Reviews (page 5 of 8)
Couldn't get engaged with it. I liked the dark nature of the songs but I don't think they were actually good songs. But it does seem like an album that might be better after another listen
Dad- 6 Mom- 4 Mike- NA Lori- 6 Michael- 8 Miles- 4 Cole- 3 Avg- 5.17
Exactly as expected
...
I did like this, but it lacked the quality of the previous album rated on 1001 (abattoir blues). I appreciate this is a concept album but I found that wore thin and by the lengthy O’Malley track I was done really. Weirdly seemed like Nick’s charisma carried some songs but not others. However, I did enjoy the PJ Harvey and Kylie tie-ins that would have been a bit barmy NOT as part of a murder themed album. A strange but not unpleasant listen.
Had to double dip on this to ensure I got a good view of it as not as easy going. Again another softer and more stripped back Nick Cave experiance which I dont prefer. I quite like the more atmospheric experiance this album brings mind. Its more intimate stance and it feels more centered around Nick. I think this could be an absolute winner if he managed to currate all his styles in the music. A bit like a genuine ballard that has impactful sections and up and downs. Lacked this contrasting energy. My worst review as I am struggling to explain myself. Have absolutely no issue playing this again though. Oddly doesnt bore me in the slightest as so much to it but still leaves me wanting more.
Nick Cave can be a bit hit-and-miss for me and this one is more of a miss than a hit. Some great song writing and often dripping with cool, but then a few slower and schmaltzy tracks that Cave seems quite partial to and I don't enjoy. Quite often I find listening to Nick Cave is like listening to really good music that I'm not sure I really enjoy. I think this album has relistening potential though so I may rethink my opinion after repeat visits.
The story telling on each song makes it seem like it would be fun to listen to on a long car ride.
It's a 3.5/5 for me but I for Nick Cave I have to be in the mood. 'Where the wild roses grow' is only getting better.
Nieco nie mój klimat
I love the Wild Rover. It’s such a great song. This album is pretty dark but generally great. Getting some bonus PJ Harvey and Kylie Minogue is always a treat.
Interesting and pretty unique album. Probably won't revisit, I don't hate it, just not my cup of tea. 2.5/5. Rounding up to 3.
Pretty unique, not really my thing
Ik vind Niek Spelonk maar lastig. Het is eigenlijk altijd enorm zware kost. Hij vertelt meer dan hij zingt en het zijn echt flinke verhalen, die ik natuurlijk niet helemaal kan volgen want ik heb het aanstaan als muziek en niet als luisterboek. Het zit bomvol sfeer en de kwaliteit en het vakmanschap staat ook buiten kijf. En ondanks dat ik er die positieve dingen ook in zie heb ik eigenlijk nooit echt zin in zijn albums. Zo ook dit album eigenlijk. Het is niet onprettig, maar het voelt toch als een gigantische huiswerkopdracht. Zeker als PJ Harvey ook nog even een paar nummers mee mag komen zeiken. Dit is voor de mensen die echt naar de tekst luisteren en ik heb daar helaas het geduld niet helemaal voor. Bij 'Stagger Lee' heb ik een klein stukje mee zitten lezen en dan wordt het wel meteen een stuk beter. Anders had ik toch even gemist dat een man tijdens het gedwongen pijpen van een andere man een paar kogels door zich heen gejaagd krijgt. Lastig te beoordelen dus. Ik vind dit wel goed en ik weet ook dat ik zelf niet het maximale hieruit haal door passief te luisteren. Desondanks moet ik toch ook m'n luisterplezier mee laten wegen. Eigenlijk 3,5 ster. Ik hou het op 3, want ik ben blij als we de Freek de Jonge track aan het einde bereikt hebben. Zeker gezien die track van 14 minuten die eraan vooraf gaat.
Decent enough hour
Some music isn't for everyone, and maybe I'm one of those people this time. I will give it another listen, though, because it was actually starting to grow on me a bit by the end.
Favorite Track: Where the Wild Roses Grow
Nice and spooky!
Really? This is the 5th Nick Cave album for me on this list. It is still not my cup of tea, but it is a bit better than the rest and his duet with Kylie (Where the Wild Roses Grow) is great.
I don’t know how to feel about this. The music is good and the felt pretty unique/creative
A strange concept album.
I feel like I should like it more
At times I got the vibe of this, but it is not too appealing.
Listened to a bit - pretty cool but didn’t listen to the lyrics much so a little lost on me. But will come back to for sure - liked the PJ Harvey collab.
Honestly thought I would hate this... But I was pleasantly surprised! More entertaining than I thought
Moody, macabre. Meh.
Well I know for I fact that I don't want to meet Stagger Lee. Nick Cave is an odd fellow, takes a minute for me to lock in to his vibe. He's a good story teller, just comes across weird. But also this is like the 5th Nick Cave album I've gotten, I feel like maybe the list would be fine with only one or two
Nick Cave is a fascinating performer. This won’t be an album I play again any time soon but it has some surprises on it (particularly the lyrics on “Stagger Lee”). I respect it and I was entertained by a lot of it. Nearly an hour of folk songs about brutal murders is tough to love though.
This is a cool album, and every time I listen to Nick Cave I further my respect and interest in him and his music. For some reason though I feel like I've read more interviews with him than I've actually heard his records, so any reason to listen is a good one. Unfortunately, I feel like his dense storytelling is kind of tough to chew on in the form of a music record, instead of something like a narrated movie or an audio book. There's cadence and rhythm in his delivery, melody exists, and I mean he's in front of a band... but I can't help but feel like I need to sit and listen to this with no other stimulation around me going on to truly "get it". Maybe that's my millenial brain that is slowly transforming into a more TikTok-addled Gen Z variety, but if I lose track for a moment then it's actually a bit hard for me to get back into the story. Even now, as I'm writing this review while I'm listening, I can't help but feel like I need to pause and go back to the lyric sheet to see what I missed. It's just a little too much "storytelling that happens to be set to music". It's certainly a compelling sound though, and there's a ton of excitement, interesting vibes, and rich material to listen through.
Didn't like this as much as the first Nick cave album I drew here. Feels a little more murdery than the last. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood?
I like nick cave but never heard that album. Good stuff
Not bad. Kind of interesting. Like listening to a Tim Burton movie.
