Reviews (page 5 of 8)
Nice
It's not the best work on the planet, but it has a cohesion that manages to tie the album together well but unfortunately doesn't keep the listener hooked. At a certain point, it borders on boring, but you can finish the album without hating it. A little meh for my personal taste.
Nice and folky, some nice voice wiggle and moan sorta bob dylan sounding
3 Stars (8/15)
Gentle country with a bit of rock
Super chill and folky but unmemorable
Skipping
He’s a poor man’s Bob Dylan. Unimaginative and stale, even when it was new. The Tears Of Rage cover is especially anemic.
Good folksy folk music.
This was some good singer song writer stuff here!
Snooze fest. Top 1001? Not sure Jeff, not unpleasant but nothing special
Easy listening
I liked it - perfect music for a spring day. Reminds me of drinking a pitcher of beer on a back patio with some friends.
It was pretty, it was simple, it just was. If I had been in a more deep mindset and on a mountain somewhere i might have rated higher, but today it was just nice.
This is some easy grooving 70's singer-songwriter stuff. It has a warm mellow feeling. The guitar & bass are fully upfront with the drums pushed back & the touches of harmonica are nice. Favorites: The Virgin, White Light, Because of You, Tears of Rage. I'm a solid 3.5 with this but I'm gonna give it a 4 because the bass is so fucking loud. I love it. You can clearly hear all the bass bumping and sliding and it's good playing!
I'd never heard of Gene Clark until today. An album that starts with a harmonica-forward song is automatically at least a 3 for me. Only ranking the original track list through the song 1975, as the rest are bonus tracks added in 2002 (though I really loved his Stand Be Me cover in the bonus). The Dutch have good taste, I thought this album was pretty damn good. He has a lovely voice, and the songs were really moving and heartfelt. At one point during For a Spanish Guitar, I felt like it was wrapping me up in a warm blanket. Great discovery!
Está bien, le mete cosas interesantes al folk pero tampoco es muy mi onda.
enjoyable can see that groups like The Jayhawks drew a lot of inspiration from.
Ganz nett, aber mehr als drei Sterne sind nicht drinne. Fand den Wikipedia Artikel interessant durchzulesen
Warum so schlecht bewertet? Richtig angenehme Singer Songwriter. Die Cover musste nicht unbedingt sein.
so now I know who MJ Lenderman copped his vibe from. interesting! Gene Clark was a member of The Byrds, a band I'll probably get around to hearing for this challenge soon, and one which was responsible for boosting the careers of, among others, David Crosby and members of The Flying Burrito Bros. Clark's bag on White Light is a country-tinged folk rock sound that reminds me of Bob Dylan; Clark's voice often dips into Dylanisms, and there's even a Dylan cover on side B. I don't know if much stands out to me, but it's consistently a pleasant listening experience. I just wish it rocked a little harder or felt a bit more unpredictable. light 7/10.
Sorta…nothing…Gene Clark’s No Other is way better I think because he had like…a band. And production, this is just sorta fine?
Please just put down the harmonica Gene. A bunch of the other criticisms people have are valid too, but I just really don’t like all of the harmonica in this album.
I could listen to this voice all day.
Chill, thoughtful album, i liked it very much. It's as if Bob Dylan had an actually good voice and chill songs with toned down topics
fine but boring. put macie to sleep
started off being pretty neutral but icl I was enjoying it by the end. I am so freaking predictable.
6/10 - It was some decent country. But nothing crazy. Where my love lies asleep kind of sounded like the overcooked main theme.
Didn’t think he had a great voice but the album was solid
I think I liked No Other better, but this was decent. I appreciate this genre of folk/country rock.
Sounds like one big song, broken up by a brief cover.
ai että 2 albumia piti herralta napata, taskuun ottaa kaksi eikä yksi. ei yksi että ok byrds laulaja nyt sooloartisti kriittisesti tykätty mutta ketään ei kuitenkaan kiinnosta niin otetaanmpas yksi sieltä pitää nyt muistella herraa mutta ei napataan kaksi.. kaksi päivää.. on kyllä erikoisia vähän erikoisempia kovereita tässäkin. en tiedä mikä ihme siinä on ettei voi vähän niitä lyriikoita rustata sille paperille ja jotain vähän yrittää.. vää.. vää.. vää.. vää.. vää.. vää.. vää.. vää.. vää.. vää.. vää.. vää.. vää.. vää.. vää.. vää.. vää.. valitettavasti pakko olla objektiivinen for a spanish guitar
lágstemmt fólkköntrí. svipar til margs frá svipuðum tíma, fyrri hluti áttunda áratugarins, og er ósköp áferðarfallegt. sum lögin virðast þó eiga annan umgang eftir. 3,5.
Mellow easy listen but didn’t get much beyond background music for me. Nice harmonies and music Reminiscent of Jim Croce, Gordon Lightfoot, and Neil Young
Didn’t really stick out as something special.
🤷♀️. This was a big shrug. Acoustic singer-songwriter stuff that seemed rather one note. Didn’t hate it but after listening I remember none of it other than one cover.
Gene’s voice is so sweet and this album is a lozenge for a sore throat. Though it gets a bit sleepy in the middle, it ends as strongly as it begins. Standout tracks are: “With Tomorrow” and “Ship of the Lord”
Gene have been been a good song writer but I’m not a fan of his singing or music writing abilities. There really wasn’t a standout and his take on Stand by Me was not good.
