1001 Albums Summary

I've always thought that he sounds the most like Paul McCartney with his voice on this one, but where the pop gives way to more artistic experimentation is where that small similarity ends. This is an album that is between sounds and normally those fall short for me as they're albums from musicians searching for an identity. That's not the case on this masterpiece in which each track could have made an album that was otherwise filler. This one has no filler. It has a maturity and confidence in it's dabbling with a more pop sound while refusing to just pump out another record that sounds like everything else. It's a bridge from the pop of the 60s to the brown acid hangovers of the 70s. Every song seems to have left it's mark on something that has come since. I adore the forward vocals on the album, and the separation and clarity of the instruments in the mix. I could listen to this on repeat all day and be happy.

A couple decent songs, but overall I'm at a stage in my life where this doesn't do it for me.

Why so many echo effects on the vocals? Some great songs here, but too many ruined by production. Better live than studio because live it let George's voice shine and it's too manipulated on the album.

Ugh.

The simplicity of the song structures and the narrative lyrics/singing style comes together on this one so well. Opting for the piano, but not moving in the pop/soft rock direction, makes Randy stand out among his peers. His voice is unique, almost goofy at times, giving it a light-heartedness that is the polar opposite of what someone like Dylan does with his serious gravel, for example. Newman is also the master of the everyday. There's nothing epic or world historical in his lyrics, but they still transport the listener.

Great album full of hooks. Essential to a musical journey.

One of the best live sets of all time.

A complete masterpiece. Incredible album that is damn near perfect.