Probably a 3 on this one. Stagger Lee is one of his best and the duets are classics. Some of the other songs are middling for me though. Always fun to listen to the storytelling though.
What are the chances we got all these Nick albums so close together?! I’m still not a fan of the violence (I’ve never liked true crime or murder movies etc. and even his poetic stories on the subject don’t prove an exception) but I do very much enjoy the flow and pacing and delivery. I’ll never forget seeing Stagger Lee performed live, for instance, he’s like a man possessed when he performs that song, and performs is the right word for most of these tracks too, as he’s playing these wild characters, erratic and angry and ugly. But still with some beauty in the music and vocals to be found. (3.5 stars)
I was a bit bored by how each song seemed to continue exactly the same way it started. But I suppose that's a ballad, isn't it? Repeating melody and beat to emphasise the sung story. Weirdly reminds me of Johnny Cash in that sense. But I think the stories were not interesting enough to warrant such repetitive songs.
It’s not bad per se, just a little dragged into length and the songwriting to me feels a little lazy, i know it’s for storytelling purpose, but what can i say? it’s an acquired taste that i don't think i possess
-it’s what it says on the tin… murder ballads… -This is probably my favorite of the three Nick Cave + Bad Seeds albums I’ve heard so far. I love the vibe and theme, I liked the other two but they felt more directionless compared to this one -PJ Harvey and Kylie Minogue are such great features too omg -Favorites are Stagger Lee, Lovely Creature, and Where the Wild Roses Grow
Fine album.
I’ve come to learn I really like the storytelling type of music that this is. And with an album consisting of murder ballads, I know I’m going to be into it. I did find this to be slightly too attached to creating shock value, and the song writing was lazy at times. I enjoyed the listen. A few of the tracks were great. I just wish that as a whole the album was executed with a little more versatility.
A bit weird but overall worthwhile. Probably enjoyed the collaboration tracks the best
Yesterday : Not sure how i feel about this yet, so not sure where my rating will land tomorrow. Nick Cave is someone I always thought I’d like (I like his books and films) but the music up until recently I couldn’t get into. This strange gothic western theme was definitely interesting but was it good? I’m not sure so fresh from listening to it. Today: playing it safe and giving it 3/5
It was pretty alright. 3.5
interesting but I wasn't completely sold on it, love a random kylie feature tho!!
3* for creativity only. I never want to listen to this again.
I was a bit uncomfortable a few times, but those moments fit the theme of the album. They deliver even if I wasn't quite in the mood for this.
There are some really good songs but i can't like the album overall, experimental vocals are not this group's strong point in my opinion, another reason i didnt like Wild God too
cool music, more of a story told along with song. some catchy songs tho
This just wasn't for me. I found it flat at times. I like the guest apperances by the various female guest vocalists. I find his voice feels like watching a trained dog jump through a hoop. I'm impressed the first 2 times but it gets old fast. The instumental compositions and production are well done. Might have needed more time and a headphones listen.
I can get on board with a lot of what Nick and company are bringing here, but I can just as easily fall off. The morbid themes throughout are fascinating, until they're just morbid. I was left with a rotten feeling by the end. Still, I'm almost interested in revisiting, and I can already feel the darker side of this album creeping back up in my head.
Morbid, morose, and whimsically wicked, Cave opts for darker shades on this particular canvas.
Kind of interesting but I am not sure I need to hear it again. 3 stars or C.
Makes me want to smoke.
nice enough
Sì beh è Nick Cave
7/10 Ridiculous album. Mostly its just a monotonous listing of various people being killed, often for no appararent reason, with occasional touches of sexual violence for extra shock value. At the same time there is something intriguing about the relentless commitment to the theme. The instrumentation is quite enjoyable despite being somewhat repetitive. Personally I suspect death actually is the end. Not sure if that makes this album better or worse. Highlights: Where the Wild Roses Grow Song of Joy Lovely Creature Death is not the End Crow Jane Henry Lee
I’ll give this one a 3/5 although I don’t think this one should be on the list. I appreciate that nick cave and the bad seeds have a very unique sound, but I don’t think they deserve to have the 3 or 4 albums that are on this list. Give me their best album and I’d be happy. I admire their uniqueness.
Toller Sound und Stimmen. Aber die Texte doch recht düster.
I don't think i liked this exactly, but it was compelling
as a lifelong ballad hater, turns out some murder ballads are ok. i liked a number of these while listening but i'm almost positive a future me is gonna be listening to shuffle asking wtf is wrong with current me.
Interesting to say the least
Meh, songs about murder and not much good about it. not bad, just not good.
It had its moments but a lot of this was trying too hard
A dark, twisted tale set to music. The storytelling feels theatrical, almost like Tom Waits with a sharper edge. The themes are haunting but draw you in, like staring into the abyss. It’s unsettling, yet oddly beautiful. The rawness won’t appeal to everyone, but it’s hard to ignore.
Not bad, but the songs aren’t the best for casual repeat listens. The stories were very entertaining though, some pretty funny.
Well, at 628 albums, I have reached my fifth and final Nick Cave album to review. Ghosteen has easily been my favorite album of theirs so far (5 stars), followed by Henry’s Dream (4 stars), with The Boatman’s Call and AB/TLoO rounding out the back end (both 3 stars). Based on what I’ve read about this album, I have pretty high hopes for it. This sounds really interesting, so I’m excited to give it a listen. I thought Murder Ballads was good, but not great. If an album of murder ballads falls into anyone’s wheelhouse, it’s Nick Cave. His deep and brooding voice was perfect for the dark tone of this album, and even though I’m not familiar with the source material that he used, it was pretty easy to distinguish what parts of these songs featured more of his own influence. I really love Nick Cave’s piano playing, and I was glad that it was front and center on this album. The duets with PJ Harvey and Kylie Minogue were really great, but I think that “Death Is Not The End” was the best song on the album. Knowing that Nick Cave would eventually lose his son almost twenty years after this song was recorded really added some emotional gravity that made it even better. I really enjoyed the songwriting on this album as well, and it showcases how talented Nick Cave is as a storyteller. My biggest gripe with this album is that it was a bit too long, and a few of the songs really overstayed their welcome with me. I also wasn’t a fan of the barrage of f-bombs on some of the songs, because I felt like it was a cheap way show anger and strong emotions. I don’t have a problem with swearing in songs, but it really felt like some of Nick Cave’s word choices took a power drill to the folky atmosphere of the album. Still, I’ve enjoyed exploring Nick Cave’s discography, and I’d be quick to return to his music once I’m done with this project.
