Reviews (page 2 of 7)
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.
An all timer.
he's a good man
An amazing album. Randy Newman deserved more recognition for his wit and how well he fits it over blues forms.
This man is one helluva songwriter. Wild seeing some of the reviews, but this made me enjoy his music even more. Good stuff!
I love this album and it is perfect
I have had an affinity for Randy Newman for some time, but don’t listen to him very often…one dose will last me a while. I knew a few of these songs, but hadn’t listened to the whole album before. Well, I loved it! I love the melodies, the instrumentations, and his sharp witty lyrics. Even his voice, which is odd to say the least, works with these songs. I swear, when I listen to Political Science (which was written during the Nixon era), it’s like he predicted Trump’s rise to power all those years ago…Incredibly relevant today. I can see that I’m in the minority here, but I am giving it five stars.
Lyssnade en del på Randy under tiden då jag var som mest känslig. Lyckades ändå sätta på fel album och lyssna nästan halvvägs innan jag insåg mitt misstag. Det var ändå fett lugnt efter som Randy är KUNG och hans domän är sorglig satir.
Randy Newman is great! Love this album!
The whiplash change of emotions that happened to me within the first minute: "Oh, Randy Newman! This should be really interes... What the fuck! Did he just say a slur?!". Look, I know this is from 1971... and I know it's far from pro-slave trade... but ooooh gosh it made me uncomfortable. At least partially because I really liked the song despite it. When Lonely At The Top followed I breathed a sigh of relief - I also *loved* that AND it was mercifully slur-free. Also Will Wood clearly listened to that song before he wrote Front Street. The album continued at pace, nothing outstaying it's welcome, and then Simon Smith and His Amazing Dancing Bear came on. Oh the massive fucking wave of nostalgia! Story time: When I was a kid, whenever we went on holiday a long drive from our house, my Dad would drive overnight, and on the way down (usually to Cornwall or Devon) we'd stop for breakfast in a Little Chef. If anyone reading this a) isn't middle-aged and b) British, Little Chef was a chain of restaurants that acted as service stations on motorways and A-roads in the UK. You could get food, but they also had a little shop that had sun cream and sweets and stuff. One holiday, I suspect in the late 1980s, we picked up a compilation cassette tape from a Little Chef little shop. I have a weird, possibly false memory, that we got it free with stamps or points or something. The only song I remember from it: the Alan Price version of Simon Smith and His Amazing Dancing Bear! I loved it, absolutely adored it. I listened to it thousands of times. Finally hearing the Randy Newman original was fabulous and made me a little misty eyed. I can't think of any artist with a voice that is as untraditionally, but in actuality, fabulous. It's just perfect for the tales he tells. And those tales are perfectly constructed 3(ish) minute pop songs. Seriously, all those artists who spend 7 minutes a song saying virtually nothing, could learn a lot from Randy Newman's ability to construct a story and a song. I loved this Randy Newman album. It's a combination of things I have such a soft spot for: honky-tonk piano, brass instruments, songs that have a narrative, a guy with an interesting voice. This, for me, is clearly a 5/5
I did, to an island in Florida back in the 1950s. It was incredible!
It's always a pleasure to hear something from Randy Newman. One of the best find-outs I made thanks to this site. 5 stars.
In America, we get food to eat, Won’t have to run through the jungle and stuff up your feet. This man is national treasure, his music is so catchy and endearing. It always has such a whimsical nature to it. Like his music just feels like he really loves what he does and he loves telling fascist prices of shit to eat dirt. And one of his greatest qualities is his ability to see what makes America such a special and magical place (or at least it was at one point) and write songs capturing those wholesome, hard working qualities. Like listening to his music makes me feel way more patriotic than a song about “shoving a boot up their ass, it’s the amaerican way” ever will. Seriously, I think the greatest singer songwriter of all time IS Randy Newman, and this album contains most of his biggest and best songs.
A master at work, one of the greatest to live. Any album by Randy is a classic, this one is at the top of the list and a must own for anyone.
Where the hell did Family Guy get the idea that Randy Newman just sings about what he sees?
nomol randy newman?? sail away kenni glaub, er cha scho songs schribe, recht schön. er singt SO weird. guuet arrangiert. lonely at the top chunt mer au sehr bekannt vor. d blöser sind echt huuere cool. uh fuck ry cooder slide uf last night i had a dream. cooole song ouyeah. aso echt s het uuhuere gwicht und d drums und d lyrics sind so creepy? huuuere geil. ähm das stüürt direkt uf es füfi zue what the hell? memo to my son isch huuere herzig und funny. political science vorher isch uuuuultra funny satire? omg you can leave your hat on isch vo ihm im original und ry cooder gitarre und er isch chli grusig uf dem song? so chli sleazy? uuuuultra geil fuuuuck. holy moly god's song ishc au de hammer. es zieht eim so ine. finds super. FÖFI.
My favorite Randy Newman album
Amazing album, so many bangers and hits I never knew ALL came frok this single album?! Amazing. So much soul, so much passion. Such raw grooves. Love it.
Балдёж 100/100 Ещё и саунд к диснеевским мультикам
Randy is a true American treasure.
As a frequenter of the subreddit for this project, about a week ago someone posted about getting two Randy Newman albums back to back. My response was “wow I’m 70 percent through this project and have gotten ZERO Randy, guess my final stretch will be Randy heavy!” And lo and behold, about a week later…. I’m a Randy Newman fan. I think important to understanding him is that “Randy Newman” is kind of a character. He writes through a thick layer of irony and satire, and while these aren’t particularly “comedy” songs, he very often is trying to convey a double meaning in his work. He often comments on “traditional” American life, ie, the hypocrisy of White Christians, by writing songs that sound like they’re celebrating him, but he’ll just have one or two little turns of phrase that give way to his real feelings. I think his voice is great, idiosyncratic and unmatched, and the musicianship is second to none. If I had one nitpick for an album I really love, it’d be that I wish some of the songs were longer, but that’s simply not his style. He gets in, hits his point, and gets out. They’re brief impressions. Newman is one of the greatest American songwriters of our age, and it was a delight to listen to this.
Newman is a too often forgotten American songwriting treasure! I'm very happy to see him on this list, which has for some reason completely ignored a similarly talented and playful contemporary of his: Warren Zevon.
Who knew I would be enjoying a Randy Newman album as much as I did here. When I saw it next I rolled my eyes, considering how eagerly he dropped a racial slur in the last one we got. Could he really have TWO albums that belonged on this list? Short answer, yes. Man, what a good songwriter Randy is. He really paints a picture with every song and really plays in the space he has. His manner of singing would usually shut me right off (much like Bob Dylan) but damn he makes it work for him here. This makes me want to give Cop Rock a chance again. I'm sure I'll regret it but dammit Randy you got me wanting more.
I really dig this Randy Newman album and he doesn’t even say the N word on it
As good as people think Bob Dylan is. Simple, interesting, lyrically colorful. Nostalgic Americana without being campy.
Some great songs on here--"Sail Away," "Political Science," "God's Song". The political ones are more relevant than ever. And his theological takes run the full gamut from the hopefol, optimistic "He Gives Us All His Love" to the distant, cold God of "God's Song." Really interesting and thought-provoking lyrics. And then you have "You Can Leave Your Hat On" which is just goofy and fun. An outstanding album from a true American original.
