Reviews (page 2 of 8)
Did not enjoy Vocals worse than music
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'
Flashback
A horrible slice of Americana.
KJE-DE-LIIIIIIG!!!!!!
Not good.
I mean, real, TOTAL shit.
This album is so boring. It’s just the same sound over and over and over again. I don’t think the problem is that they’re a jam band. I think the problem is that they are a horribly overrated jam band. Nothing interesting happened throughout the album. And I had to put the album on several times cause each time I’d lose interest/attention and have to start over. It actually played through twice without even realizing it, that’s how homogeneous and boring this album is. HARD PASS.
best grateful dead album no shade so many bangers, truckin will always be my fav from this album, houstonnnnnn to close to new orleansssss
American Beauty the band's second studio album of 1970 is the band's magnum opus. Everything works on American Beauty. Every song essential not just for Dead heads but anyone with a vested interest in great music by a great band at the peak of their powers (in the studio that is) American Beauty with its fusion of country, bluegrass, folk and rock music (that's Jerry Garcia on pedal steel guitar) remains a vital piece of Americana and THE Grateful Dead album to get if you are only getting one (good luck with that) album. American Beauty is American reality. Get your chips cashed in.
I was quite content when I got this one! A lot of y'all irrationally hate the Grateful Dead. I don't understand the hate. Frankly, it's weird. Smile. It's the Dead! 5
This is my kind of music. Obviously you can't really capture the "magic" of a jam band in a polished studio album, but every jam band needs one (a la Phish's Farmhouse). Lots of classic songs on this album, it's one of my favourites.
While I am not an overall fan of the Dead, the 5 hour shows, the inability to end a song, etc. The feel of this album is just one of ease and peace. I could listen to it over and over comfortably. A controlled version of them is just the thing I needed today.
This is why this challange is so good. I always hsf an adversion to the Grateful Dead. I imaged some experimental 20 minute songs with drum and guitar solos. Instead c&w with a gospel tinge. Absolutley love this.
I'm not really a deadhead and I don't normally gravitate to jam bands, but this album is classic. I leaned 4 all day, but I have no good reason to not give it a 5. It's a fun listening experience and I’m confident I’ll return again.
One of those perfect albums with no weak songs. Favorite: Brokedown Palace
Probably the Dead's best album overall, even if it's not my personal favorite. Great mix of slower songs, and uptempo songs. Album came out right before the band started to get more psychedelic and electric and is a great example of the bluesy/folk roots that were integral to the bands early success. Possibly the most complete album of that 70's hippie era. 5/5 Will definitely listen again
This is my favourite Grateful Dead album, although I only own a small selection. A classic from an American legend, their blend of folk, rock and country elements, I love Friend of The Devil, Sugar Magnolia and Truckin'.
this is probably more of a 4 but this hit just right so its getting a 5
Ma perception. Il y a des groupes comme Grateful Dead ou genre Phish qui jouissent d'une grande popularité parmi les états-unien(ne)s mais moins hors pays. Je n'ai jamais été un partisan du groupe mais j'ai malgré tout quelques-uns de leurs albums, dont America Beauty, et c'est définitivement celui que j'écoute le plus souvent car je le trouve très bon.
Ça faisait un bout que je voulais découvrir Jerry Garcia et sa gang. Je n'ai pas été déçu ! Mais quelque peu surpris, je m'attendais pas à quelque chose d'aussi soft, plus du versant Everly Brothers, Byrds, ou Beach Boys qu'autre chose. Friend of the devil et Ripple évidemment, des hits!
Bien aimé mais vraiment pas le son que j’imaginais. Grateful dead étant un jam band fameux, je m’attendais à des longues chansons sinueuses, à la War on Drugs. Probablement juste en live! Tres bon quand même. Bien aimé Truckin’ pour closer l’album.
LOVE THIS ALBUM!!! so happy to see it today. sugar magnolia and box of rain truckin til the morning comes friend of the devil!! AHHHH!!
Americana beauty. All classics. Love Jerry on the steel pedal. Attics of my Life is my fave. Poetry and harmony.
1. "Box of Rain" 2. "Friend of the Devil" 3. "Truckin'"
Such a great and soulful album with solid songwriting and meaningful lyrics. I've known this one for years. There's no evidence of the Dead's "jam band" status here, just some great tunes that I'm sure lead to great jams live. Liked Songs Added: Box Of Rain Friend Of The Devil Sugar Magnolia Ripple Truckin'
Bien.
This album changed my life when I first heard it. Beautiful harmonies and wonderful songwriting. The guitar interplay with moving basslines makes this album perfect
Despite not sounding anywhere near as metal as thier name suggests, I did quite enjoy this. Not my standard go to style and yet it sits their in thw background as aplesent listen. Good use of space by the instruments as well as restraint. And nice vocal melodies
A beautiful studio output by the live legends.
Chill cosmic American music with some legendary acoustic riffs, fun lyrics, and some great solos. Hard not to feel good listening to this one. 9/10
Such good vibes. Good writing, great jams.
8.8
“Ripple” has always been my favorite Dead song, and this album on the whole showcases their strengths in writing charming melodies and songs that aren’t just 20-minute meandering jams.
music is love
Anyone who dismisses the Dead simply as a jam band has no idea what they're talking about. Some absolutely beautifully written and performed songs on here. One of the best of the year. 5/5
Between getting Live/Dead and not getting it last August and now, I've caught the Dead bug. Watch the documentary Long Strange Trip.
One of the first albums I owned. One of my favorite Grateful Dead albums. Box of Rain my favorite GD song, also Brokedown Palace.
What a classic!!🎸🎸
Classic sing-along album
No notes. So great.
