Sail Away

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

Not bad, but I just couldn't escape the feeling that I was listening to a Disney soundtrack.

RaNdY NeWmAn DoEs DiSnEy SoNgS. What a weak, embarrassing take.

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.

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.

I love this album. Randy Newman is such a clever songwriter. Favorite song is Political Science

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.

I really like this one! I would consider downloading this one for listening again.

Randy Newman is a genius.

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.

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

Taken by complete surprise. The writing on here is just so ridiculously good. A real treat.

Unexpectedly Great!

God's Song nets this baby a 5 alone. Randy is the GOAT there are half a dozen classics on here

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.

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.

I have lived with these songs since I was a kid. Part of the soundtrack of my life.

A songwriting masterclass. On the surface, it feels bright and smiley but there's darkness and shadows everywhere. This is what I want from a 70s LA record.

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.

Great lyrics, great mood, so chill, one of a kind voice

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.

cool

This is very fine storytelling. And not just in the lyrics. The music itself tells a story. It is no surprise that Newman has been so successful as a film composer. His songs themselves are cinematic. The opening and closing tracks are deviously beautiful: lovely melodies bring you in and then the lyrics kick you in the teeth. I'm sure I knew it at some point but maybe I'd forgotten that Newman wrote "You Can Leave Your Hat On." Listening to this album, it struck me how similar Randy Newman and Tom Waits are. I would love an album where they cover each other's tunes.

I guess I'd forgotten that Randy Newman did anything but Pixar movie music and "Short People," and that's too bad. These were songs to listen to again and again, each time finding those brilliant little hidden gotchas that lurk under the affable, delightful surface.

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.

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 love Randy Newman, probably one of the sharpest, cynical, funny songwriters in American popular music. That he can combine drollery with poignancy, often in the same song, is impressive; married to lovely, jazzy piano arrangements, it's stellar. Sure, he's got a funny voice. It fits the music. Would a song about the slave trade like 'Sail Away' fly today? It's probably too glib to suit today's climate, despite its brilliance. A great collection of characterful songs by one of the best to ever do it.

Oh I know this song. And this one. Oh he wrote this one too? Wowsers. I feel poorly educated for not knowing Randy Newman's catalogue. My bad. And having such a unique voice, what a talent. No need to keep your hat on Randy, go flaunt it.

I enjoyed this. Plinky plonky storytelling.

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.

As a God fearing American, this was pretty g— Just kidding, this was boring and weirdly religious. Uncle Randy with the increasingly common L

Newman and his honky-tonk, Ray Charles-dreaming piano, off-beat lyrics, drinking songs to intricate to drink to. Aiming for a wry smile.

Well, they say the world's your oyster Man, but oysters ain't for me You're the belle of the ball But you ain't my cup of tea They always vote you Best in Show But this doggie disagrees 'Cause I like life in Paddy's Pub... There's a place for me, it's the place I go Where the beer is cheap, and the lights are low It's Paddy's Pub I like Paddy's Pub Let the record show The greatest place to go Is that bar called Paddy's Pub... [Harmonica Solo] I like life in Paddy's Pub...

I just can't get past my distain for Newman's singing voice

Have never been able to get into Randy Newman. All his songs sound exactly the same to me.

Oh no not this MF again. Here we go toy storying again. I don’t like this guy, i gave his last album a two and i will give this one a 1. please stop putting this guy in front of me. my patience are starting to run thin

Can’t stand Randy Newman. He’s ruined most of Pixar.

Gotta 😆 in the first 10 seconds I heard “you Got a Friend “ in my mind and BAM it is the same artist!!

F'n Randy Newman... just... no. Even I have some standards.

One of the most interesting musicians of the past 60 years who will now forever be most known for the least interesting part of his artistic output. You just can’t sing along to a lot of his songs depending on who the particular narrator is.

The more I listen to this album the more I’m in awe of his truly singular songwriting ability and performance style. His tunes are often hilarious (probably the most consistently funny non-joke-song songwriter) but also sometimes heartbreakingly beautiful, bc he is able to paint an honest (and ugly) picture of how people think, feel and treat (mistreat) one another.

Love Randy Newman's style, very enjoyable listen throughout

The Good: it seems we are going on a sailing trip… The Bad: nobody clearly explained to us where the trip is heading… The Ugly: once we reached our destination we realized we are all screwed… WOW. I’ve listened to this album many times over the years, but since starting this 1001 journey, at least for with several albums, I’ve started paying attention closer to what the lyrics actually mean, and this album is a gut-wrencher. I always appreciated Randy’s songs, the ones that I was very familiar with, but today I shed a tear during the ¨Old Man¨ song, what a harsh story he is telling there. And most of the songs on this album are just that, in your face, harsh stories, but told with such simple charm that you need to really make an effort to find out what’s really going on. And by that time, you can but only applaud the genius of Randy. 5*

9/10. Great album. Sail Away is fantastic and no real drop off from there.