Pretty enjoyable listen. The piano playing is quite impactful and Nick Cave has a great voice. Some of the songs linger a bit long for my tastes though. Will have to listen again.
Where to start with this one... I knew a couple of songs like Where the Wild Roses Grow and love the few Nick Cave songs that I know, including his new album....but at times this was a bit of an uncomfortable listen in terms of lyrics. Song of Joy was pretty full on and I wish they'd have built up to it and had it as anything but the opener, but I guess that's a minor quibble and arguably the whole point of the song/album is to create those feelings of discomfort in the listener.
A pretty dark set of tracks but then I guess the title of the album gives that away. Some good collaborations on here and some strong tracks- 1st listen today went over my head a bit but I became very intrigued on a revisit and enjoyed it - definitely a keeper in my streaming collection. I do find that Nick Cave has aged well when it comes to his music. Big fan of his last album.
Ive wanted to listen to them for a while. This one was... weird. I didnt hate it. But it was something else.
Good ol’ Nick and his circus of ghouls! He’s so fun at parties!! If only he didn’t suck the air out of the room…
Nice ballads! Very dark lyrics obviously - Nick Cave is pretty good.
Kinda odd to make an album all about murders
I don't think it's as good as some of his other albums like From Her to Eternity.
As much as I like the concept and all the fine work on this album, I must confess that it really didn’t grab me. It’s nice. Was hoping for something more.
This is really fun, not sure if it belongs on this list for anyone but me but I'm glad I listened.
Day289 - to have the talent to make an album like this and not turn out silly only nick cave could pull this off
My third Nick Cave project received here and so far this is the best. Very murdery.
Not his best but some good songs
bravissimo ma un pò pesantino da ascoltare
Levy soi tunnelmallisesti komeasti. Jos olisi aikaa ja intoa syventyä teksteihin pintaraapaisua syvemmälle, voisi tästä löytää aivan uuden tason. Nyt mentiin soinnin kautta ja taso perus OK.
Its ok. I did like the Mersey Seat off another alnu, a long time ago. BUt don't really care for this one too much.
I went back and forth on this. It delivers on the promise of its title. It’s unbelievably violent and nasty, it’s right in Cave’s wheelhouse. It had some stinkers but some real highs too. Musically neat and varied. I loved the conclusion. Ultimately the rating will suffer due to my own earlier misjudgement. Junkyard shoulda have been a 5. This maybe should have been a 4, but it ain’t Junkyard.
Very good, I prefer his more cinematic later works
Good music. Some of the lyrics feel a bit weak.
Wasn't in the mood for this brooding style today. Will come back and listen later. What I heard was decent, but not enough to draw me in for the rest of the album.
I don't really get Nick Cave.
Some of this was good. Some of it was meh. I do appreciate Nick Cave's songwriting ability and it's always a pleasure to hear PJ Harvey make a guest appearance. Overall, decent but not outstanding.
Ei mahdu omaan Cave top kolmoseeni, mutta siinä perässä kuitenkin hiihtelee.
An odd album. Wasn't bad for the most, but the theme made it a niche listen. Could have done without the screeching at the end of Stagger Lee.
Pretty much what I expected it to be, Tom Waits with better vocals.
+1 for Kylie minogue -1 for O'Malleys bar
Favourite Song: Stagger Lee
spooky
This is murky and emotional and drunken and gets a lot more credit than I think it deserves, but I also think to fully enjoy it you need to hear the songs performed live in a drunken bar. 3 stars
As grim as the album title would lead you to believe. I don't think I get Nick Cave very well.
Omallys bar is one hell of a ride. Epic, but the last couple minutes are too much for me with the moaning and stuff Still the best nick cave so far
3 stars solely for the PJ Harvey and Kylie Minogue tracks.
I see the concept here. Let's make a bold dark project that's unashamedly gruesome. As society advanced and things that were once shocking gets less of a reaction. I think this album tries to get the same kind of vibe as Johnny Cash in Folsom Prison but for a modern audience. I like a lot of these tracks. I think they capture a particular place and particular time well. Stagger Lee, Wild Roses, are good tracks. I don't like O'malley's pub it's too long and sacrifices too much music for the storytelling. I also think the last song 'Death isn't the end' is lame and annoying. Overall the problems with this album are mainly it flirts with being 'cringe'. It's pretty self serious, like a kid telling an over the top scary story at a campfire and no one is all that scared but he keeps drumming it up. I could see revisiting some of these tracks around halloween. I like the multiple vocalists as well.
Good musically but I spent the whole album wondering if they were trying to make a commentary about murder or if they just did it for funsies
Weird but not awful couple of songs I liked staggerlee
Je comprends l’intérêt du genre des murder ballads, mais celles-ci m’ont peu inspirée, à l’exception des collaborations
Seems like a spooky tiki bar fever dream. Similar to Rain Dogs by Tom Waits.
Nick Cave is still a consistent 3/5 for me. The music is pretty chill and nice. But the melodramatic delivery ruins it. Something about him just rubs me wrong.
Een bij vlagen sfeervol concept-album van ome Nick, met wat gastoptredens en (er is leven na de dood...) een Dylan-cover. Mooie prestatie om van zo'n naargeestig maar gloedvol nummer als Where the wild roses grow toch een hit te maken. Maar ja, dat taalgebruik in een aantal nummers, dat drukt het luisterplezier hup een punt naar beneden. Jammer Nick, je was net zo op dreef.
3/5. What's wrong with Nick Cave? I know he is not incapable of writing well-written songs and great melodies and yet the choice to write slam poetry and uneven structure is unique but can definitely feel a little old sometimes. Maybe I am being close minded by not being able to experience new structure but it's hard to listen to nonetheless for me. I like the theme of these songs and some are great, but not all of them. Best Song: Stagger Lee, Where The Wild Roses Grow, The Kindness of Strangers
Almost got through all of it. If it wasn't for the overall darkness/goth feel to it. I would have only given it a 2 but we'll go with 3
Not a big fan of piano ballads. Cool album artwork, and I can dig his vocals most of the time.
