Reviews (page 6 of 9)
First Grateful Dead album I've heard. Didn't really grab my attention, but not bad either.
A classic. Not today my thing but can't help but enjoy it.
Not for me
The Ripple from this album will be felt for years to come. It’s an American Beauty.
Just a bit bland. Would never choose to put it on.
Americana dirge
Loved this. at first listen I was not amazed but held on bc I know they are more renowned for their love albums. I anticipate that on further listens each song will grow on me more. I also think that being outdoors will make this album come alive more.
Not sure what I was expecting. I guess I've never really listened to them. 3.
It's fine. Personal enjoyment: 3/5 Relevance to this list: 4/5
Always known of The Grateful Dead just had no idea why, Truckin is a classic but I don’t think I’d go out of my way to listen to this for anything else
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
"Friend of the Devil," "Ripple," "Truckin'" — yeah, for the non-Dead, this is the Dead album that you care about.
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
This surprised me!! To be honest I felt a lot more positive on this than I did their live album, I don’t think I’m as much into the jam band stuff, and was not expecting this to be so simple and pleasant… a light 4!
These guys seem chill and fun.
I’m gonna be brave and say that I like the dead!!!
Nice, easy listening country blues, rock album. Nothing spectacular here. 5/10
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.
The tracks where you can really hear the harmony. Maybe that’s some thing they did in the remaster.
A nice listen but nothing exceptional here.
All my life, I told myself, I don't like jam bands, I don't like jam bands, I don't like jam bands. Turns out on the album they don't jam. I liked this a lot more than I want to admit.
This album surprised me.
8/10. Great album. Little dance party.
Hippie music, enough said
I’ll let Marty do the talking on this one but it was pretty solid. Good sound.
I forgot how many big songs are on this album. Fantastic opening trio. More accessible for non-Deadheads than any other record probably until the final one.
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.
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
Pretty good stuff.
2,5
Classic Dead album. Being a longtime Deadhead, there are some tunes on here that are better than their typical live versions (Box of Rain), some that are nowhere as good (Truckin’, Sugar Mag) and some I don’t care for either way (Attics of My Life)
Some good harmonies in the vocals here, and the music is nice.
Am I too young? Do I not do enough drugs. What am I missing here?
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
its not bad, but im always confused as to how people really get into this. Seems pretty run of the mill oldies music to me.
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.
Eh, some songs are fine, some are a little long… not my favorite.
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.
Not a huge fan of The GD (or Jammy type bands in general). This was fine -- I liked it more than I thought I would. It certainly helped that this wasn't a live show recording and during a part of their "back to the land" phase.
Meh. If this is the dead then I’d rather be…
Flat, boring, everything that is wrong with middle America.
Perfect for listening to in the background
I've always liked the grateful dead, I don't care if it makes me a 67 year old white dude with a pot-belly and white facial hair.
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.
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
I don't get how these guys are so popular. This is fucking dreadful. I loathe The Grateful Dead with a passion.
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
I wasn't looking forward to this, because the Live/Dead album was so self-indulgent, but this is loads tighter, loads more 'actual songs' instead of noodling jams. You could tell this was good, because halfway through listening to it, Ellie came into the room, and when I told her this was a Project album, she said she assumed that it was just 'the sort of rubbish you listen to normally'. So that's something. Great stuff, and will be listening to it again.
These hippies are just alright with me
He leído las reseñas que la gente ha escrito en esta App (o página dependiendo desde dónde estés leyendo esto), y encuentro que Grateful Dead se lleva demasiado odio. Sí, no es en ninguna instancia un disco perfecto, sin embargo, su lugar en la lista está mucho más justificado que el de cualquier otra banda de improvisación de los ‘70s. Grateful Dead fue la banda más icónica del movimiento; sería como quejarse de la aparición de Blur u Oasis como representante del Britpop en este catálogo. American Beauty, en efecto demuestra que Grateful Dead podía entrar a un estudio y componer piezas interesantes. Una mezcla entretenida de psicodelia, country y rock que en 40 minutos te invita a viajar por paisajes inspirados por el consumo de LSD (lo que en ocasiones se nota incluso en la composición misma de las pistas). Recomendable, no se lo salte.
