American Beauty

It's fine. Personal enjoyment: 3/5 Relevance to this list: 4/5

midway through the album i realized i could be listening to literally anything else so i listened to K.G. by king gizzard and the lizard wizard and i'd rate that a 5 but this isn't K.G. by king gizzard and the lizard wizard so it gets a 3

I appreciated the tone down beauty of this album. I’ve never listened to Grateful Dead before and this is certainly not what I expected. Anyways, not much to say. It has some good singles and the whole album is fairly consistent. Pretty good.

I originally hit the “Did Not Listen” button on this because I’ve always hated the Grateful Dead. I decided to go back and give it a listen because that’s the whole reason why I’m making my way through this list. I’m shocked at how tolerable this was. I’ll probably never listen to it again, but it was nice

Not as good as the live album

These guys seem chill and fun.

Grateful dead took the best from country music (feeling like home, even though I'm not from the US) and the worst (being the most boring Genre). At least I had a good ride in the car.

A nice listen but nothing exceptional here.

This album surprised me.

American Beauty by the Grateful Dead offers a rich tapestry of melodies and harmonies, showcasing the band’s unique blend of rock, folk, and country influences. While the album is undeniably pleasant, some tracks feel a bit samey, lacking the dynamic variation that characterises their best work. The vocal harmonies are a standout feature, creating an inviting atmosphere throughout the record. Songs like Friend of the Devil and Ripple have become timeless classics, exemplifying the band’s lyrical storytelling and melodic charm. However, certain moments might blend together, making the listening experience feel somewhat uniform. The production is warm and organic, perfectly capturing the essence of the early '70s. Fans will appreciate the heartfelt performances, but those seeking more adventurous sounds might find it less captivating. Overall, American Beauty is a solid, enjoyable album that highlights the band’s strengths, even if it occasionally lacks the edge of their more eclectic efforts. NUMBER OF BANGERS - 2 STAND OUT TRACK - Box of Rain

I can't understand neither the love nor the hand this band is getting. This album, at least, is totally fine. Americana isn't neccessarily my go-to genre, but this album is as good as any 70s rock albums. 3/5

There are some really good songs on the album. I know the Dead are not for everyone. I also know that the Dead are more of an experience than a band. I don't know if this is something that I would listen to all the time though.

This one's like an old friend telling you stories at a truckstop, making you feel all comfortable and nostalgic among strangers of the road. Running from the law never felt so good, sugar never tasted so sweet, the American rose was never so beautiful. Cross-country travel is a metaphor for life's journey--whether it's that dark highway you must travel alone or you just truckin' along. In either case, it's a long, strange trip.

I enjoyed listening to this album through but I don’t feel like there were any particular standouts.

It was nothing to write home about

Okay, this wasn't tool bad in the beginning but then later on towards the end of the album started slacking quite a lot. This was probably cool in 1970 but now is quite outdated.

Hmm, not entirely sure what to make of this. Instrumentally quite decent, vocally very iffy in places, and the songs mostly okay-ish. There is one truly enjoyable gem in 'Attics of My Life', and one truly awful howler in 'Candyman'. With some reluctance I'll give it three stars.

Partly great and partly dreadful, so yes, the band name is adequate.

american roots rock

Out of tune vocals, sloppy over production and musicianship, and songs that just meander. Surprisingly I didn't hate American Beauty by the Grateful Dead. I did come close to turning it off at one point but stuck through. I can kind of see the niche appeal and cultish freedom the represent.

idk it was fun

Pretty cool

my first impression of The Grateful Dead...perfectly fine 6/10

Was nice enough, but nothing here really stood out to me.

Quite good but folk rock isn't really my thing

Unexpectedly good. For some reason I thought this would be metal!

Ik was vandaag jaren oud toen ik erachter kwam dat Grateful Dead geen metal maakt. Dat heb ik echt serieus m'n hele leven tot nu toe gedacht. Niet dat ik op de peuterspeelzaal gesprekken had over de metalband Grateful Dead of iets dergelijks, maar vanaf dat ik de naam ken heb ik dat wel altijd gedacht. Dus ik dacht even dat het eerste nummer een fopje was, maar het hele album is folky hippie gedoe. Nouja, opzich lekker dat gepiel op die gitaartjes. Klein solotje her en der. De zang is een beetje meh, maar vergeleken met ome Bob een genot voor het oor. Er staan geen nummers op die er voor mij echt uit springen. Het zit een beetje tussen matig en niet verkeerd. Ik geef een milde 3.

That was alright. Some of the harmonies were a touch ropy but it was a nice bloody country jaunt.

Well, I quite liked it at first, but by half-way through, it was sending me to sleep. More Cali 60s-70s folky harmony vibes. I get it, dudes. Edit: I knew they were my eldest brother's favourite band, but hadn't realised Brokedown Palace was his "you'd better play this at my funeral" song. So I listened to it again. Yup - it's a beautiful song. Sometimes, you just need a reason to tune into something.

Liked it more than I expected to

more country sounds than I expected

Good tunes, about what I expected from the dead. Still don't fully get it

Just can't take the journey, man.

It's not bad - sounds like a mix of early CSN and The Band. Kind of California country. The harmonies are sometimes nice but the blend/mix/pitch isn't always good. I don't know much Dead but I assume this is a good representation and selection. 3.4

American Beauty is significant more focused and concise then I expected having never listened to a full Grateful Dead album. A very folk, Americana album. 6.2/10

The Grateful Dead are fine. This album just doesn't really stand out compared to other similar types of bands.

