Murder Ballads

Murder Ballads is the ninth studio album by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds and probably my favourite of theirs, although it's incredibly difficult to choose. The Boatman's Call is also a masterpiece, and I could easily make a case for either being their best work. What an incredible band. This album is dark, moody, violent and angry, but it's also absolutely brilliant. There's a fantastic mixture of Cave's original murder ballads and traditional songs, all brought together by his extraordinary songwriting and storytelling. What I love most is the level of detail in the lyrics. Listening to these songs is almost like watching a film. Cave paints such vivid pictures that you can imagine every character, every setting and every gruesome detail of what's happening. "Stagger Lee" is a perfect example. What a superb song! It's outrageous, darkly funny, incredibly graphic and absolutely gripping from start to finish. The storytelling throughout is exceptional. Every song tells a different tale, yet somehow they all work beautifully together. There's so much variation in the music, from the quieter, haunting moments to the more aggressive and disturbing tracks. It never becomes repetitive, and despite the subject matter, it's an incredibly enjoyable album to listen to. There are also some fantastic guest appearances. Kylie Minogue, PJ Harvey and Shane MacGowan all bring something different to the album. "Where the Wild Roses Grow" with Kylie is simply beautiful, while "Henry Lee" with PJ Harvey is another stunning piece of music. Who would have thought an album about murder could produce such lovely songs? And then there's the ending. The cover of Bob Dylan's "Death Is Not the End" is one of my favourite covers of all time. After an album full of death, violence and misery, it's such a wonderful way to finish. The different voices coming together make it feel almost like a final curtain call for all the characters we've encountered along the way. Absolutely brilliant. For me, Murder Ballads is Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds at their very best. The songwriting, musicianship, atmosphere and storytelling are all exceptional. It's dark, disturbing, occasionally funny and often strangely beautiful. An album that demands your attention and rewards you for giving it. I absolutely love it. Favourite tracks: Where do I start? "Stagger Lee", "Henry Lee" and "Where the Wild Roses Grow" are all superb. I also have a real soft spot for "Lovely Creature" and "Death Is Not the End". So many brilliant songs. Least favourite track: Nothing. Every song has its place, and I wouldn't change a thing. Album artwork: Brilliant album cover. Dark, striking and perfectly suited to the music.

you can tell he thinks he’s proper hard

Cowboy poetry murder music, just not for me.

Oh Nick, you’re so dark and moody and cool, with your unconventional performance and foul mouthed lyrics. I love how you totally leaned into your bloodthirsty and macabre stories of mass murderers. I think it’s a really brave and groundbreaking thematic album. Huh? No I’m not taking the piss.

Brutal, Morbid and Cartoonish. This album feels like listening to "Tales from the Crypt: The Musical - 18+ Edition". My favorite track is the opener "Song of Joy". It tells of a mysterious family murder while leaving who did the deed open. It is implied that the culprit is the poor soul telling this story, but we cant be sure. Now they are asking us to open our doors for them. Probably a bad idea, but their morbid story was so exciting and the prospect of them telling us more of his tales is too enticing ... I couldn't think of a better introduction to an album of this kind. The following tracks are a mixed bag. Strong tracks are "Where the Wild Roses Grow" and "The Curse of Milhaven" which engage due to their drama and interesting reveals. "Lovely Creature" and "Death is not the End", are also to my liking, letting their horror unfold between lines. However, most of the tracks are more "Show, don't tell" and focus on blatantly describing gruesome acts of violence. Worst offender is the 14 minute long "O'Malley's Bar" which feels like a school shooters power fantasy. "Stagger Lee" is extremely profane for no reason. "The Kindness of Strangers" concludes that trusting strangers will only get you raped and killed. It is dark humor that aims for nothing more than shock value. To some this might be distasteful, for me it's just boring. The music in this album couldn't stand on its own without the lyrical content. While the musical ideas presented are interesting enough, they are repeated over tracks that are often a bit longer than they should be. Ultimately, I can appreciate what this album is going for, but for me it is too blunt. I prefer ghost stories to be subtle, mysterious and eerie. This has too much splatter for my taste. It's a light to decent 2.