по звуку типичный тех времён альбом, по произношению некоторые места показались смешными. в целом не запомнилось
Meh, not my genre
So we know for certain that at least one (1) person in the Netherlands has bought this album. Maybe even listened to it... Well, yes, when you put it that way, it certainly explains why it's on the "albums everyone should listen to" list.
over its runtime, gene clarks biggest strengths that he displays on this record ultimately become his weaknesses. its calm, stripped down, but also redundant and uneventful. its intimate, personal, but also mildly self-absorbed. its relaxing, soothing, but also boring. its interesting to see how his songwriting chops get lost amongs the simple instrumentals, considering its not a busy album at all. i still think theres some good songs here, some id even say are great, but i dont think this should be on this list.
2.7 2x
this was pleasant enough but really dragged and wore thin for me about halfway through.
oh good, MORE byrds. i hadn't yet gotten my fill from their four albums i've already had (plus the flying burrito brothers and crosby stills and nash if you count those). there are more goddamn byrds in this list than there are grackles at the olmos HEB in san antonio on a late weekend afternoon (not really, that's impossible, but my fellow central texans know what i'm talkin about) anyway yeah this was fine. underwhelming. very 2.5 stars-coded. i'm currently listening to much better albums and will likely never come back to this one, so i'm rounding down. don't like it gene? should've made better music, sorry. favorites: with tomorrow, for a spanish guitar
Good album. Well written and performed. Not all like the Byrds. Seems more like a C&W album.
Meh no really for me. Nice background music I suppose.
Really liked this.
This was warm and wholesome and like a Bob Dylan lite. It doesn't do much for me but was pleasant none the less. A suprise inclusion jn the list being that it doesnt challenge much, have any hits or any cultural impact, but not bad.
Bit too country at times. I preferred no other
Het duurde een aantal nummers om in de mood te komen, maar toen werd het wel goed
Good songs, great band. Sounds like it could have been released last week, except that nobody sings like that anymore. I wonder why not?
I really liked this. Laid back, and doesn't try to do too much. Possibly a bit longer than it needed to be.
i liked this more than i thought i would! 3.5
3/5. 13 year old me would eat this up, and honestly it might get to me after a listen or two more but right now, it feels like I could instead just listen to Bob Dylan or Neil Young and get the same but better result. To be fair, I did not hate it and I do enjoy this music but it didn't stand out as groundbreaking or crazy good. Just a nice folk rock album with calming vocal themes. An interesting take on Tears of Rage as well, more submitting to the pain than begging for it to end as the Band's suggests. Best Song: White Light, For A Spanish Guitar, Tears Of Rage
It’s just kind of there, isn’t it?
Quite the shame that that the music itself isn't as great as the album cover, because that artwork is absolutely killer. The music itself is just kind of meh unfortunately.
I tried and bailed. Should have stayed with the Byrds,
This was pleasant. Not mind blowing or anything, but pretty enjoyable to me. Solid 3.5 kinda stuff.
Better than the reviews. Nothing special. I really enjoyed The Byrds country album, but this falls short of that.
Quality Stuff
Just an excellent country tinged record. Just what I expected.
Just dull. So very dull. Simple, to the point and lacking any depth or passion. Never once gets out of first gear. The harmonica adds nothing. Musically it's very plain. Country folk rock monotony. No innovation. Clark’s voice is timid though I will admit that on the final track '1975' the vocal lines are pretty catchy, but that's all I could pick out. I have no idea whatsoever how this album has ended up on this list. If I die today with this being the last album I listened to, I'd be severely disappointed.
Not a bad album, but nothing really stood out to me. It's a light listen, songs sound mostly the same. The production is nice, the vocals and acoustic guitar sound rich and prominent. Would give it 2.5 if I could.
Well this record was definitely on. All nicely played, performed and sang. Nothing to dislike, nothing hooked me either really. Might take a few listens to click with me, but unfortunately for it, it's not going to get them.
Inoffensive but that's about it.
This artist was with the Byrds, and I can hear their music in this album. I listened to the original album release, not the later release with bonus tracks. Overall very smooth and easy listening, my only criticism is with the frequent annoying bean bag percussion throughout.
Nothing like some "country rock" to make you appreciate all the other genres, you know? This guy (from the Byrds, previously) has a little bit of a Bob Dylan warble. Unfortunately he also has those twangy guitars. He died in his 40s, too. What a downer this list is! Actually, these songs are not unpleasant to listen to - nice and mellow. But they are also boring. Even 'Stand By Me' is like, 200% worse here. Highlights: 'One in a Hundred' (American Pie-esque)
Tremendous bouquet of country rock music. Lyrical effectiveness and earworm instrumentals.
Just some good heartfelt, acoustic music. little chill for my tastes
This was solid. Felt like a mix between Neil Young and George Harrison. Might not actually be a 4 but marking it that way to come back to
I really enjoyed this. The covers were nice and all of the music was solid easy listening
Gene Clark is one of the interesting side characters in 60s rock. He was the member of the Byrds who didn’t launch a career of his own as big as the others. But a couple albums really stick: this and the one with the Godsden Brothers. In all honestly that other album probably deserves a spot on this list more than this one, but it’s still a good time capsule of folk rock at a burgeoning age of consciousness.
not really for me, don't hate it or anything
I don't know that this should be in the top 1001 albums one should hear before they die but this was a pleasant and enjoyable listen.
