American Beauty

This is the best music Grateful Dead's ever put out and it still blows

You might know American Beauty from Freaks and Geeks. If you’re like me, you know it as the response every Deadhead will give when confronted with the fact that the Dead were not a good studio band (as in: “but American Beauty, maaaan”). So here it is, the sole documented successful studio outing from one of the most overrated bands in American history. Let’s rewind a little, though. The Dead rose to prominence as regular performers at Ken Kesey’s Acid Tests. If you’ve ever taken LSD, you’ll know that the bar for entertainment while tripping face is low. I once watched a friend try and tape a kaleidoscope to his head, so he could spend the entire night looking through it while on LSD. It was the funniest thing in the world to me that night and if I’m being honest, I still find it extremely funny, but that’s because it’s a pretty dumb thing to try to do and I got to witness it. It didn’t open my mind or expand my consciousness, it made me laugh because it was so stupid. He had a full head of hair and tried to duct tape a kaleidoscope around it. Zero thought was given to what would actually happen when he had to take the tape off his head, he just wanted stare through a kaleidoscope all night. As a result of the Acid Tests, or maybe before (I don’t know for sure and don’t really care enough to get the timeline straight, it’s ancillary to my point), The Dead linked up with Owsley Stanley, audio engineer and America’s foremost manufacturer of LSD at the time. Stanley built the Dead’s Wall of Sound and was their live sound engineer. So, the Dead were touring the country with the nation’s supplier of LSD, turning every concert into their own Acid Test, but people, to this day, will swear that the Grateful Dead were such a cultural phenom because they were master musicians and that the drugs were secondary. Remember when Bach used to give out absynthe at his concertos? Those master musicians, always getting their audiences off their gourds in order for their music to be “truly” appreciated. And in order to fully appreciate what great live band the Dead were you’ll have to go through thousands of hours of bootlegs, and find the ones where they weren’t an omnishambles on stage. When the Dead were bad, they were baaaaad. Regarding their studio work, Jerry Garcia and the band have admitted in interviews that the Dead never really got it right in the studio and couldn’t capture their live energy in the studio environment. They did this shit for nearly 30 years and couldn’t get it right in the studio. Let that sink in. American Beauty is probably the closest they got to making a “great” studio album. At the least, it’s an album you can sit through and not be too terribly bothered by most of the songs. Most of the songs aren’t especially tuneful, they’re overly busy with guitar licks and the vocals leave much to be desired. At best, it’s a mid-tier early 70’s Americana/roots rock outing. The Byrds, The Band, and Creedence Clearwater Revival all put out much better and more interesting records along similar lines in the same timeframe as American Beauty. You could even argue that The Kinks’ Muswell Hillbillies does it better and more interestingly…and those dudes are from England. The Dead are vastly overrated and mythologized. American Beauty, the crown jewel of their studio output, is no exception.

no idea why people followed this band around. you can do drugs at any show folks

I will never understand how such a mediocre band became so monstrously popular. The tracks here aren't bad, moreso forgettable - there's only so many ways you can arrange a major blues scale and noodle over it. Also some majorly uncomfortable vibes on 'Til the Morning Comes'

My cousin has a restaurant called Sugar Magnolias. I’m not a big Dead fan myself, but this was a good listen.

I was expecting a lot more from this. The Grateful Dead are such a legendary part of '60s counter-culture but on the evidence of this bland, middle of the road take on Americana I am struggling to see why.

So many classic tunes, and such weird songwriting. Jerry is a truly unique mind. Sounds like one of the funnest bands to be in. The guitar solo on candyman is one of the most beautiful things ever.

I can't believe so many people in the 70s made this band their entire personality. I was promised psychedelic rock that cool hippies go mental over and all I got was 42 minutes of the most boring country I've ever heard. I don't get it. Just do LSD in your garage like a proper gentleman, no need to chase these guys in a Scooby Doo-ass van or whatever. Guess you just had to be there.

God, I really can't stand the Grateful Dead. I've never understood the hype. And this apparently 'legendary' album...why anyone would choose to listen to 45 minutes of janky country-ish songs with off-key vocals is nothing short of deranged to me. I don't get it. Sue me.

Grateful Dead is another of the bands that I was "afraid" of listening to because I don't feel I'm able to understand. However, after this album, I realized again that this fear is not justified, mainly because their geniality or unique qualities are too much intrinsic to the songs. A plain listening session gives us the experience of a standard 70/80s rock band and that it's already good enough (better than many other albums on the 1001 list). Maybe this is not the best GD album. Perhaps I'm still unable to comprehend everything, but I know I'm listening to good music and something meaningful. This is enough for me.