A mesmerizing album featuring the at-times manic vocals of Nick Cave and his guests. The album consists primarily of murder ballads—tragic yet somehow beautiful. I bought the album immediately back then, and the singles were on constant rotation. The duet with Kylie Minogue, in particular, made us lose track of time. The accompanying music video on MTV was, of course, intended to boost the record's popularity. Thirty years later, I can say it is an absolute masterpiece and a highlight of Nick Cave's career.

Nick Cave being as dark as can be is not a new thing. I did like Henry Lee with PJ Harvey, but most of the rest fell a little flat.

I miss the beach boys.

Mais um disco do Cid Moreira dos Estados Unidos. Sério, cada disco é um pior que o outro.ja ouvi o suficiente de Nick cave pra saber que eu não suporto esse cara

heavy. the final song ticks it down to 2.49 stars for me

What a wild album. Nick's voice is, as usual, the instrument here, but the storytelling, the theme, the rest of the band and collaborations, made sure I didn't get bored with this one.

It was a nice album until the last two bum tracks. PJ Harvey what are you doing here ?!?!?!?!

4 - great album

This album is fine and there are some great tunes on it but honestly, it's not my favourite Nick Cave. This one gets so the hype and it's partially deserved buy it's mostly because of Stagger Lee.

I'm a big Nick Cave fan and I find this record a bit weak!!

Stagger Lee, Death is Not the End, and The Kindness of Strangers stood out. This is a great album of storytelling. I need to re-listen while looking at the lyrics. 4/5

No. No more Nick Cave. I honestly do not understand the love this guy gets. Its overdramatic nonsense. I've now listened to everything he's put out because he is overrepresented on this list. To a ridiculous degree! So no more Nick Cave. Anything with him on it gets a 1 without listening from here on out.

I loved it but less than the other caves. Still ML 422

2,2/5

Nick Cave makes songs about murder sound like show tunes but better. Show tunes that aren't annoying. He's got a quality to his voice that reminds me of Tom Waits, but tempered and controlled instead of filtered through all the cigarette butts discarded on the floor. The duets on here are absolutely beautiful. I could listen to ten albums like this. Just as long as I never have to listen to the Beatles again. My Rating: 5/5

I don't know what to think of it.

Sleeve designed by the band's longtime collaborator, artist and designer, Dave McKean. Type is lazy, and the painting a poor illustration. The sound, which is a better description of Nick Cave's art than music, is horrifically compelling. Like it or loathe it, this is a record you should hear.

Any one who listens to Nick Cave expecting a happy tune will sadly be disappointed but at least this album gives you a clue in the title. I like Nick Caves voice and his delivery but this is not his best album, a mix up of traditional songs and original songs just doesn't work in my view. However any album that has a song as good as Where the Wild Roses Grow can be forgiven a lot. It's a great track and deserves a listen as does the re-recording of Bob Dylans Death Is Not the End with the strangest mix of featured artists.

Not even my favorite Nick Cave record, but maybe the one that represents him best. It's got it all, horror, beauty, darkness, humor and weirdness. Classic.

Nope, nope and nope. Did Nick Cave concoct this list? I've heard enough of this sad sack to last 10 lifetimes.

Very good album for halloween season

Interesting, but ultimately not for me

Two Nick Cave albums in less than a week and I'm not complaining. Talk about committing to the bit! Fantastic storytellin' record. Gruesome funny and earwormy.

This is Nick cave in his 90s peak

Man I do not get this album. It's not the concept, I think a series of story songs about murder is actually an interesting idea. I think it's odd how Cave handled it. You'd think there'd be some sort of moral about how violence is horrific and tragic or a warning about turning to the evil of murder. But there isn't really? Cave sings like he's really relishing in the bloodshed like these various killers. And there could be something there about the darkness of the soul but he doesn't really sell that either. It just kinda sounds like an edgy guy being edgy to me (with the exception of "Death is not the End" which is a weird deviation). It doesn't help that he isn't a great singer. Kylie Minogue and PJ Harvey do well on their parts. 2 for having a concept? I guess?