Oikein hyvä, tääkin oli jäänyt aiemmin kuuntelematta, 3,5/5

Varsin hyvä hippirocklevy. 3/5

I didn't hate it as much as I thought I would

There's really nothing remarkable about this, but there's nothing to dislike about it either.

Better than I was expecting it to be.

alright americana folk album

Enjoyable and unoffensive southern rock.

Uai, aí o sorteio viajou e saiu outro disco deles. Melhor que a viagem ao vivo.

#240. Most Grateful Dead fans are insufferable, but the music itself is pretty solid it seems. 3/5: decent

Film was better than the album

A few good songs

The album is definitely not as good as some people and critics hype it up to be. 3/5

Possibly the most accessible Grateful Dead album yet. Not my jam, but definitely a jam for others.

Not a studio band obviously. A couple good tunes here, but not epic.

Yeah, not bad. Never really got into Grateful Dead, and this album doesn't change my feelings about them.

It’s alright if you like sings for hippies to sing around the campfire, which I suppose has its appeal.

3 stars. 2 amazing songs.

Live show must be something, very average for 70s

Decent.

The reputation of the Grateful Dead is largely built on their extensive body of improvisational live concerts—the studio definitely constrains their creativity. Still, this is a perfectly acceptable collection of late 60s folk rock.

Fun, never listened to grateful dead before. Will check out some live recordings

I’ve never been a huge Grateful Dead fan and definitely not a dead head. This album was definitely better than expected though. It was pretty well rounded with rock style but also what gives the dead their iconic style and sound. They revolutionized jam bands and being a band groupie. This was good but by no means is it worth seeing them in concert 20 times. 6.4/10

Gotta admit I kinda got into the vibe.. this and a blunt ya know. Don’t think I’d pack up and nomadically follow them across the country or anything but not bad.

Easy to listen to, but not interesting enough to make me a fan.

I've never listened to a Grateful Dead album all the way through. It is a cold rainy inside day and I have a nice cup of coffee so now seems like as good a time as any. First impression: pleasant, good vibe for today actually, but not objectively great in any way. More of it was familiar than I expected. Favorite: Friend of the Devil. It is totally reasonable this album is on this list.

Radio hits from this are great, the rest kinda feels like forgettable filler.

eclectic mix of folk, rock and country with a hint of psychedelia. top notch musicianship, but none of the vocalists are very good singers. other than that, an interesting listen for sure.

GD has just never been my style.

Pretty harmless stuff.

Songs are ok, could listen more often to the album. But does not convince me.

Didn’t love it, didn’t hate it, few decent tracks

what a long, strange trip it has been

I understand the following that Grateful Dead has, but this wasn't for me.

Acabada la efervescencia rebelde de los 60, con el cambio de década Grateful también evolucionaron, dejando atrás el rock desenfrenado para centrarse en un country-rock suave y reflexivo. "American Beauty" era su segundo álbum en esta nueva línea inspirada por las armonías vocales de sus colegas Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. En él exploran con el bluegrass, la musica folk-rock y el country con toques psicodélicos. Destacan el himno de amor hippie "Sugar Magnolia", el tema conutry-folk "Friend of the Devil" y el tributo a la cultura nómada a ritmo de blues-rock con el que se cierra el disco, "Truckin'", y que fue el single de mayor éxito de la banda.

Meh

The grateful dead could play some nice melodic songs

In my head I had The Grateful dead as a bit weirder than this. The first half was good quality MOR radio friendly pop rock. The second half started to add a bit of colour, but nothing that made this warrant any excitement.

Even too mellow for me

Actual songs with tunes and melodies, which makes it a million times better than the Grateful Dad's live recording. Rating: 2.5/5 Playlist track: Friend of the Devil Date listened: 06/02/24

Pretty cool.

Con LSD lo subiria a un 4

El country no es mi género favorito, pero el album me lo escuché conduciendo y estuve vibing todo el camino. Parafraseando a Álvaro, te deja bien tiernito el soul de redneck.

meh

I kind of like Ripple, Til the Morning Comes, and Truckin

I’ve never really listened to Grateful Dead. First impression: I’m pleased this isn’t super long. Overall, I didn’t hate it but it didn’t excite me in any way. Truckin’ is pretty cool though.

Very much looking forward to this, know of the influences, but haven't heard it. * Friend of the Devil *Ripple *Attics of my Life *Box of Rain (second listen) Really enjoyable. I hope this hasn't awakened something in me. (later) Listened to some live recordings. Nope, it hasn't awakened anything in me. I'll probably go and listen to The Band now.

Helt okej utan att ha låtar som sticker ut.

Pretty good, nothing too memorable though in my opinion. The band and singing was good. It is not usually the type of music I would listen to. I don't have much to say.

The album is average. The songs go on quite long and kind of blend together after a bit. The entire album reminds me of you were going on a road trip through the woods or something. The singers were good and the instrumental was very 70s. A few good songs but due to the length and some are just meh to me I’d give this a 6/10

Easy listening. Nothing exceptional.