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.
Terrible, annoying, whining Knowing now again why i am not eager to keep up
Classic Grateful Dead album. I was never into this band too much when they were still around, but own a cd copy of American Beauty and a few of their other albums. AB is very accessible and contains a couple of their best songs: Box of Rain and Ripple.
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.
Ok
american roots rock
I’d been meaning to get into Grateful Dead for ages, felt like it was a real gap in my music knowledge. So I really enjoyed listening to this album because it showed me that I was never really missing out.
Didn't like this album
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.
A very good, but probably overrated dead album. Song writing is good, production is sub par. Some really good songs though that grew as they were performed live.
idk it was fun
Pretty cool
my first impression of The Grateful Dead...perfectly fine 6/10
Boring old man music for boring old men to listen to (NOT me)
Really enjoyed this nice folksy album
I'm always surprised that outside of Dead Heads, the widespread (heh) recognition of this band's music is almost non-existent. Then I hear their albums and it makes total sense. I heard a friend say once something along the lines of, "Phish fans don't really care for music...they just like Phish." I think broad strokes, the same can be said about Mr. Garcia and his boys.
All I’m saying is that the bands I like to listen to ON drugs still sound good OFF drugs…
Was nice enough, but nothing here really stood out to me.
Var ganske chill
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.
Gotta love the hater that writes a multi page essay on the background and history of this " most overrated band". This band is properly rated. I am a deadhead. We love the dead and think they are the greatest, not the best. There's a difference, if your mental capacity allows. Sure, side A features 5 songs with 4 lead singers, and side B plays more like a Jerry Garcia solo album, but this and many of the Deads records have a intangible charm. It's like when a square band releases a live album, it's fans and listeners appreciate hearing the group in their raw natural environment. For us it's different, Dead studio album are like a window into an uncomfortable family dinner, where you feel as much love as tension and as much tradition as anarchy. As stated elsewhere the studio was NOT a comfort zone for this band but that's not an excuse, that's what makes there studio work great.
🙂⚖️📤
Huh... I can appreciate how great this band was live when Jerry was kicking, but this album is dull. Ripple, Operator, and Friend of the Devil are all great tracks but this whole thing is lacking. I think they just don't translate. Wanted to love this but I barely liked it.
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
As a child this album was my first exposure to the Grateful Dead. It wasn't until I was 40 before I got it. It's a vibe.
more country sounds than I expected
Amazing.
I don't understand the cult obsession of this band. Nothing too interesting here that hasn't been done better by their contemporaries
Yeah, this is entirely too country for me. Straight up Did Not Enjoy.
Ugh.
Good tunes, about what I expected from the dead. Still don't fully get it
Just can't take the journey, man.
1 good song. Yikes.
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
Beautiful album
The Grateful Dead are fine. This album just doesn't really stand out compared to other similar types of bands.
I have to confess that this is the first time I've ever listened to a whole Grateful Dead studio album. They aren't exactly known for their studio work. Now I can see why. This album is boring. I've always found their live recordings to just be so-so anyway but this is almost unbearable. It's like a shitty country album where most of the songs are played too slowly and there are never any changes. Terrible vocals. Sloppy instrumentation. Poor production. It must be a lot easier to like after you've dropped acid continually for years. The one saving grace is Truckin' which is decent, or is it just the only mediocre track on an album otherwise full of absolute trash? 2/5 for Truckin' and the use of real instruments, albeit poorly played.
Nice
I like this band. Album is one of my favorites. Masterpiece! Immortal rock classics!
I mean, the album is well worth a listen, but the truly excellent work by the Dead (and there's a ton of it) is scattered across dozens of recordings from live shows. So, I get why there's work by the Dead in this catalog, but it's weird to select a studio album as an exemplar.
Pretty chill, nothing bad to say, but nothing stood out.