8/10

I love Nick Cage

General thoughts: Opens like a boom, but then it gets repetitive. Too much of the same gothic ballad patterns. Having already heard The Boatman, most songs remind me of "Where Are We Going But Nowhere" and "Spanish Girl with Green Eyes"... There’s actually a streak of really good songs, but the rest is subpar. The album is very story-driven, so the less appealing stories end up falling behind. That said, you have to be a bit psychotic to make an album of complete murder. I like the grimness of it, yes, but I still liked the Boatman's more. There's also the Kylie Minogue duet, of which I liked her voice a lot, and of which I've never heard her music, but I'm now more than ever eager to listen to. "All beauty must end" seems like the overall summary of the album, one way or another. Outstanding song(s): The Curse Of Millhaven Where The Wild Roses Grow Weakest song(s): O'Malley's Bar Cover: Lovely. Even if this weren't the cover; that's what I would picture in my mind after listening to the album. Sweet yet haunting. Real rating: 3.2

Bien.

Ehh. Didn't love.

Just wow!!! Already one of my favourite albums by one of my favourite artists but it was a pleasure to hear it again. Where to start? Song of Joy is an incredible start..the bad Seeds making a spectacular sound. Stagger Lee is just terrifying aggression. Great lyrics....as always. Henry Lee...with PJ Harvey...is a very touching song but is eclipsed by his duet with Kylie...Where the wild roses grow. Beautiful and disturbing in equal measure, this could easily be the best song on any album. But..... This album contains Nick's absolute crowning glory. The most utterly joyous romp through murder, mayhem and canine cruxifiction you could possibly wish to here....The Curse of Milhaven. Funny, catchy and delightfully twisted, this song sums up his entire career in 5 utterly captivating minutes!! Ironically this album (my 5th 5 star rating and totally my favourite) is the first time in the project i have skipped a track. I have never liked O Malleys Bar and at well over 10 minutes i decided i didn't need to hear it again. It's testimony to the other 9 songs that O Malleys Bar doesn't even come close to denting the rating! I'd give it 6 stars if i could!

Not my cup of tea. Not without merit.

Not a fan of Nock Cave. Not a fan of spoken word songs on here.

The lyrics were fun (like reading Edgar Allen Poe), but I just don’t vibe with his music.

A few solid tracks, but far from my favorite Cave. A bit too droning and lacking his usual turns toward gentler emotion.

Uh geez. Good luck with all that stuff, Nick.

Sounds like the opera

Maybe 3.5

Too earnest and self-satisfied with their own determination to be as gloomy and morose as possible, they forget to include any positive attributes in this album (so far as I could tell after 3 tracks, and before I gave up completely).

Although initially amused by Stagger Lee, and it has a certain reprehensible something, the longer this went on the more I could not wait for this to be over.

Bonus star for PJ and Kylie cameos

It was fine

favourite: Where the Wild Roses Grow | least favourite: Stagger Lee a very nostalgic album for me. "where the wild roses grow" is one of my mama's favourite songs (understandably) and I just adore it. this is unique and strange but so loveable. there are some misses (Stagger lee especially) but the overall album vibe is so interesting with really cool songwriting. somewhere between a 3.5 and a 4 for me. ಄ albums remaining: 937 ಄ albums I agree with being on the list: 67 ಄ albums I would consider for my list: 33 [+1 Murder Ballads] ಄ albums I would not include on my list: 119

Ashtrays as big as a fucking really big brick, where have they gone?

what a crazy ride, my god. It was a fun listen in a "wtf is this guy gonna say next" kinda way, so I'm giving it a boost just for straight originality. That said, I probably won't listen again unless I need to laugh at "an ashtray as big as a fuckin really big brick" again

Quite honestly this bothered me

liking this guy less and less as this list goes on ...

some great songs

I bought this album, as I loved the Kylie song, and discovered the album around that song, I can’t remember seeing NC back in my London days, though I might have……?

