Album Seven by Rick / Ricky Sings Spirituals
Nelson's final Imperial release before leaving for Decca,Album Sevenwas his last hurrah before his early '70s comeback with the Stone Canyon Band. The hits he scored with Decca are covers of standards, as the former teen idol aimed for "adult" acceptance, a strategy that backfired with the arrival of theBeatles. The liner notes to this reissue point out that Nelson was one of the main catalysts in bringing country to rock & roll, and much ofAlbum Sevendisplays a decidedly country edge, particularly in James Burton's guitar licks. The rerelease is fleshed out with bonus hits such as the self-examining "Teenage Idol" (a thematic precursor to "Garden Party") and "It's Up to You," which may have been Burton's finest moment. This is the only twofer reissue not arranged chronologically, since the second part is the 1959Ricky Sings SpiritualsEP. While not as good as the gospel music produced by his idol,Elvis Presley, the four religious cuts (including one composed by dad Ozzie) are  noteworthy for the background vocals by Darlene Love & the Blossoms.--Bill Holdship