Slam poetry shock rock
The one with Kylie, and the last one Death is not the End we’re alright, otherwise it was a bit painful in places
it’s fine, airplane type music (I listened to this on the plane)
unfortunately needed this this morning
Pretty interesting
2nd Nick Cave album in a row, what are the odds? Quite high I believe, in any case like the other the musicianship here is great but I just can't get past Nick Cave's singing and wordy lyrics, just too much. 3*
I do not enjoy Nick Cave but I know enough to understand this is a skill issue on my part.
Music to cut yourself to. I liked the cussing though.
I feel like there is plenty in here to like but maybe 'murder ballads' aren't really my thing? Also Nick's style is pretty distinctive - I feel like you're either going to really really 'get it' or you won't and for the most part I didn't. I do see why people like this though and I think there is a lot of creativity and depth on display.
2.5 - It's not my favourite, but I'd say it's solid and the concept is interesting to some extent.
Some great songs on this. The concept itself is great. But Cave's vocals are too growly on so many of these songs. When he just sings it's great, but that's too rare for my taste.
This is a really cool album. I know very little about Nick Cave, just a few songs here and there. I really enjoy the melodic slow casing of those songs. He has the storytelling “voice“ of Jim Morrison sober stuff. Storytelling this is reminiscent of early country music. Overall, a really good album.
Pretty cool concept. I especially like the duets. Pretty indifferent when it comes to most of the songs. Some songs go on a big too long
Feels like something my appreciation for might grow with repeated listens, but for a first listen it’s just not grabbing me.
Seemed to be a bit obsessed with sexual violence!
3.5
3.5
I like Nick Cave quite a bit; enough to play one of his songs at my wedding. But, I think Murder Ballads gets way more cred than it deserves.
Dark
I wish I could copy paste my review from the album 2 days ago: "perfect for the morning commute" LmAoOo Good vocals, creative stories, steller instrumentals. I would seek out more from this artist but not necessarily more murder ballads. A whole album of them seems a bit much..
Nick Cave osaa tätä musiikkia (en kuuntele tällä hetkellä lyriikoita) Perkele.. 5 tähteä meni viimeksi Ghosteen albumille pakko se on hyväksyä Nick Cave uskomaton artisti (en kuuntele lyriikoita mutta tiedostan ne) Toiseksi viimeinen kappale soi... Artistry biisi ja saatanan pitkä... Sama vanha likki soi perä jälkeen.... tunistan likin jolla yritetään ihmisille saada musiikista nautintoa.. Caven ääni kaivelee ja kaivelee tällä likillä tunnetta artitistisesta kappaleesta.. Hyväksyn hän on paljon fiksumpi kuin minä.. Hyväksyn herra Cave on viisas.. sitten herra Nick Cave ottaa munan käteen.. tulee ensimmäine lyriikka jonka ymmärrän, kuulen ja käsitän.. lyriikka on: "And my dick felt long and hard" Jahas ja paska artisti... Katsotaan tässä nyt 3 pv päästä albumi review boxia ja heh näkyy siellä ollaan toisen puolen siellä alistuttu... 5 ja 4 tähteä... Katso seisovaa munaani, Nick
Ooh it's a bit spicy isn't it? But unlike the Depeche Mode album, which I criticised for being pretentiously 'dark', this album works. The Bad Seeds play brilliantly and Nick Cave gives an impressive performance. Fave tracks: Stagger Lee (nsfw), Where The Wild Roses Grow, and O'Malley's bar.
Difficult start. Standouts are the duets with PJ Harvey and Kylie Minogue (\"Henry Lee\" and \"Where the Wild Roses Grow\" respectively) and \"Lovely Creature\" in the first half.
Edit: I was clearly feeling some kind of way when I rated this because I definitely do not love it like I did the night I rated it. Downgrading from a 4 to a 3. Wasn't sure how I was going to feel about this album, but I surprisingly enjoyed it. I loved the concept and the song selection. "Henry Lee," "Where The Wild Roses Grow," and "Death Is Not The End" were probably my favorite songs, but there wasn't anything that stood out to me in a bad way either.
I wanted it to be better, in my mind (before I heard it) it was a certain 5. Turns out to be 3.45, rounded down.
Забавно, что в день анонса нового альбома Ника Кейва и компании мне попался их же альбом. Я не знаком со всем-всем творчеством группы, но сравнивая этот альбом с Mercy Seat, Let Love In или их поздним творчеством, этот как-то выделяется в обратную сторону что ли. Но это не плохой альбом в любом случае. Лучшая песня - Henry Lee.
Nick Cave has always been an enigma to me. There are A LOT of people out there who reference him as one of the best, but I don't know that I can get behind it. I was turned on to Nick Cave a few years back from the Peaky Blinders theme song, but had no idea he was such an accomplished artist. This album is equal parts spooky and funny, but I don't think I would listen to it with regularity.
Fun vibe but repetitive
I enjoyed it. Reminds me of the doors
Cave is unbearably out of tune at times. It's a shame, because i like other aspects of this album. Except the first song, which I really disliked - I almost gave up during it, but was ultimately was glad I didn't.
Fín plata, hlustaði mikið á áður. Where the wild roses grow er classík
Really strange and disturbing but somehow really good. First time listening to a Nick Cave and the bad seeds album, I hope they don't always make music this creepy please. I was afraid of listening to a boring voice for an hour. It turns out Nick Cave's voice almost becomes the most interesting element of the song to me. The bass player Martin P. Casey was perfect the best instrument player of the band. Strange way to tell stories but a beautiful one. I'm really curious of what others strange records they made. Fav song : The Curse of Millhaven Worst song : Song of Joy
Yea,pretty decent
3.25
Ник Кейв конечно молодец, что так проникновенно исполнил песни о насилии, но местами это было слишком уныло. Особенно дизреспект за 15-минутную песню (как же меня заебал этот хрон). Из плюсов отмечу в целом неплохую атмосферу на альбоме, как смешно Ник Кейв произносит МАЗАФАКА, и ахуительню песню с Кайли Миноуг (что она вообще тут забыла???)
bastante raro y curiose, nick cave parece un tipo oscuro pero escribe bien
Mmmm quizá no es para mí pero me gustó la canción con Kylie!! Australian legends
Drone, monotone, not terribly interesting to me. I'll give them credit for the fact other people like them.
