The single, “Everything Is Beautiful” was high on the charts at around the time the album was hitting the stores. Ray’s biggest selling single, with estimates as high as 3 million copies sold. There’s really not anything to say, here, other than it’s a classic, hitting number one on both the pop and AC charts, while becoming his first Country 40 single, peaking at thirty-nine. The kids heard at the beginning, singing “Jesus Loves The Little Children” were from Nashville’s Oak Hill Elementary. Reportedly, Ray recorded them, himself, and the kids included his daughters.
Next, Ray covers the Youngbloods’ hit, “Get Together”, in my opinion, one of the best top 40 hits of the late 1960′s. Ray’s version is more lush and polished, but a highly enjoyable version, featuring a fine vocal performance.
When Ray takes on Joe South’s “Walk A Mile In My Shoes”, he sells the song as well as Joe South, himself, did. A strong Hidden Gem contender, one of the album’s best tracks.
And it’s nearly the same story on Ray’s take on “Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head”. As good as the hit, B. J. Thomas version. Reportedly, Ray was offered the song before Thomas, but turned it down in order to record “Sunday Morning Coming Down”. Unfortunately, that single flopped, while the B. J. Thomas recording of this song became a smash. Another Hidden Gem contender.
“Leaving On A Jet Plane” is one of the I-can-take-it-or-leave-it type of songs for me, but that said, Ray’s version is good. A much more polished version that Peter, Paul, & Mary’s; or John Denver’s.
Side two opens with Ray’s strong vocal work on “Love Theme From Romeo And Juliet”. The instrumental version had been a number one pop hit for Henry Mancini, Ray’s vocals merely enhance an outstanding melody.
“She Belongs To Me” falls a little more on the country side, but is not as strong of a song as the others on the disc. Alright, but a little bland and seems to drag a bit, despite a medium tempo.
On the other hand, I do like “Early In The Morning”, which is a really nice piece of early 70′s pop. Very catchy melody, featuring a refrain hook that will stick with you all day.
The tempo picks up a bit more with “A Brighter Day”. Lyrics are the highlight, here, a really good track that one wonders could have been a single?
Ray ends the album with a couple of Beatles’ songs, first being “She Came In Through The Bathroom Window”, which was part of the Abbey Road release. Of course, it’s not in the same league as the Fab 4, but still, I do like this track, a lot. Enough that I would consider it a Hidden Gem contender.
Same goes for Ray’s take on “Something”. Nice vocal on an outstanding composition (one of my favorite Beatles songs). Good end to a good album.
The album is still available as an MP3 download, as well as compact disc. Should you choose to go for vintage vinyl, most copies I saw were less than $10.
Of course, the title track gets the Standout Track nod, while in a tough call, I give “Walk A Mile In My Shoes” the Hidden Gem. “She Belongs To Me” is the Weakest Track, just not as strong as the other ten.
Overall, a fine album from one of the all-time greats; a man who should really get serious consideration for the Country Music Hall Of Fame. It should be noted that this really isn’t a country album, it was a pop release, aimed at the top 40 and AC markets. Still, there’s elements of country throughout. I rate it a 4.5 out of 5.
Your thoughts?
Saving vinyl, one record at a time.
Ray Stevens "Everything Is Beautiful" Classic Album Review
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