Up beat folksy and enjoyable

another example of being pleasantly surprised by the dead. 3

Nice bakgrundsmusik

Very serene. Released in 1970, beginning the decade of the hippy. Acoustic melodies dancing together embracing under an umbrella of rock and country. I found this sound of music a bit too unappealing. Solid songs like Friend Of The Devil, and Till The Morning Comes. Other than that I really wouldn’t wish to listen to the same church like rhythm all that much.

Solides Rock Album der frühen Stunde

I've yet to understand why Dead are so heralded. This album was fine, but nothing more so than that

Opened well with "Box of Rain" and a folk sound with hints of rock and country. Harmonies were consistently well executed, but it all became consistently boring and repetitive.

послушать то я конечно послушал, но хз как реагировать. ну я не люблю кантри, я славянин нахой, мне чужда эта музыка. в целом то как бы звучит интересно, да и у Джерри Гарсии определённо есть харизма, но я не испытал почти никаких эмоций. даже на фоне на самом деле это скучноватенько, хотя музыка довольно лайтовая и приятная. но мне кажется просто из за огромного культурного разрыва мне этим не проникнуться. но потраченного времени не жаль, опять же, гитарки тут секс. короче уважаю но не моё оценка - 6,5/10

Tried and tried to get into these guys. I respect the talent of Jerry, but I can’t do it. At least this album didn’t have the 20 minute jam nonsense.

Country. Ni fu ni fa.

Same as too many albums of that time

есть душа там, но чет иногда банально

Кажется, это то кантри, которое не бесит. Даже гармошка не смогла вывести меня из состояния душевного равновесия! Я беглым взглядом окинул историю группы: возможно, будь мы американцами и постарше лет на 15-20, мы бы сейчас просто отрывались по полной. Но увы. Иногда звучит как будто слишком плоско и "по заказу". Как-то искусственно.

намана

its alright

3 1/2

This album feels like a product of it's time. It's all about radio air play and something like this just fits the bill. Being their fifth album I guess they had a big enough following to keep up the momentum. Fave track Truckin' -- I just love a good driving song.

It is pretty mystifying to me how this band came to hold the cultural position they do. I guess it's just one of those foibles of human culture, similar to how yellow umbrellas became a symbol of revolution in Hong Kong. It's nothing to do with the umbrellas themselves - the movement needed a symbol and they were to hand. So yeah, this album is like a yellow umbrella. Perfectly serviceable classic/folk rock, with not much to distinguish it from all the other mass produced umbrellas, as far as I can tell. I guess I'll wait for their live album to come up to see if that makes them click for me. Fave track - "Truckin'", that being the only track that had a little something going on...

Not what I expected for some reason. Better than I thought. 3

I've never been a big fan of Grateful Dead but this album was better than I thought. The vocals were a bit more pitchy than I would have thought but the music itself was pretty good. I wouldn't skip a GD song but I wouldn't listen to a full album either. I guess, I'm not a Dead Head.

Easy, laid-back Cali vibe. Pleasant but instantly forgettable.

didn't like it as much as I thought I did

This was ok. Felt pretty generic honestly. 6/10

Grateful Dead is one of those bands where I think you have to be born in the 60s and/or in the United States to truly appreciate what they were doing.

Jsp y'a rien qui m'a sauté aux oreilles

envie de trucker (non)

I listened a lot to this album in the 90s when I was then married to a hippie girl. I enjoyed it, in spite of my then acid-punk leanings. She dragged me to a show—I was being a pill about it—and I ended up maybe enjoying it more than her? I remember just saying that “it’s just a bunch of old guys up there wearing it out”. Of course now I’m a year away from how old Jerry was then. He died later that year I believe. So upon relisten. Not bad, the only real clunker is Operator. This is one of two albums held up by Deadheads to counter the argument that they couldn't write a good album, and sure, they did that. This one does not betray AT ALL what the band is remembered for today, which is psychedelic exploration. They tried to write a hit album ala CSN&Y and kind of succeeded. But, as surprisingly good as the harmonies are--given how bad they often were live--do they hold up against other California harmony bands of the time? I don't think so. Anyway, Friend of the Devil is a timeless americana classic. And Ripple is good shit. Other than that, you know, the Dead are better at other things. This album doesn't, and doesn't want to, show what they were capable of achieving via an inspired Dark Star, and ok, but on the album-making front they are outclassed by many many other bands.

Not bad, not very interesting either

Heard some Dead & Company play some Grateful Dead songs before and had some expectations because of it. Found this a bit underwhelming compared to those songs I heard before

Had some high hopes for this but turned out pretty mediocre. Friend of the Devil is an alltime favourite though!

I used to love this album when i was 19/20.

Nothing stood out, but not bad by any means. Also not my genre.

The Grateful Dead has a very unique mix of genres that leads to them having a very distinct sound… that works well with some songs more than others.

I've always thought these guys were overrated, but this album is actually OK - pleasant country style

I grew up surrounded by the Grateful Dead records and have never really been a fan. But it's been decades since I gave this an honest listen and it was honestly better than I recall. I love how neatly carved out the bass sounds on this record, and Phil Lesh is unquestionably a hell of a bass player. Overall not bad.

Wasn't bad. I even enjoyed most of it. 3.49/5

Historically not a big Dead fan, largely due to Jerry Garcia’s voice, but I do tend to like their studio recordings better than their live jams. This is probably their best album, the band does country alright. Still not really my thing, but not bad for them. C

Fine. The Dead aren't so bad when they're bound by a studio setting and can't noodle around for 45 minutes on one song. Nothing I'm rushing back to listen to again. Truckin' is ok.