Overall, it was an enjoyable album. Some songs seemed to drag a bit. Wren danced to every song. Mostly on her new beanbag chair.

I can understand why Grateful Dead is known less for their studio albums - the mix on some of these tracks is a letdown. Percussion parts too forward, guitars buried in the background where they can barely be detected. The vocal harmonies are rough at parts - phrases not ending crisply, not nailing certain parts, etc. Admittedly, these same warts likely add to the overall human charm. Despite my gripes, this is an amazingly strong collection of songs - just a happy listen from start to finish.

Day 43 of Albums You Must Hear brings the 1970 album American Beauty from Grateful Dead. I know a lot of “Dead Heads” and I’m familiar with how much of an impact The Dead have had on musical culture worldwide. I don’t, however, know a whole lot about this band and their music. When I was younger, I wrote this band off as ‘Hippie music’, whatever I really thought that meant. Listening to American Beauty was a treat. It doesn’t get too rowdy or excitable, it’s more or less what we could call “chill music” or “good vibes”. On American Beauty, Grateful Dead use a mix of rock, bluegrass and country, to my surprise. My favorite songs on American Beauty are Friend Of The Devil, Ripple, Truckin’ and Box of Rain. The version of American Beauty I found was the 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition, with 23 bonus live songs, which, for time purposes I’ll have to save for another time. Grateful Dead was one of those rare bands that actually welcomed the recording of the audio of their live shows by fans, even allowing some folks to connect right into the soundboard. There are a lot of really high quality tape recordings out their of this band. This tactic really helped the band to grow their fan base over the years. I agree that this album is a must hear, and I look forward to more music from The Dead.

first GD studio album I've listened to as opposed to live recordings. Still not a fan. Reminds me of a less likeable version of crosby/stills/nash and or neil young. Meh.

I'm 26 years old, and this is my first time listening to Grateful Dead. This will not be my last. I absolutely love the harmonies.

Fantastic Americana from the best band in the world

I own this one. Long time favorite. Fun listen, as I hadn't played it in years.

I was happy when I saw this album as today's recommendation. I own this album, and it is my favorite album from the Grateful Dead. The songs have elements of folk, americana, and country. My two favorite tracks are "Box of Rain" and "Ripple". I've learned to play both on the guitar (with varying success). Individually, each of these tracks would get 5 stars from me. "Box of Rain" and "Ripple" have lyrics that tumble around in my head every time I listen to them. I would not say that I know exactly what the lyrics mean, but at the same time they feel meaningful to me. All together, the album works as a whole and is definitively a 5 for me. (Perhaps 4.6 to 4.75 at the lowest?)

I wish I hadn't listened to this already so I can experience listening to it for the first time all over again.

LOVED IT felt like a country man on a long drive back to my farm 10/10 stuff

Very nice

Un classique des classique. L’album d’une generation tan qu’a moi. J’yai meme redecouvert fes tounes. 5*

i've never loooooved the dead. i appreciate them as well as i can, and i definitely have fond memories with people who did loooooooove the dead, but it's never been for me. that said, this was a great album, and i will always always love ripple.

I’ll listen 2day at the gym

A favorite but sometimes painfully nostalgic.

Absolute cracker - ripple!!!!

From this, you would barely recognise them as a 'jam band', the songs are tight and the three part harmonies steal the show. Brilliant.

Pleasant and harmless, this record evokes the voice of my German friend Lars when I tried to sneak on the stereo some Neil Young - “Zuma” - at a party, and he called it out immediately: “what is this hippy shit?” My instinct is to sacrifice this to my old friend Lazer, whom I haven’t seen in years, and likes to watch cars burn. Yet I managed to listen to this four times today, never stirred, but at ease. There’s a place for comfort.

Nice pleasant album, but nothing exceptional.

I really don't understand how so many people love these guys.

I just listened to the same song nine times, and then they played Truckin'. I have never liked the Dead - we're supposed to be enamored of them live, but why would I want to hear this boring batch of songs only with extra noodling on top of them? They've also always struck me as inauthentic - dipshit hippies in San Francisco who view themselves as purveyors of a combination of Delta blues and Appalachian roots music with some jazz thrown in who actually record the same lame country song over and over again. But this track has steel guitar! And there's mandolin on this other one! Still the same boring, chugging, midtempo song. The Dead are terrible, as are all of their jam band progeny. The only reason this isn't absolute bottom tier is because they at least refrained from having some asshole on this credited with electric washboard or electrojug or some other faux-country/folk bullshit. Fight me, hippy.