Randy Newman is one of America's GOAT songwriters - taking history, politics, religion, humanity, and family to task with a scathing yet subtle wit on some songs and bathing us in warm wholesome ditties on other. This album rules.

Mellow, introspective, and fantastic.

I really enjoy the melancholy nostalgia that I hear in Randy Newman’s voice. It brings a lump to my throat without really trying.

Such a wonderful songwriter and composer. I enjoyed this, especially his ability to create characters in the lyrics. It makes sense that he was so good at film scores since so many of his compositions are 3rd party storytelling.

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’m surprised by how much I like this

This was really great. My first introduction to Randy Newman was the song ”Burn On” which appeared at the beginning of the movie Major League. I grew up in Cleveland and I love baseball, so I’ve always had a fondness for that track. But the more I heard Newman’s music, the more I really got what he was about. There’s really nobody else like him - maybe Tom Waits shares some of that same type of storytelling DNA. But it’s clear from this album why RN is distinct and revered.

I know it’s more than Toy Story but it’s all I can see!

Fabulous

I love Randy Newman but this was my first time listening to a full album. This was a great listen, highly recommend to anyone

This was delightful. I was a child when Toy Story came out and only new Randy Newman from that soundtrack. I always wondered how he could work as a popular musician. Turns out it's by writting short but involved pieces with biting satire. I don't know if this is the peak of his powers but Political Science and Simon Smith had me rolling. There's little I love more than someone smiling while they tell you to go f--- yourself.

Third album was the charm for Randy Newman, who really gets it right here. Great slice of life vignettes that sound as though they were written 50 years earlier, sung in Newman’s plaintive dry voice, accompanied by himself on piano or often brass band arrangements. This is Americana before there was such a thing.

Randy Newman just casually gets it.

I discovered Randy Newman in 1977, when “Sort People” was a hit. I wondered at the time how so many people could miss the point that it was a song that tore down prejudice. I picked up the album, and loved it. Then I picked up his previous album “Good Old Boys”, and really enjoyed it, also. New man’s lyrics are cutting, and cynical, and tend towards demonstrating absurd by being absurd, often not in an especially nice way (“Short People” and “Rednecks” are good examples). Anyway, on to Sail Away: I know (and own) 3 of the songs here, the title track, “…Hat On” and “Political Science”. All are brilliant. Musically, this has an old-time sound, pretty relaxed. Primarily piano and strings, sometimes lapsing into an almost New Orleans / slow-ragtime feel. I don’t know music theory, but the piano is captivating neat little melodies. It is all very concise, 12 songs in 30 minutes. Newman has a tendency to present these cynical, sarcastic observations on human life, then kick you in the gut with a crushingly sad song. “Old Man” is such a song, a song about dying alone (or almost alone). It is all wonderful but it is also music you need to pay attention to, to think about. Bottom line: 5/5, I’ll need to fill out my collection.

Jeez. I understand why Pixar hired him. Even writing solo, every song feels like a villain introduction. Incredible.

I didn't expect to like this album. I thought it would be twee and corny but it has depth. I mean, wade through a few 80s/90s electronica records and you'll give extra points to any album just for using actual instruments, but I wasn't expecting to shed a little tear on the bus to work

Love Randy!

Goddamn brilliant - captures more about American life and history than I learned in all of my years in school

Always love me some Randy Newman

Political Science is one of the all time great satires. This is a great album.

Sometimes being snuck up on is a kindness. This Newman is in every way less calculated, less cohesive. That makes it all the more American. Constant anxiety about sliding from atop, predictable results disguised in cynicism and two-minute pop song fluff.

Beautiful composition throughout the album, has a feel of orchestral music yet with pop/rock/blues influences. Amazing pianowork and I didn’t know you can leave your hat on was initially recorded by him.