An angry man
I like this, but the intent and vision is so clear that the whole thing ends up feeling like a single track. Not something that's easy to come back to.
I’ve fell in love to a Nick Cave song once...but I’m just not in the mood for this today. Too depressing. It’s no where near as shit as Graceland; a record so shit it’s made 2 pretty much obsolete for me as a score. As I type I’ve got Isis (the band) on; this album (in the absence of truth) would get a 5 and Cave is no where near them. Given that Cave isn’t as shit as Paul Simon and is nowhere near as good as ISIS he gets a solid 3/5.
Quite an interesting concept, very edgy though with all the murder stories and the music itself is not really worth listening to
Never really listened to Nick Cave. His voice is an acquired taste but he clearly is intelligent and writes some entertaining stuff so he's got Moby beat. Moby wouldn't know a good a melody even if it hit him in his shiny bald head. Moving on, the album was fine but felt drawn out at times.
Ok
A good Nick Cave Album not as fond of the duets and not something I want to wallow in…. Still prefer The Good Son album.
Good soundtrack to kill someone by hahaha. Very Dark.
Took some getting used to, a bit outside of my comfort zone. But I eventually found it enjoyable.
Nick Cave has always felt very Tom Waits meets Leonard Cohen meets Tim Burton for me, this Murder Ballads album especially so. Unfortunately that means there is a ceiling for how much I'm gonna enjoy versus appreciate it. The storytelling is great but the music itself doesn't really grab my attention.
What a strange, strange man. Some beauty mixed with unease. I wish I knew which ballads were original and which were older. At least it was interesting. Death is Not the End was the only song I really liked. Also, this counts as a PJ Harvey album.
Wow, what a macabre album theme. This is ok, but as with most of Nick Cave's work, I just don't get his appeal. I did like the cover of Stagger Lee; probably the best song in this collection. Not likely to listen again.
A random Nick Cave album from 2011 with a song featuring PJ Harvey? This list is officially a parody of itself. The music was fine but this is rediculous. I wish I liked these people as much as these list makers clearly do.
Spoko muza ale nie będę tego słuchał
I'm not sure if I'm just not in the mood for Nick Cave this morning, or what, but I didn't like this album quite as much as the previous Nick Cave albums that I've gotten. It's not bad at all, but I really enjoyed his other works, while this left me a bit flat, though, to be fair, I am in a shitty mood 3/5
1h de lamentations de la part de Nick Cave et ses mauvaises graines, qui revient une nouvelle fois dans le générateur sans que personne ne comprenne bien pourquoi.
My favourite songs are the ones where Nick brings in PJ and Kylie as co-vocalists. I like the other tracks individually, the production more than Nick’s delivery, but at the end of the day it’s difficult to listen to a whole album about murder, sometimes graphically recounted.
This is the most deplorable, disgraceful, and depraved collection of songs I think I may have ever heard. It’s beautiful. The album thrives in the gutters of life. I wish it was just a little more exciting and that he took a little more time with the writing, but I’m fine with everything else. 3/5
3 Nick Caves in a month after ~600 albums without him, better late than never I guess In the first 3 songs, I couldn’t decide whether this was going to be a 5 or a 1 star. Lyrics are certainly grisly and profane, yet there’s something admirable about the stubborn commitment to the titular murder ballads. Will need more time to process, but loved much about the music, even though the over-the-top morbidity of the lyrics started to wear me down. Highly recommend listening after dark HL: “The Curse of Millhaven”, “Henry Lee”, “Wild Roses”, “Song of Joy” 3* or 1* or 5* November 29, 2023
story
I really wanted to like it more than I did! 😂 I find the concept interesting but the final result a bit stale. And how much more Nick Cave do we really need on this list?
Reminds me of Spanish train
Shew. This was a rough listen. The vocals were obviously done before auto tune. Lyrically it was rough too. I won't be revisiting this album.
tositosi raskas, samalla kyl varsin vaikuttava! ei ehkä paras lattiakaivon pesun yhteytee eikä sellanen et päätyis mun listoille mut mielenkiintone nontheless
Completely mixed feelings. 1 or 5 stars so I split the difference. Interesting and riveting on one hand and disgusting garbage on the other hand. Draws me in or pushes me away.
I was listening to the podcast Behind the Bastards and the host, Robert Evans, was talking about his love of this album. Just a funny little coincidence. I would call it spooookkkkyyyy, but it happened the day after Halloween
Just a bit too avant garde for me.
Quite shocking lyrics for a first timer but the melodies and keys were quite seductive. Increasingly grew on me. Good for what it was. Ended on a high.
Interesting one! I probably wouldn’t seek it out for a re-listen but it’s unlike a lot of albums I’ve heard.
What crazy album. Great fir holloween. Literally Folk Murder Ballads.
Cool stories
That was interesting, but tried to carry and unearned weight. It didn't say anything, just reveled in darkness. It was interesting, but I cannot say I enjoyed it.
I love a good concept album.
I didn't really enjoy the concept behind this album and I'm not a massive fan of Nick Cave's voice but I liked the the duets and a couple of other songs with quite pretty vocal arrangements.
Incredibly weird but a good listen a high 3.4
Ok
Why is there a 14 minute song.Besides that it’s fine.Nick caves usual spooky sounds.
Sauvé par les feats
ça tue littéralement
Weird concept album by a progenitor of the emo movement.
Tough to rate, I actually love the arrangements and concept and vibe. Some of the songs were cool, very dark and fucked up. I really liked the duet and the storytelling. But the vocals were so awful it kind of ruined the album for me. Such a shame bc it could’ve been a really cool album with a better singer. Someone like colter wall I think could’ve made this an amazing album. Idk 2.5?
Song of Joy // Henry Lee // The Curse of Millhaven // 2.5-3/5
The kind of thing you’ll like if you like this sort of thing. To others, this will feel an overcooked art project. There are a few moments – “Lovely Creature” and the new spin on “Stagger Lee” are interesting and“The Kindness of Strangers” and “Death Is Not the End” feel like authentic efforts. Everything else is contrived, though perhaps it can be said it's effective in what it sets out to achieve. The band is tight and Kylie adds some badly needed sparkle, but overall this thing dies slowly and the corpse is pretty bloated. Cant’ say we weren’t warned by the title.
Pretty unique theme. I got bored of the tracks without a female singer on them. Didn't really like the sometimes crass lyrics.
