John Denver - Rhymes & Reasons

Title: Rhymes & Reasons Artist: John Denver Release Date: 1969 Re-Released On: 3/1/2005 Label: BMG Album Type(s): Greatest Hits UPCs: 4988017626764, 498801762676 Genre: Rock Styles: Singer/Songwriter, Psychedelic, Soft Rock, Folk-Rock, AM Pop Moods: Amiable/Good-Natured, Cheerful, Delicate, Earnest, Gentle, Laid-Back/Mellow, Light, Sweet, Calm/Peaceful, Intimate, Poignant, Reflective, Searching, Sentimental, Wistful, Autumnal, Bittersweet, Exuberant, Organic, Plaintive, Self-Conscious, Soothing, Romantic, Spiritual Total Copies: 0 Members Wishing: 2 Number of Discs/SwapaCD Credits: 1

1. The Love of the Common People
2. Catch Another Butterfly
3. Daydream
4. Ballad of Spiro Agnew
5. Circus
6. When I'm Sixty-Four
7. Ballad of Richard Nixon
8. Rhymes & Reasons
9. Yellow Cat
10. Leaving, On a Jet Plane
11. My Heart
12. My Old Man
13. I Wish I Knew (How It Would Feel to Be Free)
14. Today Is the First Day

Year Type Label Catalog # 2005 CD BMG 37542

Rhymes & Reasons [Bonus Tracks]

Relative newcomer John Denver -- his work with the Chad Mitchell Trio notwithstanding -- released his debut in 1969 to a relatively empty room. It wasn't until Peter, Paul & Mary took the singer/songwriter's "Leaving, on a Jet Plane" to the top of the charts later in the year that he began his ascent from fresh-faced folkie to America's best-selling recording artist in 1974. While the producers did their best to position Denver away from the dwindling folk scene by incorporating lush orchestrations and murky backing vocals, there was absolutely no way that they could remove the artist's heartfelt delivery and gentle disposition. RCA tested the waters by filling Rhymes & Reasons with reliable covers like "When I'm Sixty-Four" and "The Love of the Common People," but it's the four Denver originals that caught the ears and hearts of what would eventually become a gargantuan fan base. The sweet, soft, and ferociously earnest title track, the whimsical "Daydream," "Circus," and the formidable "Jet Plane" -- the latter was originally called "Oh Babe I Hate to Go" -- were indicative of what was to come, and while the other tracks are amiable enough and expertly produced, they're just window dressing that, when removed, reveals the true garden in the making. ~ James Christopher Monger, All Music Guide

Name Credits Eric Weissberg Guitar (Steel), Banjo Herb Lovelle Drums John Denver Vocals, Guitar Paul Griffin Keyboards Paul Prestopino Guitar, Autoharp Russ Savakus Bass Stan Free Keyboards, Organ Todd Sommer Drums