Devil
played a round of Death Road to Canada to this
Pretty lovely ! I think all songs should sound like this
Best Song: Brokedown Palace I've owned this since the 90s and have probably listened to it 1000s of times. Its the most popular of the Grateful Dead studio recordings and, in my opinion, second only to Workingman's Dead but that is splitting hairs. For a band known for being incredible live, they sure can put out a great studio album to boot. RIP Jerry and Bobby. 5/5.
I LOVE THIS ALBUM YEASSSSS
Y'know, if you'd asked me an hour ago if I considered myself a Grateful Dead fan, I would have shrugged and said something along the lines of "...eh, maybe? I like one or two songs, when I'm drunk or on a road trip or something?" And then I added over half of American Beauty to my Liked Songs. And I'm sober, and in my bedroom. I don't know anymore.
Never listened to any Dead before. Pretty banging. I could definitely spend a decade or 2 following these guys around the country. If you told me they were a bluegrass band formed in montana in 2016 I'd absolutely believe it. It's just that good, folksy, bluesy timeless sound.
5 - fantastic album
Great album continuing what Workingman’s Dead started. The pain you hear in Brokedown Palace that was influenced by Jerry’s mother passing is perfection. I should listen to this album more, but with all the live material, I rarely get a chance. Peak studio dead.
Peak Dead.
The best GD Album 5
i have no comments! it's really good!
an absolutely perfect album.
Lately it occurs to me what a long, strange trip it’s been
I have been listening to this album since before I was born so it's really hard for me to be objective. I appreciate The Dead as they have been prominent on the sound track of my life and I have a lot of memories that were made to this music. Also, I like the shorter, more melody-focused album versions of the song better, like this.
The greatest American band of all time.RIP Bobby
Rounding up to five stars but couldve used some half stars here.
The reviews are as expected. A casual fan will never “get” the GD by listening to studio albums. You had to be there, to see them live in a dark arena to get it. Workingman’s Dead and American Beauty are folksy / country rock albums. They’re also fantastic, when taken in context to the times and everything else the Dead had done and would do in the decade around those albums.
only halfway thru and i think i have added every song loveee
Most people know Grateful Dead for their extended psychedelic live jams, but I actually never got into that side of them (at least, not yet). As a teenager, I found "Workingman's Dead" and "American Beauty" -- a pair of immaculately produced country rock albums -- in my dad's CD collection and fell in love with them. Both albums are classics, though I gravitated a little more toward "American Beauty." The songwriting is phenomenal. The opening trio of songs is incredible: "Box of Rain," "Friend of the Devil," and "Sugar Magnolia." They're so catchy and light, but there's a real depth of feeling and emotion in them too. "Sugar Magnolia" is particularly close to my heart. I've always thought it perfectly captures the feeling of early romance, of falling in love. The production is stellar. I love when country is clean and sharp like this. Everything feels perfectly balanced in the mix. The songs are already a pleasure to listen to, and the recordings make them go down like lemonade on a hot day. "Truckin'" is a great closer. I love a closing track like this. Sometimes an album needs a big, epic closer. Sometimes it needs a soft lullaby. But my favorite is when an album can end with an easy-going, low-key, fun song.
4.2/10
One of the greatest folk albums ever made
If I knew the way I would take you home
Wow! I now understand why the Grateful Dead have some die hard fans. This was a virgin listen for me and I was very impressed. The music production and mastering were a total delight to listen too. I drank my morning coffee and just sat down experiencing the music. Would recommend hearing this album before you die.
muy bueno, como para tomar un trago en un bar de texas a las 22 (jamas fui a texas) ah me falto q me acompañaria con un marlboro gold
Sublime
Sublime
Would listen to again.
Not a single miss. Box of Rain was my first introduction to the Grateful Dead in middle school and I've been a gigantic fan ever since. The lyrics, the vibes, the everything....!
Such a smooth album. Beautiful and breezy.
One of my favorite albums from my favorite bands. A lot of folks don’t like the Dead, and that’s fine. But if you get it, you love it
Perfect
This is a nice album for TGD. I know their live sets are really where the nostalgia is at but man these are just some iconic and very beautiful fun songs.
Way cooler than I thought it would’ve
Great
It's a mug of hot tea on a chilly evening. It's a hug at the end of a hard day. Essential listening.
I’ve never listened to The Grateful Dead before, but I really like their style. Every song was good - upbeat, with a good tune and solid singing.
Hard not to rate this as my favorite Dead album. Truckin’, Friend of the Devil, Sugar Magnolia and Ripple. I mean, come on. Has to be in the top three Grateful Dead studio albums of any fan’s list.
very good
Never been a huge Deadhead - always appreciated them, but not to count myself among the dedicated ranks. American Beauty and Workingman’s Dead are the only two of their albums that I have fully explored. So, maybe I’m a Deadhead and just don’t know it yet. To summarize - this album is a little slice of paradise in my opinion - short listed for desert island discs.
Ok, I love this. We had a live album of theirs awhile back that I didn't connect with all that much, but this was a much different experience. I love Ripple SO much. One of those "makes me cry" songs. The rest of this was pretty great too. I can't come close to claiming to be an official deadhead or anything, there's far too much of their music I'm still not familiar with, but I get the appeal! This makes me want to be on a road trip in the middle of nowhere.
100/100 no problems here good album
Album 861 of 1089 Grateful Dead - American Beauty (1970) Rating : 5 / 5 Today’s album is one I was genuinely glad to see pop up. This has been a favorite of mine for a long time, and every time I hear it, it just confirms how good it really is. This is the album I always recommend to folks who know the Grateful Dead by name but think they’re just a hippy jam band. American Beauty is anything but aimless - it’s focused, heartfelt, and beautifully put together. The whole thing flows so well, and the blend of rock, folk, and country gives it a unique, earthy vibe that’s mellow without being dull. Songs like "Ripple" and "Box of Rain" feel timeless. They carry so much emotional weight without ever being heavy-handed. "Attics of My Life" is hauntingly beautiful, and "Truckin'" brings some energy and groove to round things out. Top to bottom, it’s just a masterfully crafted album. The songwriting is thoughtful, the harmonies are tight, and the performances are honest and full of character. Easily still in the running for my top pick when all is said and done with this project.