Helt ok, litt "traust" country-ish? Ikke noe for meg, sånn egentlig.

You’d expect me to enjoy the Grateful Dead, but it’s just a little blah to me

Okay. TGD Know of them and probably only one or two of their songs. Oh Friend of the Devil! HA they mention Utah in that song. The 60s and 70s were great decades for music. They had a shit ton of albums. Oh okay 13 according to ChatGPT. Second song they mention Utah. (Operator) Harmonica in this one. Reminds me a lot of Simon and Garfunkel. Truckin' I've heard this one too.

it was ok

I tried. I gave it a few songs. Decent for Grateful Dead. But not a Deadhead.

Surprisingly good. I think these guys are incredibly over rated but I’ve also not taken a ton of time to listen to them. I appreciated this

Favorite song: “Friend of the Devil”. This album was just too mellow for me, but it was alright.

Never really listened to Grateful Dead. It's nice! A little more country than I was expecting. The softest of rocks.

i don't much care for the Dead, but this was a good album

An easy going breezy album from The Grateful Dead, a band I've heard a lot about but almost know nothing beyond their faithful fans and never-ending tours. This was better than I expected!

Gimme it live please

Trippy shit

09.04.23. Довольно неплохая 'чисто американская' музыка, которая вполне могла бы войти в какое-нибудь 'чисто американское' кино в качестве саундтрека. Однако местами этот альбом был довольно скучным, а иногда и вовсе раздражал.

I have to say I am not a big Dead fan. So I went into this album not expecting much but was genuinely sold on it after giving it a chance and skipping some more repetitive tracks. I kinda put them in the CSN and America category in my mind: classic, light, Americana.

A decent listen from a talented band that somehow wasn't as exciting to me as all the British bands at the same time. They had something outstanding that GD lacked. Hence the album flows mellow but highlights are missing.

Very much meh, a disappointment considering how famous the Grateful Dead are, as well as the fact that this is supposedly their best studio album. Solid opening with someone upbeat country rock, but soon falls into unmemorable and slightly dreary, homogenous 70s Americana. 03/04/23

Un disco que engloba muchos sus mas que claras influencias. No cansa, pero tampoco me vuelve loco, es jna realidad, otro disco plano que intenta ser algo mas que no puede 6,50/10

Never really been a Dead Head, but that's probably more because of my lack of interest in really checking out their catalog. Having been "forced" to listen to this album in the context of this list makes me want to check out a few more. This is a solid folk/rock hippy album, and I'm here for it.

I feel like the album does the band a disservice.

I’ve heard of this band but I have never sat and listened before. This band had a reputation for having a great sounding live show PA system, and sort of you can tell that they care about that here - this is a lush mix with lots of little details. Feels more luxurious than a lot of the contemporaries I’m familiar with. That said, the music isn’t grabbing me much. Friend of the Devil was an early standout (I feel like I’ve heard a cover of this before) but nothing else stood out to me. Standouts: Friend of the Devil 3

Nice, nothing special but nice.

Klinkt beetje standaard eigenlijk. Niet zo legendarisch als je wel eens hoort

They were always a live band and studio stuff always sounds a bit tame. Still its pretty pleasant soft country jangle rock. Lovely harmonies but all a bit bland.

You wouldn't think you'd get '70s soft rock with a name like Grateful Dead.

Friend of the Devil is definitely the highlight.

The vibe is really cool, but several songs just go way too long. Candyman and Attics especially. I think a major part of this is the overuse of harmony. When it’s the whole song there’s no contrast or emphasis, and the lyrics get muddied so I don’t even get an idea what they’re singing about. Trucking uses it more sparingly and is so much more interesting for it.

1970. Box of Rain, Friend of the Devil, Ripple

Started strongly but ran out of puff - by which I mean that I grew a little wearied by the puritan production and arrangements. Still, this is my favourite version of the Dead - the limitations of vinyl meaning they cannot jam out endlessly. So you've got a fairly focused, well-delivered collection of roots and country rock that is pleasant, rather than spectacular.

a strong 3 star album. Proof that I can really like 3 star albums

I thought the album was pretty average on my first listen. But I know how much people like the Dead so I gave it another listen. I appreciated it more the second time around, but I'm still not sure if it's that good. It's folksy and there's a lot of attempts at harmony among the bandmates but their achieved harmony isn't as good as contemporaries like the Mamas and the Papas or CSNY and all their related acts (the Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, etc.). It's a light, easy-going sound and there's nothing wrong with that. It's a good pick-me-up when in a bad mood. But I think it needs more. I'm not sure I fault this list for having one Grateful Dead album on it, because these guys are musical icons - a phenomenon all their own. It's just that I don't get what the big deal is about. A fine group and album, nothing more.

I enjoyed this but maybe less than expected.

Was the only Grateful Dead album I owned and took me a while to get into it back then. Friend of the devil is a stand out, but it's pretty forgettable beyond that. Didn't hate, but nothing special.

First time listening to the Dead. Was expecting Jefferson Airplane psychedelia, but this was like The Band or a less accomplished Allman Brothers. Ok,nothing particularly pressure, singing was pleasant, ambience was convivial. Low 3.

