Randy Nnnnewman

Overall Album Score: 8.7 out of 10

You all know who Randy Newman is (and, no, he's not the fat guy from Seinfeld) ... he's the guy who wrote all those songs for those Pixar animation Toy Story films. He also would become a Hollywood trivia question for being nominated for an Academy Award more than a dozen times yet never winning one ... until his song for Monsters Inc finally got the nod from the almighty Oscar.

If you're at all familiar with the songs from the movie, or perhaps the songs he would do later on in his album-recording career, then you'll not be surprised at what this album sounds like: RANDY NEWMAN! For all I know, his songs from the Toy Story films were originally written for this album ... there's absolutely ZERO difference, stylistically! And if you absolutely love the Randy Newman who wrote those songs, there's no reason for you to dislike this album.

Well, there's one glaring exception to that ... There really aren't any actual *solid* melodies on here. Most of these songs sound like misguided attempts at doing show tunes without having the benefit of being catchy. Nevertheless, Newman's sense of utter charm is strongly present in every single one of these tracks. Most of these songs are clever yet they have a sad and very sincere undertone ... so much so that I cannot fathom an individual ever hating this album. ... I can also imagine that this album has many fans. Myself, I truly and deeply want to embrace this album more than I admittedly do. I just can't because the melodies are rather weak! There are a few good ones, but by and large ... eh.

Overall Album Score: 8.7 out of 10 (Yeah ... this is a likable album, even though I didn't care a whole lot for the melodies. Newman is a very sincere fellow, though. It's very difficult for anyone with taste to dislike him.)

Album Tilt: 8.5 (I cannot dislike the album one little bit.)

Artist Rating: 9.0 (There is clearly a certain artistic breadth to these songs. If you're going to like them for anything, it's going to be for Newman's delivery even though they weren't that entertaining on a melodic level.)

Track Reviews

Love Story 9/10

Dudes ... From the very first moment we hear this song, we know immediately that Randy Newman basically never changed from a youngin' in 1968 until that old fat guy swaying behind the piano at the Oscars in 2003. This is a pretty good song if you don't mind songs that sound show-tuney. It doesn't have any particularly strong hooks in it, but at least there are some! ... Maybe a little unfocused, but the song overall is nice. I really like the stringed arrangements.

Bet No One Ever Hurt This Bad 8.5/10

...Yeah, this song never really catches fire, either. Yet, it's pretty much impossible to hate this. Newman is light and quirky as he is (even though the lyrics are somber and heartbreaking) ... again, the musical songwriting on this one is a bit weak. And I feel sad that I have to criticize it so much for that, because it had nothing but good intentions!

Living Without You 8/10

...Geez!!!!!! You really don't know how to appreciate a good pop-hook until you've heard this. Randy Newman gives absolutely zero here! ... Nevertheless, it's still pleasant, and it's not mind-numbingly blah. The light harpsichord in the background is nice. The awkward crescendo in the song at multiple spots has its purpose, but ... it doesn't exactly work!

So Long Dad 8.5/10

A violin section personifies this one ... I mean, really, other than the homely quality of this one, there's real no reason to listen to this! You cannot hate a song such as this; for me, anyway, it's pretty much impossible. Nevertheless, I cannot be head-over-heels about something so generally blah! Needs more hooks!

I Think He's Hiding 9.5/10

Well, at least Randy Newman tackles a bluesy type mindset with this one, resulting in a song with seemingly more purpose than those bizarre show tune type things that precedes this. In general, I actually do actively enjoy this tune! ... Although, as far as Beatles-like hooks in it, it's about a mile behind! Nevertheless, this is definitely a good one.

Linda 9/10

Really sort of bleak ... but, crap, this is rather entertaining in that sad kind of quirky way just like all the other songs from the album! Also like most of the other songs from the album, this is also lacking quite a bit in the hook department. It's all still very very pleasant, though, and not even remotely uninteresting.

Laughing Boy 8/10

This thing almost defines a show tune! ... Very very show tune sounding ...... and it's also kinda boring. No wonder Newman went into movie soundtracks ... that's what this song is much more suited for. I need some type of visual to go along with this!

Cowboy 8/10

Very slow ... very boring ...... yet not hate-able. ... Newman does seem to prove why he remained such an enduring figure on the pop music scene! There's absolutely no justification in hating the guy ... as far as I can see.

The Beehive State 8.5/10

Much more upbeat this time, Newman delivers something of a more Jewish flavor! (...Yet, it still sounds like a regular Newman song ...... That guy sure has his signature!) ... Yup, this is another utterly likable tune that isn't technically very brilliant.

I Think It's Going to Rain Today 9/10

Man ... this song is so bleak that I almost thought the album quit playing! ... But there's a song on here! The melody on this one is okay. Newman's delivery, however, has feeling to it! ... I guess that's another one of the guy's strengths. Even though his actual vocal quality isn't very high, he's got a good sense of feeling.

Davy the Fat Boy 9/10

Another very quirky yet sad song. ... But ... dude! It's got some hooks! They help make your song more interesting and catchy!

Newman is randy and he wants you to e-mail some commentitoes here!!!