Undoubtedly the best Dead studio album. A classic.
It's the Dead, it's American Beauty. It is America.
The Grateful Dead are a cult band with the most diehard fanbase and I can finally see why. I never listened to the Dead until this album. Is this the greatest band I've ever heard? No. Is this a great album? Yes and more. You get people who love rock, folk, some country and gove them tons of weed. That's how you get the Grateful Dead, or at least it sounds like that to me. I loved every second of this. 5/5
It’s been a long time since I listened to this album. I pretty much listen to Dead shows. American Beauty will forever remind me of my brother partying in our basement. For that alone, it gets 5 stars.
Great fucking album, right here. Friend of the Devil is probably my favorite Dead song. Of course I own a physical copy of this gem, and with Black Sabbath being yesterday’s pick, this is the first back to back 5⭐️ reviews for me since we started this thing. I peaked at some of the other reviews and saw all the 1⭐️ reviews from a bunch of ass wipes. Bro, if you can’t get into the Dead, that’s a you problem…or you need some drugs and a second listen.
Arguably the best studio album (this and 'Workingman's Dead' are neck and neck) by the unarguably best American rock band. It's ridiculous that this and 'Workingman's Dead' were released in the SAME year. What needs to be said? "Box of Rain", "Brokedown Palace", and "Ripple" are probably in my personal Top 10 Dead tracks. "Sugar Magnolia", "Friend of the Devil", and "Truckin'" are all classics. Nice mix of Jerry and Bobby on lead vocals, but you also got a Phil Lesh lead, a Pigpen lead, and some killer harmonies on Side B. A little bit of rock, a little bit of folk and country, and a little bit of psychedelia. Perfect mix - perfect album.
Classic awesomeness
An incredible listen. So chill & easygoing. Perfect summertime music. And those harmonies, bah gawd those harmonies!
Great songwriting music and harmonies
Whatever you feel toward the Dead, Grateful or otherwise, is valid and earned, and the dead can take it, but this is their one legitimately great studio record. This one is about leaning into the songs and Jerry's folk and bluegrass proclivities as opposed to seeing where they can be stretched. I am into the live Dead, but I always wish there was more strummy acoustic like there is on this record. Their voices and harmonies are humble and sweet here as opposed to being shouted over a PA the size of the moon. Produced on purpose instead of relying on a stoned sound guy in a baseball stadium. Proves there is actually a great band up in there. I love it.
The Grateful Dead are a polarizing band (mostly I think because people either hate Deadheads, the band’s long, noodly jams, or both), and the knock on them has always been that their huge catalog of studio releases is highly uneven. This album is maybe the strongest exception. It’s a strong, focused set of great songs and performances that span the Haight Ashbury sound from which they sprouted, adding bluegrass, folk and country. It also comes the closest of any of their albums to being a greatest hits collection, with several tracks that would become staples of their live sets. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, the Dead were a quintessentially American phenomenon
I am not a Dead fan, but this album is a classic. If these guys played their songs like this in concert I’d be deadhead, but when they start jamming out I gotta fucking go. I own this record and come back to it often.
Favorite songs: Ripple, Sugar Magnolia, Truckin', Friend of the Devil, Box of Rain, Till the Morning Comes, Brokedown Palace Least favorite songs: Candyman 5/5
Been a Grateful Dead fan for quite some time. This is my favorite studio album; different than their earlier albums. Almost every song was incorporated into their live performances - that’s how solid this album is. No filler. Exceptional writing and arrangement.
Have listened to this album before and love it. It's relaxing and melodic, mellow but not uninteresting. I initially thought that I would be a big grateful dead fan after listening, but found that this is the only album by them I enjoyed. Other ones felt too jammy and unrefined. 10/10
I hate the idea of the dead. They have stoned 20-minute jam sessions on stage, their fans call themselves "Deadheads", treat Jerry Garcia like I treat Jesus, and follow shows in turquoise-coloured buses occasionally splattered with pink or yellow—in short, a cult, like MAGA or the Peoples Temple. But the idea of the dead is very different from their real music. American Beauty is a beautiful album. The warm tone of the Garcia's vocals, the poetic lyrics penned by Robert Hunter, and the way the instruments merge make for an album that makes you understand why these dirty hippies from 'Frisco are seen as the second coming. But this review should serve as a warning. Don't judge a band by its fans or the personality of its members. I hate Nirvana fans, I love Nirvana. I hate Kanye, but I love his music. That's how we should feel about the dead. Admire without worship.
Particularly in Miami, Florida.
really relaxin' and rustic folk rock music. the kind of simple and humble rock music that's perfect for listening with your dad, grandpa or uncle when you're on the longest summer road trip. a lot of tracks just need a lead and bass guitar to get yourself moving. it's a little window of sorts to the simple american life, sitting in your rocking chair with a guitar or banjo in hand, your dog snuggling next to you as you look at the blinding orange sunset. it's an album about time, and how sad and beautiful it is, every last second.
One of the GOATs
Really good chilled
Bout fuckin time!! Any doubts about The Grateful Dead's genius were laid to rest with the release of Workingmen's Dead and American Beauty. Essentially a double album, and the cornerstone for all subsequent Americana, their importance and influence cannot be overstated. Although I always thought that "Til The Morning Comes" could have been a different and or better song, American Beauty is pretty much a perfect album, the best example of that perfection being my all time favorite song ever, "Ripple". Brokedown Palace, Box of Rain, Friend of the Devil, Truckin. All perfection. I could go on. But I'm tired. 5
As many long, strange trips the Dead has taken, was there any doubt how well crafted and timeless the songs on this album have proven to be? No. 5 stars!