This is a very nostalgic album for me. It reminds me of my Stepfather and the tremendous impact he had on my musical horizons. He was always exposing me to music such as this, that was just outside of my capability to fully grasp initially, but which grew on me over time when I was eventually able to start putting the pieces together for myself. Not to say that I didn't enjoy this straight away as a teenager though. My high school friends and I felt somewhat out of phase with our present era - old souls perhaps - so Randy Newman's more timeless, less rock oriented sound appealed to us in that way. Randy is fucking vicious, he just wraps it up in these beautiful arrangements so it goes down more easily. It's far more scathing that way too. Really messes with you emotionally so you're not even sure how to feel. He's a bitter motherfucker - and I feel that - and I also admire him for exploring lyrical territory very few others are brave enough to tread. He really confronts some of the darkest and most difficult corners of human weakness, hypocrisy, stupidity, evil, frailty, desire, fear, hubris, inadequacy, and sometimes even just mundaneness. He's always playing characters to voice these concerns, but you know he's in there somewhere, full of self loathing for being part of it all himself. And that's why it works - he's not above it. No matter how horrible these characters sound, he always makes it relatable, almost appealing, in some way. We're all guilty of being these imperfect, deeply flawed idiots, but at least Randy Newman recognizes it, is honest about it, and writes these gorgeous songs for us so we can at least all laugh about it.

I'm actually astounded at how much I liked this. I've never listened to Randy Newman before, I mostly know him as this un-serious caricature of a performer. This really took me by surprise and I'm definitely going to listen to more of his stuff.

Randy Newman is perhaps the most talented composer who has the ability to weave in factoids of life that either gets misconstrued, misunderstood or flies over one's head. Sail Away is the first example of Newman using the LP format to his advantage and rendering songs previously given to others back to its original (and probably preferable) form. Profoundly influential in its own way, Sail Away is the kind of album that only Randy Newman could make and, thankfully, he had plenty more up his sleeve.

This was very enjoyable. I found myself repeatedly asking, “Now, what film was this in?”

I like Randy Newman’s music and knew “You Can Leave Your Hat On” but the rest of this looked unfamiliar - but as I listened I kept have moments of recognition. This was a lot of fun (and a little bit of shock when you realize what some of the lyrics were about) to listen to. Really brilliant! I like this each time I’ve listened to it more and more… glad to have it in my library!

This is a brilliant album and I have always loved it

This album is a masterpiece of sardonic wit and musical craftsmanship. Newman's signature piano-driven melodies provide the backdrop for his cynical, yet insightful lyrics that explore themes of power, corruption, and the American Dream. Songs like "Sail Away" and Good Old Boys" offer biting social commentary, while tracks like "Lonely at the Top" and "Last Night I had a Dream" delve into the darker aspects of the human psyche. The albums' blend of humor and pathos makes it a timeless classic.

Great artist, great voice, loved the pace

The simplicity of the song structures and the narrative lyrics/singing style comes together on this one so well. Opting for the piano, but not moving in the pop/soft rock direction, makes Randy stand out among his peers. His voice is unique, almost goofy at times, giving it a light-heartedness that is the polar opposite of what someone like Dylan does with his serious gravel, for example. Newman is also the master of the everyday. There's nothing epic or world historical in his lyrics, but they still transport the listener.

Beautiful. Gentle and sweet, just perfect for cooking to. I loved this. Also had not previously known that 'Simon Smith..' and 'Leave your hat on' were his songs, not those of Georgie Fame and Tom Jones. My favourite was God's Song' - very moving.

Love this album.

loved it!

The most interesting thing about this album is the lyrics, which cover a broad range of subjects like the slave trade, U.S. foreign policy and religion. Newman sings the songs with a semi-spoken delivery in his usual sweetly sardonic voice and the brass and strings sound like a Broadway musical. It's fascinating stuff but it's appeal is limited.

Sail Away deliberately uses a hopeful gospel melody to hide the dark truth of the lyrics, while Political Science presents a humourous critique of American exceptionalism that is still relevant 50 years later. Also there's a song about a dancing bear.

If the goal of this entire project is to get me to find new music that I’d actually listen to again and again then this is it… 5 stars- super light and relaxing and fun

Weer zo'n album vol Randy Newman-klassiekers, de ironie druipt er weer vanaf, maar het zijn leuke jazzy songs met mooie arrangementjes. Tussen het zwarte wereldbeeld vinden we zowaar ook oprechte vrolijkheid, niet voor niets nummers die we beter als covers kennen: Simon Smith and his dancing bear en You can leave your hat on. Een soort kruising tussen Bram Vermeulen en Drs. P maar dan uit Amerika.

A kind and soft affair. It’s very own private concert.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

He did the toy story music

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)

Nice surprise. Randy Newman has a new fan

Very varied so I enjoyed this a lot. Also remaster made it sound VERY nice n smooth

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.

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.

Now I finally understand this Family Guy joke (Season 2 Episode 3) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARP6dXMlWQ8

Really quite good. Can't argue.

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).

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 will definitely be coming back to this one. 4 out of 5

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