This one is not getting the flowers it deserves, on here at least, so I'm gonna rave about it. Ive loved this record since I first stumbled across it five or six years ago. It's a pretty bizarre one, with no unifying feel or theme, but it showcases Newman's brilliance as a lyricist and composer. Songs run the emotional gamut, from sad (Old Man) to touching (Memo to my Son) to just fucking funny (Political Science, Leave Your Hat On). He also explores deeper themes, like America's filthy slavery origins, and the outlandishness of an omnipotent loving God. He always walks a razor thin line between irony and sincerity, which takes a lot of skill. Whether he's doing serious or pure goofy vaudeville, Randy Newman always does what he wants. He's a consistently unique creator and Sail Away is a gem, one of my favorites
### **In-Depth Review: *Sail Away* by Randy Newman** **Released:** 1972 **Genre:** Orchestral pop, satirical singer-songwriter **Producer:** Lenny Waronker, Russ Titelman --- ## 🎼 **Music & Production** Randy Newman’s *Sail Away* is a masterclass in understated elegance. The album blends lush orchestration with New Orleans-tinged piano and ragtime rhythms, creating a sound that feels both timeless and cinematic. The production is clean and uncluttered, centering Newman’s piano and distinctive voice, with tasteful contributions from musicians like Ry Cooder on slide guitar . The arrangements are deceptively simple, often sounding like Broadway tunes for people who don’t like Broadway. Yet beneath the surface lies a sophisticated orchestral pop sensibility that complements the lyrical content perfectly . --- ## 🖋️ **Lyrics & Themes** Newman’s songwriting on *Sail Away* is biting, ironic, and often devastating. The album is a satirical takedown of American exceptionalism, nationalism, religion, and human folly. His characters are unreliable narrators—salesmen, politicians, fathers, and God himself—each revealing more about their flaws than they intend. - **“Sail Away”**: A hauntingly beautiful song that lures listeners in with a gentle melody, only to reveal itself as a slave trader’s pitch to Africans, promising a better life in America. It’s one of the most chillingly effective anti-American songs ever written . - **“Political Science”**: A darkly comic critique of U.S. foreign policy, where the narrator suggests bombing the rest of the world because “no one likes us.” It’s absurd, sharp, and eerily prescient . - **“God’s Song (That’s Why I Love Mankind)”**: A devastating satire where God mocks humanity for continuing to believe in him despite all evidence to the contrary. It’s both hilarious and horrifying . - **“Memo to My Son”**: A tender, funny, and relatable song about fatherhood, filled with clichés and love. It shows Newman’s softer, more personal side . --- ## 🌟 **Influence & Legacy** Though not a commercial blockbuster, *Sail Away* is widely regarded as one of Newman’s finest works and a cornerstone of 1970s singer-songwriter artistry. Its influence can be felt in the work of artists like Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, and even modern satirists like Father John Misty. The album helped cement Newman’s reputation as a songwriter’s songwriter—clever, cynical, and emotionally resonant. --- ## ✅ **Pros** - **Brilliant lyrical satire**: Newman’s ability to write from the perspective of flawed characters is unmatched. - **Melodic beauty**: The melodies are lush, catchy, and emotionally rich. - **Timeless themes**: The album’s critique of nationalism, religion, and human nature still feels relevant. - **Cinematic production**: The orchestral arrangements enhance the storytelling without overwhelming it. - **Emotional range**: From biting satire to touching sincerity, the album covers a wide emotional spectrum. --- ## ❌ **Cons** - **Vocal delivery**: Newman’s voice is polarizing—nasal, slurred, and often described as sounding like “a drunk guy singing to himself at a urinal” . For some, it’s charming; for others, it’s a dealbreaker. - **Repetitive style**: The musical palette is relatively narrow, and some listeners may find the songs too similar in tone and structure. - **Satire fatigue**: The constant irony and cynicism can feel emotionally distant or even smug to some listeners. - **Not immediately accessible**: The layered meanings and subtle arrangements may take multiple listens to fully appreciate. --- ## 🎯 **Final Thoughts** *Sail Away* is a landmark album in American songwriting. It’s a work of genius that rewards close listening and intellectual engagement. While Newman’s voice and style may not be for everyone, the album’s lyrical brilliance, melodic craftsmanship, and thematic depth make it essential listening for fans of smart, subversive pop music. **Rating:** *9/10* – A satirical masterpiece wrapped in beautiful melodies.
Ja jako volim ramdya newma a iako ga ne slušam dovoljno
Awesome Newman!
This is amazing, but I wish Nilsson would have covered every single one of Newman's songs.
Randy Newman is a god.
great for coding. very relaxing and soothing too.
Sappy, sad, funny and extremely serious and poignant. I can understand complaints about Newman that he is formulaic and writes jingles, but this is a wonderful album. Sail Away, God's Song, Son of Mine and Old Man are really hard to listen to and come away not appreciating Newman's skill.
Okay, so there's the album that cements Randy Newman in the pantheon of the greatest song writers. Stunning stuff.
An album that blew me away, I love it and it impressed me, it's really cool.
First song hit me hard best one on here so far at least as surprises go loved it
This album is brilliant. To those with the cheap takes who only know his more recent movie songs: get your head out of your sanctimonious ass and listen to the album, you fucking nerds.
Some musicians you can spot from hearing the tone of their instruments, Randy Newman you can tell by reading the premise of his songs: 1. The pitch of an American slave trader to Africans in Bonny, off the west coast of Nigeria. The slaver sings a song about the wonderful life to be had in Charleston. 2. The final farewell of an atheist father to his atheist son. 3. American politicians gleeful discussing "dropping the big one" and remaking all countries in America's image. 4. The beauty of Cleveland - especially when the Cuyahoga River catches fire from pollution. 5. A disappointed dad who doesnt understand why his dumb son doesnt listen to his advice...only to reveal that all of his advice are just cliche'd platitudes. 6. A song where God tells humanity that they are suckers for putting their faith in him. You don't have to know much, but if I tell you those premises, you have a good shot at guessing those are Randy Newman tunes. I think the guy is retroactively getting some love these days, but I think this album remains underrated.
Again an example I have had in my closet for fifteen years or so and never liked a lot. I was wrong. It's full of gems, the songwriting is incredible and the performances sometimes beautiful. I love the obvious jewish influences, most of all on 'It's lonely at the top'. But the absolute highlight for me is the wonderful 'Memo to my son' - what an astonishingly beautiful melody, however simple (it's an E-chord). I can understand why I never really liked it. Newman is obviously a better songwriter that a singer, and 'You can leave your hat on' for me has been totally f**cked up by the horrible Joe Cocker. But this is first class songwriting.
I enjoy Randy's biting satire set to music. While this style of music isn't everyday listening type stuff for me it's obvious how talented he is. Lots of really great tunes on this one.
Having a little chuckle while the orchestra swells
I loved the nostalgic feel, the lyrics had meaning and the vocals where wonderful. I loved every song for many different reasons.
I was not familiar with Randy Newman's game
Have and love this album
This album blew my socks off back in 1972. Still does. Such brilliant and unique songwriting and arrangements. Newman’s wicked and biting sense of humor floors me. The best.
I think I knew only a few of these songs, but his voice and musical style is so familiar that it felt like I'd heard this before. Enjoyed it a lot.
the first song and title of the album........................................oof Drop the big one is darkly funny
I really liked this album..it's awesome ! I mostly knew randy newman because of movie music but this is a great album of singer/songwriter with some awesome orchestral passages. I also really love his voice. Has some.tom waits vibes to it very good !
70s. Sound of my childhood and memories form the USA - Toy Story, motels, west coast... His rusty voice is like an old cello. The mix of classical music and a touch of country mixed well with ballads - fire.