Classic Dead studio album, this was the first Grateful Dead album I listened to and loved it. The vibes are good.
A complete volte face from the jamfinity of Live/Dead, moving into the Midwestern alt-country territory of 'The Band'. Whilst this doesn't get to the standard of the Band's eponymous album, it gives it a good go. The best is 'Til the Morning Comes', a complete gem. That bass and chord work (almost like Pete Townshend). And a chorus worthy of The Beatles. It veers on a 4 and 5. I can only see it getting better with time - and I'm tipping due to the stealth factor of taking me by surprise, and not making me listen to a masturbatory jam session.
One of the all time greatest Grateful Dead albums. American Beauty, along with Workingman's Dead, both released in 1970, was the moment in time when the Grateful Dead figured out how to write songs that both their long time fans and a general audience would enjoy. Leaning more heavily into Country than Psychedelic, American Beauty is pack with radio and fan friendly songs. Some of their most famous songs - the one's the average listener would know - are on here including Sugar Magnolia, Friend of the Devil, and of course Truckin'. That said, the whole album is excellent. Ripple is often covered, as is the opening track Box of Rain. If you have no Grateful Dead in your collection, get this and Workingman's Dead. You odn't have to be a Dead Head to enjoy them. If you are a Dead Head, you already have this.
One of the top 5 albums ever.
There is a song on here I dislike, but otherwise it's great song after great song. Is one dead spot enough to make a five a four? I think not....
I think this might be my most listened to album of all time, and I’m always happy to give it another spin.
That was fun as hell! It's just my kinda of music. 5 stars.
Love Peace Classoc
Love this album
No true dead head would choose a studio album as the “go to” but as far as albums recorded in a studio and released by a label, this would be the place to start. It was my introduction to the dead when I got it for a penny on Columbia house lol
Classic Dead! Great album!
Perfectly written and beautifully composed, how could I not give it a 5!
Awesome all the way through
"American Beauty" is the fifth studio album by American rock band the Grateful Dead. A decent description of the musical style is "a fusion of bluegrass, rock and roll, folk and country" and "a continuation of the folk and country rock from their previous album "Workingman's Dead." The album wad produced by Steve Barncard and the band. The band was Jerry Garcia (guitar, pedal steel, piano, vocals), Mickey Hart (percussion), Robert Hunter (lyrics), Bill Kreutzmann (drums), Bob Weir guitar, vocals), Phil Lesh (bass, guitar, piano, vocals) and Robert "Pigpen" McKernan (harmonica, vocals). Commercially, the album reached #30 in the US and was critically very well-received. Guitar, piano, bass and soft drums open the album in "Box of Rain." Phil Lesh with vulnerable lead vocals and the band with great harmonization. Very melodic. It's a song Phil wrote with Robert Hunter to his Father who was dying with terminal cancer. And, they certainly are tremendous lyrics: "such a long, long time to be gone and a short to be there." Way up there with my favorite Dead songs. The hits keep on coming with "Friend of the Devil." Acoustic guitar, bass and Jerry Garcia on lead vocals. Dave Grisman on mandolin. Jerry's running from the devil, girlfriends his wife and the sheriff. It's Bob Weir's turn to take over lead vocals in his song "Sugar Magnolia." Percussion, layered guitars and more excellent harmonies. A noticeable country rock and bluegrass guitar. Weir and Hunter wrote this song about Weir's girlfriend. "Ripple" opens side two with that signature mandolin melody. Clear vocals by Jerry and great harmonies. Some more excellent lyrics about freedom of choice and walk your own path. No, I wasn't singing "la da da da" at the end. The album ends with "Truckin.'" A pyschedelic guitar riff, Jerry leading the harmonies with Weir on lead vocals. It's a song based on a drug raid at the band's hotel while they were playing in New Orleans. It's bluesy with the organ and there is a boogie element to it. It also delivers their classic slogan: "What a long, strange trip it's been." What can I say? Great musicianship, harmonies, lyrics and above all else music. The Dead had been hanging out with Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young who had just released "Déjà Vu" and it's evident of their influence on the harmonies in this album. The band sounds great. The songs are focused. Who doesn't like the Dead noodling around but that's not here. The melodies are throughout and they've created some memorable singalong choruses. They even managed to create a gospel vibe on a few of these songs. It's an American beauty and classic for sure.
I love this album, my only problem is the Dead are singing. I have recreated this album with covers as a play list.
Probably my favorite dead album. Sugar Magnolia, Ripple, and Truckin' are my favorites but solid throughout.
This is the first album that I've already listened to, and the easiest 5/5 yet. Choosing a favorite track is hard because almost all of them are top-tier, and "Friend of the Devil", "Box of Rain", and "Truckin'" are all among my favorite songs. However, in the end, I don't think anything can beat the track I ended up choosing. Favorite Track: Brokedown Palace
Dislike the culture that grew up around them and can't be in a room where their live music is playing. But when they focused on songs and leaned into their country/bluegrass roots they were undeniably great. This is an adorable collection of songs recorded beautifully; though the songs their fans most identify with - the hippy/dippy shuffle of Truckin' and Sugar Magnolia - are my least favorite. Afterthought: how in the world can four people who can barely hold a note create such sweet harmonies?
My first memory of this album is of seeing it in record stores as a kid in the 90’s. I had heard of the Grateful Dead and had maybe heard Uncle John’s Band, but what the Dead sounded like was largely a mystery to me. I finally listened to this album in college and it pretty much immediately became one of my favorite albums from this time period. Box Of Rain is just a brilliant, beautiful song. It’s probably my favorite Dead studio track. It’s a song that will almost certainly make be weep one day whenever it’s my fathers time to pass. Friend of the Devil is of course amazing, as is Sugar Magnolia, Ripple, Brokedown Palace, and the seminal Dead song Truckin’. It’s one of the all time great American rock and roll albums.