A reluctant 3
This is probably one of the darkest albums I have listened to. But then, with a title like "Murder Ballads," you should probably EXPECT that going in. I'm glad I listened to this with the family not around, because songs like "Stagger Lee," YIKES. I felt a few of the songs did overstay their welcome, like "O'Malley's Bar" (14 minutes, really?) and "Death Is Not The End." That last song could have lost at least a verse and its poignancy would not have been diminished. I think I liked "Henry Lee" and "Where The Wild Roses Grow" best. The duets worked well. I find it interesting that "Where The WIld Roses Grow" garnered so much attention, and I wonder how many people bought the album because of the song and were horrified by what they got. I think this was a good experiment, an album of these type of songs. But it's definitely not something I would find myself coming back to. It's way too dark and depressing.
I saw this is pure theatre; it felt like a dark rock musical. And it's either Nick Cave's voice or his face but I kept picturing Matt Berry/Laszlo the vampire from What We Do in the Shadows. Anyway, the heavy material just felt like farce / satire or tongue in cheek; not bothered by it at all and it felt like a unique combination with the musical stylings chosen (lots of piano and pomp). Very unique, and as a genre it's worth being on the 1,001 list to know it exists. Solid 3 and I thought about a 4. The Curse of Millhaven (uptempo) and Death is not the End (somber) were my favorites.
I romanticise the notion of Nick Cave. I get really excited to begin with. Then I'm done for a while.
I try and try but I can't get into Nick Cave. Saying that, there are some moments on this that are tuneful and interesting, especially the duets.
I have mixed feelings, it was dramatic then sweary then smooth then it sounded out of tune, it was a weird experience
Good!
I liked the idea, but I wished it was more musically flushed out throughout the album
No jes kaikki kuolee. Vitsihän tämä levy tarinankaarineen on. Mut joku mua kiehtoo kolmeen tähteen asti
Another album from the Harry Du Bois school of drunk, depressed, music. Murder ballads are an incredibly intriguing and compelling subgenre, but it's hard to pay attention to these stories when Nick Cave himself seems absolutely uninterested in whatever's coming out of his mouth. If only every song on this record spotlighted another artist, because hearing PJ Harvey, Kylie Minogue, and his other guest singers added so much life into the tracks they were heavily featured in. Too bad. Needless to say, the standout tracks here were Henry Lee, Where the Wild Roses Grow, and Death is Not the End.
Maybe songs about whole families being murdered just aren't for me ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
som diferente, vocalzao, instrumental mais de acompamnamehto
Uhh this was a really weird one. I enjoyed a part of it, the 12 minutes track was way too much though Saved songs: Stagger Lee, Crow Jane
I love Nick Cave’s tenth album, The Boatman’s Call, which is described on Wikipedia as “a marked departure from the bulk of the band's post-punk catalogue up to that point.” Murder Ballads is certainly… different from TBC. I didn’t hate it, but I don’t know if I’d listen to it again, and I may be concerned if I came across someone who was blasting this album or declared it their favorite album. 3/5
I didn’t hate it but I didn’t enjoy it either
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds' Murder Ballads is not your average lullaby album. In fact, these songs are more likely to give your child nightmares than sweet dreams. With tracks like "Stagger Lee" and "Where the Wild Roses Grow," Murder Ballads is like a twisted fairytale come to life. Nick Cave's haunting vocals will lull you into a false sense of security, only to be shattered by lyrics that are equal parts beautiful and disturbing. So if you're looking for a way to terrify your child into staying in their bed all night, then Murder Ballads is the perfect album for you. Just don't blame me when they start having nightmares about "The Curse of Millhaven." Sweet dreams, and don't let the bad seeds bite.
Decent album from Dr. Nick
I love this band but some of these lyrics are unforgivable
Album 8 of 1001 Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - Murder Ballads "New and traditional murder ballads, a genre of songs that relays the details (and often consequences) of crimes of passion". I listened to this twice, the second time being as I dozed a bit. Made for some nice background music. Hints of Tom Waits for me. Worthwhile listen, especially if you like storytelling. This is all about the stories and the delivery. Favorite Track : O'Malley's Bar 3 / 5
I'll give this to Nick Cave: If I were going to ask someone to make an album of murder ballads, Cave would be my guy. That said, I don't particularly feel like I need a collection of murder ballads in my life. The concept is clever and musically the album is fine. It's just an unsettling listen and the substance of the music isn't enough to hold up the subject matter. Cave/the Seeds are capable of much better. Bonus star for creativity and a willingness to go pretty dark, but this is much closer to a 2. Fave Songs: Henry Lee, Lovely Creature, Where the Wild Roses Grow
Too moody. I'm glad Nick Cave exists, but it's too much most of the time.
Interesting stories in each song.
great to listen to with ya nan. a christmas album for the ages not in my top 5 cave albums, but solid ⭐⭐⭐
some of the songs were great and some were a worse version of boring dylan mumbling about stuff
Interesting listen. I like the old school Americana vibe, with a splash of goth here and there. I definitely prefer the traditional songs on here, so timeless. His voice can kinda get fatiguing tho.
good album but was slightly strange, felt like i was listening to a crime thriller. also sounded like the peaky blinders theme
I also really like Nick Cave, but this is a really weird album. Some great storytelling, but pretty bleak, it's in the title, it's almost all stories of murders, and he definitely gets into character pretty well as a murderer. O'Malley's Bar (just before the end) is the high (or low) mark for this, basically telling the story of a killing spree, then they bring it all to a close with a much more tender number, with Kylie, Shane MacGowan, and PJ Harvey all making appearances. Not his best album (out of the two that we've had so far!), but still worthy of a 3.
Love his voice!
Found this to be really hit and miss. The songs are so story focused that when they contained loads of details or back and forth conversation it sounded really forced, to the point of being cringey sometimes (stagger lee, o malley). On the other side, song of joy and curse of Millhaven were brilliant, think when it's just one character speaking the story flows more naturally and the music is given more focus. First time listening to Nick Cave, great voice, think I'll prefer other stuff.