Here's a line that won't surprise you: for most of my life, I knew Randy Newman exclusively as the guy who wrote songs and score for early Pixar movies. If you were to try to talk to me at all about Randy Newman and sailing, I'd immediately think of Buzz Lightyear. That's not an uncommon association for someone of my generation and beyond to have. (There's also the more embarrassing fact that I also knew Randy Newman from the Nostalgia Critic's jokes about him, which, from what I later heard, were stolen from FAMILY GUY: "Foxes / They like lookin' at bags / Then they walk away / So their tails are gonna wag / YoupayRandynow.") But of course, there's way more to Randy Newman than writing music for movies about toys. At some point in my life, I'd learned that if you knew Randy Newman at all, you'd know his **real work** was **nothing** like what he did for Pixar. Musically, no; but lyrically? Oh, no. No, no, no. Randy's pen was **way** sharper and satirical than "You've Got A Friend In Me" would give him credit for. I mean, gawd, "Political Science" from this album is about American politicians wanting to nuke every other country on the planet (besides Australia) because none of them like America. "Sail Away", I'm pretty sure, is about the lie white people tried to sell black people in the slave trading days, and I didn't even realize that until the closing seconds. And those are the most extreme examples, sure, but even on a subtler level, on a song like "He Gives Us All His Love" — that's a song about how awful things happen on Earth, and how people pray to God to try to get Him to do something about it, but all He offers is "His love." (It's on such a subtle level, even, that there's people've covered it sincerely and unironically — though if they'd heard "God's Song" at the end...) And this is a lot about the lyrics already, far more than I normally write. I've expressed many times before that, thanks to being AuDHD, I am not a lyrics person. Most lyric-driven albums bounce right off me, leaving more often than not to just kinda shrug about how the backing instrumentation is fine — or, worse case, it's a singer-songwriter folk album and the backing is just a single guitar doodling along in a loop. So, what is it about this album, exactly, then, that got me to pay so close attention? Let's compare this stuff to the average Bob Dylan recording — specifically, the generic idea of a Bob Dylan recording. On a Dylan song, the lyrics are usually dense as hell. Often, they seem to require a literary degree to even come close to understanding them. These aren't lyrics for doing; they're lyrics for sitting down and pondering, and that's why I've always struggled with them. Meanwhile, Randy Newman's lyrics aren't complex. They're poetic, yes, but they never go so deep with the metaphor that they burrow right under me. It's **understandable**. And again: they are **sharp** lyrics, and **very** witty. Well, OK, maybe not **all** the time; "You Can Leave Your Hat On" didn't do much for me. But the songs I mentioned earlier, and something like "Old Man"... Now **those** are lyrics that'll leave an impact on me, way more than any gobblegook Dylan's thrown at me. Seriously, "Old Man" is a kinda track where you gotta take a pause afterwards like "DAMN..." Then there's the other side of things, the one I normally focus on: the music and instrumentation. It's another area where your typical Dylan song has done me wrong: more often than not, it's a single acoustic guitar with **maybe** a harmonica coming in to squank between verses as a break. **Very** not interesting if you respond better to melody. Like, even Dylan's electric stuff, though imbued with more energy and melody than his strictly acoustic stuff, doesn't really hit as well as I'd want it to; it's still just meant as backing for the lyrics. And that's not to say that the stuff on Newman's album isn't just meant to be backing, either; it can be just as sparse as a Dylan song generically is. But I'll say it: I like the piano better. The piano is a more melodic instrument, and Newman plays it beautifully. Plus: the orchestration. Oh, lordy me, the orchestration. I am such a sucker for orchestral music in pop (or whatever you'd call what Newman does), and this hits all the right spots for me. **This shit** elevates the lyrics and then some. Jus'... Ah, if a lot of it just don't leave me in a quiet state of ponderation. Goodness. I suppose I shouldn't be as surprised as I am that I liked this album so much: I think I kind of always figured that I'd find his music as good as this whenever I did check it out. But to the extent that I did like it? Damn. I still wanna say so much more about this album, but I think I've pretty much run out of words... Just dang. In fact, y'know what? I've only given it one listen so far, but honestly: I'd go so far as to say that I love this album. It's just... B'woof, man. If it ain't some of the finest satirical writing I've ever heard, and anything that can get me paying attention enough to the lyric writing to compliment it like that... That deserves so much credit, you don't even know. So, yeah, Newman. Without a doubt, unless I'm forgetting something, this is the best singer-songwriter album from this list. For sure, you've got a friend in me, Newman.
This is the 122nd album I’m rating. I only know him from Toy Story and Short People. Adding to my Playlist - Sail Away, Lonely at the Top, He Gives us all his Love, Last Night I had a Dream, Simon Smith and the Amazing Dancing Bear, Old Man, Political Science, Burn On, Memo to my Son, Dayton, Ohio - 1903, You Can Leave Your Hat On, and God's Song (That's Why I Love Mankind). Not Adding to my Playlist - Nothing. All in all I liked 12/12 songs. I can see why Pixar picked him this album is great.
Randy Newman is another of of those songwriters who occupies a space all his own. The humor of his lyrics doesn’t make them any less biting or even, at times, vicious. Every song on this album is a classic.
There goes Randy Newman again singn' 'bout what he sees...and I have no qualms about this
Another banger in a row.
God level.
Amazing. Lyrics usually go over my head so I’m lower on legends like Cohen etc but for some reason Newman’s always hit me hard. He tackles tough themes while providing a beautiful unique sound behind it. Rating: 4.7
5/5. Putting on a Randy Newman record no longer gives an air of ease. There is now always a sense of sarcasm and underlying meaning in each song and after listening to this album with that in mind, it's such a dark and pessimistic energy. And I love it. I don't know how to describe it but knowing there is some blunt energy behind simple lyrics, it feels like it is meant to go right over the head of those without reading comprehension. Yes, some lyrics are pretty obvious, and some songs also don't have a an extra deep meaning, but the album as a whole feels some much more intense. Every album I listen to is always a joy to listen to multiple times to gather all his intentions. Best Song: Sail Away, God's Song (That's Why I Love Mankind), Simon Smith and the Amazing Dancing Bear
Beautiful songs, funny songs, heartbreaking songs. Political Science more relevant than ever. Five stars.
Newman at his best. Before the jokes, Academy awards, etc. Pop songs hiding dark hilarious satirical messages. One of the best to ever do it. Sail away is so beautiful and feels even more devastating now. Last Night I Had A Dream is an amazing and disturbing song. I want to hear it in an A24 trailer. Love Randy.
RIP Ueck. I forgot Burn On was on this album. 5 stars for the tears. (And honestly it's a 4 star album without the nostalgia. Newman is a fantastic lyricist, whatever you think of his voice)
You don't listen to Randy Newman for his voice; you listen to him for the atmosphere and the incredible satirical messages he conveys in his short songs. I know this album well, and even though it's over 50 years old, I now truly appreciate how timeless his message is.
The cynicism of Newman in this album is a strong suit. His horrible cartoonish singing with uplifting, happy sounds combined with the venom of his tongue scathing many sacred things; that's the magic here, and it's exactly why it's a wonderful record that says fuck you to Americana.
pixar king, i think i am a randy newman fan now <3
Brilliant songwriting. Randy Newman, the geeky looking kid who turns out to be the smartest person in the room. A biting, rye sense of humor with a tender heart underneath it all. This is 5 stars all the way.
Here's an artist I should know a lot more about, so I'm glad to have him on the 1001 list (twice!). This was great. Caustic, unapologetic, funny, Newman tells stories with admirable efficiency. And while the arrangements were sometimes over-the-top, they were also always right on — I realized there were these sweeping string arrangements after the fact. Loved it.
