Naturally
by J.J. Cale

From Jboy56 03/09/2022 17:05 | #282573

A fantastic, laid back, a cool album for any possible listening situations: on the porch, in the sun, in the sunset or for late nite sittings with a glass of wine or a jar of scotch. Fantastic, criminally underrated in BEA

From buzzdainer 09/11/2021 18:56 | #273641

I came to J.J. Cale not so much through this album (aside from Eric Clapton's cover of "After Midnight," of course), but through his lesser-known 1986 album Guitar Man, which a friend had in regular rotation at his little house on Lake George, New York, where we worked together. But Naturally is Cale's best. His low-key vocal delivery, combined with his impeccable bluesy work on the guitar, make for a perfect companion to a rainy October afternoon in the Adirondacks.

This is an extremely laid back and easy to enjoy record. The guitar work and vocals fit the tone of the album perfectly and create an amazing bluesy feel. It is very short and sweet and you just glide through the record in what feels like no time at all. It does feel quite basic on some tracks and like there isn't a huge amount to explore musically wise. Nonetheless, a thoroughly enjoyable record.

From llibnanoon 10/22/2020 15:12 | #259579

Nice bluesy album. Rating (78.75)

I bought Naturally by J.J. Cale on 07/05/1986 from Record & Tape Exchange on LP for £2.00 The version I have is on the record label Mercury catalogue number PRICE 25 It entered the UK charts on and got to number spending a total of weeks on the chart.

J.J.Cale's first album sets the scene for the rest of his career. Naturally, is mellow, laid back, all those things you associate with Cale. Some of his best songs here in, call me the breeze, call the doctor, and, after midnight. Off course, Cale would never veer to far from this course on any of his records, and though I wouldn't argue with this being his best, my favourite would always be 5. Still, this is probably the best place to start with Cale, at the beginning.

Very under-appreciated album. The guitar-work is under-stated, but impeccable with a lovely gentle tone, somewhat unique to Cale and works off his whispy vocal lines. The beat takes the lead and creates one of the most melodic, foot-tapping blues rock albums I've heard. My only quarrel with the album is I've always found fade-outs to be a bit of a lazy way to end a song, which is used on all tracks. Clyde and River Runs Deep are the stand-outs, but solid throughout. Crying Eyes the only track I'd call weak.

It's amazing that you've never really heard this album but there are many examples of great artists covering these songs. These originals have a more laid back feel than many of the more famous covers. Great listen.

From Timhop 12/17/2014 19:48 | #129560

Cale has always been much bigger in the Antipodian world (Australia New Zealand South Africa) and to a lesser extent Europe, than in The States. Show me another singer/songwriter/guitarist with a debut album as gently bewitching and consumate as this, please.

From Decurso 06/25/2014 05:23 | #115218

An incredibly chill and laid back record. Almost like a musical narcotic.