I'm sure there are lots of other Gene Clark albums on this list, and I know that White Light is many people's favourite, but it's not mine. It's still good, he was a wonderful singer and wrote beautiful melodies, but this album highlights one of his two* great weaknesses. He didn't finish songs. "For A Spanish Guitar" would be one of the greatest songs of the era if he'd just nailed the ending. *IMNSVHO the other weakness is not knowing what and how his sidesmen should play. Some of his songs have the most incongruous and unsuitable guitar sounds ever added to beautiful songs.
Not my genre of music by any means, but some interesting tracks, and if I have to listen to Country it would definitely be Johnny
The Byrds post David Crosby were already as bland as psychedelic music can be, and Gene was the most bland member of the band. The audio equivalent of watching beige paint dry
At least the subject matter's more savoury than the last album I reviewed. I ain't going near any of Serge Gainsbourg's work again. Unfortunately, "White Light" is quite dull. None of the songs were memorable; they sounded nice at least. I guess I had a bad week this time. 2 stars for "White Light".
• 2/5 • exceptionally well executed unexceptional folk rock • wild that it went #1 in Holland and never caught on anywhere else - what’s with the Dutch?
Found this to be relatively boring punctuated by a few highlights (Stand by Me and the last song...can't remember the name).
It is fine but not particularly noteworthy.
75% Best: The Virgin; One In A Hundred; 1975 Must-Hear? Not quite
Hörbar.
This is actually some good Dylan-esque song writing and playing. Not bad at all.
Mellow country vibes, not really my thing.
Wow! Gene Clark was totally new to me and this album is really good. He's no Bob Dylan, but certainly in the same league.
That’s nice.
That was pleasant
It's definitely an album. I will most likely forget about it in three hours' time. Not really sure why it made the cut for this "1001 albums to listen to before you die". Would have been interesting to see the motivation given the wikipedia article stating that it wasn't a very successful album (outside of Netherlands).
I am sure I've said it before. I DON'T LIKE COUNTRY.
For the love of God stop giving me Gene Clark albums
It’s fine but I cannot imagine a world in which this was in the top 10,000 albums, let alone the top 1,000
Relativ ruhig. Classic folk/'rock'? First:3/5 Again? 2/5
Ah the seventies, when everybasshile with a guitar got a solo album. Look, solo efforts almost always suck and this is no different. Manassas got some points for originality, but this? I mean the Byrds? Cmon. A fine band with no standout talent, and no solo records please
Originally thought this was boring and not for me, but I did start to warm to this slightly this morning. I liked "Because Of You" and "One In A Hundred" so far. Pretty light hearted, lullaby like music with guitar and some harmonica. "Where My Love Lies Asleep" is a very soothing, sleepy like old time cowboy music. Not really in the mood for this today and musically it's not my favorite but I'll go with an overall 2. I skipped the last couple of tracks.
This is competent but bland and boring. Which would have gotten it 2 stars, until the absolutely horrible cover of Stand By Me. That took it down to 1 star.
It's ok. Would not bother with again
2.8
Boring. Reminds me very much of Tom Petty’s boring 90s work. “For a Spanish guitar” on a steel string…
the other GC album ive had so far was better, too on the nose dylanesque but still good
It’s not that it was unpleasant, but somehow just completely unremarkable. Even as I was listening, I was almost impressed by how little of an impression it was leaving on me. A 2 feels a little harsh, maybe, but that’s what it gets for being so boring.
Chill, classic Country / Folk
Może przemawia przeze mnie wysoka gorączka, która właśnie mam, a może jest to idealna płyta na zimowe wieczory z kubkiem herbaty, kocykiem i śniegiem za oknem. Lekko Dylanowa, Youngowa, Cat Stevensowa. Nie dla każdego jak widać po ocenach, ale dla mnie - jak najbardziej. 8.5/10 równane w dół.
It’s straight up singer-songwriter country-fried folk rock - a pale version of Dylan or Kristofferson. “Big in Holland” isn’t a huge reason for it to be on this list, methinks.
Listened to half the album. Absolutely not feeling it. Listened to the second half later- And maybe it was my mood - still not good, but I didn’t feel the need to turn it off again. Rounding up to a 2
Very popular in Europe! Dutch thought best album of '71. Nice and laid back—he’s got a bit of Tom Petty twang in his voice.
There were many interesting albums that spawned from The Byrds-iverse...however, this was't one of them
The Byrds' most consistent songwriter on his own, with a solid band and a strong feel for the sound of 1971. Could there have been a left-field hit in any of these tracks? Nothing is jumping out at me, but many moments of great loveliness.
Interesting production. Gene’s voice is charming and the sound palette is hypnotic. However, did we really need 14 songs? How about 11 and that’s it? 3.5/5
I think this one bears more listens--sort of a Bob Dylan/Jim Croce vibe and that's not a bad thing. I enjoyed the style, but nothing seemed to stick with me.
I'm with the Americans on this - see Wikipedia). Pleasant but uninspiring Folk-Rock from the early 1970s. His cover of the Ben E. King standard "Stand by Me" is particularly insipid.
I feel like no one is mentioning This Mortal Coil’s version of With Tomorrow. Although I still like their’s more it’s only because I heard it there first. The album is great, though. I feel like it’s more folk than country if you ask me but what do I know?
Trying so hard to be Dylan, while completely missing what made Dylan amazing. You can't be authentic when you're a copy. This is a reasonably good album. It's competent, heck more than competent. It lacks spark though. It would be so much better if he was being himself rather than trying to be what he imagined the public wanted at the time.
Never heard this but lovely album.
Pleasant enough, though I’m not sure it stands out or shines among the other albums of its era. It’s pretty standard fair with some pretty songs in there.