I don’t like the Dead but even I can’t deny this is a hell of an album.
Frickin' love this.
Super!
This album completely change the coarse of my musical journey back in middle school.
Loved it more than I expected! Wanted to listen again right after I finished it. Think this will enter my regular rotation. 5 stars.
Great chill album. Classic.
Day389 - fantastic album full of my favorite grateful dead songs
Like for many, this was my introduction to the Dead. Unlike others who also love this album, no other Dead work ever really clicked with me the way American Beauty did. That’s including their live albums, and I’ve listened to my fair share of them. Don’t get me wrong, they are a lot of fun, but they are much better for background sound than active listening time. With that said, American Beauty is an absolute classic. Most of the time I can easily listen all the way through, but sometimes they lose me halfway through Side B. An easy 4.5/5.
i've already listened before, but this album really brings out the folksy country americana elements of grateful dead. the first album to utilize David Grisman, and leans more away from the Bakersfield sound and more into major key progressions, less guitar solos from Garcia, and more harmonies.
I’m not a deadhead. Their rambling non directional noodling needs substances I’ve never done. But here is the exception. This is the dead at their absolute best. The only dead album worth hearing really. They are terrific musicians and this album demonstrates that. Focused, disciplined and with the game changing legendary mandolinist David Grisman on a couple of tracks, this is what I would have wanted them to be. This is a better album than the excellent workingmans dead. 10 stars.
pohodové, fajn na jazdu autom po krajine.
I almost gave this album four stars, but then I found myself humming multiple songs from this album later in the day. It seems fair to grant five stars in those circumstances. My parents played this album a lot when I was a kid so that might be some baked in bias there. Many classic songs on this album.
My favorite Dead album, which isn’t exactly unique, I know. I had the pleasure of seeing Dead & Company at The Sphere and it was a great experience.
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.
Probably their best studio album. One of those rare times the title says it all; it is a magically beautiful set of Americana-style tunes. Really just a perfect album.
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.
Not a huge Dead listener, but I feel like this album is comprised of their highly popular songs. I recognized almost all of them. Good stuff. This album is so chill and feel good. Steadily great throughout. This is what I was hoping for when we got Live / Dead.
Man oh man I used to listen to this every day on my walkman back in the day. Such a chill Dead album that so many moments of tenderness. Box of Rain was my favorite song by them for so long and could never figure out why they didn't have Phil sing more. Another GD classic, Friend of the Devil has that beutiful mandolin sound which will reappear in Ripple later. Beautiful tune. Also a song that says Anne Marie in it take notes James. Sugar Magnolia is THE song to listen to on a sunny day. Great tune and vibe with that steel pedal. Operator's got that harmonica! Works perfectly into a chill song sung by Pigpen. I always thought it was crazy growing up that the first 4 songs on this album had 4 different singers. Candyman is such a chill tune and also has probably my favorite moment on the rekkid. The solo around the 3:11 mark will always be one of my favorite spacy moments in music. Coming back into the harmony after it still gives me goosebumps. Love. Another chill diddy in Ripple with the mandolin. Also one of the most covered Dead songs. Brokedown Palace is another beautiful chill song. Love the placement of Till the Morning Comes. Breaks up two pretty slow (albeit jams) songs. Finishing up with arguably their most popular song is great. Flashback moment: I played this song for my 8th grade class and someone halfway through said "MAN WHENS THIS SONG GON END IM DONE WITH THE COUNTRY" That man knows nothing. Still a jam. This album is different from most other Grateful Dead albums. Shows a more polished look by them while retaining their roots and "beauty."
Wonderful album
I'm a big fan of the Dead and this is easily one of their best studio albums. I would almost always prefer to listen to their live music but if I was going to put on a studio album, this would often be it. This album is so full of great songwriting and nearly every song is solid in my opinion. I've got to give it a 5/5. Standout Tracks: Box of Rain, Friend of the Devil, Sugar Magnolia, Operator, Candyman, Ripple, Brokedown Palace, Till the Morning Comes, Truckin'
💀 ⚡️ 🌹
Always a classic
probably the best GD studio album. an absolute classic
Dead have only 2 great studio albums and this on one, I think Workingman's Dead is better though. The best way to listen is live however.
Wonderful
Don't care much for jam bands but I've always liked this album for being a little tighter / more focused. Side one of the album is great start to finish!
I'm so used to hearing live Dead recordings that this took me by surprise for how crisp it is.
Rock on, Jerry <3
Must be upfront here with my loving bias toward this band and its members. I attended more than two dozen shows in the 80s and 90s, plus another handful of Jerry Garcia Band shows and a Bob Weir show (one of his tours with Rob Wasserman). I was just this morning listening on my walk to one of their countless live recorded shows. I don't often listen to their studio work because I prefer their live performances, but this is definitely an album I've listened to so many times and owned since I was a teen. Such great songs on this record. I have not seen the Dead in any incarnation since Jerry died in '95, but this summer (2023) I'm going to see Dead & Company in their final tour. I'm going with one of my best friends from college with whom I saw quite a few shows. I'm really looking forward to it! I am still amazed and awed by Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Mickey Hart, and Bill Kreutzmann, who have been playing and touring since the 60s. Bob Weir in particular is ridiculously endurant as a musician and performer. As I age, I do think of his devotion to health and well-being and can see how profound and positive an impact it's having on Bob Weir as an energetic septuagenarian. Wow! I miss Jerry. So much. What an incredibly versatile and talented musical artist. [sigh] I really do miss Jerry, though. Always will.
