Song #284 - "Brandy (You're A Fine Girl)" - Looking Glass

Recorded - early 1972

Released - May 18, 1972

#1 for week of August 26, 1972. 

     Welcome back to Dr. Rock's one hit wonder series...err...I mean, "Hit or miss". The never-ending gauntlet of artists who only have one hit to their name has no end. In fact, there are quite a few more one hit wonders left to hear from the 1970's alone! "Brandy (You're A Fine Girl)" defines the early 1970's soft rock scene. Yet, were Looking Glass, the band which wrote and released the song, worth more than just their only hit? Let's find out...

     Looking Glass, based in New Jersey, formed in the late 1960's. Unlike many poppy groups and singers who have graced or soiled this blog with their presence, Looking Glass were self-contained artists. Their first of only two albums was initially a flop, and even after the success of "Brandy", this album only reached 113 on the pops. In fact, it wasn't until a radio DJ gave the song repeated airtime that "Brandy" became a runaway smash hit. 

     A watery electric organ is the dominant instrument in "Brandy", and I've always felt that this gives the song a very seaside feel. Considering the lyrics pertain to sailors and the shore, this feel is quite fitting. The song also has quite a few hooks, especially during the upbeat choruses. "Brandy" also presents us with some welcome lyrical dissonance: We have a very happy melody against a lyrically saddening chorus. Perfect!

     If you don't include singer and songwriter Elliot Lurie's rich-sounding baritone voice, I'd say the song foreshadows the upcoming sounds of fellow Jersey rockers, the E-Street Band. I personally would have removed the rather poppy-sounding string section while keeping the very fitting brass intact. 

     So what happened to Looking Glass after "Brandy" sailed away from the charts? Well, their second and final single, "Jimmy Loves Mary-Anne" only reached #33 on the charts. Its parent album didn't even chart. By 1974, Looking Glass' ship had sailed. Perhaps it was the rapid rush to fame due to their only hit, or perhaps they resented being considered a pop band. Either way, Looking Glass are now forever known as a one hit wonder. 

Final Verdict - Despite "Brandy" being a solitary hit, the song is quite enjoyable. We have a captivating narrative, a unique-sounding lead vocalist, and an overall pleasant melody. I'd consider it an oft-overlooked gem that deserves another look into. 

Coming Up Next - "Black And White" by Three Dog Night. 

Until Next Time, I'm Dr. Rock and my life my love and my lady, is the sea -