Search - Randy Newman :: Lonely at the Top

Great single disc compilation of Randy

Wayne Klein | My Little Blue Window, USA | 07/06/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you can't (or won't) spring for the superb boxset that came out last year, this is a terrific summation of Randy's career. Can't argue with most of the song selections (although there are a few additional selections I would have added).I'd suggest that if you like Randy Newman you may want to investigate Lyle Lovett or Harry Nilsson. The former may look a little funny (hey, who doesn't?), but has one of the most unique songwriting voices in contemporary music. Harry Nilsson, unfortunately, isn't with us any more. Harry was probably the only contemporary of Randy's that displayed as much depth as a songwriter. Harry was blessed with a 3 1/2 octave range and rich voice that made him a stand out among the artists of the 70's His album Pussycats has just been reissued with bonus tracks.Anyway, a good compilation."

All Hail King Randy

Itamar Katz | Ramat-Gan, Israel | 08/03/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"'Lonely At The Top' is the best possible introduction to one of the most overlooked musical geniuses of the 20th century. If you're not familiar (or only briefly familiar) with the music of Randy Newman then this compilation will give you a fantastic selection of classics from the various stages of his career, from the charming pop ballads of his first album ('Love Story', 'Living Without You' and 'I Think It's Going To Rain Today'), through the cold, sharp sarcasm of Sail Away ('Political Science', 'God's Song', 'Sail Away'), and to the fantastic 80s guitar pop of 'Little Criminals' ('Jolly Coppers on Parade', 'Short People'). Eace and every one of the songs here is memorable, great songs like 'Rider In The Rain', 'My Old Kentucky Home', 'Rednecks', the disturbing 'Christmas in Capetown' and of course the unforgettable hit 'Lonely At The Top'. Slightly odd is the exclusion of the massive hit 'You Can Leave Your Hat On'; otherwise, for the casual listener, 'Lonely At The Top' is all the Randy Newman you should need (though, of course, it lacks his lovely 90s Disney themes like 'You've Got a Friend In Me' from Toy Story and 'If I Didn't Have You' from Monsters Inc.) If you enjoyed it, though, you are more than welcomed to make a stab at his wonderful albums (the best place to start would be either 'Sail Away', 'Good Old Boys', 'Randy Newman' or 'Little Criminals')."

Perfect

R. Riis | NY | 10/31/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The perfect one-disc introduction to a great singer/songwriter. I might have chosen a few additional tracks (the "Born Again" album is not represented), but not at the expense of deleting any on this disc. The excellent remastering lets you appreciate his brilliant arrangements and his under-appreciated piano playing."