This is my favorite album by my favorite band. I remember listening to it for the first time in college. I'd heard some of the songs previously, but never knew it had such a country/Americana sound to it. It was great listening to it yesterday and still enjoying it as much as day 1.

I forgot how many big songs are on this album. Fantastic opening trio. More accessible for non-Deadheads than any other record probably until the final one.

Nr. 133/1001 Box of Rain 4/5 Friend of the Devil 4/5 Sugar Magnolia 4/5 Operator 3/5 Candyman 3/5 Ripple 3/5 Brokedown Palace 4/5 Till the Morning Comes 3/5 Attics of my Life 3/5 Truckin' 4/5 Average: 3,5 Classic Americana record. Was okay, but didn't have a lot of highlights and everything sounded pretty similar.

A really great, chill, acoustic album. Love putting it on in the background.

Большую часть своей сознательной жизни думал, что Grateful Dead - это нечто сродни Black Sabbath, только пуще погруженное в оккультную тематику. Отсюда и незнание такой приятной музыки. В целом без откровений, но альбом было слушать в удовольствие.

Sleepy, dull, not my taste. Yet another album I don't think is remotely essential, though I'm sure Dead fans would disagree.

Some good songs, but the whole drugged up vibe is just kinda boring.

Truckin' is the best song on the album by far. The rest if pretty good.

There's some good tracks scattered but I don't love it.

I always expect more out of the dead than I ever seem to get. Just okay at the end of the day.

Well, not a huge fan of these guys, but we must do what we must do. Hopefully, these shrooms will kick in soon and carry me through til the end. Look, they're all good at their instruments, but I just find this uninspiring. I can't put my finger on why I don't like it, but I have a strong desire to not listen to this ever again. 2

mid

Only a couple of tunes with listening to on this one ... Sugar Magnolia and Truckin'. Never understood the draw these guys had on so many, but I never saw them live. Like some reviewers mentioned, maybe the acid helped!

Just dull, sounds like a bar band playing CSNY but forgetting how the melodies work

Literally my first time listening to the Dead. A band I always had low on my list to check out, but never got around to. Well, now I have. Don't have much great things to say. Passable, jammy country tunes with a steel guitar or acoustic. Harmonies that don't always sound great. Tunes that just aren't for me.

Soft rock/country. It has a country feel but is lacking any real soul or tunes. Like a guitar with no strings. Best Tracks: Box of Rain; Friend of the Devil; Truckin'

Some of the most beautiful lyrics rest within American Beauty. Its endearing charm has already lasted generations. The Dead are a completely different experience live, that makes studio albums a more acquired taste for me. This one isn’t my favorite, but I’m forever grateful.

As said elsewhere in this review section, "The Byrds, The Band, and Creedence Clearwater Revival all put out much better and more interesting records along similar lines in the same timeframe as *American Beauty*". And by my count, there has been around 30 LPs released in 1968 that are probably better than this record will ever be. The thing is, do those pretty uncontroversial statements make this album a bad one per se? 1968 was a *stellar* year for music, after all... My father-in-law is a big fan of The Byrds and the members of CSNY. But as much of a fan of sixties Californian hippie country-rock he is, there is no *American Beauty* to be found in his extensive record collection. I suspect it's because of the partly unwarranted critical bad rep the band received at the time where he discovered those other great bands, diverting him from the genuine interest he could have given to The Grateful Dead. I gotta ask him about that one day... Sure, some of those tunes sound pretty standard or even quaint from today's vantage point. Yet I would lie if I said I've not grown fond of "Box Of Rain", "Friend Of The Devil", "Sugar Magnolia", "Operator" or "Truckin'" over the last couple of years. There's definitely something endearing in those songs, including their patchy and "unprofessional-sounding" vocal parts at times. And many chord changes, the few mandolin touches, or that phased-out guitar solo in the middle of "Candyman", all bring something valuable to the table musically speaking. I think I wish to tip the karmic balance to the other side now, maaaaaaaaan -- and this after so many decades during which The Grateful Dead have mostly been considered in quite a derisive fashion for no tangible reasons. Hence why I'm definitely tempted to include this record in my list... Fuck it. Those vocal harmonies in "Antics Of My Life* are so pretty. 4.5/5 for the purposes of this list of essential albums, rounded up to 5. Which translates to a 9.5/10 grade for more general purposes (5 + 4.5). Number of albums left to review: 43 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 413 (including this one) Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 241 Albums from the list I won't include in mine: 306

Great listen on the commute home! Album length gets bonus point for ending as I walked into my apartment! Fan of the album very easy to listen to with some of their biggest hits. No complaints fromme; classic jam band and a great album!