I have never heard a Randy Newman album. This is sort of a mix between "smell your own farts" and "is he being snarky or racist" type of music. This is actually a good album though. I'm not sure what all the songs are about (except Sail Away) but they are short and catchy. He can definitely write a song but I also see why he isn't everyone's cup of tea. The songs, despite being about heavy subjects, can sometimes come off as light and a bit tossed-off. I knew a few of these songs from covers by other artists. I enjoyed this one and can't decide if I want to put it in my personal collection or not.
Album number 3 for this challenge I own on vinyl, and boy, is it a good one. This will probably be the longest review I write on the site, but it's worth it when it comes to this guy. For people who don't know me, I worship at the altar of Randy Newman. Besides Bob Dylan, he's easily my favorite songwriter of all time and I feel his contributions to the pop AND rock canon rarely get their deserved due. With his old age and recurring injuries, I've come to a really harrowing realization: I'm going to cry a lot and probably shut down mentally for a few days when Randy Newman dies. To explain why I'd have such a strong emotional reaction for an 80 year old man I've never met, let me explain one key reason Randy is a legend: I don't think there's a single other songwriter that sums up the worst parts of the human psyche in a way that makes you almost sympathetic to his characters by the end. Warren Zevon is the only other example that comes to mind, and even he can get too self-centered and cynical to get the point across the same way this guy does. No, Mr. Newman uses a dopey Southern accent and New Orleans R&B piano riffs to deliver the most sobering songs about slavery, subjugation, adultery (and... dancing bear? I ran out of atrociously terrible things present).... and it's some of the most brilliant songwriting I've ever had the pleasure of hearing. Even outside of politics he's extremely compelling at writing down-to-earth and overwhelmingly human depictions of loss and grief: just listen to "Old Man" and "Memo to my Son" as proof of that. The part that makes this whole album brilliant isn't really the biting satirical tone itself, thought that plays a part. It also isn't the subjects themselves, as clever as they can be (the title track is effectively an ad roll to join the transatlantic slave trade, for example), but where this album's strength really lies is its ability to make you think. Yes, Randy's songs are case studies, but how many people do we know that act like the racists and adulterers Randy postures as? How often have we engaged in awful behavior that we tried to justify, looking like complete hypocrites ourselves? Sail Away (and any Newman record worth its salt) is a series of unflinching takes on what humans are capable of, and sometimes the world needs that mirror as a reminder to do better. Please listen to this guy's full discography, you won't regret it. I'm going to cry a lot when Randy Newman dies. 9/10
This is a dude who's seen some shit wearing a smiley plush mascot suit at a run down theme park. Harry Nilsson runs the ticket booth. The balance of levity and depth these artists can pull off is amazing, but I also really appreciate it. Like no doubt it takes commitment, resolve, and thick skin to be different. Definitely carved out his own weird brand of cool haha. Love it.
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.
I really enjoy the melancholy nostalgia that I hear in Randy Newman’s voice. It brings a lump to my throat without really trying.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Great artist, great voice, loved the pace
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.
loved it!
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.
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.
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.
Jeez. I understand why Pixar hired him. Even writing solo, every song feels like a villain introduction. Incredible.
Randy Newman just casually gets it.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
Always love me some Randy Newman
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.
Mellow, introspective, and fantastic.
Goddamn brilliant - captures more about American life and history than I learned in all of my years in school
Political Science is one of the all time great satires. This is a great album.
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.
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
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.
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.
A kind and soft affair. It’s very own private concert.
Love Randy Newman's style, very enjoyable listen throughout
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
Love Randy!
Loved this, close to a 5
God damn have I been sleeping on Randy Newman??? This is really great. Randy really hits on everything in this album - love, ennui, both the light and dark sides of faith, and serious political malaise. All with his iconic voice and piano playing. This is already a solid 8/10 for me, and I feel like it could rise more on repeated listens.
Fantastic, a great LP, thanks for sharing RGP. Four stars❤️❤️❤️❤️ Tom.
I loved the atheistic and activist tones of this album. All packaged under a folksy guise meant to lull you in.
I did a spit-take listening to “Political Science.” Just drop the big one! 😅🫠🙈 But the one that really left me thinking was “God’s Song.” Is he writing against organized religion, or all religion? But then there’s “He Gives Us All His Love” as a counterpoint. I don’t know what to think. (And yes, I know it’s unfair that I actually listened to the lyrics on this one and keep giving Dylan shit ratings. I’m a shitty music critic.) Randy Newman is so inextricably linked with Toy Story in my mind that I had a hard time listening to this objectively. I don’t think I’ve ever heard any of his other songs! But this was short, punchy, satirical, and relatively interesting. The writing really shines. A couple of the songs genuinely rocked, too (“Last Night I Had a Dream” was a surprise). Musically, it’s not my favorite. “Political Science” and “God’s Song” carry it to 4 stars for me. 8/10 Most Excellent
Favorite track(s): Sail Away, Old Man, Political Science, Burn On, God's Song (That's Why I Love Mankind)
I really don't like Newman's vocal style but his songwriting skills are amazing.
Randy Newman is sweet but niche
Whatabanger!
great! just crazy when you have such a songwriting machine like this
Ganska bra, svag fyra
Som en varm kram.
Roligt och härligt
Such satire. Perfection. If you're not really listening and hearing, it sounds like a Disney soundtrack. Old Man made me tear up ..thanks for that. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mér finnst hann notalegur, skemmtilegur og beittur. En Simon Smith and his amazing dancing bear er þó betra í flutningi Prúðuleikaranna.
Funny how I went from. 'This guy sings like Donald Trump speaks', to 'Hey wait, this voice is familiar...' to 'It's the Toy Story guy!' His voice might be grating to some but I really dig his solo work now, respect.
pretty nice
I love Randy Newman what can I say
I liked this a lot more than I initially thought I would. Randy's voice is not the greatest, but it's familiar and he's got a way with words. I really do think I will come back to this, if I can remember it.
Randy Newman is a brilliant and witty composer/writer. He's a perfect example of someone that knows how to write to their strengths. His voice isn't spectacular but it's perfectly suited for his music. And let's not pretend that "Political Science" isn't super relevant today
This was a pretty chill vibe. I enjoyed it!
Good album. I'm not sure what I think of his voice, but the instrumentation was great and the lyrics as well, some of which are still relevant today, sadly. The album had a really bittersweet and melancholic feel. I can see myself returning to this in the future, and maybe his voice will grow on me in those later listens.
I liked this, for my sins
Really good album with a lot of statements about America that still feel relevant today. No song is too long or feels drawn out. Nice succinct album with a lot to say
There's something deep within me that wants to dislike this, but honestly it was pretty fire. I thought there was a lot of fun writing on it, and he's a pretty great vocalist. I don't know what it is, but something just feels off about him. I can't describe it, but regardless this was a pretty good album. Favorites: Sail Away, Lonely at the Top, God's Song (That's Why I Love Mankind)
Excellent lyrics, his voice s kinda annoying, but I like it
I will not include the CD bonus tracks in this review. For people like me who grew up in the 2000s, you're probably more familiar with Randy Newman as a film composer. I grew up watching a lot of Disney films like Toy Story, Monsters, Inc., and A Bug's Life, and Randy was there along the way, scoring these films. But, for an older crowd, Randy established himself as a credible songwriter for other acts before pursuing a successful solo career. In fact, several of the songs collected for Sail Away were recorded by other artists, like Alan Price and Harry Nilsson. With that in mind, how does Randy handle his own material? Let me address the one aspect of Randy Newman that is likely a barrier for people getting into his music: his voice. He has a particular Southern-accented enunciation that paints his songs in a cartoonish manner, even if it's unintentional. Now, this vocal styling can work in a satirical sense, which Randy was able to work with, such as his portrayal of an American slave trader on the title track, the disillusion of perceived success on "Lonely at the Top", the lampooing of U.S. foreign policy on "Political Science", and even a tongue-in-cheek reference to the Cuyahoga River catching on fire in "Burn On". Plus, there are a few moments where Randy can dial back his singing to a softer croon for a more serious tone, usually when addressing his atheist background on the likes of "He Gives Us All His Love" and "Old Man". But I'll admit that his vocal cadence over these schmaltzy piano-driven showtunes can get repetitive and tiring after a while, even if there isn't an outright bad song on here. I still overall enjoyed Sail Away and recognize how successful a singer-songwriter Randy Newman became. Even if it was a tad fatiguing towards the end, I can recognize the genuine hit-maker he would turn out to be.