Smooth and tastefully put together. Not a bad song in there. 3.9
Dylanesque country/folk
Finally my spirit has been broken. My God this is one awful dirge after another. Wish I could give a zero.
An ok album, but by no means essential listening.
ok
идеальный симулятор песен у костра для смачного храпуна в палатке музыка приятная но жаль что я не американка из COUNTRYSIDE зашло бы гораздо больше
не нашел(
The man had a voice!
Ok, but not one of the 1001 best albums imo.
Geen idee wat dit album hierop doet. Als Gene Clark er al op moet, pakt dan No Other of iets van the Byrds. Dit klinkt gewoon als een Bob Dylan tribute, maar dan met heel veel water bij de wijn geschonken. 2.1
The number of. Crosby Still Nash Young and adjacent albums on this thing is ridiculous. And none of them are particularly interesting. This bored me. Want to give it 1.5 but oh well
Helt okej om än något tråkig.
I thought this was so cute and peaceful for the peaceful mood I was in. I always like to listen to albums in the morning on the bus so this made the condensation on the windows feel purposeful and atmospheric instead of a pain in the bum
Solid but sleepy.
This was a really nice listen. Like most folks, I always thought Roger McGuinn was the main dude of the Byrds. Probably due to his signature jangly Rickenbacker sound. Come to find out, Gene was the main songwriter behind their classic hits. Sad that this album never gained much traction, because if you close your eyes the downstream influence is everywhere. From Tom Petty to Peter Buck and many in between. It all started with the Byrds. And that influence continues here.
I definitely really liked some of these tracks, but also definitely found several to be pretty sleepy. Probably not one that I’ll return to frequently, but nice.
A nice listen and enjoyed the solid guitar playing and song writing. A little on the sleepy side for my tastes but still a solid record.
I'm surprised by the low ratings on this album. It is solid. Not great, but solid. Shame it was entirely overlooked. 3.25/5
4.6 - Another great album by Gene Clark, definitely going to be putting him into my music rotations
I preferred the other Gene Clark album we had, more concise and felt a bit more genre-pushing. A lot of this album was fading into the background, it was the Stand By Me cover that stood out, which isn't a great sign considering how vanilla of a song that is. Fave Tracks: Ship of the Lord, Winter In 3/5
It was pleasant but not something i will listen to again
# Album Name: White Light # Artist: Gene Clark # Rating: 2/5 # Comments: Americana country album which is pretty underwhelming. It was OK at best but pretty boring as its not really my style # Top Tunes: None # Would I listen to it again? No
pretty good. solid 3
Not impressed. Not sure I want to delve deeper into anything he's done, but may give a listen to see if it ever got better.
I don’t think I’ve heard Gene Clark before. This was a great introduction to his music. At times it felt like a precursor to Tom Petty’s Wildflowers or Beck’s Sea Change which are two of my favorite albums of all time. That being said now I wanna dive into more of Clark’s catalog and see if this was a fluke or if he had more to offer.
I found this album pretty boring. I didn't even like the Stand By Me cover. 1
Super mellow and smooth. In the vein of James Taylor. The perfect thing to listen to on this overcast day as my 4-year old naps in the van on the way home.
Nice easy listening album. Never really heard of this guy, but he sounds like he could tour with Paul Simon.
Really liked that
Almost subversive levels of MOR. Wouldn't offend me as background music but serves no other purpose
to expand on the #1 comment, this is the album that made me think that maybe there aren't 1001 english spoken albums worth listening to.
If a George Harrison album and a John Lenon album had a very harmonica inclined child. 3.6/5
Pretty "meh". No songs really stand out for me. I didn't hate it, but found it to be pretty boring. Something you might hear being played in a coffee shop in a small town or something. To be honest, it wasn't vibing with my mood today and I couldn't even finish it.
Dollar store Bob Dylan. Not necessarily bad, just kinda boring.
Liked the bass runs on most of the songs
Harmonica country BS
Another really beautiful and relaxing album, for me this is an ideal album to fall asleep to
Okay album.
This album could be released in 2024, groovy.
Nice. Stands up well against Neil Young's Harvest.
Good album, though couldn't listen to all songs, due to unavailability for me on Spotify and similarly wasn't available on Youtube music.
Arrangements very country. Not a great or evocative voice. Unmemorable songs. Next!
This list treats the Byrds like they are the avengers. Idk why this has any relevance besides being from a former member of the Byrds Rating: 1.3
Solid acoustic album with good famous songs
Lord save me from the 3/5 mid “dude with a guitar” albums.
Solid ol’ folk music. Timeless and a true gem when done right! Sadly, this played like one long ass song with some beat switches. Was a great nap on the train tho
The Virgin // For A Spanish Guitar //
Really nothing that stands out. Its a basic country album. All sound similar and if you tell me its another singer I would never know the diference. There are few country artists I can really recognize essily and this dude aint one of em
One In A Hundred and 1975 are giga Chad.
Fine
yeah really beautiful dabbled with Gene before but never listened to this album so really gorgeous songs on this
Ein sehr schönes harmonisches Album.
Love songs and folk songs. Really good cover of The Band's "Tears of Rage" -- pleasant enough.
Ein af þessum plötum sem virkar fullkomlega óeftirminnileg við fyrstu hlustun en reynist svo nokkuð góð strax við aðra og svo ertu allt í einu farinn að hlusta í fimmta sinn. Ljúft singer-songwriter country.