AMazinG
I love this album so much. It’s so beautiful. The lyrics are on a whole other level of incredible, with help from the late, great Robert Hunter. Chords feel familiar but they’re also very original. Also, a good variety of songs on this album from a band who historically have low of range. The instruments are tight which comes from a band that is completely all on the same page with each other. It goes without saying, as well, that the songs are so fun to listen to. Box of Rain, Friend of the Devil, Sugar Magnolia, Ripple, and Truckin’ are the hits and also half of the entire album. This album was such a big step up for the band and the music community at the time, I haven’t a single complaint. 5/5
More than just an album of great songs, singing and playing, AB demonstrates how traditional American sounds and song motifs are renewed over generations to remain relevant expressions of American culture.
This is the definition of a perfect album.
Don’t listen to studio dead often, this hit the spot
Great album probably The Deads best studio work. How anyone can hate an album with Friend of the Devil, Sugar Magnolia, Ripple. Til the Moring Comes and Truckin' is beyond me. Yet some people love punk and death metal so to each their own I guess.
Lovely to hear this again - groundbreaking
This album legit impacted people's lives, and I can't help but respect that
an american classic. jerry garcias, bob, phil, bill, pigpen, mickey, and robert hunter absolutely slapped up a magnificent piece of work.
First time listening to a Grateful Dead album, and it won't be my last. Love the sound, love the harmonies, love the diversity in writing across the different songs. Favorite track: Box of Rain
The Dead's best studio album.
Really great. Would recommend.
I am not a giant deadhead, but I know every song on this album. Perfect vibe for this snowy, dreary day.
One of their best, very much the hippie country band on this one. 5 stars.
Great songwriting, great vibes all around, many classic tunes.
When I hear someone mention the Grateful Dead, studio albums do not usually come to mind. But I haven’t heard a skip yet. This is right up my alley. Always interested me how the Dead seem so in a category of their own. Hard to play the Kevin Bacon game with them. But Till the Morning Comes could so easily be a Byrds/CSNY song. I get the hype. 5 stars
Great album that put the group into American culture
Terrific Americana, and it's not even one of their live recordings
One of my all-time favorites.
The absolute pinnacle of The Dead's studio albums and probably the best starting point for someone new to their music. Rather than continuing to get lost in studio experimentation, they perfected the approach they began with "Working Man's Dead," where they focused on distilling their songwriting skills and myriad influences into these tight, well-crafted anthems. These songs would then of course go on to become mere starting points for further musical explorations in live settings on subsequent tours - particularly their 72 European tour (my personal favorite). For a band who isn't necessarily best known for their studio albums, this is a nearly flawless masterpiece. 5 stars for "Ripple" alone. Seriously, that is one the most timeless pieces of music I've ever heard. It's up there with things like "Amazing Grace" to me. Beyond Rock and Roll, or any genre for that matter.
masterpiece. brooks is a freak.
really liked friend of the devil
Grateful Dead were an acquired taste for me, but I love this album so much now.
Never really got in to the dead, and have just always had varied associations with them. This record is objectively great, the middle set of Candyman, Ripple, and Brokedown Palace is excellent and I can see how this album has been so enduring for so long. Up there with any of the best of the classic American music records.
Aptly named. This is a beautiful album of genuine Americana rock. Such a lovely, folksy, rocking album. And it doesn't even have any of my favourite Dead songs on it!! But damn, it's just so good. Jerry can take the wheel any time, I know I'm in good hands. Ripple is a standout track, and Truckin' is the ultimate ode to road trippin', but Friend of the Devil is a powerful ditty too. I can see why people tossed their lives aside to follow these guys and jam all day long. What a cool, chill way of life. Wish I'd been able to do the same. Rest in power, Jerry! Fucking love you dude. And the rad ice cream you inspired too :)
Loved it. The harmonies were amazing.
Som muito bom de ouvir, do Country a pegada estilo Beatles. Truckin com um baixo bem legal
Got into this originally from the final scene of Freaks and Geeks. Listened to it ever since. Perfect summer album
Truly one of the greatest albums ever made. Friend of the devil is one of my favorite songs ever
Friend of the devil and truckin live rent free in this head
GOAT jam band
Good vibes.
Get on the bus
more like the basedful dead 10/10 some of the lyrics are kind of stupid but I still think it has a lot of value and heart
I love this. I have given it multiple listens now. Not nearly as psychedelic as I was expecting. It's a band of fantastic musicians (but not self indulgent), clear crisp vocals, and catchy melodies. I wouldn't call myself a Deadhead just yet, but I'm on my way!
Classic Dead album. I always liked their sound.