Political science You can leave your hat on
I liked this, but I have a soft spot for showtunes so someone being best known for writing for movies was never going to put me off. (Also, Political Science - that barely feels like satire right now.)
chill but good. no bangers
I owned this album when I was a much younger man after reading Greil Marcus' Mystery Train book. Didn't get it then, not sure if I get it now, but I appreciate it much more. Had no idea he wrote You Can Leave Your Hat On.
WIEDER NEWMAN sail away isch hueere schön! lonely at the top ischmer chli zu amerikanisch falls das sinn macht james bond bassline e isch reecht es sanfts album bis jz und iwie bini au gad ide stimmig defür memo to my son isch iwie no cool und herzig und hört denn eifach uuf hahaha iwie komisch so churz joo mengisch chli sehr ballade/klavier lastig nach mim gschmack aber trz au es megaa schöns album
Amazing, classic american singer songwriter, just great songs one after another. Political Science is worth the price of admission alone. It's so fun seeing the strains of what would become some of the most famous movie songs of all time in the future.
I wasn't pulled in immediately, but by the end I felt I understood what he was trying to do. I like his approach to songwriting and the way the quality of his voice suits the songs. I think Old Man is really the gem, but some of the other tracks could grow on me with further listening.
I weirdly mostly liked this? "Lonely at the Top" and "Political Science" were my faves on here.
What a great satirist! I had to replay a few of the songs because I didn’t want to miss a single lyric. Really enjoyed this one!
'I saw a vampire / I saw a ghost / Everybody scared me / But you scared me the most.' Newman writes baroque & ironic pop standards, vocally as far from Scott Walker or Tom Waits as you can be but likewise addicted to the potential of show tunes in blues-soaked America. Lyrically, treasures really do abound, cleverly, socially, & politically: 'Oh, who would think a boy and bear / Could be well accepted everywhere'; 'They don't respect us, so let's surprise them / We'll drop the big one and pulverize them.' But none of this would remotely work if the man didn't have soul. Yet, he does have soul, & not only a respectful reserve but a bluesy, all-too-human supply ('Old Man,' 'You Can Leave Your Hat On,' 'God's Song'). This is salubrious; it's honest.
кул😎
Good shit 👍🏼
Great songwriting and arranging.
Randy has such a unique voice, definitely picture Toy Story as soon as you hear him! The first side of this album is sooo good, one song that is meh. The second song has a couple great ones and a few that weren't as good. Overall a good piano rock album by a witty songwriter with a warm singing style most are familiar with.
3.5. Political Science and Leave Your Hat On bump it up.
Enjoyed the lyrics especially. Very sardonic, often funny. Still relevant in many ways.
Randy Newman is most famous for people from my generation (either the youngest millennials or the oldest zoomers) for his work in film scores, particularly for Pixar; I'll readily admit this is the first time I've taken a serious dive into any of his early work that actually put him on the map; this is definitely no lightweight, "You've Got a Friend in Me" type of romp! Newman's early work is famous for its use of dark, sarcastic humor to prove points that are often the opposite of what the songs appear to be about on the surface. for instance, the cuts that seem to be odes to a higher power ("He Gives Us All His Love" and "God's Song") are actually bitter condemnations of the idea of religious faith itself; and the political numbers ("Sail Away", "Political Science" etc.) appear to promote American patriotism, but quickly reveal themselves to be takedowns of jingoism, xenophobia and imperialist violence. many of these tracks are only around two minutes (or even less!), but they feel so complete as statements on the world at large. the orchestral arrangements on these 12 tracks are also to die for! there's a real Tin Pan Alley/early Broadway quality to this record that I find very alluring, from Newman's piano playing all the way to the strings and brass. i especially like the dissonant notes thrown into the texture on "Old Man", an especially dark number that sees an atheist son saying a final goodbye to his dying atheist father, whom nobody else came to see in his final days alive. light 8/10.
So very American but I like this one. Yes his voice isn’t the best but it works for his style. Some of the songs get me a bit emotional and the lyrics are clever. 4 stars
I came to this album with the idea that I like Randy Newman, but all his songs sound the same. This album blew that assumption out of the water. While he certainly has a style that is instantly recognizable, there’s a lot of musical range on this record. In previously knew “Political Science” (which feels a bit too real in 2026) but on this listen I loved tracks like “Simon Smith and the Amazing Dancing Bear” or “Dayton, Ohio” that seemed like they could’ve been at home in a 1920s jazzy saloon.
Now this was a good listen. Better songwriting for me than the Cat Stephens album. Don’t mind the orchestration/ ragtime pop as the lyrics cut through
Thoughts before listening: Randy Newman is fun. Catchy little piano led songs with the lyrics often being the star of the show. Funny, poignant, witty songs with often biting social commentary. He's a joy to listen to. Review: Yeah...this is great. I described it well in my intro, just an interesting listen all around. There is a little more rock here than I was expecting, which was a welcome sound, but ultimately this is the typical jazzy, piano led ditties that are Randy's claim to fame. This is probably something I wouldn't have really appreciated when I was younger, but the older I get the more I can enjoy just a simple, well written song...which Randy had plenty of on this album. I'm glad to hear this today. 4-stars
I have never listened to Randy Newman beyond his songs appearing in films and on TV. In particular, I love the theme tune to Monk, 'It’s a Jungle Out There'. Having never heard "Sail Away" or any other Newman album, my interest was thoroughly piqued. Before diving in, I spent ten minutes researching the record, so I was aware that each song is performed from the perspective of a different character or an 'unreliable narrator'. Sonically, the album is a pleasant and fascinating experience. The arrangements of strings, wind instruments, and piano, combined with Newman’s distinctive voice, hit the ear beautifully. I am not normally one for lyrics, but knowing the subject matter beforehand felt essential. Unless you are paying close attention, the music could easily carry you off without you realising the weight of the lyrics. This track-by-track depth is incredibly interesting, and in some cases, such as 'Political Science', it feels more relevant than ever. The title track is a perfect example too: a soaring 'sales pitch' from a 19th-century slave trader trying to lure Africans onto his ship. Then there is the well-known and much-covered 'You Can Leave Your Hat On', which, in this original form, feels far more predatory and sleazy than the cover versions we are used to. I listened to this album from start to finish three times and genuinely enjoyed it. In terms of a rating, my first listen was a clear four-star experience. However, on subsequent listens, my appreciation deepened as I picked up on the nuances of specific tracks. For now four stars but I'm sure that with repeated listens it will become a firm five star favourite. Side one 1 "Sail Away" (5/5) 2 "Lonely at the Top" (4/5) 3 "He Gives Us All His Love" (4/5) 4 "Last Night I Had a Dream" (4/5) 5 "Simon Smith and the Amazing Dancing Bear" (4/5) 6 "Old Man" (5/5) Side two 1 "Political Science" (5/5) 2 "Burn On" (4/5) 3 "Memo to My Son" (4/5) 4 "Dayton, Ohio – 1903" (5/5) 5 "You Can Leave Your Hat On" (5/5) 6 "God's Song (That's Why I Love Mankind)" (4/5) Total - 53 Average - 4.42 214/1001 120/214 albums reviewed were new to me.