This is the most repetitive episode of boring possible. I barely made it through every track, and other than the opening track, it was enough to make me sleep. I've never been a fan of Country Music(although this one felt more like folk), but this Folk Rock didn't provoke my emotions like it normally does. Favorite Track: "The Virgin"
Goddamn fucking harmonica first thing. Ugh. This has too many of the things I don’t like to listen to. This is tedious.
Kinda chill but really boring
Gene Clark has made better albums, I think No Other is a much more innovative sounding album by him. It has nice guitar playing at times and Clark's vocals are always pleasant to hear, but it doesn't stand out in an ocean of memorable 70's songwriters.
Most boring thing ever.
A good album, I liked With Tomorrow the most.
There’s a “one in a hundred” chance I listen to this album again. Nice music, band tight af, Gene’s voice muy bueno, but lord what a snoozefest. Dylan cover’s like Tears of Moderate Annoyance. I don’t believe Gene, is the problem. I’m not buying it.
This type of music is right in my wheelhouse and I was still bored.
wow a lot of hate for this one, not bad not good, just average imo
Such a lovely album!
I don’t listen to much folk/country rock, but this was a record I really enjoyed. It’s a great record filled with solid grooves and great melodies. It has a nice and warm mood to it and makes for an easy listen. One of my favorite records on the list thus far. Favorite Track: Tears of Rage
Really surprised that I like this one, but hey I guess the Dutch have really good taste in American folk music? What about this even resonates with them? I'm so genuinely confused and I need to know more.
Ein Singer-Songwriter Gitarre, Mundharmonika, Sänger Plätschert so dahin ...
Man, this guy REALLY wishes he was Bob Dylan
A little repetitive, but I like the harmonica a lot.
It's just another country/folk/blues knockoff of Dylan. Maybe technical ok, it's just boring.
Charming.
Why am I on album number 1003?
Listen to 'No Other' to hear Gene at his best.
Country music is just whiny trash.
This guy stopped being one of the Byrds because he was afraid to fly lol. This album has extremely divorced energy. It's relaxed country-rock with intertwined acoustic guitars, a touch of bass, and barely a drum, it puts the emphasis on the lonely vocals and mournful harmonica. It's all sad, bitter, and longing lyrics and gentle strumming. Sometimes it sounds like a mediocre Dylan rip off, but the best bits are like a folksier version of the Eagles. Cold beer on a hot porch kind of music. I actually like it a lot, but wouldn't really consider it essential listening at all - he has better work elsewhere and other people do this genre better...
Nice country music
Gene, not familiar with ur game and I am still not.
Really enjoyed this - folk rock from The Byrd's Gene Clark 3.75
I guess it's fine, but it's just another white boomer playing blues-/roots-rock. Easily forgettable.
This was like all country singers rolled into one act.
Wasn't sure what to make of this at first, but it clicked about halfway in. Fits under the same roof in my mind as James Taylor, Jackson Browne or a little bit of Warren Zevon (though he has his own shack, let's be real).
This is exactly the type of folksy-Americana I can't stand. I respect the artistry and talent, but just find it totally unenjoyable.
An enjoyable collection of songs pretty well delivered. Fifty plus years on it now seems underwhelming.
Enjoyed. Tired of it by the last song but also just didn’t like the final song.
I wouldn't doubt that it's objectively good Country music and songwriting, but this album just doesn't do it for me. Let's just say I'd be annoyed if someone gave me this album for my birthday, but if I was really drunk and someone put this on I wouldn't walk out the room. 3/5 ⭐️
So so! Very dated.
**Shocking News**: the original Bob Dylan knockoff made solo albums that sound like store-brand Dylan records. Unfortunately, without a band behind him to make those Dylan rips special, his solo material falls mostly flat, even when there’s a couple decently composed songs (though he still never comes close to his idol, or even his former band’s glory days).
I listened to it, and forgot to write any notes while listening. Now, a day later, I basically don't remember any of the album, other than it wasn't particularly offensive. I feel like that speaks of the quality, all on its own.
Naff
Chuff
2 just cos it's not completely terrible
The byrds and their respective members were much more fun when taking LSD.
Pretty country, considered to be one of the best songwriting.
"For a Spanish Guitar" (which Bob Dylan reportedly hailed as one of the greatest songs ever written). "With Tomorrow", "Opening Day" "Because of You", "Where My Love Lies Asleep" Folk Rock/ Country Rock
At first I was like "Oh, so he is like a country swooner." Then it was more, kinda country but folk. But the lyrics are not just catchy and he doesn't hold a full on country twang. After a while I thought, "yeah, not my thing exactly but ... pretty good I must say." And so it went and there were a couple of really exceptional moments in between. It makes me wonder if three stars is actually legit? Yeah, not my go to genre. Yeah, there are several STELLAR folk singers out there that I would pick first... But this is not your average country swooner. I think this has a bit more bite to it. So I am going to go ahead and nudge this one up.
Calm and beautiful. A lot of nice chords in there.
It’s yet another one of those ‘nice’ albums. There’s nothing explicitly exceptional here, but there is a constant nice feeling. There’s better singer-songwriter albums out there, and there’s certainly worse. But I’m glad this exists - there’s quite a few genuinely brilliant folk/country songs on here with serious Dylan influence without plagiarism, and there is a fantastic Tears Of Rage cover. So that is all. It’s a very nice album, well worth a listen. It’s not competing for the best singer-songwriter album, because it doesn’t need to. It does its own thing, and that’s just fine.
