Search - Albert Hammond :: Golden Classics

Could easily be a "best of" compilation

Reto | Zurich, Switzerland | 10/10/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD contains all the songs from Albert Hammond's first two solo albums (It never rains in Southern California, 1972/The free electric band, 1973) - which are among his best ones - in their original order, as well as two songs from his third LP, Albert Hammond (1974).This sounds very unspectacular and could make you think that this CD is just a more or less ordinary re-release of some ordinary albums - but because of the over-average lyrics and the outstanding production, it could easily be a "best of" compilation (by far not complete, though):Only It never rains in Southern California, Down by the river, The air that I breathe and The free electric band being really popular, this CD contains several underestimated gems, e.g. Anyone here in the audience, Names, tags, numbers & labels, The road to understanding, Smokey factory blues, Rebecca...The Albert Hammond/Mike Hazlewood songwriting team was/is without doubt one of the greatest gifts of the Seventies' music world. But please be aware that Hammond didn't leave the business after these efforts; hopefully, Sony will prove this by re-releasing more of his works.See alberthammond.net, my website about this great singer/songwriter (supported by Albert Hammond himself), for more details on his life and music."

A Must Listen to album

Reto | 02/10/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Albert Hammond is virtually unknown, but many of his songs are known well. This album contains over 20 of his best, including the entire contents of his first two albums, and a few from his third. Pop fans will love every minute like I did. This album is pure melody, and contains songs that can relax as well as make you think. As someone who mostly listens to top 100 alternative these days, I can say that I like a variety of music, and that includes Albert Hammond. I only wish some of his later classics were included on this CD!"

An Unknown Soldier

Thomas Lapins | Orlando, Florida USA | 09/25/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This guy is the dark side of humanity crying out to be heard by the masses. It's a CD to listen to when you're feeling quiet and introspective. His voice isn't the greatest, the songs aren't the most memorable. But songs like "Listen To The World", "If You Gotta Break Another Heart", "Brand New Day", "Anyone In The Audience" and "For The Peace Of All Mankind" have the soul of an emerging poet with something to say. "All I Need Is The Air That I Breathe" has been made into a zillion re-makes. His is not the best but he is the author and gives a good version. "It Never Rains In Southern California" remains one of those great am radio songs from the early seventies. However, the song I most like is "Names, Tags, Numbers & Labels". I bought the CD mostly for this song. I hadn't heard it in twenty years but remembered how I played that eight track over and over to hear this one. It hits hard and true and with real American poetry. If I were a singer this is one of those songs I would sing again and again. Albert also wrote "99 Miles From L.A." that great song by Art Garfunkel and "When I Needed You" with Carole Bayer Sager."