Recorded - late 1971
Released - February 18, 1972 (UK), May 1972 (US)
#1 for weeks of July 29 & August 5, 12 and 19 & September 2 and 9, 1972.
In my previous review, I talked about the timeless quality of "Lean On Me". The song may have been recorded over 42 years ago, and some may not even know who the artist is. Yet, the song lives on through the current generation. As for today's song and artist, anyone under the age of 40 might be scratching their heads. "Gilbert O'Sullivan? Who is that?" Those, not in the know, will most likely shoot you a confused glance when you mention his first and only #1 pop hit, "Alone Again (Naturally)".
Born in Ireland but raised in England, Gilbert O'Sullivan humbly began his music career during the later half of the 1960's. This early material, as well as the bowl-cut schoolboy image he portrayed stand in sharp contrast with the British psychedelic movement. All of the music was his own, and one could say he was ahead of the times in terms of being a piano-based singer/songwriter. So it's only natural that the introspective "Alone Again" was such a smash hit during a time period where piano-based singer/songwriters ruled the pop charts.
If I were to describe "Alone Again" in one word, it would be, "Dark". The song has incredibly depressing lyrics, and I'm not exaggerating in the slightest. For example, the first verse alone includes lyrics about wanting to jump off a tall building and getting stood up at an alter. Fittingly, the music track is incredibly melancholic. Besides the ever-prominent piano, there are some gentle acoustic guitars and a full orchestra.
While I'm not very well-versed in Gilbert's music, his voice has always come off as sounding one of a kind. Due to his rather androgynous vocal timbre as well as the time period that "Alone Again" became a hit, I could easily hear this being sung by Carly Simon. I wouldn't exactly call his voice something I'd care to listen to over several albums, but I always appreciate a deviation from the norm.
Final Verdict - Once again, I have mixed feelings about "Alone Again". Mostly, it's just the lyrical content, which is downright depressing. The song to me comes across as way too serious and bleak. It's not a bad song, in fact the main melody is quite good. I just wouldn't consider it a major high point of the 1970's.
Coming Up Next - "Brandy (You're A Fine Girl)" by Looking Glass.
Until Next Time, I'm Dr. Rock (Naturally) -
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