É para sentar, escutar, prestar atenção nas histórias contadas e lembrar que a morte não é o fim. A capa sugere bem a experiência de ouvir o disco. Ou vc entra na casinha e se aquece com as músicas ou não suportará dois minutos. Grande disco.

This album sets a very dark mood, not even sure I can place what genre it is supposed to be. I like the music, cool bass lines and vocal harmonies in spots. Nick's singing style is a bit boring at times and in other songs it is spot on. This was a very interesting album it grabbed my attention and it is worth a listen but I wouldn't rank it that high.

Song of joy - 3 Stagger lee - 4 Henry lee - 4 Lovely creature - 3 Where the wild roses grow - 4 The curse of millhaven - 4 The kindness of strangers - 3 Crow jane - 3 O'malley's bar - 3 Death is not the end - 4

Very dark storytelling. The voice fits it. Not exactly an easy listen though.

Nic ciekawego, ale też nie jest złe. 3

Nou dit is al het derde album van nick cave. Prachtige stem heeft hij. Where the wild roses grow is natuurlijk prachtig. Die ken ik van mama. Ik zit echt te twijfelen tussen 3 en 4 sterren. Misschien doe ik dan juist voor de verandering 4

"Have mercy on me, sir" --> my exact reaction to refreshing this website and seeing I had yet another Nick Cave album. It could be worse (it could be more Bob Dylan) but I am just never going to be excited about Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds. Even Kylie and PJ Harvey couldn't save this one.

Review - so unsure about this guy. When his music hits it's great. The first song here is incredible. The Kylie Minogue duet is actually pretty good! The 14 minute sort of reggaeish thing oof what a waste of time. And then ending in a bit of a sarcastic cover of a born again Christian era Bob Dylan song could've been great... on paper it sounds great. But the singers on it are all fuckin shit, they didn't bother learning to harmonize with each other so it's just a sloppy pile of ugly dissonance, and not in a cool way. Interesting concept, some good performances occasionally, as I so often find with Nick Cave though, let down by his self indulgent egoism. Score - 4.5/10 Need to listen? YES

I don't really know how I feel about this

Truly an enjoyable album. The instrumentals are simple and entertaining, the vocals buttery on the ears, and the lyrics are creative and well done.

What an absolutely bizarre album, murder ballads is a fitting title. I never know what to expect from nick cave after 3 albums that have all been wildly different. These songs described scenes of cartoonishly brutal murders, making it a strange and somewhat unsettling listen. I don't know what exactly to say about this one other than that.

Another Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds album, featuring the droll and drunken vocals I've come to expect, supported by adequate but unremarkable instrumental arrangements. The lyrics are comical and dark, but lack rhythm and sound poorly matched for their songs, giving the impression that both were written separately and eventually combined. Ultimately, this is music to be enjoyed for its themes and story content, not for its music.

I'd been wanting more of Nick Cave since listening to Henry's Dream back 35 albums ago, and today I got this. I've been watching some videos of his live shows since that first album and feeling more and more intrigued. This was awesome. I know he's not for everyone, but I totally bought into what he was giving. Musically it was perfect, with each song having the ideal accompaniment. Lyrically it was dark and heavy (and funny as hell at times). His delivery was also on point. Funny enough, the only song I didn't completely vibe with was the hit single. It was fine, but not up the the standard of the others. Absolute standouts were Stagger Lee, Henry Lee, The Kindness of Strangers, O'Malley's Bar, and Death is Not the End (a perfect closing song).