Immediately set the tone with a Country twang folk song, and I knew I was in for a rough time. By track three I was pretty much checked out and really didn’t want to listen to any more of Gene Clark’s voice. It just continuously sounds the same, with no personality behind through out the album. Considering it only achieved success in the Netherlands, and bombed in the U.S, that should have been a good indication to leave it off this list.
A fun run through a folk rock staple.
Damn the dude from the Byrds got a solo album on this list? Yeah no reason this was essential. It said it did poorly in the US. Yeah because like 100 other people could make this album. Nothing special.
I can’t say I know Gene Clark, but I like The Byrds and the Laurel Canyon sound. This was a good representation of it.
Best Song: With Tomorrow. There is a haunting quality to this track, and the repetitive rhyming really works here. Worst Song: Opening Day. I was fully done with the album by this point. Overall: Not wholly unpleasant, but the entire album does end up blurring into relatively monotonous string. I felt that I'd internalized the vibe of the album before it was half over, but I was left to listen to the rest.
Ugh. More country. Not for me
a soothing country album with dulcet tones and simple instrumentation that still hits home. I liked it.
Fav: 1975 Least Fav: With Tomorrow It was alright, consistently decent but nothing really stood out. I’ll probably forget about this album within a week.
Kind of boring
Well that was something. If something was nothing and we're all living in a hopeless entity that will bring nothing but the end of time. Which I was hoping for after listening to this turd of an album. Awful.
think i'm into country
Rant Time >:( A couple days ago, in some random folk review I made a snide remake about how the Byrds feel over represented in this list with 5 disappointing albums, but to my surprise THEY HAVE SOLO ALBUMS TOO!!!! I had to google the members of the band to make sure others don't have solo albums too. Of course Crosby went on to do stuff so that makes sense he has 3, but Gene Clark (who never charted) has 2, and Chris Hillman has 1. THAT'S 11 BYRDS RELATED ALBUMS!!!! WHY?!?! Unless I am missing some, that's 1 less than the Beatles and its members. No one on earth can argue that the Byrds are even close to as important to the Beatles, I couldn't have even named a Byrds' song before this list. It really is quite annoying how a lot of these early bands feel like they get 5 or 6 albums and then when you get to the 80's and beyond you will be lucky if a great band gets 2. When I read that this dude was a member of the Byrds I made such a loud groan my wife thought I got hurt. The Byrds are quickly becoming my arch nemesis on this list. Also maybe if the quote "Like all of his post-Byrds records, it did very poorly on the US charts." Takes up 1/5 of the review and is one of the only things worth mentioning, this album isn't worth being on this list. Ok, I guess I have to actually listen and talk about the album. First off, Gene Clark is not a very good singer. The first two songs are ok, a little bland, but ok. But the title track is awful and felt like double its length. Because of You starts off nice, but it really drags on and doesn't really evolve. The rest of the songs are pretty boring, and also don't really go anywhere. I try to save 1's for albums I think are unlistenable, or that I absolutely hate. Despite how much I complained, I don't think this is unlistenable (It is completely unnecessary and bland). very very low 2
Pretty slooooooooooooow and boring folky shit
Too bland for my tastes . never going to listen to it again on purpose . best track- the cover of tears of rage 1
Pleasant Country rock.
Rating: 2/10 This album is impressive...impressively boring. Throw it in the bin.
Heading into this project, I was really excited that I'd get to hear some albums by bands like The Byrds, The Kinks, and Cream. There are a host of classic rock artists from the sixties and seventies whom I knew a few of their songs, but had never listened to one of their albums. I've reviewed three albums by The Byrds so far, and I've been really underwhelmed by them, so I don't have high hopes for this Gene Clark album, but I'm going into it with an open mind. Unfortunately, I didn't care for this album at all. The musical arrangements, while nice, were pretty bland. There were some nice organ parts, but that was all I really cared for. Gene Clark's vocals felt like he was trying to copy Bob Dylan's style of delivery, but it didn't work for me at all. Gene broke with that style on "Because Of You," which had the best vocals on the whole album in my opinion. I know the songwriting is supposed to be the shining star of this album, but I didn't care for that either. There was something about the structure of the lyrics that just drove me up a wall, and I felt like I couldn't make heads or tails out of the narratives of these songs. I'm really miffed as to why this album is on the list, when it's so bland and forgettable. It might be competently made, but I hardly think that criteria is enough to land an album on this list. I hate to be so critical, but this was a big miss for me.
Pleasant listening, music to drive down the highway to. Best song: Winter In feels nostalgic as hell, I really vibe with the vocals on Tears of Rage, and For a Spanish Guitar was fun and gave American Pie vibes Worst song: I would never intentionally listen to this cover of Stand By Me I would give this a 3.5/5 but I let it play through multiple times--there's just something soothing about this one, I'll round up to a 4. I don't think any song in here would ever be a favorite, but sometimes an album just sets a nice vibe and that should be appreciated.
No. 248/1001 The Virgin 4/5 With Tomorrow 4/5 White Light 3/5 Because of You 3/5 One In A Handred 3/5 For A Spanish Guitar 4/5 Where My Love Lies Asleep 4/5 Tears of Rage 3/5 1975 3/5 Because of You 4/5 Stand By Me 3/5 Ship of the Lord 3/5 Opening Day 3/5 Winter In 4/5 Average: 3,43 Enjoyable country album. Really liked some of the songs.