Non-offensive, aber etwas eintönig. Hippie Musik

Sympathique pour moi, mais semble un peu daté et je ne trouve pas ça très original

With such a huge catalog to pull from, why is THIS the Grateful Dead album that's on the list? Why even this ERA of Dead? Everyone knows Grateful Dead as the masters of psychedelic acid-rock jam-band music. That's why they're legends. Not because of this weird pseudo-country Americana album. Ok, rant aside, it's an alright Americana album. The skills are there and the production is legit. It's just... gah. It's so disappointing to be served a Dead album and then have to listen to... this.

This album changed Lindsay Weir’s life but alas it did not change mine. Pleasant overall tho

Seems pretty overated, or maybe I am missing something. Seems like it may grow on you with multiple listens. But the glory escaped me.

Chill, easy listening. Didn’t jump out as particularly interesting. Maybe I should have dropped a second tab.

Nice, chill and have listened to some of their stuff before

A little bit bluesy. Never listens to Grateful Dead before. Enjoyed it - well done everyone

Solid 3 for me. Not one bad song but I did some out from time to time. I was waiting for one out there track that didn’t come. There are little teases when the likes of Candyman when the organ kicks in a bit like That’s Life. I also enjoyed Friend of the Devil.

The dead are hella nostalgic for me because my dad played them a ton while I was growing up. For whatever reason I never really pursued them as an adult but I've always wanted to change that. Maybe this is a sign that I should? This album is great but I’d rather listen to their live stuff.

Sure! Not my favorite album or artist of all time, but an easy, enjoyable listen.

Einde beetje saaiig prima album niks meer niks minder

Studio albums doen de band geen eer. Niet heel interessant dit, maar live is het stukken beter. Omdat ik toch deze moet raten moet het genoegen doen met een 3

Rock folk

too american

This was my first experience listening to a Grateful Dead album! I have somehow always been able to unintentionally avoid them over the course of time. I'm not sure what I was expecting from this, really, but it was okay! The tight harmonies on this album are certainly reminiscent and likely inspired by Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young, but in comparing the two, I didn't quite love the music as much as I typically do CSNY. I think this album probably focuses more on fusing folk and country/bluegrass. Really, this album sound felt more like a mash-up of CSNY and Bob Dylan, which is maybe why I like it a little bit less than just pure CSNY. That said, this album was nothing to frown at -- I ultimately enjoyed listening to it. As a first time Grateful Dead listener, I think my favorite song on the album was probably Sugar Magnolia!

definitely my cup of tea

3 sterren, omdat ik op een of andere manier daar bijna 10 lp's van heb (gekregen).

Niet zo opmerkelijke folkrock/country muziek. Tof voor de achtergrond, maar blijft zeker niet hangen

Yeah Folk Rock/Country describes this well. Nice to listen to, even in the backgound. I love the way that behind the images lies sweet-natured chilled chaps who play mellow music.

yeah sure

This is good, but it doesn't really stand out for me. I'm sure at the time it was more noteworthy.

Im so sorry dead heads I’m so sorry

has a little more twang than i was expecting, kinda bored listening to it.

I’ve never been a fan of jam bands

Really enjoyed this, almost a 4

Alright

Nice album, but not so memorable even though several songs are really enjoyable.

Americana

It's good, but I prefer the more psychedelic GD

Enjoyed

I like Grateful Dead, I could enjoy them more, I like a lot of the songs on this record. That said, for every studio version of these songs, I feel like I've heard a live version that's way better or has more soul in it, and I'm not even much of a huge Grateful Dead follower. So I think I'd prefer to listen to their live records over this. That said, I'm surely missing some context with this record, but that was my reaction.

I’m surprised, I thought the Grateful Dead were much more hard rock than this first track, Box of Rain, is suggesting. This has some major Simon and Garfunkel vibes? What the heck! “Friend of the Devil” has a jumping banjo. I’ve been so wrong about The Dead. “Sugar Magnolia” is a catchy and beautiful song. Loving these harmonies. “Ripple” is another beauty. I think I’ve heard this one before but didn’t know it was Grateful Dead. Okay I’m still Jewish after that guitar solo on Truckin,’ but this song is definitely going on my road trip mix. What a great tune. I like this band a lot. They look like a bunch of Dads. I get why so many Dads are Dead Heads. They all wanted me to believe they were so tough for enjoying a band with skeletons on their t-shirts, but this band loves tight, sweet harmonies just like the next guy. Thoroughly enjoyed this listen. Didn’t light a fire underneath me. 3/5.

3.5 So, I’m actually surprised by how much of this was…coherent. Almost good even. At best it’s really catchy and well paced but at worst it’s like sleepy country music.

To my shame, this is the first time I have actually listed to the Dead. I have always been put off by the thought that they were absolutely shambolic, and unlistenable to. More than pleasantly surprised.

This album wasnt for me. Will be interested to listen to more since they are so iconic.

Good folky rock, not as special as I expected.

I’ve always had a hard time getting past the Phil Lesh’s vocals on Box of Rain and the harmonies are not tight. I can be more forgiving of their vocals and harmonies live but I think they could’ve gotten some better takes. I like their later 70’s albums and their live stuff better - never been a fan of their blues songs or their folky stuff. I do like David Grisman’s mandolin playing. Phil Lesh’s bass playing is so weird on friend of a devil. I like Brokedown palace .