The first time I heard Truckin’, it blew my mind. High school me was hooked. I’ve had my chips cashed…all-in…since then. I love this album. It’s easily in my top 15, probably top 10. After several years pursuing psychedelic rock (read: jamming), The Grateful Dead got back to their blues and folk roots, with both American Beauty and it’s preceding album Workingman’s Dead, at the urging of David Crosby. In an effort to save money on studio time, the band rehearsed more before recording, resulting in a more streamlined and well organized arrangement. The efforts paid off handsomely. Truckin’ is still great after all these years and yes, the band did get setup and busted for pot in New Orleans. Ripple is a special, special song. It’s a simplistic, yet profound song about finding your own path in life. Friend of the Devil tells the tale of an outlaw trying to out run his mistakes and rueing them nightly. I can’t get enough of this song as well as Box of Rain, Sugar Magnolia, and Attics of My Life. The harmonies amongst Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, and Phil Lesh on Attics of My Life always get me. It’s beautiful stuff. I’ll finish with the one blemish on American Beauty, Candyman. No doubt Candyman it is a let down. It’s not horrible, but just a filler track. The biggest knock is that it is also the longest track on the album. BONUS!!!!!!!!!! The band worked on their throw back sound and released Workingman’s Dead just 4.5 months before American Beauty. The songs that were done were released on Workingman’s Dead in June while those still in flux were saved for American Beauty in November. Effectively, these form a double album. Workingman’s Dead is not on the 1001 list. It deserves a review, so I’ll tack it on here. The Grateful Dead, especially Jerry Garcia, we’re not confident about the sound of their voices. Crosby, Stills, and Nash to the rescue. CSN showed The Dead how to stack vocal tracks to blend and smooth out their voices. They didn’t get it quite right all the time on Workingman’s Dead as you can hear in High Time when they sing “high tiiimmmeee.” It’s harsh. They seem to have figured it out by American Beauty though. Of all the tracks on both albums, Uncle John’s Band is my favorite. The harmony throughout is on point. When the chorus shifts to a cappella near the end, I get chills…every…single…time. The lead guitar chimes in here and there to provide apt, short, fill-in licks. Perfectly timed, not over done. And the percussionist adds some kind of ratchet sounding thing that is well-placed. None of the other songs on Workingman’s Dead are as good as half the tracks on American Beauty, but they are all better than Candyman and Operator. I savor New Speedway Boogie, Easy Wind, Cumberland Blues, and really all 8 songs. Jerry Garcia’s pedal steel guitar is fantastic throughout the album. It gives Workingman’s Dead a more bluegrass-y sound than American Beauty. Overall the sound of both of these albums is reserved, not over ambitious (a good thing), and tight. These are not hallmarks of The Grateful Dead, who are mostly known for musical (aided by chemical) experimentation in an unstructured setting. It takes me back to albums like The White Stripes’s Elephant or xx by The xx. Those albums obviously have completely different sounds, but they share commonalities in their arrangement methods. Often times less is more, which applies here too. And this is what frustrates me personally about The Grateful Dead’s musical choices. These two albums demonstrate their extreme talent. These two albums are accessible and soooo remarkable. I am certainly grateful they were made, but at the same time I am left wishing the band had pursued more albums like them.
Such a fun, funky, folksy album. Love the mashup of bluegrass, funk, country, blues. It's no wonder people followed them all over the country
Warm & wonderful. Like old friends playing in a basement. I'm later to The Dead party by decades but love this. Added.
Not sure what else can really be said about this one.
Loved it
A classic for sure! So many great songs, here. I bought this one in high school. Alas, the stars never aligned so that I could see them live. I think I would have enjoyed that.
I dig it a lot, a lot
My favorite Grateful Dead album. Timeless.
Excellent, Dead Americana and folk. Many great songs.
My favorite Dead album. I had this on CD and know all the songs by heart.
reminds me of the drive to go camping, nostaligic almost
So good, was really into this when I was 18/19 for some reason and haven't listened to since but still stands up.
Klasyczny material wdziecznych truposzakow, jak dla mnie jedna z takich plyt ktora definiuje gatunek folkowego rokowania z domieszka kountry, nie wiem czy przemawia przeze mnie glownie sentyment do tego konkretnego albumu, ale dzwieki tych akustykow brzmia wyjatkowo cieplo, zwlaszcza na trakach takich jak ripple, jeden z moich ulubionych gratefulowych jamow, ciekawa sprawa jest to, ze praktycznie kazdy czlonek bandy mial swojego jama na tym albumiku, wiec nie ma tu klasycznego glownodowodzacego singera i grajkow, a raczej wymieniaja sie tym zadaniem, sprawa ma sie podobnie z pisaniem tekstow, bo banda wystepowala w tym czasie w 5 osob, ale jednak mieli dodatkowego czlonka, pana Huntera, ktory byl z Garcia filarem, jesli chodzi o tworzenie slow, przewinelo sie tez troche studyjnych muzykow przez ten album, bo jednak dodatkowe harmonijki, mandoliny, czy organy to jednak feature kountry, lirycznie album nawiazuje do swojego tytulu, bo to z hamerykanskich tradycji czerpie inspiracje, kawalki o tej jedynej kobiecie, miejscu do ktorego chce sie wracac, staruszkach ktorych szacunek starszkowy sie nalezy, zycie i zbrodnia jak na outlawa przystalo, wszystko to sie przewija, pojawiaja sie tez watki bardziej osobiste jak na otwierajacym box of rain, ktory pomimo tego, ze brzmi melodycznie jako szczesliwy jamik, to jest jednak lirycznie dosc smutna i stara sie walczyc z tym smutkiem, otwarcie drugiej strony plyty rowniez ma w sobie motyw wodny, bo jak sam tytul wskazuje ripple, sam kawalek jest chyba jednym z najbardziej spersonalizowanych trakow jakie slyszalem, bo spiewane jest o tym dlaczego w ogole jest spiewane oraz o tym jak ciezko jest spiewaniem przekazac to co sie chcialoby, a jeszcze trudniej zrozumiec to tak jak chcialby ten kto przekazuje informacje swym spiewem i nie tylko spiewem, mialem na plejke nie dodawac nic nowego, bo juz polowe albumu tam mam, ale jednak dodam jeszcze truckina, czyli zamykajacy kawalek i zarazem singiel promujacy plytye, ktory jest jedynym trakiem poruszajacy ladowanie po kablach na tym materiale, glownie jego negatywne efekty, przed tym przesluchaniem jakos mi to ucieklo z radaru, przy dodawaniu na plejke rozcil mi sie w oczy rowniez niezly pierdolnik jakie panuje na profilu trupiakow, naliczylem okolo 160 albumikow, z czego pewnie polowa to beda live materialy, ale najgorsze jest szukanie konkretnej wersji danego albumu, bo american beauty mozna znalezc w 5 wersjach remastera, powinno to byc podlinkowane pod konkretny album i tam sobie wybierac, zakladka na live albumy, jak jak na single rowniez bylaby dosc milym dodatkiem
4-/5
A lot of great writing by both Bobby & Jerry
Good solid album though I can’t get too excited about it. A generous 4.