I don't need to listen to any more Nick Cave. This is fine. His voice gets on my nerves at times and the style of music kinda just goes on and on. Some of these songs were decent, but they just kept going and his voice irks me. Liked Songs: "Stagger Lee" , "Henry Lee" , "The Curse of Millhaven" , "Crow Jane"

Right. Okay. What? Is this hades? What? Like lowkey genuinely what is this. They're Australian??? What?? What are we doing?? What is going on?? An Australian band made o children??? Really? Like what am I listening to. This really does feel like a musical. So many lees. This is kinda just an album of brutality against women. Not a fan. What is this. What are we doing. Why am I listening to this. I think death actually is the end big dog. You're can't exactly go ring up a corpse can u?? What is this. Is the last song about killing yourself because your life sucks?? I FUCKING KNEW BOB DYLAN WAS HERE. Oh my days. Of course it's Bob Dylan. Of fuckin course. You know what death isn't the end nick cave kys. My god. Favourite: n/a Least Favourite: The Kindness of Strangers

Disturbingly wonderful. Nothing like taping your foot to a tune about people being murdered.

still doesnt do it for me 2/5

Tältä kuulostaa kun kourallinen taidepunkkareita päästetään Kiasmaan ja tehtävänantona on tehdä svengaavaa musaa murhista. Ei huono lainkaan. 3/5

This is only my second Nick Cave listen of the project(after the Birthday Party album sitting in the bottom 10 globally). This album is noticeably less abrasive and experimental than that album, instead being a very dark, theatrical style of album. If it weren't for the lyrics about brutal murders and horrifying crimes, this album's songs could easily be from a musical. His vocal style is a very deep croon, almost like Elvis except a whole lot darker. This is a pretty good album with well-structured storytelling songs and an interesting concept, but the songs can be difficult to listen to due to vulgar lyrics and the occasional screaming noise(in "Stagger Lee"). However, these critiques do not detract from my overall assessment of the album as good. This album is ranked #12 of 28 albums for 1996. Other 1996 albums rated by me: The Score(1/28)-4 Endtroducing...(4/28)-4 Tigermilk(8/28)-3 Everything Must Go(11/28)-3 Emperor Tomato Ketchup(13/28)-4 1977(14/28)-2 Better Living Through Chemistry(15/28)-2 Oedipus Schmoedipus(23/28)-3 Now I Got Worry(27/28)-4 Antichrist Superstar(28/28)-2

I'm almost as annoyed by the amount of Nick Cave on this list as by the amount of Elvis Costello

Death, murder,and mayhem...but the fun kind.

So I didn't really like the music, but it was still an interesting project to listen too. Felt like a old man telling folklore stories over the campfire. I preferred the duets as it gave a nice balance to the singer's unpleasant voice. I didn't like the singer's voice, but it definitely still fit the vibe of the album. Don't know if I will ever revisit (Maybe I will closer to Halloween) but do not regret listening. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Dude I just can't stand his voice

The most I've enjoyed Nick Cave but still please no more

How many fucking albums does Nick Cave have on here. Make it fucking stop wasting my time with his terrible singing.

I really liked this one. So dark.

Hell yeah

Elsker denne

Good

Ironically, I imagine this is what serial killers listen to. Actually listenable when Nick Cave isn't the main "vocal"

This was not an easy one to get through.

This album sounded so twisted and beautiful when I first heard it 25 years ago and it’s still a great record that makes me feel uneasy and completely engaged in the stories from start to finish. This I know will not be for everyone and it can be a very polarizing experience…you will be completely all in or totally turned off by the subject matter, and you either enjoy Nick Cave’s voice or you don’t. Stagger Lee and The Kindness of Strangers still shock and disturb. Where the Wild Roses Grow and Henry Lee are tragic and heartbreaking songs no matter how many times I’ve listened to them them. There’s also a little bit of corniness to this whole album too which helps ease the awfulness that take place in these songs, I’m not sure but I think Nick Cave is having a bit of a laugh and seeing how far he can push his listeners with these macabre tales. The closing song(a cover ofBob Dylan’s Death is not the End) I think finally adds some much needed lightness, there is a little levity to the final minutes of the album which is appreciated after every brutal moment we’ve just encountered. PJ Harvey and Kylie Minogue return to contribute more vocals along with Shane McGowen and few deviant Bad Seeds for this final song. I highly recommend you listening to this at least once, not my favorite of Cave’s work but I think a worthwhile addition to this list.