Muistelin että tää on ihan hippikamaa mutta tykkäsin kyllä tosi paljon! Tadapainoiseksi ehkä kuvailisin tätä 4/5
Oikein hyvä, tääkin oli jäänyt aiemmin kuuntelematta, 3,5/5
Varsin hyvä hippirocklevy. 3/5
inoffensive but terribly boring
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.
This album has som..zzZzzZzzzzZzz
Never really understood the hype around this band. Pretty standard "not that good" americana to me. Oh well...
It took a lot of coffee to finish this one. And when I say a lot, it means A LOT OF COFFEE.
Better than I was expecting it to be.
Ich bin kein amerikanischer trucker
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.
Sounded like something I would imagine playing in a bar in America. Fine but unlikely to revisit in many circumstances.
alright americana folk album
Mmm. Author’s favourite genre
Enjoyable and unoffensive southern rock.
A wonderful album.
Grateful Dead is one of those bands that I'm still discovering. I've heard their hits and I really like most of them! But this is the kind of music that I need to really focus attention on to properly digest. That being said, this album is a solid intro to their works (aside from Greatest Hits) and their sound is absolutely iconic. I'm excited to give the rest of their catalogue a dive.
Beautiful album, excelent choice to a sunday morning
# Playlist track - Ripple # Notes - I've known this album for some time, but I don't thing I heard it entirely back-to-back. - I really love "Ripple"s lyrics. Always had. Not sure why. - The album has a couple of songs that are *really* downers, so -1 star for that.
I I were forced to listen to this again, I would be grateful if I were dead.
Uai, aí o sorteio viajou e saiu outro disco deles. Melhor que a viagem ao vivo.
Crusty grandad music
So overwhelmingly boring
4.75 About as good as it gets
We have never really listened to grateful Dead. It's a little more enjoyable than we expected, I do see the appeal
#240. Most Grateful Dead fans are insufferable, but the music itself is pretty solid it seems. 3/5: decent Song added to playlist: Friend Of The Devil I've created a playlist on Spotify that consists of the best and/or my favorite song from each of the albums in this book. This list can be found here if you are interested: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7MAXDGLWlwLkFLb8veGfkA?si=FqkQQPgZTFWG0jAUJXLFZA&utm_source=copy-link
Great summer road trip album!
Film was better than the album
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.
Cozy but mostly forgettable.
Very pleasant jam band-type music. Most of the tracks on here sound very ahead of their time to me, I was shocked to see that this came out in '70. This isn't the type of music you put on to have a real ponder, it's just very fun and inoffensive. I got a similar thing out of this project as I do a lot of CCR's music. However, no track in particular jumped out at me. I'll return to this on some very warm day when I'm mowing the lawn or something.
Great first 3 songs.
music that some may use their ears to hear.
A few good songs
It's an ok album, kinda one note/bland overall, certainly not indicative of their jam band reputation. Feel like this is another questionable addition on this list, but I'm sure this isn't intended for everyone to love everything (see: Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells..).
The album is definitely not as good as some people and critics hype it up to be. 3/5
Great album! And I’m not a Dead fan. Sadly, I will always equate this group to some of my college buddies from the east coast, a handful of silver-spoon frat boys that, to this day, attend dead shows with fervent loyalty. Me, I was a hippy from the Northwest, comfortable with grass and acid, playing Santana and the Ramones in equal time. These friends never touched a joint or a tab before leaving the safety of their upper crust suburban hoods, and remain true to their conservative, exclusive lifestyle, some even Trumpets today. Yet they spun this stuff daily in the 80’s, sang every word, learned the guitar just enough so they could play Friend of the Devil. Now, on occasion, shedding their izods and loafers for jeans and store bought tie dyes to attend endless overpriced arena replicas, confirming to their MyFace friends that they truly relate to this group and their message. Nope. Weird times, then and now. I still text with these guys regularly, getting the occasional invite to join a “Dead” show. No Thank You. I rarely toot my horn, but I am proud I’m not stuck in the musical time warp that so many of my generation suffer from. I’ll happily wear that conceit. But yeah, great album!