It's all but one of the songs that I think one can actually like by the Grateful Dead and, after years away from this album, it's actually pretty darn good.
enjoyed this record
Now this is a jam band album that I understand. The songs have a beginning and an end and are deeply beautiful, especially “Ripple,” which I will never tire of hearing.
I enjoyed this one surprisingly. The harmony and guitar play had a good sound.
I haven't listened to the Dead in such a long time so this is nice to remember. I used to like them quite a bit, this is great road music. However in recent times I feel I outgrew them just a little bit. Anywhere between super strong 3 and good 4 stars, might be 4 if I am feeling generous tomorrow morning!
Shout out to Tom N. For my introduction to the Grateful Dead in high school.
Ah ha, a grateful dead album that isn't just a live show of crazy jamming. Been waiting for this. This was perhaps way less "out there" than I was expecting. Pretty standard hippy blues rock really. I enjoyed it, but still not sure I fully appreciate the hype that goes along with them. I liked box of rain, friend of the devil and ripple most I think. Enjoyed it all though, just was maybe expecting a little more 3.5
Much better live but this is one of there best studio albums
Not sure why I am enjoying this but I really didn't think it was bad even though it is just not music I listen to. 4/5. Maybe after listening to some truly terrible music my perception of judgement has changed.
Easily the best studio album... but thats not why they exist so I'm conflicted. Listening to this makes me reminisce of flannel shirts and making holes in apples. Album holds its weight throughout so jam band haters can still appreciate.
++: Friend of the Devil, Sugar Magnolia, Operator, Ripple, Till the Morning Comes, Truckin' +: Box of Rain, Candyman, Brokedown Palace, Attics of My Life 7,9/10
A great American classic from a truly great American band.
Chord structure was inventive in the middle; the latter half of the album was gospel. This was my first GD album listen and I get the Deadheads lotta wisdom in the lyrics to some bum who knows nothing.
I'm having a bit of a problem with this one. When I saw it pop up, I was positive it would get a 5, but I think I'm going 4.5 rounded down. This was the first Dead album I ever listened to and the one I listened to the most for quite some time, but I tend to reach for others more now. "Box of Rain" is a perfect song. Maybe their best, certainly a top 15 song all time by any artist ever. There's multiple other fantastic tracks here as well.
This is really nice. It's very chill and happy. Very mellow. Good vocals, brilliant guitar. The songs are great. Sugar magnolia, friend of the devil, truckin, its a great album.
Es bonito
No matter their musical taste throughout my college tenure - i was never without at least one roommate that had a copy American Beauty and Legend. Both are full of songs that feel like they had always been. Songs singable even you don't really recall ever actively seeking them out. In the ether not as overplayed pop songs but something deeper. They just are. This album just is.
Why did I fight listening to this band for so long? (4.5)
First dead album I didn’t love, this on the other hand was really good. Great production, awesome songs. Big influence on one of my favourite bands Wilco, so nice to hear where it’s come from. I need to listen to this again.
For a band well known for their huge rocking live shows, American Beauty happens to be the exact opposite of that and one of if not their sharpest studio project to date. It is just the band playing around a Country Rock sound and it is perfect roadtrip fuel for a grand ol' time. It doesn't do anything crazy and the songwriting is surprisingly simple and charming, and yet that is all I really need to be enthralled with American Beauty. I had a feeling I would really enjoy this project for some time and I am glad I seem to know myself well enough to say I was right. It is a soft spoken album that doesn't pull anything crazy out of the hat, but is a great time from front to back as it hits that near perfect 42-43 minute sweet spot for an album runtime. Don't get why some of y'all can't enjoy this because it is a great album??
Lovely
I always forget that I like the Dead more than I think.
Most of the GD songs overplayed on classic rock are here. But it is a good intro to GD's studio Americana music. Not their best, but still really good. 4/5
Good but not great, Friend of the Devil is a really enjoyable song, and no songs on here that I dislike. The album lacks variety but it’s a really easy listen.
This was just a really nice blend of blues, rock and country. The reputation of The Dead is that they're an essential live band rather than one with great records but this made me want to listen to more.
Man this really close some idols liked Too but not get a chance like thjs
This is my favorite Dead album I’ve heard so far. I like its calm simplicity and pleasant melodies.
I had never been much of a fan of this band, but to be fair, my exposure had been limited to two or three songs. So I was a bit surprised at how much I liked this album. Sort of a chill country rock vibe with some nice harmonies. It’s a solid four star record for me, and I will be listening to it again.
Omg??????? I have always avoided listening to the grateful dead because I assumed from their name they were a thrash metal band?????? But what hvlave I just heard??? Well apparently I heard an "eclectic style that fused elements of rock, blues, jazz, folk, country, bluegrass, rock and roll, gospel, reggae, and world music with psychedelic"..... So not thrash metal then. Anyways I enjoyed this and this is exactly why I signed up to this little exercise. Consider my horizons broadened and my apologies to the grateful dead 😂 although I do kinda think the name needs work shopping now....
Fascineranes mye mer countryaktig enn æ hadde trodd (æ trodde det va gitar-noodling og greier?), men ikke nokka som pekte sæ ut i særlig grad?
Lot of good songs, evocative lyrics, country/bluegrass type playing. Better singing than they often have, less JG noodling too. Guess they could've been a studio band.
Great classic album! Grew up listening to the dead and this is definitely a good one
4.5/5
Country blues near its finest. A long way from their acid jams.
4.5/5 Other Grateful Dead albums: Workingman's Dead (1970) 5/5
I can appreciate the musicality behind it, nonetheless, it's not my cup of tea.
increible
Wann kommt Deutsche Schönheit von Reinhard Mey?