some great songs.
Such a unique voice. Immediate recognition. Lots of talent here, and is a nice easy-listening, background sound. All that said, does not do much for me. C-
Better than I was expecting. His original version of Leave Your Hat on is so toned down compared to the Joe cocker remake, but still nice to hear. 3/5
A nice easy listen, a few really cool tracks but a lot of it not something I'd listen to again
Can’t listen to Randy Newman without thinking about Buzz Lightyear, but this album was lovely.
Plenty of good songs but just wasn't taken with the delivery. Maybe better covered by others. As a collection is was a little unrelenting.
"Is this the 'You've Got a Friend in Me' guy?" Yes, yes it is. The guy has a signature voice, instantly recognizable and forever immortalized by a Pixar song. But hey, he's more than that. There are quite a few excellent tracks on here. I can't say that I was blown away overall, and after a little while I found the music slipping into the background for me (happened on both listens). I guess that just happens with a voice like his. But it's a good album, no denying it! And I just love the lyric "he's happy as a monkey in a monkey tree." Well done, Randy! I could see this growing on me. Favorite tracks: Sail Away, Last Night I Had a Dream, Dayton Ohio 1903. Album art: Just a headshot, but the angle is unique I guess? He looks like a Bond villain version of Elton John or something, I don't know. Not sure what I expected the guy with this voice to look like, maybe a Burl Ives snowman? 3.5/5
There are a couple of great songs in here, but a whole album of Randy Newman (even if it is only 30 minutes) is just too much. Best track: Sail Away
Dig the voice, but this all sounds like a Pixar movie. Somehow this man has no soul whatsoever. Old Man sounded awful but the song was sad. Also, this dude was born and raised in California. Why he sing like NoLa?
My knowledge of Randy Newman was limited to Toy Story and that Family Guy bit making fun of him, so this is better than I expected. His lyrics have a vein of dark satire about America, such as enticing people into slavery and nuking the world. His voice must be an acquired taste though.
Думаешь, что этот альбом похож на саундтрек к какому-нибудь мультфильму. А в итоге оказывается, что исполнитель после написал саундтреки к мультфильмам Pixar. Пхех.
Randy Newman is a pretty incredible talent and I like most of the songs on this album. It's just really hard to listen to an entire album. It starts to get repetitive pretty fast. If I heard each of these songs interspersed throughout a day or so of listening to music I wouldn't mind as much but when you listen to them all in a row you start looking for the "skip" button. 3.5 stars
Not familiar with Randy Newman's stuff but the style in this album really reminded of his famous song for Toy Story. Not my particular cup of tea but I do think I need to give it a couple more listens to truly appreciate it.
Ef fólk fílar You've got a friend in me, þá er þetta plata fyrir þau. Voðalega kósí og vinalegt og gæti flest passað inn í Disney teiknimynd.
Ha una voce da colonne sonore disney e c'è 'You can leave your hat on' Non molto altro.
Ej, pa on je napravio soundtrack za Toy Story? Monster Inc.??Dajte ovom čovjeku medalju! Uglavnom, dobar album, nije za repete, ali je okej, i taj glas njegov mi stalno u glavi kao da pjeva "You've Got a Friend In Me." I mislim da to neće nestat. Toy Story među najjačim trilogijama +1 (jer je i četvorka isto napravljena, iak može i bez tog dijela - al je dobar, nije nužno kao trilogija ali nije okaljalo toliko franšizu.)
Meh. Title track is good, as is Political Science, but I don't like the songwriting enough to overcome the sketchiness of his voice (which is great at within a pretty small range and not great otherwise). It's pleasant, but not a lot more than that. Squeaks a 3.
Way better than expected. The man knows how to handle a bass line, and the lyrics are refreshingly wry, satirical and occasionally heavy.
Funner than you’d think, particularly that song about a dream. He’s definitely got a friend in me! ;)
This album had very few good points with boring music and laughable lyrics however, the song sail away redeems it from being a one star.
2.5| Pues es un gran compositor y te transmite el sentimiento exacto, pero que creepy canta "you can leave your hat on", que bueno que Tom Jones la hizo suya. Se le agradece varias canciones de películas y sobre todo lo que hizo para Toy Story.
You got a friend in me... I actually don't like his voice, it is very round, if that makes sense. The lyrics were also just meh. That said I like the feeling I get while listening to the albums.