His voice is so unique. I feel like as this album progressed, I liked more of the sounds. Way better than my expectations for the "you got a friend in me" artist.
Such a talent.
Great instrumentation and vocals. Lyrics were okay for me
Left foot, right foot. Left foot, right foot.
Very easy listening, enjoyed from beginning to end. The album had a light tone that felt upbeat no matter what the song. I quite enjoyed it.
Pleasant jams
I don't know why, I just really like Randy Newman.
A Randy le conocemos por tres cosas: las bandas sonoras de Disney (Tiana y el sapo, es sin duda mi favorita), I Think It's Going to Rain Today y You can leave your hat on (incluida en este álbum). Solo por una de ellas ya merece estar en la lista. Este disco suena muy bien, su voz entre Ray Charles y Cocker (mejora su versión de You can leave your hat on) se maneja de maravilla en su cancionario. Destacan Sail away, He Gives Us All His Love, el ritmo de jazz cabaretero de Political Science y Lonely at the Top (escrita para un Sinatra que nunca la llegó a grabar).
Helt ok. Æ antar æ burde mene mer og sterkere, men det va liksom stort sett det æ tenkte mens det spilte. Helt ok.
Are we not critical enough to listen beyond the Disney references? Gimme a break. This is a high caliber singer, songwriter and piano album. With the occasional full band accompaniment. Certified white boy contemporary sure, mundane sure, a bit slow sure. But holy moly Randy Newman sure can paint a picture and write a tune to really send it home. I like this album alot. If there is more Newman on the list it should be enjoyable.
7/10
The original You can leave your head in.
I enjoyed this way more than I thought I would as my exposure prior was Pixar work and "I Love LA", he's not the best singer, but has a distinctive tone, but his songwriting is top tier.
Oh I know this guy. Was unaware of his original stuff. I mean I guess "you've got a friend in me" is still an original. I am going to guess just about anything that he puts it out is good.
3.8/5 Contrary to many people, I actually like this album. Randy Newman is so much more than just his "You Can Leave Your Head On". He brings a sarcasm and cynicism to his songs with some heavy criticism towards the US which is always cool to see if done right. It kinda makes his music predestined to be featured in a Fallout game (which is a good thing). Apart from that, the whole "Sail Away"-album is not bad at all. Given that I've also placed it in my personal Top albums playlist about the 1001 challenge, I'm happy to rate it accordingly.
The super slow songs (especially the ones about God and/or America) are just annoying, but the other songs are undeniably great. Textbook songwriting, fantastic melodies, lots of variety, and Randy's great voice. 3.5/5.0: Very Good
Smooth sounding, and somewhat enjoyable to listen.
Sail away hits haaaarrrrdddddd.
Yeah it was alright
wow .. could listen to Randy Newman all day
Fun album. Sail Away is a banger.
Some good, classic Randy Newman. I always forget he's the original writer of Leave Your Hat On. Others have done it sexier, but there's something very humorous about his version. 3.5/5
It has nice messages followed with a good amount of satire and humor, loved how it sounded. Like lullabies for ansious grown ass man like me.
It's scary how much the song Political Science was ahead of it's time. Pretty sure it's being used as an instruction manual in 2025. Awesome album!
I could listen to it again. Weird. Something about it was good....
GOBBLESS AMERICA At first I couldn't tell if some of this album was satirical or if Randy Newman was just delusional. Political Science made me laugh out loud, and wasn't just because of Newman's voice. Definitely getting gospel and jazz vibes from this album, but some tracks also have an orchestral or cinematic feel to them as well. Hidden gem of the album for me is Maybe I'm Doing It Wrong.
“Sounds like Toy Story” -me
The whole time listening to this all I can think of is Toy Story.
This sounds like the guy who sang in Toy Story (you've got a friend in me). Wait a second... could it be?? No... *googles it* No fuckinggg wayyyytt, IT ISSSSS Felt like an expansion of that song, an album version of that song with different lyrics. Loved it, hes got such a great voice. 7/10
Sail Away Lonely at the Top Political Science God's Song (That's Why I Love Mankind(
Never listened to this before but know a few of the tracks as covered by others and Randy’s versions. This is a great album. It would be easy to be cynical about the whitest of white boys who grea ip in LA playing and singing like a creole New Orleans jazz player but Randy’s songs are great, the lyrics are thoughtful but nover stateed or heavyhanded, the compositions simple but emotive, the backing band super (not just the trad jazz bomp bomp and horns but also some beautiful percussion on Last night I Had a Dream, slide guitar on the same and you can leave your hat on). I bet Randy writes somgs like a chicken lays eggs, they just drop out of him naturally. Thats what it sounds like anyway. This album caused me to go look to his later stuff and he has albums apart from film scores (and there are plenty of those). great album that can make someone want more.
Emotional, thoughtful, and ever so slightly humorous. A really easy listen with no real weak spots. Lacking a true standout song in my opinion, but a very well-rounded album that is a joy to listen to. Top tracks: Sail Away, Lonely at the Top, God's Song (That's Why I Love Mankind)
I remember reading about this album at length in the book Mystery Train which I read when I was 22 thinking I might be a music critic someday. I also bought the album on vinyl around at that time and don't think I made it all the way through. Which is why I am not now a music critic, other than this. I feel like I need to listen more closely (i.e. not while doing stressful, brain-intensive work) but I really like it. I also had no idea he wrote "You Can Leave Your Hat On" which I have to come to learn is apparently a huge, timeless hit in Ukraine via Joe Cocker's version of it for the movie 9 1/2 Weeks. Now you know.
Old timey film music with bad vocals, quite charming actually
3,5/5
Tämähän on positiivista kuunneltavaa.
Great songwriting, with witty and fun sounding melody he hits with deep irony and social consciousness as satire when you actually listen. What at face value may appear simple and straight forward tend to have hidden depths. I mean the title song is the American dream right, except it so isn't, pure genius or how Randy sings Leave hat on, is totally different to the cock sure seduction covers, which kind of totally rewrite the same words and miss the point. I got into Randy because of Pixar so don't see that as a negative, disney songs?! of all the brilliant things pixar did at the start asking Mr Newman was up there as he added such depth, melancholy and bite with his songs. Which is what he does. Not a great vocalist but a great singer songwriter. 4 Star, bordering on 5
Good music. Reminds me of Al Tuck. Didn't realize how dark "Sail Away" is.
Good
Randy Newman is his own thing and I can get down with it.
Such classic ditties.
A bit boring
Such a cool style.
This was a pleasant surprise. I really like Newman’s quirky lyrics and cadence. I was amused by the phrase as happy as a monkey in a monkey tree. I like the sparseness of most of the arrangements. There’s something so satisfying about listening to the chords on the piano.
As a Dodgers fan I love Randy Newman for what might be his biggest song, I Love LA! Obviously that song isn't on this record though. His lyrics often feature comical and biting social observations which I find interesting. That being said, it's not necessarily the kind of music I would seek out typically. But that's why I took on this challenge, to expand my horizons. 3.5/5 #187
I need to listen to more Randy Newman. This is exactly my type of shit. The album feels the slightest bit sleepy, so not all the way to 5 stars. But I am a huge fan of this.
