Full title - Love Song For Jeffrey/Free & Easy. By 1974, singer/songwriter Helen Reddy had cemented her superstar status with the release of two US Billboard #1 hit singles (the rousing feminist anthem 'I Am Woman' ... more »& the country ballad 'Delta Dawn') & two, million-selling albums (I Am Woman & Long Hard Climb - already combined on a previous Raven 2-for-1 release). That year she issued a further two best-selling albums, Love Song for Jeffrey (US #11) which yielded two US Top 40 hits, 'You & Me Against the World' & 'Keep On Singing', & Free & Easy (US #8) which scored with another US #1 in the chilling & dramatic 'Angie Baby'. Musically both albums presented with a balance of inspirational soul pop & sweeping, romantic balladry, highlighted by covers of material penned by Billy Joel, Leon Russell, Don McLean, Paul Williams, Peter Allen, Carole Bayer-Sager, Tom Jans, Albert Hammond & Mike« less
Full title - Love Song For Jeffrey/Free & Easy. By 1974, singer/songwriter Helen Reddy had cemented her superstar status with the release of two US Billboard #1 hit singles (the rousing feminist anthem 'I Am Woman' & the country ballad 'Delta Dawn') & two, million-selling albums (I Am Woman & Long Hard Climb - already combined on a previous Raven 2-for-1 release). That year she issued a further two best-selling albums, Love Song for Jeffrey (US #11) which yielded two US Top 40 hits, 'You & Me Against the World' & 'Keep On Singing', & Free & Easy (US #8) which scored with another US #1 in the chilling & dramatic 'Angie Baby'. Musically both albums presented with a balance of inspirational soul pop & sweeping, romantic balladry, highlighted by covers of material penned by Billy Joel, Leon Russell, Don McLean, Paul Williams, Peter Allen, Carole Bayer-Sager, Tom Jans, Albert Hammond & Mike
CD Reviews
Another outstanding reissue from Raven Records
Mickey Frith | Nashville, TN | 02/08/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Kudos to Raven Records for FINALLY being the label to take the initiative to start reissuing Helen's fine Capitol catalog from the 70's. As with their previous release, I AM WOMAN/LONG HARD CLIMB, they've done an excellent job here. The sound quality is superb, and the booklet contains informative liner notes and some rare photos.Although I had never heard either album before, I've loved Helen's music for a good number of years, so I didn't think I'd be disappointed--and I certainly wasn't. LOVE SONG FOR JEFFREY is a ballad-heavy album, with several songs dedicated to members of Helen's family. Her version of "Stella by Starlight" (dedicated to her mother) is just gorgeous. FREE AND EASY is likewise a strong album and features the Pointer Sisters on "Showbiz."If you were pleased with I AM WOMAN/LONG HARD CLIMB, I think you'll be content with this release, too. Raven Records next plans to reissue Helen's first two Capitol records, HELEN REDDY/I DON'T KNOW HOW TO LOVE HIM, later on this year. I encourage you to write Raven and send them positive feedback: http://www.ravenrecords.com.au/"
Absolutely love it!
Sue | 05/15/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I just got my copy the other day and immediately put it in my portable CD player and went for a walk. I was smiling the whole time! I always loved her voice but forgot how beautiful it really is. I stopped listening to her for a long time but with all the 70's revival in the last few years I picked up the greatest hits CD's. They're OK and fun but the true gems are on these CD's. I had forgotten some of them and was blown away by the fact that after hearing hundreds of other voices in the last 20 years she still has one of the best! I can't stop playing "Songs". It says so very much to anyone who loves music and was a friendless 16 year old! I used to identify with so many of the songs. She spoke to the emptiness we all feel at that age. Love it. Wish she wasn't retired!!!"
What's Old is New Again
Sue | 04/06/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What a delightful surprise to find and enjoy these two Helen Reddy albums, re-issued by Raven on one CD. I was very fond of Helen's work in the 70s but only recently became a bona fide fan, digging into the titles of the old catalog still available. The hits and favorites are here: You and Me Against the World, Keep on Singing, Emotion, Angie Baby (a hit but not necessarily a favorite, for me). And so are gems previously unknown to me: I'll Be Your Audience, Pretty, Pretty and the gorgeous Stella by Starlight. These albums were well orchestrated and produced originally and have been meticulously remastered for reissue. A wonderful addition to your music collection if you appreciate fine adult contemporary music."
Good music ages like fine wine....it just gets better!!!!
N. Brice | italy | 08/27/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I just want to say I just recently got Helen Reddy's I Am Woman/Long Hard
Climb & Love Song For Jeffrey/Free & Easy CDs
I have been waiting years for her albums to be re-issued to CD so when I was looking into Amazon for music and
thought well just let me try Helen Reddy and see what thousand of
compilations are on offer and so to my amazement I saw these two CDs and
ordered them right on the spot.
The funny part is when these 4 albums were first released I was between
the ages of 7 to 10 and did not get into her music until I was a teenager.
But after not hearing these songs for over 20 some odd years and after
experiencing life I am listening to these songs in a whole new light.
I guarantee these CD are brilliant and they have been re mastered so the sound is so clear and Helen's vocals are crystal clear!!!!
I can't wait for the next 2 for 1 release!!!!"
Two great albums on CD from one great singer.
Davis Caitlin | Martins Ferry, Ohio | 05/29/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Listen to the honesty projected in the Paul Williams'beautiful "You and Me Against The World".
"Songs" is a song that will simply lift you up and away from whatever hard day you could be having.
You just don't find that anymore in today's Pop...what is left of Pop music.
Helen Reddy established herself as one of the best with her impeccable taste of song selection both commercial and personal.
Love Song For Jeffery like the I Am Woman Grammy winner is a showcase for great ballads and great vocals.