Some of these songs are super nostalgic for me, like friend of the devil and truckin. Brokedown palace is cool. I think they write some great songs but the performance is not exciting to me. The vocals are not good

My favorite was Brokedown Palace. I enjoyed it but I don’t understand why they have such a crazy following. A lot of the songs remind me of church songs.

3.5 I’m not a dead head but good music is good music.

fairly bland considering the deads reputation, however luckily for this album it popped up on to the list a couple of days after i'd been on a day trip to Haight-Ashbury in San Francisco. listening to this hot on the heels of knocking about in their home town and the birthplace of the whole hippy counter culture thing it sort of works a bit better, even if the haight is now a bit of a tourist hippy pastiche. everything this album does was done better by love with arthur lee.

Can see why people like it. Just wasn’t anything special after first listen. Never have listened to Grateful Dead though. Sounds like many of the bands of that time.

A little bit too much country, GDead did other greater things

Aardig, maar sommige zeikerige nummers

For one of the most influential and inventive bands of the '70s, this is a pretty boring album. Should have included one of their live albums instead

I tried and have tried a number of times to listen and/or get into the Grateful Dead. I just can't do it. I understand their cultural/counter cultural relevance and I get it but it just doesn't do it for me. I wouldn't be upset if I was at a BBQ and it was on but listening to it in isolation it's a bit meh.

Gets a little better each time I've tried. I do find every Grateful Dead album fairly dull though. The mythology of the band does not match their output. That is not to say that they are not talented or are not sonically pleasing. There is just not enough to hook me and there's a lack of energy. Jack of all trades but master of none (3.0)

As someone who has never understood the (mass) appeal of the Grateful Dead, I can say this album...did nothing to change my mind. There are a few OK songs, enough to warrant the 3 star rating (Ripple, Truckin, Friend of the Devil, Sugar Magnolia), but for the most part what I've always thought of them holds true: boring musically and lyrically, sup-par vocally, just all around uninteresting.

I'm a huge fan of the Dead but mostly listen to their classic live material and hadn't heard this CD start to finish in a while. There's some incredible songs on here. But a lot of this material is just OK in the recorded LP format. "Operator" at least is mercifully brief. Overall the album has a bit of a thin sound and is awfully ballad-heavy. Their vocal harmonies on songs like "Box of Rain", "Ripple" and "Attics of My Life" carry through well, but the instrumental sound on most of the ballads is not that strong. The three rockers ("Sugar Magnolia", "Till The Morning Comes" and "Truckin'") all get a nice full sound, as does "Friend of the Devil" (the mandolin counter-melody on that one is delightful), but the others are mixed practically like A Capella. And overall the album lacks energy, in part from the mix, in part from how few rockers it has, and in part from how little Jerry's guitar is featured. I would've given "Europe 72" a 5. For whatever reason it's not on this list (there's a Grateful Dead / "before you die" joke to be made in there somewhere). I thought about giving this one a bump up as a make-up call but doesn't seem sporting. As recorded it's an average-quality album.

Nice folksy stuff. Nothing special.

Blómabarnatónlist, kom á óvart.

It wasn't what I remembered, but I remembered it being awful so that's a bit of a bonus

That was ok, it doesn't have the tight harmonies of say Crosby, Stills and Nash but it was pleasant enough in its own warbling way.

Not quite a dead-head just yet but this was cool

I listened but don't actually remember much about it

I feel like it's always too late to "get into" Grateful Dead – their catalogue is intimidatingly massive. I've listened to this album before though, and it seems like they've departed quite of bit into the jam band genre. Although this is early in their career, to my minimal knowledge and exposure, it's much more straight-forward than other music they've released. I do respect their cult-like following, and I like aspects of the GD aesthetic, but their music overall doesn't do much for me.

This was alright! I've never listened to Grateful Dead before, and this album wasn't what I was expecting; it was much lighter. I do like this brand of light acoustic rock with folk and country influences. A couple songs towards the end caught my attention but overall, I found this to be kind of bland and forgettable.

I'm sure they were fun to see live (or was it the drugs?) but overall I think the Grateful Dead were pretty mediocre as a band. Sometimes I like the way their voices blend together - a bit reminiscent of the Band's harmonies but not as good - but otherwise their music is pretty boring. This was okay. 3 stars.

It's fine. The dead head thing has never got me? What draws people to this band over other folky rock bands like the byrids or the band. Dunno was fine.

It's inoffensive but I fail to see why deadheads are so fanatical.

Mid

Kinda dull but not so bad

Rating: 6/10

pretty good album fun to listen to.

Surprisingly mellow and pleasant. Not sure why, but I thought it was going to be more rock.

I enjoyed this, It's my first full Grateful Dead experience.

A decent album. The Dead just don’t spark joy in me.

This is a pretty good collection of songs let down by poor production. Lacking oomph in places.

What a weird album. I either hated or loved every song on it. All the hits were great. “Operator” and “Candyman” were complete garbage. I’m giving it 3.5 stars but it could have easily been 1 or 5 depending on which songs they kept.

Country. Ni fu ni fa.

Groovy vibes.

Kinda sounded like the Beatles mixed with Lynnard Skynard mixed with CCR.

Very 60’s. Hippie music. To be expected. Listened to the whole album. Not a Deadhead.