Possibly the most accessible Grateful Dead album yet. Not my jam, but definitely a jam for others.
Probably the OG GD studio album. Always amazed by Bob and Phil. I guess I didn't realize that they close the record with Truckin'. That's a move of some sort.
2.5/5
Not a studio band obviously. A couple good tunes here, but not epic.
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
"You're my woman now Make yourself easy" What the FUCK I've never been so happy to hear "Truckin" start as this listen-through because I knew it meant the album was almost over.
Tried to go into this with an open mind. I've hated the Dead most of my life, based mostly on how much I despised the deadheads in high school and college I had to endure, and honestly NOT based much on the very limited amount of their music I had heard. Box of Rain was actually a really solid track! Maybe this will be OK... Well, that was short lived. This just takes a huge nosedive after the opener. I hate the harmonies and I hate the easy-country feel. Nothing about this rocks and I feel justified in my 40 years of dismissing this band and everyone who worships them.
Yeah, not bad. Never really got into Grateful Dead, and this album doesn't change my feelings about them.
It grew on me after the second listen. Really good harmonizing in the singing, and loved the blues-y, country comps. 4/5!
Mediocre country rock Americana. Really struggling to understand why these were so popular. Very forgettable.
"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.
What is this garbage? This is what a bunch of pot heads idolize? LOL, guess I won't be trying weed anytime soon. JFC this is BAAAAAAAAAAD
Get off the horse boys
It’s alright if you like sings for hippies to sing around the campfire, which I suppose has its appeal.
WHERE HAS THE WEIRD GONE? Least Graeful Dead sounding album I've heard.
3 stars. 2 amazing songs.
Kinda boring
a pretty chill, though a bit too much maybe... not really my cup of tea, though I appreciate the overall early-70's folky vibe
Live show must be something, very average for 70s
Saai, niet mijn ding. Nummers niet echt boeiend, alleen Truckin' is nog wel aardig.
Decent.
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"
Fantastic album
The farther we get from the touring years, the more Dead seem like just another band. And this collection is a bit of Rorschach test. There are a few very good cuts – "Box of Rain," "FOTD," "Ripple," "BDP," "Sugar Mag"– all of them excellent mellow stoner anthems. But they do sound somewhat tepid and frankly mid after all these years and compared to the best of the bootlegs. Plus, "Truckin'" and "Attics of My Life" are dreadful – truly awful. As much as this record once meant in one's troubled younger years and during one's alleged spiritual development, one just doesn't much hear it anymore. Workingman's Dead is a better record. One will round up against one's hardest critical judgment, for auld lang syne, basically, despite the presence of those clunkers.
Loved it before, still love it. A true classic
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
Classic
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.
I liked this, but I just wasn't in love with this. Maybe I had super high expectations. It's the kind of album I wouldn't skip on shuffle but wouldn't seek out voluntarily. If a 2.5 rating existed, that's what it would get. I don't feel like it's a 3 (because I gave Dusty Springfield that when I genuinely enjoyed most of the album) but I don't feel like it's a 2 (because I gave Eminem a 2 solely for the nice beats). Welp. Favorites: Operator, Till the Morning Comes
a perfectly pleasant, laid back album. there's nothing here that's technically bad, it's all copacetic, as they would have said back then. when this album is firing on all cylinders, so to speak, it's a great album. tracks like 'box of rain,' 'friend of the devil,' 'till the morning comes,' and 'truckin'' are all great, blissful hippie fare. where this album has issues is with the album cuts, which tend to drag a lot, like the painfully slow 'attics of my mind.' these tracks are not awful, per se - but they tend to drag the pacing to a slog. otherwise, the musicianship here is very nice and the dead's harmonies are vastly underrated, in my opinion. overall, a good, not great, fairly inconsistent album.
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
Easy to listen to, but not interesting enough to make me a fan.
tja, 70er, folk, country - tönt ein wenig wie bee gees und beach boys auf valium.
Ja, ich liebe diesen Folk/Country Pop, nicht immer aber wenn ich es höre dann schon.
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.