I thought the prog rock sound aged quite well and the 2008 remaster I listened to was nicely balanced. Some of the songs go on a bit too long but it didn't spoil my overall enjoyment. Highlights were: Dancing With The Moonlit Knight Firth Of Firth The Battle Of Epping Forest
I really like what Nick Cave I've heard before, but this wasn't really what I was expecting. Not generally a fan of concept albums.... On first listen I didn't think it was that good, and I thought "o Malleys bar" was pretty terrible and tainted the album. However, I gave it another listen and enjoyed it far more knowing more what to expect. Where the wild roses grow, the curse of millhaven and henry lee were the best tracks imo. The Dylan cover with the guests on was quite good too. I still don't get "O Malleys bar", which apparently the album was written around.....Maybe I'm missing something? I'd have given it a 4 if this wasn't on the album! I hope there's more nick cave on this list
As usual, great vocal performance of emotion and passion and lyrical heavy songwriting. My issue is that I can’t get into any song due to the lack of catchy choruses and long runtimes. But always a pleasure to explore his discography.
Nick has the perfect voice and singing style to deliver murder ballads but even then, more than 50 minutes of them get a bit old quick
Tiene atmósferas interesantes. La onda está buena. Los temas son muy similares entre sí eso hace que resulte un poco denso por momentos.
Good stories, weird songs
I always found this album to be kind of overrated and unnecessarily vulgar compared to Tender Prey, Henry's Dream and Let Love In. It has some absolute bangers, that goes without saying, but I would put it slightly lower than some of the other greats from this era. It also reduced Cave's songwriting to be kind of one note with every song being about the same subject matter. Good album, but not top tier Cave.
Temat passar ju Nicke. Flera bra grejer men blir lite segt ibland.
Ännu en som aldrig nått ända in i hjärtat. Kanske lite för mycket manér för min smak.
not bad, a bit slow
This was weird. I actually really liked the music, the vocals, etc. The topic really made it hard to totally enjoy though, so I can't see listening again.
It was okay. Not really my type of thing I guess. 6/10
Instead of spending valuable time with a therapist, Nick Cave sang about murder for nearly 59 minutes, including a 14 minute murder song. I'm not saying I disliked it, more setting the scene for what you're about to hear.
first listen meh
Interesting idea. Some wild lyrics.
3+ I liked a lot of it, but not all of it.
For masse Nick Cave
Jú, mjög þétt band, og já, fottur stíll og einstök rödd, og vissulega platan með flott þematískt samhengi, og nei, ekki leiðinleg lög. Ég tengi bara ekki við Nick Cave hæpið, hann er ekki minn. Þið sem viljið Nick Cave, gjörið svo vel, ég leita annað.
Interesting narratives and theme, assuming many of these were covers, and the collaborations were surprising. Overall not my thing though.
I can get why people could really like Nick Cave and the concept of this album is very... Nick Cave. I can appreciate it, but not exactly what I'd wanna listen to.
This is probably the weirdest album I have ever listened to. Very disturding.
Tää oli mulle joskus eka Caven levy, joka aukesi kunnolla, mutta nykyään tuntuu vähän jääneen hänen muiden levyjensä varjoon. Biisi PJ:n kanssa toki upea.
Nick Cave has a super unique style and past albums I haven't been able to get into it, but this one has been different. This album has a sort of "Irish pub" feel where the songs are all catchy and singalong-able. That feeling that contrasts with the subject matter and makes for an interesting listen.
mehhhhh
Naff I can't stand Nice Cave's voice, the only redeeming features of this album are the tracks where someone else sings. A few good cuts (ignoring the voice) but nothing special, won't listen again
This was very interesting but I'm not sure if it was good.
Some songs I enjoyed, but some tracks made up for that.
Brutal murder ballads. Nice storytelling but gruesome and difficult to sit through the visceral tales at times.
The title of this album is v accurate. I guess this is what I should have expected.
Not great but also not terrible. Very mediocre in my opinion. The vocals are my least favorite part. The lead singer sings most songs with a very low growl. Sure it can add to the whole Murder aspect, but it does get very stale, pretty quickly. Guitars, piano, drums, and overall production all work very well on the record and help make the record much more pleasant. Favorite Track: Henry Lee Least Favorite Track: Crow Jane
It is possible that I’m missing something, but this album just doesn’t elicit anything in me. I can see why people might like it, but the vocal performance just feels off, like it doesn’t fit into the kind of songs being played. That unnerving dissonance is almost certainly intentional and might work for some people, but it is not for me. In addition, the storytelling lacks punch and feeling despite the subject matter chosen and the manner in which it is told. It is not the intimate yet relatable storytelling of someone like Leonard Cohen or Bob Dylan; the majority of the songs are fictional tales of romance, bravado, and violence that would feel more appropriate in a hip-hop or country context. The standout songs for this album are the two songs with features, Henry Lee and Where the Wild Roses Grow, and The Kindness of Strangers. The songs with features mellow out the tone and harsh vocal performances of Nick Cave with female vocals and compliment the mood of the album quite well. The Kindness of Strangers has a much more subdued performance by Nick Cave which might remind the listener of Johnny Cash at his best.
Perfect for October, dark/sad
not my thing
I love Nick Cave. We all love Nick Cave. But you have to be in the mood for Nick Cave. I was sadly not.
Well it's a interesting album, glad I listen to it but doubtful I'll go back to it. I'll say a very interesting rendition of Stagger Lee that's for sure.
It's interesting. The song with Kylie Minogue is great. Not sure how to rate it.
I like Nick Cave, at times. And other times I don't. It is 100% dependant on mood for me, and I don't think I was really in the mood for this one, at least not this time around.
Always thought I want to like Nick Cave more than I actually do.
The concept is neat. The instrumentation is sparse, but it's not the main point: the lyrics, tied with Nick Cave's frightening baritone is. It's a solid album that (aside from all the murder) swaps up the music enough to stay interesting. Favorite tracks: "Where the Wild Roses Grow", "The Curse of Millhaven"
Another atmospheric story telling album from Nick Cave. The disturbing lyrics are matched by the jarring music and the grizzly subject matter makes it a difficult listen in places. There are about 4 or 5 songs on here that I really liked, and that have the hallmarks of classic Nick Cave tracks. The three with guest vocalists (Kylie Minogue, PJ Harvey and Shane MacGowan) are the stand out moments. The rest of the album didn't do much for me though and seemed almost unimaginative by Cave's standards. Also, stories of bloody murder don't offer much room for interpretation which limits the potential for getting more out of the album on repeat listens. As a result, I'm unlikely to return to this record. Rating: 3/5 Playlist track: Where the Wild Roses Grow Date listened: 05/08/22
Well, this answers the question: What do serial killers listen to in the car on their way to your home?
