Song #285 - "Black And White" - Three Dog Night

Recorded - circa early 1972

Released - March 27, 1972 (album), July 1972 (single)

#1 for week of September 16, 1972

     As I mentioned in my review of "Mama Told Me Not To Come", Three Dog Night were, for the most part, not songwriters. Naturally, their third and final #1 pop hit, "Black And White", was a cover. Composed back in the 1950's by David Arkin and Earl Robinson, "Black And White" is an anti-segregation song. Considering how turbulent the 1950's were with regards to the subject matter, the lyrics were a hot topic then and still ring true today. 

     Three Dog Night's cover "Black And White" came out during a time period where racial issues were still impacting the lives of many Americans. The lead vocals come courtesy of Danny Hutton, who had a more rock-style singing voice as opposed to the other two more soulful "Dogs". Musically, "Black And White" is an integrated blend of poppier rock with a Caribbean groove. Since Reggae music was steadily becoming a defined genre, perhaps this comparison isn't too far off the mark. 

     My only major nitpicks are that I feel the song gets a wee bit repetitive. Also, the children's backing vocals are a bit too much. On the other hand, one could view these vocals as symbolizing the next generation growing up more tolerant than the previous generation. When you combine the very singalong quality of "Black And White" with its poignant lyrical content, it's easy to see why the song reached the top of the charts. 

Final Verdict - I feel that Three Dog Night have more memorable tunes in their back catalog. Despite these reservations, "Black And White" is musically intricate and lyrically strong and powerful. It may not be one of the highest musical achievements of 1972, but I'd give it a thumbs up. 

Coming Up Next - "Baby, Don't Get Hooked On Me" by Mac Davis. 

Until Next Time, I'm Dr. Rock and this blog's text is black, the page is white -