Reunion: The Songs of Jimmy Webb was the end result of a musical marriage that happened someplace on the way in which to Phoenix, Arizona by means of Central Kansas and some extent virtually due south on the Gulf Coast of Texas. Glen Campbell’s first hit with a Jimmy Webb music was in late 1967, when “By The Time I Get To Phoenix” made No. 26 on the US charts. A yr later he did significantly higher with Webb’s attractive ballad, “Wichita Lineman” that peaked at No.3 on the bestseller record, and some months after that in early 1969 “Galveston” went one place higher on the Billboard Scorching 100.
These three data are the very epitome of Americana, evocative, wealthy in melody, and richer nonetheless, if that’s attainable, of their lyrical magnificence. We’ve stated it earlier than right here, however Jimmy Webb is actually one of many best residing American songwriters. And but it’s in Glen’s arms, or quite via his stunning singing, that Webb’s songs got here to imply a lot. Simply hearken to the opening verse of “Phoenix” and the way in which Campbell makes the music resonate. It’s a masterpiece.
In 1974, Glen reunited with Jimmy Webb to report an album of the author’s songs, they known as it Reunion: The Songs of Jimmy Webb. Three of the songs Jimmy had recorded for his personal solo album, Land Finish that he’d launched in June 1974. The three are among the many excessive factors on the report, “Just This One Time,” “Ocean In Her Eyes” and “It’s A Sin.” Particularly, “Just This One Time” fits Campbell’s type completely and when coupled with Webb’s usually flamboyant, but nonetheless refined, string preparations it proves very affecting.
The opposite actually robust songs on the report are “You Might As Well Smile,” a trademark conversational Webb particular that has a killer refrain as a bonus. That is heartache. “Adoration” is one other intelligent music, as is “About the Ocean,” stuffed with poignancy and pathos.
The album additionally contains one among Jimmy’s absolute masterpieces, “The Moon’s A Harsh Mistress,” it’s poetic, searing, and in the end a kind of songs that’s recognized to have introduced grown males to tears. Campbell carried out it so movingly on his farewell touring it was additionally recorded in that very same yr of 1974 by Joe Cocker, whose model on his “I Can Stand A Little Rain” set got here out two months earlier than Campbell’s.
Launched within the final week of October 1974, Reunion made No. 18 on the nation charts, with the monitor “It’s A Sin” making No. 16 on the nation singles chart. Glen’s industrial recharging because the “Rhinestone Cowboy” was simply across the nook. And whereas that is an album, largely, stuffed with lesser-known Webb wonders, it’s best to search it out. It’s a masterpiece.
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