Irgendwo zwischen spannend und cringig.
Some fantastic tunes but some screechy, morbid, depressing stuff. Committed to the concept - for good or for bad. Conor - 3.75 Jane -2.5 Shannah - 2 Bill - 2 (2.6/5)
Cool!
Not my thing. I feel like this is music for refined north american alcohol drinkers, a sort of mix between folk, western, Leonard Cohen and Lee Hazlewood. Listening to this made me felt like I was in one of those road bars you see in American movies, with Harley Davidson bikes parked on the front, a billiard table, and animal horns hanging from the walls. It's not bad, it's just not my scene.
Not sure when the right mood for this one is but it wasn't when I was listening
Doing an album of murder ballads is quintessentially Nick Cave, but I wouldn't say the album itself is quintessential Nick Cave - it's too inconsistent. Where The Wild Roses Grow is a delight, and Stagger Lee is fun, but trying to stretch that same formula out over 14 minutes on O'Malley's Bar is a bit gratuitous.
Listened to at some point 3.5/5 Favorite song: where the wild roses grow The concept of this album is so fun with each one being a ballad about a crime and the artists were all very talented but it’s a very specific creepy vibe
Usually can’t stand nick cave but this one was kind of fun
Best wel prima
I always want to like Nick Cave, but usually I can't find much to like. This one is alright though.
Pretty cool
Great storytelling and vocals, but kind of monotonous towards the end.
Parts of this were boring and parts were interesting but overall it was just an alright dark storytelling album. Henry lee was pretty good
I had been a massive Nick Cave fan for nearly a decade leading up to this coming out. Murder Ballads marks a point where I started to lose interest in the Bad Seeds. For all the grime and murder than is sung about this album sounds as dangerous as the poser at the local shopping mall pretending to be a gangster. The days of the wild Birthday Party Nick Cave were long gone, replaced by a Nick more suited to parlour rooms and red wine. It is still a good album if what a little subdued and patchy in places
‘Where the wild roses grow’ worth a star on its own. Remainder probably get another couple. A scraped 3.
Decent album but overlong
Wacky but fun story-driven album Very unique
I think a single word to sum up this record is "weird". I really liked the music composition and arrangements. However, I raised my eyebrows a couple times during listening, due to eccentric lyrics (album title doesn't disappoint) as well as some of the sounds, especially unorthodox singing by Nick Cave. Album left me clueless whether I enjoyed it or not. Worth a listen, but I don't think I'll ever feel the need to come back to it.
Dużo lepsze te ballady, niż Cohena. Słuchało się przyjemnie, opowieść wciągała i angażowała. Dobór wokalistek też nieprzypadkowy, dobrze zgrywają się z Nickiem i pasują do tych opowieści. Muzycznie - klasyka, lekki podkład, nie wysuwa się na pierwszy plan, a jedynie towarzyszy. Najciekawsze na płycie aranżacja "Death Is Not The End" Dylana i "Where The White Roses Grow".
Not my favorite Cave record. Solid, for what it is, but there's a lot on it that I don't care if I ever hear again.
I started to listen to this album as I crawled into bed last evening. It did a great job of lulling me to sleep, and from what I made out last night, I was not all that interested. Now, in the daylight, it has a curious appeal. I am not actually interested in the lyrical content of the murder ballads, but the over all auditory experience is kind of attractive.
Ok
Hmmm not sure what I was expecting but this wasn't it.
I really wanted to like this but could not get into it
Estilo peculiar. Del estilo de Leonard Cohen. Tipo cantautor sin mucho estilo añadido. Parecen historias contadas. Distinto de escuchar
Several terrible songs to be skipped. A couple decent ones though
couple of very good songs but the concept is a bit repetitious, and after the perfect Kylie song its downhill
Indeed, it's actually a collection of grisly, horrific, profane serenades like a vindictive villain. I get it, Nick Cave has a deep catalog of starkly vile dirges to back him up. That's all.
Genre: Alternative Rock 3/5 Well, Nick Cave has certainly listened to some Tom Waits in his day. Having listened to the album Rain Dogs just a few weeks ago for this here project, this sounds like somewhat of a knockoff. The concept is fun and different, and I think the instrumentation and arrangements were all interesting, but it's almost a total ripoff of Tom Waits. Songs like Stagger Lee take the Tom Waits growls and drunken storytelling nearly note for note, and the only thing that changes is how many times Nick Cave says motherfucker. This album is fairly star-studded (features fellow Aussie Kylie Minogue), and it all sounds rather expensive and technical, and I'm sure it was a labor of love. But this thing, while sounding nothing quite like its contemporaries, reeks of its direct influences. If you like this, listen to Rain Dogs, and this will all sound like its weird twin brother.
3.5
Love the fullness of his voice. Really enjoyed "Where the Wild Roses Grow". The rest of the album was good, but nothing special IMO. Liked, did not love. C+
Super cool eerieness to Nick's voice. Definitely will be listening to his other albums too
Some good stuff on this one. Interesting, unexpected. Felt kind of like a movie soundtrack, and I mean that in a good way. His voice kind of wore on me a bit after a handful of tracks -- not sure why; maybe because it kind of felt at times like a Leonard Cohen impression? the style of some of the songs added to that feel -- but it's well-written and very well performed.
A pretty good album, but I didn't love it or hate it. Very ballad-y, very murder-y, so it delivered on its premise. I guess I just didn't expect the premise to be so...literal. I'm not complaining, I was just surprised that every single song was a murder ballad. I like a dark concept though. Every track on here was SO hit or miss in terms of how enjoyable it was. Fave track was Where the Wild Roses Grow, just because it was so beautiful. Overall a very weird album. Definitely deserves to be on this list, though I have to admit I wouldn't listen to it start-to-finish again. Just some select faves.
Favorite track was Where the Wild Roses Grow
This album was alright, not my favourite but it was interesting for sure.
Not my vibe
a little loud
What a weird concept. Songs were fine, but just so out of left field I don't think I particularly want to listen to it again.
Dark, stories set to music. Not really a bop or a vibe as the kid say
Dark folky madness. Cool concept but also a bit one-trick-pony-ish.