The Ripple from this album will be felt for years to come. It’s an American Beauty.

The tracks where you can really hear the harmony. Maybe that’s some thing they did in the remaster.

A great album for people who love the Grateful Dead. A great album for people who hate the Grateful Dead. Simply, a great album with an insanely good collection of songs that essentially functions as a greatest hits collection. The opening three track run has to be one of the best in rock history and then you still have Brokedown Palace, Ripple, and Truckin after that. It's combination of rock, folk, blues, and country is perfect. Greatest American band ever.

The second of two albums they released in 1970, American Beauty is The Grateful Dead at the peak of their recording powers, weaving a tapestry of Americana and their potent musicianship into one indelible package. Having already become daunting enough to approach despite being in the public purview for less than a decade, American Beauty is the gateway for anyone willing to get to the bottom of what made The Dead the primer Californian band worth the devotion and fanaticism that has spanned decades. If one isn't moved within the first two or three songs, then they're just some lost souls.

Some of the finest studio work the Dead ever did. No extended jams, just a whole bunch of songs that would stay in the Dead catalogue for the long haul. Along with Workingman's Dead, this is the peak of studio Dead. And of course, Truckin' rose straight to the top of the charts in Turlock, California.

For a long time, I was intimidated by the Dead which could mainly be attributed to their marathon live shows (with more jam than you could shake a spoon at) and their rabid yet loyal army of “Deadheads”. After listening to this album, however, it made me wish I got unto their music sooner. The music is lush and catchy (still can’t get “Truckin’” out of my head) and the lyrics transport you to the middle of the American desert. Definitely gonna check out more from these guys. Favourite tracks: Box of Rain, Friend of the Devil, Sugar Magnolia, Ripple, Brokedown Palace, Truckin’

I thought they made rock music but it sounds like some really mellow country music. I really liked it

Amazing.

Beautiful album

I like this band. Album is one of my favorites. Masterpiece! Immortal rock classics!

Not all hits but an overall fantastic album. Some of the best Dead songs are on this album and while they are better live, this is still a great one.

4.75 About as good as it gets

I'm a giant Deadhead and have been for many decades, this is one of the best Grateful Dead studio albums, very accessible, not as psychedelic as the early stuff, not as poppy as the later stuff. This and Workingman's Dead really defined Americana for me.

Fare you well my honey Fare you well my only true one All the birds that were singing Have flown except you alone Going to leave this broke-down palace On my hands and my knees I will roll, roll, roll Make myself a bed by the waterside In my time, in my time, I will roll, roll, roll In a bed, in a bed By the waterside I will lay my head Listen to the river sing sweet songs To rock my soul River gonna take me Sing me sweet and sleepy Sing me sweet and sleepy All the way back back home It's a far gone lullaby Sung many years ago Mama, mama, many worlds I've come Since I first left home Easy to dismiss as hippie shit, but its actually a really good album. 5/5