Fantastic album
Such a great album, Jerry Garcia really made this band special Top tracks: Friend of the Devil, Ripple, Truckin’
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.
I suddenly understand why a lot of people turn 30 and start listening to the Grateful Dead as background music to help them focus on their spreadsheets at their white collar 9-to-5 jobs. I was pleasantly surprised by how pleasant this is on vibes alone. And if you want some vibes ✌🏻☮️, this is full of them. But then I started to put on my ✨active listening✨ ears, and all that positivity crumbled to the ground, because Jesus fucking Christ is this unstructured. Everyone is playing a radically different part that doesn’t even sound like the same song. The lyrics are meandering, and there’s barely a semblance of pop song structure here, only a paper bag wisp of a chorus-like melody. This metaphorically sobered me up quick, and I realized I was listening to an ugly band all night!! And realizing this aspect made it hard to fall back into the vibes I felt earlier, and when I did, it instead gave me a whole different vibe 😴 I’m almost impressed by this. How can a band be so sloppy, yet, if you’re only kind of paying attention/are intoxicated, they sound not only tolerable but enjoyable? And I think this is just the nature of jamming, where everything is “correct” but never overpowering enough to be distracting. So a part of me sees the value of this record, but another part of me knows I’ll never revisit it, so maybe praising it for being “good background music to listen to passively” is actually a slight, even if I mean it more positively.
I wanted to like this...but it just sounds like a bad day in the Eagles recording studio to me.
First listen Saved 0/10
Few good songs but not my cup of tea.
GD has just never been my style.
Pretty harmless stuff.
This is very much not my thing. The singing is fucking awful. Wikipedia says Jerry Garcia is known for his "distinctive guitar style" and it just sounds like rudimentary bullshit to me. I dont understand the allure of this band if this album is representative of their sound. I cannot find a single redeeming quality other than it's not country. Right after I wrote the above, the next two songs have decidedly country-ish twangs to them. This album is just bad, man.
This is a comfort album for me. Not mind blowing or anything, but really pleasant. Brings me back to sneakily smoking weed in high school lol. Still a good album sober, but I'd certainly pair this with some good trees if you can. 😉
It’s ok. Friend of the Devil is great but I like Tom Petty’s and the Counting Crows’ version much more. Very little diversity in the sound.
Songs are ok, could listen more often to the album. But does not convince me.
Excellent album and entry point for GD. I’m not the biggest fan but the harmonies and songs in general are very pretty and accessible. It’s not the jammy hippy music you might expect from their reputation.
Didn’t actually listen to that. Just assumed it was as crap as the other one 😝
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.
This was my intro to the Dead, about 12 years after the fact when I was in college. It’s a different kind of Dead album. No meandering jams, just ten well written reasonably concise songs. My favorite Dead album for exactly this reason.
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.
Nice. Enthusiastic. Not great. I can see where they joy of the Dead come from. It's not really my joy. As an album. its distinctly average. Can't give it more than 1 star.
Every song has something distinctive and catchy.
I'm confused. I always thought that the Dead were a rock band - one of the loudest bands around at the time - but this is at best folk rock, similar to what CSNY were doing. Quite pleasant, but nothing to write home about. My favourite tracks were "Attics of My Life" and "Truckin'".
So many hits. Always a pleasure.
A tight collection of folk and country rock songs with great lyrics
Bland folky rock. Not terrible but not memorable in any way. 2 stars
I'm GRATEFUL that this type of music is DEAD Ara en sèrio, vaya pal tu. És un estil que normalment m'encantaria i m'ha semblat avorridíssim avui. Del pitjor que he escoltat en aquesta llista d'àlbums. Era com que l'escoltava i pensava "M'hauria d'estar agradant molt però no puc esperar a que acabi". Li poso 2 perquè sé que en un altre dia ho hagués gaudit més, però n'hi posaria 1 si no. Expected Lorenzo Rating: 3
Didn’t love it, didn’t hate it, few decent tracks
Memorable.
