Bobby Goldsboro Albums (11)
What The Critics Say
Bobby Goldsboro was much more than a one-hit artist -- "Honey" tended to overwhelm everything else he did, but as this album cut four years later reminds listeners, he did generate some thoroughly enjoyable LPs interspersed with the hits that made it onto the radio. "Summer (The First Time)" marked the close of the most successful phase of his recording career -- it's a mini-drama/romance about a young man's coming of age, worthy of a screenplay (a lot like "Honey," come to think of it), and exemplifies one side of Goldsboro's work. But for the other, more lighthearted side, there's ample material here, and most of it is first-rate: the bouncy and upbeat "Marlena," the rocking "Mississippi Delta Queen," and a nicely laid-back rendition of "I Can See Clearly Now." The album alternates between those lighter numbers and more serious narrative songs, including "He's a Part of Us," "Killing Me Softly with Her Song" (oddly, a gender-switching cover of a song originally written about Don McLean, an artist who has also tended to be defined by a single song in a long and productive career), and the nostalgia-laden country number "The L&N Don't Stop Here Anymore." Goldsboro and the album switch gears effortlessly, and the record is all the more entertaining and impressive for it; only the closing track, "If'n I Was God" from the contemporary feature film The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, has a slightly tacked-on feel, but even it is welcome -- in the absence of a full score by Goldsboro -- in the interest of completeness (and owing to the fact that it's a pretty good song as soundtrack numbers go on period subjects from this era of filmmaking). The production is first-rate smooth pop/rock with a country flavor, and the whole album marked a fine way to end his relationship with United Artists on a distinct creative high note. And it's still worth owning 35 years later. ~ Bruce Eder, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
This series is positive for younger children three to six. It's a little cutesy, though. ~ Bob Hinkle, All Music Guide
'Lumpkin, The Pumpkin'
Release Date 1/1/1992
Tracks 4
Label Kid Rhino
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
For ages three to six. ~ Bob Hinkle, All Music Guide
'Come Back Home'
Release Date 1/1/1971
Tracks 12
Label United Artists
See Album Tracklist and Review
'Our Way of Life'
Release Date 1/1/1967
Tracks 11
Label United Artists
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
While it isn't quite a concept album, Bobby Goldsboro's 1971 LP We Gotta Start Lovin' is easily dominated by songs about brotherhood, hope and the need for understanding among people, as if two years after the '60s were over, Goldsboro finally decided it was time to Make A Statement. However, in spite of the heavy-handed opening cut "My God and I," most of We Gotta Start Lovin' feels genuine and sincere, with Goldsboro's passionate but well-modulated vocal style lending a warmth and conviction to the proceedings, carrying its messages with dignity and aplomb. Goldsboro co-produced the set with his frequent studio partner Bobby Montgomery as well as writing five of the twelve songs, and while Don Tweedy's arrangements are polished and expansive, they leave enough space for Goldsboro's vocals without overpowering him; the album is at least one or two steps up from the standard soft rock material of the day. (Fans of lesser-known country rock acts of the '70s may be interested to know that John "Bucky" Wilkin wrote three songs for the album.) Significantly, the album's biggest hit was also the most sentimental, "Watching Scotty Grow," and its sugary tone seems a bit out of place here, but overall We Gotta Start Lovin' is a strong piece of work and a bit more ambitious in theme and execution than one might expect from Goldsboro. ~ Mark Deming, All Music Guide