Ihan lepposa levy. Ei ehkä nyt soittolistoille pääse, mutta kuunteli kivasti läpi.

Never listened to Jerry and the band much, if ever, before. I was excited to hit the grateful dead train. This left me a little underwhelmed. Maybe I needed a tie-dyed shirt ..

A nice spot of acid-tinged rock. My dad asserts it's a 5 but I beg to differ.

Definitely overhyped. People say that Grateful Dead were at their best when performing live... too bad I'm not a fan of live music. As is American Beauty is a weird mix of americana, country and psychedelic rock that's just fine but doesn't excel at any of thise particular genres.

First time for everything etc. Actually, I get the appeal. But I don't get the fanaticism. Nor the line in The Boys of Summer. So what if a Deadhead wants to drive a Cadillac? We all succumb to the dark side eventually, one way or the other...

Nice, gentle, country folk style stuff. A couple of recognisable songs (Friend of the Devil and Ripple), but was all a bit chilled. 3/5, pleasant enough to listen to but not particularly memorable.

This is not the best of the Dead. In fact, some of these tracks are just poorly executed. Disappointing, because the highs are really high. Best track: Truckin'

American Beauty is supposed to be the best studio album of Grateful Dead. It clearly shows that for something spectacular you have to listen to the live stuff. This album is tame and the songs are ok, not great.

6/10 Best Song - Candyman

yee-haw Prefs: Box of Rain, Sugar Magnolia, Attics of My Life, Truckin' Moins pref: Ripple

Still not a deadhead, but worth a listen

This is the first time I ever listened to a Grateful Dead album. I find that shocking since they are a well known band with lots of die hard fans. In fact I just met someone last week who talked about a vacation in the 90s when he went to a number of Grateful Dead shows. I previously said that it's hard to like more than a handful of folk bands. You need to dedicate time to really get to know them. These guys deserve one rating in the 4/5 category since they are legendary but this isn't the album to dole it out.

Lekker albumpje

Good album, influences are clear, and much of their sound has influenced a bunch of other people. Truckin' was my favourite, but it was pretty solid all the way

Lilting folky rock with slightly darker lyrical themes

Peut-être pour pas cher (trop vedge)

unremarkable

I've never listened to a whole Grateful Dead album, so that was a worthwhile check on my list. It's got a good folksy sound and I get the appeal of the mellow ambiance it creates as a whole. Nothing really there to grab your attention and pull you away from that vibe.

I just loved it

I bash hippies and their ilk a lot. I generally hate their music and their...ways. A lot of my ratings here use the term and never positively. Surprisingly I do not and never did hate Grateful Dead. Well, their studio music anyway. I don't need an 18 minute drum solo or whatever nonsense. I'm the guy who hates live Dead and is fine with studio stuff. Odd in a way. American Beauty is ok. I'm very casual about this band. I like some stuff, other stuff kinda bores me. I like the country rock sound. When done right it's pleasant. A 3 seems fitting. I guess a friend of the devil is a friend of mine after all.

The first few tracks (and Truckin') are awesome but it definitely loses me in the middle when it gets too slow and meandering.

Easy listening like I was on an old VW bus.

A chill, pleasant album. It gives me “summer afternoon barbecue” vibes. No particular song rose above the rest, but I wouldn’t complain if one showed up on a playlist.

I enjoyed it. I listen to these while working so they are mostly background music and I am not analyzing each song or getting super invested. That being said, this is much more my speed and was GREAT for just playing in the background. However I do like songs with a bit more weight and musical oomph. Found it a little bland. Very easy to tune out. There was nothing memorable about it at all.

I've never been a dead head. Bed head, yes. They do have good harmonies. And some pretty iconic songs that remind you of the 60s and 70s, because you've mostly forgotten what they were.

When I read I was gonna listen to 'American beauty' by the 'Grateful dead' I expected some kind of metal band with lots of criticism for the state of humanity. This was just an easy listeb and bop. Not to say I didn't like it, but it's just much less.... Eventful than I expected

An alright album. Not a big fan of grateful dead

Jipis piojosos de los que esperaba un poco más… Tienen mucha fanaticada y muchos músicos que me gustan los citan como sus influencias y les hacen covers, pero la neta es que se necesita un poco del mood San Francisco con olor a tapete quemado para que el disco te llegue. No significa que no me haya gustado; de hecho "Friend Of The Devil" se me hace una gran rola, pero si prefiero un poco más de acción.

Yeah it this was quite pleasant but I wonder if it needed more of my attention. it didn't massively stand out to me in any way but I appreciated pretty harmonies in the singing

I like the Grateful Dead and know they are a legendary band but just didn't quite click with this album like I have with others of theirs and I don't really know why. Maybe just not in the mood for it!

Je m'excuse auprès de tout le monde pour cette série d'albums insipides que nous devons nous coltiner, j'en suis le principal responsable comme expliqué dans mon review précédant. Tout devrait revenir dans l'ordre dès demain, puisque Robert nous a promis un album de Radiohead pour repartir sur les chapeaux de roues après cette punition bien méritée. Le firewall anti virus robien a été rétabli sur mon générateur pirate, aucune nouvelle erreur ne surviendra de mon côté, ce qui nous permettra de profiter pleinement de l'expérience offerte par Robert.

Un bon divertissement. Bonne musique qui fait très 70s au soleil en roadtrip au US.

