This album was admittedly a total blindspot for me outside of 'Take Me to the River'. Why does 'The Big Country' sound so familiar? Other than those two tracks, regrettably, I must say the rest were forgettable. It's just not a sound that I really connect with.

Holy shit that opening guitar solo... what a sound.

Beautiful voice, but not really my thing.

Such a great opening track. I grew up hearing this album at home but never properly listened through it as an adult until now. Solid.

Not sure how I've missed out on this album for so long, but I really enjoyed it. Iconic voice. Great songwriting.

Interesting blend of 60s pop and 90s production. I had only heard some of their later 2000s work before now.

I was initially exposed to this album / artist via my sister, and naturally I did not "get it" at first. I think it all clicked after I heard the sophomore album (Post) and then later revisited this one and found a new appreciation for it. I still prefer the later releases in general (Post/Homogenic/Vespertine - what an incredible trio), but it was fun to go back to the beginning with this one.

I admittedly only got halfway through this album; not because I didn't like it, but because it was rather long. I loved everything I heard. No notes.

Not really my thing, but it was fine. Except that Red, White & Blue track. What the hell?

He has a love-it-or-hate-it voice, and I think I'm in the former camp. *Nobody* sounds like Van, and I appreciate that originality. Some fun and pleasant songs. I'm choosing not to consider or comment on him as person in this context.

Not a bad cut on this album. A perfect encapsulation of an artist truly at the top of their game. Impeccable.

I remember picking up this CD on release day and blasting it on the drive home, and being absolutely floored by the first few tracks. Not my favorite album of theirs by a mile, but it has some killer moments. There, There is excellent. Myxomatosis sounds like nothing else on this planet. The Gloaming is weird. Solid.

I respect the unique guitar sound and technique here, but I don't love it.

This ended up being a fairly *background* listen for me, with the majority of tracks neither grabbing nor bothering my ears. I generally like this sound - and used to listen to much more of it - but it doesn't seem to hold my interest as much these days.

Great album. Could do without the final extended jam track. But generally solid with some standout songs throughout.