Collection 1969-1979: Songs for the Family of Man
As the master of wistful, melancholic love songs, Paul Williams penned major hits for The Carpenters ("We've Only Just Begun", "Rainy Days And Mondays"), Helen Reddy ("You And Me Against The World") and Three Dog Night ("An Old Fashioned Love Song", "Out In The Country"). Williams also recorded an incredible run of albums as a performer in his own right. In collaboration with fellow writers Roger Nichols and Kenny Ascher, Williams imbued his songs with uncluttered arrangements, enticing melodies and introspective lyrics, making many of them pop standards in the process. For this outstanding, 23-track, multi-label collection, Raven has culled the best tracks from his 1970s albums for the Reprise, A&M; and Portrait labels, including his own versions of all the big hits. In addition there's a song from the film Phantom Of The Paradise ("The Hell Of It") plus his version of the Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe-winning Barbra Streisand hit "Evergreen" (originally from A Star Is Born). Amazing stuff. Raven. 2006.