I'm not a deadhead, but this is a nice-sounding album. 3/5. Standouts: Truckin' Other: Box of Rain, Friend of the Devil, Ripple,

If there’s any Grateful Dead album you have to listen to before you die, it would be a concert recording. This is a good album, however

Helt swag, älskade Trucking

At first, I pegged this as disappointingly square, given that my one Grateful Dead album (the debut) is as loose as a pocketful of change and totally wild. But after a few songs the squareness started sounding tight, and tightness has merits of its own. They pick pretty and sing straightforward, the wooden rhythms still have forward motion, and from the lyrics I picked out there's something going on in every song. And then I checked the run times. Four 5+ minute songs? If they can keep shit sounding tight at those lengths, this can't be the downhill slide I feared.

The Dead make folded music, which I happen to like, and it's easy to listen to in its folk clothes. If American Beauty stuck to the high points of the opener and Till the Morning Comes, occasionally dipping into territory like the closing track, it would be a great album. As it slowed down, though, I found myself merely liking it. The musicians are playing with something as the tunes unravel, but not with something as complicated or rewarding as one would hope.

Lovely guitar. Must listen again

Nothing stuck out too much to me. Felt very country.

скипнул

American Beauty lacks thrill and does not bode well for the impatient listener. Less thrill and more chill would be an appropriate assessment of the listener that this album appeals to. Background music is the best quality this album can conjure as nothing really seems to set itself apart. Perhaps a generational chasm separates this listener from the capability of real appreciation for the Grateful Dead's contribution here, but the context of this list does enable a sort of respect for this album. The album lends unsolicited advice to the bored listener to 'come back later' and the advice seems like a good piece.

pretty chill rock has some country influence but you can hear why people want to hear this live

Not really for me

Twang

Very grateful and mesmerizing although it doesnt grip me all the time

2021.12.03

Imao sam tu neku fazu gdje sam ih baš htio zavoliti, pasao mi taj stil u to vrijeme, taj neki zabiti osjećaj da si negdje na zapadu, slušaš ovaku glazbu negdje kod benzinske stare. Taj stari folk/country rock. Zapravo mogu reći da album bolje zvuči sada, nego tada, više mi je sada ušima drag. Iskreno mogu i bez Truckin', možda da je Attics of My Life zadnja pjesma, e to bi bio poso (ujedno i favoritna).

Enjoyable, easy listening!

Enjoyable listen. Turns out I knew a few Grateful Dead songs without knowing it!

The music of this album is not complex by any means, which makes it to be an easy going listen. It gets a bit boring at times but overall a good album to relax to.

My only experience of 'the dead' was through their collaboration with Dylan at the end of the 80's. Listening to this I can see why they were a good match as there are echoes of The Band and The Wilbury's in this, but nothing truly lands unfortunately.

Excellent album from the Dead. It's a solid listen, with a great chill vibe and beautiful guitar work. Fave Songs: Truckin', Box of Rain, Sugar Magnolia, Ripple

I just cannot get into this band. Even with the connection to my hometown and the rich history there....I just do not get it. It's a bit boring.

Kicks off with some enjoyable folksy guitar and decent tunes, then follows the template to diminishing returns as the album progresses. I’d rather listen to CSNY. That song about calling the operator was a bit much.

This is so easy to listen to. Soothing, rolls over the skin and senses. I cant say I'm 100% invested, but I have no desire to run away screaming either.

Here we have another album that has no bad songs yet no songs that really stand out from the rest. It’s just a competent, solid Grateful Dead album. Fav songs: candy man, truckin

I have already listened to it and I liked listening to it again. Gives me the feeling of driving in the car with my brothers.

Never listened before – not what I expected. Enjoyed it more than I thought I would.

Leuk rustig album

Worth another listen

It was ok. Not exactly my kind of music.

Joskus aikoinaan koitin kuunnella jotain Grateful deadia, mutta ei tuolloin uponnut ja en ymmärtänyt bändin kulttiasemaa ja bändiä kiertueella seuranneita faneja. En ymmärrä edelleenkään mikä tässä niin erityisesti puhuttelee. Ihan ok taustamusaa, ei siinä mitään, mutta ei tästä mitään erityistä mieleen jäänyt.

Nyt tuli genre puskista, kaikkea uutta sitä oppiikin. Jostain syystä olin kuvitellut Grateful Deadin olevan jotain 80 -luvun progemetallia. Tämähän olikin mukavan leppoisaa country/folk/americana -meininkiä. Ei mikään täyskymppi genressään, mutta taustamusiikkina meni oikein sujuvasti läpi pariin kertaan. Ehkä levyn alkupään biisit jäivät eniten mieleen. Lopussa kappaleiden keskinäinen samankaltaisuus alkoi vähän puuduttamaan.

Pretty good american folk rock. Very pleasant. A 3.5 for me. For most of the album I thought I would round that up to a 4, but the last two tracks were pretty bad. Especially Attics Of My Life was horrible. Therefore rounded down.

First Listen. Very good stuff. Better than expected.

If grateful dead are known for playing 12 hour concerts - this album is what they play at 2 am when everyone is asleep

Pretty good album. Favorite of their first five. 7/10

Mellow country sound. 3 stars

Pleasant album. I wouldn’t be upset if someone threw it on in the car, but I’m not going out of my way to listen to it