Some good tunes and pretty chill, something I'd happily put in the background but hasn't rocked my world
Très agréable mais un poil ressemblant
Cool take on singer-songwritter music. Sounds like something from a spy movie. Great vibes. I like the piano parts especially. Some songs are a bit more forgettable but nothing bad.
This was easy listening for a Friday morning. I liked it, but I'm not sure I'd revisit the album very much.
cute! 75/100
I think watching The Full Monty last night summoned the album generator to give me 'You Can Leave Your Hat On'
Great songwriting! The first song blew me away. Musically, I prefer the songs with a band.
Randy Newman is definitely an artist where you have to listen to the lyrics to get it. And he is solid on this one.
Sweet
I didn't care for the other Randy Newman album on this list but I really liked this! I didn't know he wrote "You Can Leave Your Hat On." So many of these songs sounded familiar and other than the aforementioned name song, I don't think I'd actually heard them before. Would rate 4.5.
I liked Sail Away and Old Man. I like his voice - it matches the songs well
This is good, but musically it's very samey after a while, and I don't usually pay enough attention to the lyrics to get the full benefit of Newman's smarts
I was surprised. Good album.
A great and unique lyricist and singer.
Love his voice. And some of these songs were great!
This was really enjoyable. Singer songwriter, casual very easy listen, yet songs have more meaning than the simple structure it presents. Burn on really hits home as a PA born person where pollution has ruined so much of the natural beauty.
I've always associated Randy Newman with wholesomeness, joy, and hope - probably because of all those Pixar songs that soundtracked my childhood. But the guy is much more keen than he may initially let on - underneath those sweeping string sections, playful piano leads, and welcoming raspy vocals are lyrics that are parts poignant, evocative, funny, and quite dark at times. There's a sarcasm underlying many of the songs here, starting from the very first song but more hilariously on 'Political Science', maybe my favorite song here. But I was familiar with his political side having already listened to 'Good Old Boys' - it's really the existentially morbid topics of 'God's Song' and 'Old Man' that stuck with my this time around. And there are a couple just really tongue-in-cheek songs here too - specifically 'You Can Leave Your Hat On' and 'Memo To My Son' which has a ridiculously fun and playful instrumental. More than anything though, this album's just super easy to listen to, all the instruments just pop, are ever-evolving, and Randy's vocals are a pleasure to behold on every song. Great stuff.
This probably isn't any better than Good Old Boys but I enjoyed it a lot more on the day I listened. This process really brings home how unreliable critical thought is.
It’s easy to forget just how influential Randy Newman’s work is. The true modern American Songbook, he manages to say so much in such a concise way, rivalling Dylan and Springsteen for sheer storytelling heft. His voice is very Marmite, but I love it. I’m sure many people have written him off at the Toy Story guy, but Newman has the ability to play a humorous little number that at any moment can wrench your heart straight out of your chest. He’s a singular talent and I’m glad more people will get to hear him from his inclusion on this list.
I’d never heard of Randy Newman. Not my usual style of music but some really good songs here. Especially liked Last Night I Had A Dream, and of course You Can Keep Your Hat On.
Surprisingly great. Some masterfully witty, satiric and at times downright bleak songwriting, contrasted against the nice orchestration. I just can't imagine being so close-minded to dismiss it because of some Pixar appearances over two decades later.
Almost all of my exposure to Randy Newman has been the song "You've got a friend in me" from Toy Story. I love that song. I've listened to it hundreds of times. I'm not sure any musician has ever had a more unique voice. It's so pleasant to listen to, maybe because I associate it with loving Toy Story. "It's Lonely at the Top" is so good. Was anyone else making music quite like this? I love everything about it. "Political Science" is the next song I really liked. It's a funny satire roasting american foreign policy. "Dayton, Ohio" is great. "You Can Leave Your Hat On" is a jam. I liked this album. Not every song is amazing, but I at least liked them all. The runtime was short, so I never had the time to get bored of his sound. I like Randy Newman. 8/10
Everyone loves the sound of Toy Story right!?
Enjoyed
I was not super looking forward to this one. The only Randy Newman songs I’ve ever heard were the sorta cheesy ones from the Major League soundtrack and Toy Story soundtrack (actually, in searching his catalogue, it looks like he’s put in a ton of work on a ton of different soundtracks, which I was not aware of). If I would have been pressed to describe his sound, I might have said something to the effect of, “the drunk sounding guy that plays ragtime piano.” I still kind of feel that way. Randy Newman has a really unique voice that can be a little much (don’t know if I’d qualify it as “drunk sounding” at this point thought…yet it’s still not totally inaccurate…I dunno), and some of the music does have a sort of ragtime vibe. But I’m actually digging this record. The arrangements with the strings and horns is really great, and I like his songs when he’s not singing about how “you’ve got a friend in me”. I guess that’s to say, this record is way less cheesy than I predicted. Some of the songs would fit right in with some of Tom Waits’ early drunk jazz bar records, but with more orchestration. I still prefer Tom Waits - though, to be fair, I prefer Tom Waits to just about anyone - but I will listen to this again. I could actually see sinking into this record. The lyrics are sometimes darker than I would have expected, the music is interesting and sometimes sad, and I think there’s enough to chew on for repeat listens. This record is a happy surprise. 4.0/5
Jarringly beautiful storytelling accompanied by deeply American satire
Good stuff with thoughtful lyrics. God’s song is quite special!! 3.8
Really good
Good tracks on this record, but I just can't get the thought of "Toy Story guy" out of my head. 3.5 bumped up to 4.
I’m at a 4. I didn’t know Randy Newman was on this list at all, because like many people, he’s just kind of been the Disney song guy to me. Color me decently impressed – he’s got some good witty tracks on this album, a lot of which is baked with Twain-esque sarcasm, delivered in a very intentionally dry way, to make it bite that much more. This is a pretty lyrically driven album, as the instrumentals themselves stay pretty soft & out of the way, so as to let his vocals & lyrics stand out more. It’s an approach that works & it’s an approach that I really like. It’s also an approach that just sort of has a ceiling, but thankfully, this album hits that ceiling right as it finishes up – a track like “God’s Song” feels like a natural conclusion, and as a structured album, this has a pretty good start & a pretty good finish. If someone felt inclined to give this a 5, I wouldn’t blame them. Why am I at a 4 then? I dunno, I think it’s just a little too lo-fi for my tastes. I hesitate to use the Bob Dylan card here, but he at least knew that audiences need a little something to hook onto past just his words, and Randy Newman only really offers that hook around… oh, 60 to 70% of the time, at least to my ears. Hence, the 4. Realistically, probably more of a 3.5 bumped up to a 4. It is definitely an album where you have to really hone in on the lyrics to get the extent of it, so I can understand why someone might give it a 2 or 3 if it’s not their cup of tea. It just clicked for me, what can I say?
Newman is a brilliant writer and a great vocalist. I like someof his stuff better than what's on here, but this is really good, especially SAIL AWAY and KEEP YOUR HAT ON.
Top Three Songs: 1) Political Science 2) Burn On 3) Last Night I Had A Dream Bottom Three Songs: 1) You Can Leave Your Hat On 2) Simon Smith and the Amazing Dancing Bear 3) He Gives Us All His Love
Chill slow piano rock from the early 70s. Nice background music even though it’s not very interesting.
My first Randy Newman album and quite a treat. Simple short songs with sarcastic deeper meaning in the lyrics. Enjoyed every song.