Buenísimo
Puh - this sounds so old. Is it country or western? 😇🤣
I know it's now in vogue to dismiss the Grateful Dead and I might just be piling on, but man this was so middling and forgettable. It feels like the least interesting version of Americana, a genre I do in fact like.
what a long, strange trip it has been
Truckin is the best song on the album. Much faster tempo and enjoyable. The rest of it is just a slow crawl through the doldrums.
A true classic. I think their best album.
not my thing
Grateful Dead’s American Beauty is relaxing. It gives that vibe of Stevie Wonder: relaxation, comfortability, kicked-back feet. Some tracks are mellow, some a testament to love, and those really hit. The last two tracks aren’t up to par with the rest, but that did not bring it down too much. This album definitely is a good opening experience to the vast genre of rock. All in all, American Beauty is a good album. Best Song: Ripple Worst Song: Attics of My Life
never got the hype, still don't box of rain ripple truckin'
One might confuse this with a greatest hits or compilation album given how many classic Dead tracks originated from American Beauty. Great 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 listen to this record all day long. I am super biased, but this has a couple of the best GD songs in ripple and box of rain.
First time listening to a GD album all the way through? How wonderful, familiar and varied, vinyl sides well anchored in richer songs at top and bottom, Box of Rain, Ripple, and Trucking.
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.
I understand the following that Grateful Dead has, but this wasn't for me.
Listened 3/5/24. A classic. They always come across better live than in studio, but this album is beautiful.
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.
Boring 1/5
Не понимаю за что их хуесосят, но и не понимаю за что возводят в ранг святых. Обычный фолк от объëбанных кислотой хиппарей для таких же хиппарей.
Don't know if it was my expectations of a such famous band, this album was decidedly mediocre. Maybe even a bit less than mediocre. It's a whiff of folk, mixed with white people blues, with a sprinkle of country and some psychedelics. And it excels in none. This is so incredibly bland that I now have to read up on how this became such a household name in counter-culture. Because it can't have been the music.
I'm not a huge Grateful Dead fan, but this was fairly interesting. The harmonies are so woefully out of tune, but that's charming, especially in these days of autotuned awfulness. It's groovier than I expected. I really like Sugar Magnolia.
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.
Никогда не слышал эту группу, но она была в жоже, а значит Араки большой фан. Ноооо честно скажу, я ожидал чего-то... потяжелее? А это какой-то оч лайтовенький рок-н-ролл. Ну совсем не то, а где мертвецы благодарные? Если они и есть, то они какие-то диснеевские, чёт там выплясывают на заднем плане, шмувят, трясут костями. Не зачёт!
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.
Ok so apparently their sound engneer was "america's foremost LSD manufacturer" and they toured with this guy and people fallowed them around and did drugs on their show and that's why they were so huge in the 60' / 70'. I mean it sounds like stoners were having a great time and i'm happy for them But listening to this album did not make me expriance LSD so I'm very disappointed. I fuckin hate all of the gitures. Idk the name of the style. I mean.. as far as i'm concerned there is two types of acoustic giture. The sad one and the happy one. They both suck but i spacially hate The cheery country boy one. Like I was promised a fucking rock band what the hell is this???? I think the vibes can be perfectly understood With lines like "pretty lady ain't got no friends till the cadyman is around" and "Tell you wat i'll do I'll watch out for you You're my woman now Make yourself easy" I'll give them one star for this one tho " good morning mr.benson, I see you're doing well If I had me a shotgun I'd blow you straight to hell"
Much better than the other Grateful Dead album I’ve listened to
I’ve enjoyed the occasional Grateful Dead song. But they feel so much like background music. Nothing urges me to relisten to them. And I certainly won’t be coming back to this. But also it isn’t really bad. It just kinda exists. 2.5/5
"American Beauty" by the Grateful Dead is a country/folk rock album. While this album is regarded as one of the group's best studio albums, it leaves a lot to be desired. Some people are fanatical about Grateful Dead but the magic does not come across in this record.