"American Beauty" is the quintessential Grateful Dead album, released in 1970, and remains a cornerstone of American rock music. The album intertwines elements of folk, country, and psychedelic rock, showcasing the band's unique blend of improvisation and songcraft. Across its ten tracks, "American Beauty" explores themes of love, loss, identity, and the American experience, all wrapped in rich harmonies and masterful musicianship. Lyrically, the album is characterized by its poetic depth and introspective storytelling. Robert Hunter's lyrics, combined with Jerry Garcia's emotive delivery, create a vivid narrative landscape. Tracks like "Box of Rain" and "Friend of the Devil" display a storytelling prowess that invites listeners into the lives of the characters within the songs. The imagery is both surreal and rooted in Americana, reflecting the countercultural zeitgeist of the late 1960s and early 1970s. The music of "American Beauty" is equally captivating. From the delicate fingerpicking of "Ripple" to the rollicking energy of "Truckin'," each song showcases the band's musical virtuosity. Garcia's intricate guitar work, Phil Lesh's melodic basslines, and the tight interplay between band members create a dynamic sonic tapestry. The addition of folk instruments like the mandolin and pedal steel guitar adds layers of texture to the music, further enriching the listening experience. Production-wise, "American Beauty" is marked by its warm, organic sound. The album was recorded using analog equipment, capturing the warmth and intimacy of the band's live performances. The production allows each instrument to shine while maintaining a cohesive sound throughout the album. The seamless transitions between tracks create a sense of continuity, enhancing the album's immersive quality. Thematically, "American Beauty" explores the complexities of the American experience. Songs like "Operator" and "Sugar Magnolia" reflect on love and longing, while tracks like "Attics of My Life" and "Brokedown Palace" delve into themes of mortality and transcendence. The album captures the spirit of a generation grappling with social change and self-discovery, offering a poignant reflection on the human condition. In terms of influence, "American Beauty" has had a lasting impact on both music and culture. The album helped popularize the Americana genre, influencing artists ranging from the Eagles to Wilco. Its emphasis on intricate songwriting and musical exploration paved the way for the jam band movement, inspiring bands like Phish and Widespread Panic. Moreover, "American Beauty" remains a touchstone for fans of the Grateful Dead, serving as a gateway into the band's extensive catalog. Despite its many strengths, "American Beauty" is not without its flaws. Some critics have pointed to the album's occasional lack of cohesion, noting that certain tracks feel disjointed from the overall flow of the album. Additionally, while the lyrics are often poetic and evocative, they can occasionally veer into cliché territory, particularly on tracks like "Sugar Magnolia." However, these shortcomings are minor in comparison to the album's overall impact and enduring legacy. In conclusion, "American Beauty" is a masterpiece of American rock music, blending thoughtful lyrics, masterful musicianship, and timeless themes into a cohesive and immersive listening experience. From its poetic storytelling to its innovative production, the album continues to resonate with listeners over five decades after its release. While not without its flaws, "American Beauty" remains a testament to the enduring power of music to capture the human experience.

Listened 2x. One of my most beloved albums. 5/5

Excellent Americana folk recording. There are no bad songs on this record. I don't know if it is my favorite Grateful Dead album, but it is definitely close. Favorite track: "Brokedown Palace"

Loved it before, still love it. A true classic

I think this is a pretty good example of easy listening folk rock. Despite knowing zero of Grateful Dead's music library beforehand I enjoyed the whole thing from start to finish. Not much else to say, great album!

Easy 5 stars. So many enjoyable songs on here including Ripple aka the best song ever written

Amazing album. A rare album where ever song is great and gets stuck in you head all day. Ripple is one of the greatest tunes ever written.

One of the all-time greats... "such a long long time to be gone and a short time to be there"... has there ever been greater wisdom in a rocknroll lyric? ask John Lennon. I'm sure he'd agree.

Every song has something distinctive and catchy.

A tight collection of folk and country rock songs with great lyrics

Buenísimo

A true classic. I think their best album.

So pure. So much perfectly executed and difficult vocal harmony. It's easy to see why people love these guys. In my minds ear, I hear them as loose harmonies bordering on out of pitch but just no one cares because there's so much love and all that. But that could be because I've listened to way more live Dead that studio and you just can't be as perfect outside the controlled studio environment. This was a great album and gets my second 5-stars.

I could write 10 pages about this godamn beautiful album, but I won't bore y'all. I've loved this album for most of my life and have listened to it front to back perhaps more than any other. I had the tape in my car when I was 16, auto reverse ftw. So great to listen again, this time the 50th anniversary edition, which added on a live set from the Capitol Theater in NYC around the album's release. One of the best golfers ever, and the finest version of Johnny B. Good this rock n' roll lover has ever heard. Also love the back story on this one, recorded in the studio next to where CSNY were recording an album, jam sessions that took place late at night with all manner of rock legend, David Grisman's mandolin, and Robert Hunter's stunning lyrics. This lacks Garcia's masterful noodling, and strips him down to steel peddle guitar only. The harmonies are reflective of time spent with CSNY, and the overall vibe leans heavy country, which is where Dylan had been going at the same time. This also marked the decline of Pig Pen McKernan. It was never as good after he died (imo). "This is all a dream we dreamed one afternoon long ago" "If I get home before daylight, I just might get some sleep tonight." "Let there be songs to fill the air." "She can dance a Cajun rhythm Jump like a Willys in four wheel drive She's a summer love in the spring, fall and winter She can make happy any man alive" "Operator, can you help me Help me if you please Give me the right area code And the number that I need My rider left upon the Midnight Flyer Singin' like a summer breeze" "Fare you well, fare you well I love you more than words can tell Listen to the river sing sweet songs To rock my soul" "Till we all fall down It'll do you fine Don't think about What you left behind The way you came Or the way you go Let your tracks be lost in the dark and snow" "I have spent my life Seeking all that's still unsung Bent my ear to hear the tune And closed my eyes to see When there were no strings to play You played to me" "Sometimes The Light's All Shining On Me Other Times I Can Barely See Lately It Occurs To Me What A Long Strange Trip It's Been" Going to bed a happy deadhead.

