Recorded - March 1-3, 1972
Released - May 12, 1972
#1 for weeks of September 23 and 30 & October 7, 1972.
We step once again into country territory, a terrain that I'm not usually accustomed to. Nevertheless, I'm determined to give a fair and unbiased review regardless of my own tastes. Since today's song is unfamiliar to me, I'm hoping for a pleasant surprise.
Mac Davis is best known for composing some of Elvis' finest late 1960's work including "In The Ghetto". Mac also released many songs on his own during the 1960's. So with these credentials under his resume, certainly he knew how to create a #1 pop hit? Well, he did strike the top, for three weeks, with "Baby, Don't Get Hooked On Me". But does the song hold up today, and is it any good?
The short answer to those questions is, not really and...yes. As for the longer answers - read on, dear reader...
"Baby, Don't Get Hooked On Me" sounds VERY early 1970's. There is heavy use of electric organ, Mac sings in a Neil Diamond-esque croon, and there is obligatory soft-pop orchestra. Although this song is classified as a country ballad, I would only classify Mac's vocals as representative of the genre.
However, "Baby, Don't Get Hooked On Me" fails to live up to its name, in that the song contains lots of hooks. Mac kicks up the performance during the choruses with extra vocal dynamics and extra energy. The use of bongos creates a unique sounding percussion part. Even the guitars pop in with lead lines in all the right places. It's a perfect example of how to write a catchy pop song, without resorting to cliches.
Final Verdict - "Baby, Don't Get Hooked On Me" comes off as a bit dated sounding, and the song is far more soft-pop/rock than country. However, I can't deny that the song is well-crafted and full of hooks that work. Overall, it is a dated, period piece that still deserves a listen.
Coming Up Next - "Ben" by Michael Jackson.
Until Next Time, I'm Dr. Rock and I hope you get hooked on my blog -
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