This is the third Byrds-related record in my review rotation. White Light leans too far into country tropes and folk genre cliches for my taste. It's not poorly executed, some of the songs are pleasant, it's just terribly boring. Maybe in 1971 you could grab a guitar and sing a song nicely on record and fans of your earlier work would be happy. And, that's just it, this record feels more like an appeal to existing fans than an artistic achievement. The cover of Stand By Me is a good example of how pedestrian the whole album sounds now. It's hard to hear how this record justifies itself as one of the 1001 albums you must hear before you die.
Not sure exactly how this dude got such a spread of genres; country, pop, folk, rock, psychedelic rock, and singer songwriter. This is album 144 for me and that's easily the most I've seen so far. What's psychedelic about this album? Anyway. It's amazing that he was so big in the Netherlands, haha. It's not bad. Just country folk, right down the middle. I just keep hankering for Townes Van Zandt. 2.5
Simpler and much more countrified than No Other. But equally rich and warm and substantive, and consistently good throughout, if a bit prosaic, patient and non-exciting. Certainly, this should be better known. “Tears of Rage” is excellent. This might just be a record one has to take one’s time in getting to know and building a relationship with – a record one would marry more than date. It might be simplistic to say that it lacks a hit, but that (plus the melancholic overtones) might be a big reason why it never connected at scale. It’s more about a mood and a vibe, which one likes, but understands that everybody else (i.e., masses, general public, hoi polloi) do not, necessarily. 3.7/4 (And yes rounding up because underratedness.)
2.5
fínt ... ljúft og gott
I found gene Clark’s “White Light” to be a far, far, far, far, far less talented knock-off of a Neil Young/Bob Dylan artist mash-up… Nothing really compelling about these tracks – though several are saved by pretty decent harmonica work – and I have a weakness for the strategic use of good harmonica (i.e. think Neil Young & Jimmy Buffett to name a few…). Usually note a couple of tracks that stood out for me, but these all just sort of ran together for me… Will give it a 2 due to the decent harmonica, and as well as decent audio quality for 1970… Highly forgettable though…
Alright it grew on me as I listened 2.5 stars
The second half of this was better than the first half, but I was bored through the entire thing. Wannabe Bob Dylan is all I heard.
not for me
Didn't recognise any of the songs. Quite relaxing though.
If you add the words, “white heat,“ to the title you get an excellent album and song from the Velvet Underground. That stands in stark contrast to this room temperature pile of mediocrity.
I see why it sold poorly in the US: it’s not bad, but there is no standout for radio play. An example of several famous musicians coming together and not making a great album.
All the songs sounded pretty much the same. Very meh.
the stand by me cover is so random
I have to be honest. I have not received any enjoyment from the country rock tinged singer/songwriter movement of the 1970s. Cannot stand any of them really.
Bored!!!!!
Not a bad little album. Sometimes reminds me of how I imagine Bob Dylan sounds to people who don't hate Bob Dylan. Nothing on here that particularly wow'd me, but I enjoyed it alright pretty much all the way through. 3.25/5
This was ok, but a bit on the sleepy side for me. It didn't catch me in any strong way, but also it wasn't bad. 2.75/5
Meh. Kind of diet Dylan
3/5
Innoffensive but nothing to write home about. There are a lot of much better singer-songwriters out there.
70’s ballady music
Folk / country feel
Probably a 3.5. I like the steel guitar and harmonica, but it was a bit too slow style folk for me
Two Gene Clark albums. Who does this list think he is? Dylan he is not. Meh. I was feeling the first album of his, but the second didn't move me. Perhaps subsequent listens may prove rewarding. we shall see if I consider it.
No standouts but very pleasant. Gene Clark does simple better. I won't argue that it doesn't deserve to get ripped on by a bunch of the reviews on here though. Couple things stop this from being a solid 4: - I thought I would kinda like the Byrds before I started this exercise. Now I see a Byrds thing and I'm like 'oh christ, the Byrds, what mediocre bullshit is this going to be now'. - Multiple songs sound like they're trying hard to be different from something huge. Half the thing wants to sound like You Ain't Goin' Nowhere wants to pull it in, and a song's guitar line sounds like Only Love Can Break Your Heart. But I think I have a soft spot for this country folk sound, so I will listen to it again. music: appreciated. (⌐._.)
Not sure of the necessity of two Gene Clark albums on the list, but just like the other one, I thought this was decent and pleasant enough. I’ll fly off the handle and give a one-star if there’s a third one though (just kiddin).
Singer songwriter. It was fine, but didn’t really distinguish itself from all the other Bob Dylan-esque “guitar and harmonica” albums.
Nothing much to report
Very easy on the ears, you can hear the early Byrds sound, and some lovely songwriting especially the first track.
This record is a prime example of music that grows on you with repeated listens. Really dig the album cover. I enjoyed the more folky tracks. This seems to be getting blasted in the reviews and ratings, but I would listen to this over any current Country, Pop or Rap 100% of the time.
Never heard of this guy, but he's got a nice enough rocky/country vibe.
Not a lot to say here
this album sounds kinda like this guy wishes he was what neil young is, but that being said, this isn't nearly as bad as the other reviews made it out to be.
I hadn't listened to any Gene Clark albums previously, but I am familiar with his work with the Byrds. The music has a similar sound and in many ways it's on par or better than most of the Byrds music. Great songwriting, solid songs and his voice is easy to listen to, I wasn't surprised to read he guested with the 80's band, the Long Ryders, as their sound is heavily influenced by the Byrds. A good, under the radar classic.
Gross. This was lame. Why does he have two dorky first names for his name. Lol. Ok Gene.
Not bad.
Dylan-light.
Just so dull and uninspiring. Not the worst thing ever, but I don't want to listen to it anymore.