I love Newman’s voice, whether he is being sincere or sarcastic. This one is really easy to listen to.
I think I like Randy Newman.
Stunning album. Most soulful white voice ever, and beautiful arrangements. Tracks subtle and charming. Can see why he does soundtracks. Fave tracks: Sail away, political science, burn on
Way cooler than I was expecting. It's the Toy Story guy with the goofy voice, but the songs are sharp and engaging af. Adding to the list.
Pretty good for chillout
smart, sharp, sarcastic - full of bite, full of great tunes
I was surprised at how much I liked this album.
Ironic, fun. I liked 'Last night I had a dream' and 'Political science'
Easy listening. But brilliantly scathing and intelligent writer.
Cool songwriter and a great album to listen but do read the lyrics
Really good album, what a really cool voice, it brings a really nice and jazzy atmosphere. I particularly appreciated "Last Night I Had A Dream" and "Dayton, Ohio - 1903".
Beautiful opener He gives us all his love - Beautiful!! Having a good time!!! Let it shine - Super nostalgic pokémon diamond/pearl nostalgy to it!
Everyone needs more Randy Newman in their life
Read some reviews, one said "too many singer songwriters, not enough Coltrane" which I agree with. Came at this neutral, the point of this for me is exploring outside usual zones, and it's pretty good.
4/5
I’m always feeling a little randy to be honest. Sail Away was a highlight, Political Science was great. Just enjoyed the whole thing.
Randy Newman is like an iron fist in a velvet glove. Underneath all that chirpy vaudeville tunefulness is a deep sadness about the world and nostalgia for how it might have been. He applies his wistful, emotional voice to slavery, the threat of nuclear war, religion and fame.
Thoughtful (sometimes funny, sometimes biting) lyrics
with Nilsson is a great songwriter
It's like a mix of Bob Dylan and Tom Waits. I like it.
Like listening to a Pixar movie about Monk
Hilarious
Excellent. Great songs and lyrics. You kinda have to be into singer-songwriter stuff, but if you are, and if you can get into Newman’s voice, there’s no reason this is not a must-listen. Some of the lyrics really knocked my socks off. ML #90
It was a good listen. Catchy, introspective at times, and had good story telling.
I can’t say I love his voice but this album definitely kept me engaged over a weekend. Are Americans allowed to be this sarcastic?
This is a Randy Newman album I didn’t know and felt more earnest than the others.
This is a tough one. I was not in the best headspace for this at the moment. Sleepless nights glaze you over some. But I liked what I heard. I'm also born in 94 so toy story has told me I must like randy Newman more than anyone else. So I'll give it the benefit of the doubt. It's good. Also that song from the opening of major league is here too. And as a wisonsinite loosing our beloved Bob uecker it was a trip. I like this. But I need to re listen for sure.
I was familiar with lots of his songs but never listened to an album before this. Loved it, Randy's music is one of kind. Lots of decent tracks and unique tracks.
Rly good
Ok I know now that Randy Newman is a movie composer among all other things. And yes this album sounds like a movie soundtrack. But in fact while listening to it I felt like I am watching a movie rather than just listening to movie soundtrack album that is just a supplement to some movie. Also loved this chill vibe.
Randy is such an underrated artist. Like a nerdy Tom waits.
Nice little collection of songs that showcase Newman’s knack for sarcastic Americana. Stand outs are the title track, Political Science, Dayton Ohio, You Can Leave Your Hat On (his version way better than Cocker’s cover), and of course the Major League classic “ode” to Cleveland, Burn On.
Nice little album, Always had a bit of a soft spot for Randy Newman, his songs are pop culture with all the various movie soundtracks he's done.
Nawet niezłe. Lepsze niż to ostatnie rendiego. 4/5
randy newman is a bit of an enigmatic songwriter, his humble songs and his unique voice can make first-time listeners curious as to what he brings to the table. this album, while not his best i feel is generally solid for the most part. straightforward feelings about the world, mild critiques and satirical, nostalgic views on american culture, with the occasional religious nod as well. both his lyrics and his songwriting techniques seem to take great influence from gospel.
Outstanding songwriting
Against some odds, I ended up enjoying this, on account no doubt of the stripped back arrangements of the majority of the tracks. A gospel feel pervades, and scathing or humorous lyrics take things up another notch. There is still some of the Broadway schmaltzy arrangements, but this just tips to a four for some superb tracks, not least the title track.
Fantastic. Wish I had spent time with this earlier. Plan and hope to fill the time gap with many new listening's.
One of the most beautiful and distinctive voices in all of music. You’ve got a friend in me!! He’s an absolute legend and this album perfectly matches his tone and personality. It’s so warm and easy to listen to. Toy Story anyone??
It's fitting I generated this album the day before a tyrant takes over one of the most powerful countries of the world. The politically charged album had all of the classic Randy Newman lyrics, and sounds, as well as the "Disney" genre mixed in as well. His voice goes good with his music(even if it is a rough singing voice), and this album is more relevant today than it was when it was first released. Another note: Newman has that ability to provoke nostalgia in his music. Favorite Song: "Political Science"
Sail Away ist ein kleines Meisterwerk, das seinen Hörer auf eine Achterbahnfahrt aus Satire, Empathie und introspektivem Humor mitnimmt. Randy Newman schafft es, schwierige Themen so charmant zu verpacken, dass man sich ertappt fühlt, während man lacht. Ein Album, das auch 50 Jahre später nichts von seiner Relevanz verloren hat – kurzum: ein zeitloser Klassiker mit Witz und Tiefgang!
Something about the piano and the orchestra and that dumb stupid voice of his puts a silly little smile on my face
I found myself enjoying this a lot. Newman is an excellent songwriter and underneath the jaunty melodies and Tin Pan Alley style arrangements is an album of blistering social commentary full of cynicism and sarcasm, all delivered in his trademark style and with a good dose dark humour.
Really liked it! Fun music
many (most?) of Randy's most well known songs. Didn't discover any new ones
Well shit Randy, I didn’t expect such cynical humour from the dude who did the Toy Story soundtrack. Forgive me, for I was not familiar with your snark. Randy crafted a hilarious album that holds a mirror up to religious Americans that gives them the opportunity to see how dumb they actually are, sadly most are too dumb to realize they are the joke. This was great fun, I really didn’t expect a tune like, Last Night I had a Dream from Randy Newman. 4 stars
Really enjoyable. Have to listen again when I can pay better attention to the lyrics.
Jazzy folk or folksy jazz, doesn't matter. Great tunes.
Blind album, know the artist from his soundtracks. Wonderfully delightful album, exactly what I would expect from such a notable name. Great track list and was very emotional and happy throughout.
11.- You can leave your hat on: striptease
Soothing and sweet. Randy Newman was just what I needed today. Great calming album.
An album like this was really needed on a day like today. The Disney-esque quality to this music was uplifting and comforting on a day when the world is going to hell.
I grew up listening to this album, and grew to love it more and more as time has gone on. Highlight songs: Sail Away Burn On 4/5
Excellent, intelligent and funny
I can't hear Randy Newman's voice without wondering what Woody and Buzz are up to. Exploring the early part of Randy Newman's career is a delightful way to spend a rainy afternoon or evening with a few adult beverages, just don't take his lyrics too seriously, his dry wit sometimes is taken a bit too seriously.
I like but don’t love Randy Newman. I feel the same about this album.
Randy Newman is so cool, and this album has most of my favorite songs of his. In addition to having a unique voice and a niche genre (Orchestral Pop), he's part poet, part humorist, part satirist, part spirit guide - a little bit of everything.