Search - Bobby Sherman :: Bobby Sherman

Hangs in the memory longer than METROMEDIA did!

Fang Shih-yu | Mercer, PA USA | 01/09/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"After myriad singles releases by various labels that hoped to cash in on his "Shindig" reputation failed, it would take Bobby Sherman's role on the TV show "Here Come The Brides"(1968-70)--plus his singing--that resulted in his signing with the ill-fated Metromedia Records: both made him a household name across the country. The success of the "Little Woman" single was followed-up with his first, self-titled Metromedia LP. Produced by Jackie Mills (who would later produce Davy Jones, The Brady Kids and the latter-day Archies) with arrangements by Al Capps, this debut album is a touch somber, compared to later LPs where the winning formula (established by "LW" and "La La La [If I Had You]") ruled out even the slightest experimentation (the jacket photo of Bobby ALONE expresses pensiveness to a fault). "Rainy Day Thought" and "Sounds Along The Way" work as sung "free verse" poetry. "One Too Many Mornings", "This Guy's In Love With You" and "A Time For Us" are serviceable covers, while "Bluechip" is just ODD; these tracks are salvaged by Capp's arrangements, which are more varied on this LP than on later singles and albums. Bobby's own compositions "Love" and "Time" are very strong album tracks (Single Material? Not "light" enough), as are "Land Of Make Believe" and his spin on "Seattle" (the "HCTB" theme song). "Little Woman" is why many bought the record in the first place; it still holds up as the mold (replete with horns and Bobby's "sing-along" ad-libs) from which future Sherman hit singles would be cast....If you got this as part of that Collectables 2-on-1 CD (from 2001), you're smart; latecomers will NOT be cheated, however, if they get this via the very affordable MP3 download, especially if you only want the MUSIC. People who are newly trying out Bobby's music should try either the Varese "Very Best Of" CD (from 2000) or listen to download samples before buying, as he will not be for all tastes (believe it or not, and I do)!...All the best, Brother Fang."