Не люблю это заунывное кантри
Maybe if I was camping, deliriously drunk,I might've enjoyed this.
Like a better vocally Dylan but with less gripping lyrics. A good album but best 1001 of all time? I dunno about that. Still… very enjoyable!
Solid throughout. Good laid back guitar work and spiritful harmonica. Songs are well differentiated throughout. There's a somewhat narrow context I would listen to country music in, but if I am in the mood, this album would be a great one to reach for.
enjoyable. who is gene clark though?
Well, it wasnt for me and why its a 1001 must hear is a mystery
Perfectly acceptable, if a bit long.
Nicely understated and under appreciated. Soft and lovely, the album can sound a bit the same at first, but the songs quickly grow on you.
How can I sun this up?? It’s what would happen if Bob Dylan sang over Jimmy Buffet music…. I liked this album. I’m afraid though that Gene Clark will get lost in my mind before I really dig deep into his life’s collection but what a fun first ride. Maybe you’ll feel the same but you have to like acoustic almost protesty sounding songs. Choice cut: White Light
A sweet melodic album for the most part. Easy listening and smooth.
The Dylan-esque songwriting is quietly captivating on record that is full of warmth and depth. It's lack of hooks and energy may be off-putting and the production is sparse but this album showcases superb vocals and musical arrangements that gives each song a little bit of flavour (but not too much).
Cowboy shit again!!!
Improved slightly after the intro to the first track (oh God no, not more country landfill?) but not enough to stir any interest.
This is another one of the albums to endure on this list.
Awww... that bloody harmonica strikes again! It's a shame I have such an issue with it, as Gene Clark's voice is quite soothing. Fecking harmonica! FWIW, I liked the album artwork photography.
Nice singer-songwriter-album. Not really exceptional.
Another surprise from the list! Mellow almost country feel.
Gene Clark's *No Other* has been a personal favorite of mine for a few years now. So obviously, I was looking forward to discovering this earlier solo album from the former Byrds frontman. This is a collection of very pretty songs, performed in an obviously more understated fashion compared to the compositions on Clark's magnum opus (which was so unfairly underrated at the time). The chord changes look simple, but that's a very deceptive first impression, since quite a few of them actually go to interesting places on a harmonic level. *White Light*'s highlights are opener "The Virgin", delicate "With Tomorrow", bluesy "One In A Hundred", fully acoustic and harmonica'-laden "For A Spanish Guitar", the cover of Bob Dylan's "Tears of Rage" (where Clark translates the song into his own streamlined-yet-fully-effective folk grammar), and also closer "1975", another bluesy cut propelled by a nice bassline that sounds both laidback and bouncy. And the rest of the tracklist is more than decent, even if neither stellar nor groundbreaking. As usual, Gene's vocals might sound a little too polite (and even quaint) for some ears, but with this particular singer, this is how the artist can convey his touching vulnerability to the listener, as long as the latter is perceptive and sensitive enough to listen to the whole thing as a genuine example of a singer-songwriter pouring his soul into his art. *White Light*'s straightforward qualities actually pave the way to the grand ambitions of *No Other*. If the two records sound very different, they're still two sides of the same coin. Even if, admittedly, one of those sides shines far brighter today. 3.5/5 for the purposes of this list of "essential album, rounded up to 4. 8.5/10 for more gneral purposes (5+3.5) Number of albums left to review: 150 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 366 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 216 (including this one) Albums from the list I won't include in mine: 272
Made it all the way through which is good for his type of music. Pretty nice.
Nice but not striking me as outstanding for tunes, innovation or vibes.
Dylan lite, with a lot of stereotypical themes and rhymes
There's nothing this guy's doing that Bob Dylan isn't doing better
It’s a fine album. I can appreciate it but there wasn’t really anything that stood out to me. 6.5/10
Not sure if this could be neatly categorized as country but for me I would say it is. Love the harmonica!
Two stars because I liked two songs here. Otherwise it would have been only one.
White Light, aka Gene Clark, is the second solo album by Gene Clark, originally released in 1971. Gene Clark was probably best known for his stint with the Byrds, where he was a founding member until his departure in 1966. He either wrote or co-wrote many of the band's biggest hits, and losing him was quite the blow. Clark had a lesser known solo career where he turned to more of a country rock/singer-songwriter sound. This really leaves room for him to flex his songwriting chops. This record is very intimate and mellow, with extremely poetic lyrics accompanying Clark's acoustic guitar and Jesse Ed Davis' slide guitar. It's a wonder why this didn't gain notoriety upon release given the popularity of the singer-songwriter scene in the early 70s. It really shows that Clark was doing this for the love of the music, as he refused to take part in the promotion of the record. This was also coupled with the fact that he had an intense fear of flying which severely limited his touring capacity. I think this is a solid offering from Clark. It features highlights such as "For A Spanish Guitar", "Where My Love Lies Asleep", and a great version of "Tears of Rage". Its cosmic country sound would prove influential for modern artists such as Beachwood Sparks and Tim Hill.
good but not my type
Nowhere near as good as his work with The Byrds, but that is a high bar to clear. Country tinged American folk is a genre I have a soft spot for, and this is a pretty good example. Interesting choice of cover (actually covers, on the linked expanded version) helps elevate just that 1/4 point higher meaning it rounds to 4!
Am I missing something? Already got No Other, which the Wikipedia article said everyone thought sucked but it eventually came to be well regarded. This one says everyone thought it sucked (except the Netherlands) and has not since gained any appreciation. How do some of these albums make this list?