Love this one, always a joy to listen to.

Listened 3/5/24. A classic. They always come across better live than in studio, but this album is beautiful.

If you don't get why this album is so damn good, then that sucks for you. The Dead were never known as a studio band. They developed a huge following because of their freeform concerts that never repeated themselves from show to show. If that's not good enough for you, then go back listening to Bieber and Swift, and "f" right the hell off. Peace and love to you all anyway.

The Grateful Dead is not known primarily for its studio work, but there are a few stand out studio albums and this is probably the best. It is a journey though proto-Americana, which was one of Jerry Garcia’s great passions. The strength of this album lies in its restraint. The songs are tight and never go off track and the songwriting is fantastic. There’s a lot to be desired vocally, but one of the charms of the Dead is that they seem like they could just be your friends on stage (or your dad’s friends in my case). The instrumentation is layered and well placed as well.

A combination of folk, rock, and country…a great example of cosmic country. Phenomenal songwriting - the lyrics are thoughtful and timeless. The music it’s set to is interesting and well-played. A comforting album to listen to with a cohesive sound but never gets boring. Vocals from several different members gives the songs different feels, and there are some beautiful harmonies here. Some all-time songs that are truly moving, like Ripple, Brokedown Palace, and Attics of My Life, and also some fun rockers, like Sugar Magnolia and Truckin’. One of the best of all time.

Best Dead album. So many great songs Box of Rain Ripple Operator Can’t go wrong with this gem!

Mu bien. Mu rico todo

The Grateful Dead's work is a central element of the American songbook. As a relentless touring band, they created a countercultural community around their shows. Their studio albums were not as famous as their live work, but they did establish the "standard" versions of their songs, which provided the background for their improvised versions they played live. Their music combined rock, bluegrass, folk, and country music into songs that have influenced and inspired generations of musicians. American Beauty contains many of the Grateful Dead's best know songs, including "Trucking," "Ripple," "Box of Rain," and "Sugar Magnolia." These songs have become central elements of modern American culture, not only for their devoted fans - the "Deadheads" - but also for the music culture generally. The Grateful Dead's song have had a greater cultural impact than the work of any band in modern music. American Beauty contains a collection of songs that resonated with enough fans to establish that incredible impact.

Before listening to this, I hadn't heard any songs by the Grateful Dead. I was turned off by their reputation for psychedelic jam band and the weird, colorful teddy bears. I low-key loved this album. Songs like "Operator," "Ripple," and "Brokedown Palace" were folksy, breezy, and chill. The lyrics are full of meaning, there isn't a wasted second. Sometimes it has a melancholic Willy Nelson vibe, but they pull it off well. Loved this one.

Great album. Can always sit and listen to completely.

Their best album, HoF.

loved! so beautiful

One of the best of all time

first 5/5 album fav: box of rain insane merge of rock/country/folk but it just works !!!

I keep meaning to listen to more of their stuff. Maybe this is the kick I needed.

Their best studio album. So much to love.

Really enjoyed the album. Going to look into becoming a Dead Head

Classic music that's withstanding the test of time.

Great!

All time classic. I can't tell how many times I've listened to this album. Every song on this album is great. If you get confused, listen to the music play.

Loved this album, takes me back to High School! I saw Grateful Dead here in Utah maybe 10 years ago! 5 stars

I'm no fan of the Dead, but a great album is a great album, and they brought their A-game on this one. Nearly every song hits its target (Operator falls flat for me). The damned thing is practically a greatest-hits album. The arrangements are all thoughtful and tasteful, the lyrics are cool, and the melodies memorable. What more do you want? Yes, there are a few moments where the vocals have me tilting my head a little, but honestly, that kind of adds to the album's overall charm. I already knew this album before today and I figured I'd probably give it a 4, but today as I listened to it on my headphones during my morning walk, it simply swept me away. Thumb's up, guys.