Nr. 133/1001 Box of Rain 4/5 Friend of the Devil 4/5 Sugar Magnolia 4/5 Operator 3/5 Candyman 3/5 Ripple 3/5 Brokedown Palace 4/5 Till the Morning Comes 3/5 Attics of my Life 3/5 Truckin' 4/5 Average: 3,5 Classic Americana record. Was okay, but didn't have a lot of highlights and everything sounded pretty similar.
Den var bra!!! Kommer defenitivt lyssna mer på Grateful Dead!! Min favoritlåt från albumet var Box of rain. Albumet får 4/5 stjärnor!
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.
A really great, chill, acoustic album. Love putting it on in the background.
I’ve not had any experience with The Dead before, is it bad that I expected something… more? The way they’ve been built up in Boomer Folklore, I was expecting… at least something a bit weird, obviously not Captain Beefheart, but something more substantial than this. For what it’s worth I did listen to some live recordings after, just to see if there was a recognisable difference, and they were better live… but not by much. It’s the same bland boring Country Rock bullshit. It’s not unpleasant to listen to. It just feels like there should be more for such a supposedly great band. Also, the sexism is really off-putting. The woman in Sugar Magnolia for example, what does she get out of the relationship, other than driving his drunk ass home and paying his fucking speeding tickets? I was teetering towards a two, because as I said, it isn’t unpleasant to listen to. But, fuck this Boomer nonsense. Damn the dead
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.
One of the Dead's greatest albums.
I enjoyed this album.
Some good songs, but the whole drugged up vibe is just kinda boring.
Forgettable music. It was not interesting. Sounded awful. Wanted it to end. No need to listen or ever consider again.
A music supervisor is asked to find some “vaguely old-hippie music” to play in the background.
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
Truckin' is the best song on the album by far. The rest if pretty good.
Pretty cool.
There's some good tracks scattered but I don't love it.
Classic stuff
Nice pleasant album, but nothing exceptional.
Best Dead album. So many great songs Box of Rain Ripple Operator Can’t go wrong with this gem!
With a name like grateful dead I expected something other than soft country rock
Como buen Llados tejano, en el chevy hacia la prom con Mindy este album made me love my Wisconsin redneck life.
Mu bien. Mu rico todo
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.
I just can't
It’s rock somehow (but it isn’t)
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.
Bore off mate
meh
Nothing really interests me here. Folk rock us not my style. Truckin is the best song here, and that's not saying much. At least it is a mellow album.
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.
Hätte ich gerne mal live gesehen. Aber so, ne...
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.
Not bad. Never listened to them when I was younger. Good Sunday morning music.
I know the Grateful Dead had a big influence on the counter culture/hippie movement of the late 60s and that they had a huge cult following. Given that knowledge going in I was really hoping for something a lot more interesting. To the naked ear this is just another brand of boring country music. Maybe I needed to get super high to enjoy this one because it was a real snoozer for me.
Of course I’d heard OF the Grateful Dead but oddly enough I’d never actually heard any of their music until now. Not what I was expecting, but right up my alley. I will certainly be listening to more of their stuff going forward.
Helt okej utan att ha låtar som sticker ut.
Great album. Can always sit and listen to completely.
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.
HIPPY BALONEY!!!
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
Never heard a Grateful Dead album before. Probably not going back.
Their best album, HoF.
Really enjoyed this one. I know bits of the Grateful Dead from my Dad and they certainly know how to take a solo for a walk, go on a jam or write a hook that'll stick in your head. This particular one had some familiar hooks and tunes and some new ones. Definitely worth a couple of listens. Great album.
Easy listening. Nothing exceptional.
Up beat folksy and enjoyable
another example of being pleasantly surprised by the dead. 3
Mysigt! men kommer inte lyssna igen
inget för mig
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.
loved! so beautiful
Njae
Was expecting more.
I'll be honest, I expected more from this album. Very average - blues-influenced dad rock. Some soft vocals which are nice but again nothing too special. Quite boring musically. I know Grateful Dead is much more known for their live stuff so I need to give it a go.
A few great songs but mostly unremarkable
Not as bad as the live album but I'm still Grateful it's over.
One of the best of all time
Great guitars work, many favorites.