I couldn't connect with this one. It's not the subject matter: Willie Nelson's "Red-Headed Stranger" was another album of murder ballads, and I liked it a lot. Ditto many Johnny Cash songs. I think it's down to Cave's voice, which is just not for me, and to the sing-along-ability of the songs (there is none). I can sing along to Willie Nelson's and Johnny Cash's songs in the car with friends, but this one, not at all. I liked the duets on "Henry Lee" and "Wild Rose" more than the rest, but 2 stars is all I can muster for this album as a whole.

Very cohesive conceptalbum. Ominous and gloomy, sometimes creepy music. Totally my vibe. Also now understand where Sikth get their vocal style from

Unsettling and beautiful.

3/5 for Nick Cave albums on this list, and I think The Curse of Millhaven so far is my favorite Nick Cave song I've heard on this list thus far. Can't say hearing this guy has disappointed me yet, but I will say he is not as eccentric as the Tom Waits comparisons would lead you to believe. Man this guy can really keep spitting bars after bars with minimal musical interludes and no solos, that's quite something for a singer-songwriter.

Listens: 2 Standout Tracks: Stagger Lee, Henry Lee, Where the Wild Roses Grow Every time I see a Nick Cave album (there are several), I grow a little frustrated and weary that this album is taking up a slot that could have been a new, unknown artist that has no albums on the List at all. It's getting annoying, but it is what it is. All things considered, I actually quite enjoyed this. Stagger Lee is downright diabolical and all of the songs on the album are unique and interesting. The theme of every song being related to murder is a cool concept that I've never heard of or considered before. I'm familiar with a concept album, but I've never known the concept to be "folk murder songs". It's a pretty bold thing to have an entire album dedicated to songs about murderers and people being murdered. Very macabre and depressing.

Great songs

🤮 I’ve had more than enough of this shit as well!

Creepy and off putting. I get that it tells and story and so on, but this is not something that I would choose to listen to in just about any context.

I rather enjoyed this more than I thought I would. I really like the idea of an album where everyone is murdered in a different way. Like a book where each chapter is about a different character but the whole story is intertwined.

Second Nick Cave album so far and same reaction. He can write good songs, sure, but that voice. I get it that’s it cool to be into that, but not for me.

Definitely not my vibe. Snuff songs? No thanks

Such a great concept and some favs in here Henry and stagger Lee, wild roses. Missed out on 5 as never feel the lengthy omalleys bar hits

It's time for scary stories by the fireside with weird old Uncle Nick! I'm actually upset to have got the Bad Seeds three times within the first hundred albums of doing this. Please, 1001! I'll have no Seeds left for later! Murder Ballads is classic madman Cave: tall tales and apocryphal horrors writ enormous. I prefer his works that skew more introspective and less theatrical, but still, it's a great record. Stagger Lee's outrageous killing spree needs no introduction – what a monster to be hit with early in the tracklist! It's hooky and horrible and just gets funnier for the sheer volume of expletives stuffed into it. Henry Lee is a great time capsule of that moment in the 90s when Nick Cave and PJ Harvey were, fleetingly, the world's hottest power couple. Where the Wild Roses Grow is such a fun and unexpected collaboration; I recommend Netflix's Kylie documentary just for Cave's contribution – the lasting friendship that grew from this duet is very sweet and wholesome. (I also recommend the B-Sides & Rarities version with Blixa Bargeld singing Kylie's parts!) Morbid, vulgar, funny, cinematic, gripping, comically violent – Cave understands that horror and comedy are close visceral bedfellows, and the whole album capers back and forth over that dubious line of taste. It's not an album you can recommend to people willy-nilly, but I love it.

The title says it all. Would rather not have read the lyrics! But then I don't like horror films so I am obviously in the squeamish set. A few of these which featured other vocals in addition to Nick Cave were interesting and the best I thought and a welcome distraction from the main themes. Having heard a few albums of his now I don't think this would ever be one of my favourites however.