Originally released in 1969, Jimmy Webb arranged, produced and wrote the songs except 'Jumpin' Jack Flash'. 12 tracks.
CD Reviews
Simply Her Best!
Eric Something | Seattle, Wa | 11/28/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is Thelma Houston at her best! ...the material is top-shelf! I have a vinyl copy and it's easily
one of the most treasured albums in my vast collection. It's a wonder broadway didn't come knocking. Alas, I've read numerous
accounts of why it didn't take off from Dunhill not knowing how
to promote a black female singer to their reluctance to let Jimmy Webb cover his own work with the label and lost interest. Whatever the case there's not a loser in the bunch and sooo many big recording artists covered these tunes shortly after it's release. None came close to the magic that Thelma created. She belted, she growled, she carressed, these lyrics. And with Jimmy's great arrangements it just clicked! What kills me is how this album is mostly always forgotten when Jimmy's career is talked about in favor of his more bigger hits like Galveston with Glen Campbell or MacArthur Park with Richard Harris. Even with something as weird as "Pocketful of Keys" you can't find a better version. Easily i'd put this up there
with Dusty IN Memphis and Aretha's I Never Loved A Man (The Way
I Love You) albums. Peace"
Sunshower is a brilliant work of art!
Beverly Praiswater | 04/18/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Sunshower" is one of those works that is complete and satisfying. Like a fine art painting, every song fits together into this album. Thelma Houston was the perfect choice for the vocalist. She breathes life and vision into every number. Jimmy Webb is best known for his work with Glen Campbell and Richard Harris. Arranged and produced by Jimmy Webb, this is his finest work. Likewise for Thelma Houston who holds nothing back. She is in her finest form on every song. The only dim spot in this album is that it never received the legitimate recognition that it deserved. Recorded as an lp in 1969, it is now available in limited quantities as an import from Japan. The sound of the CD is done immaculately well, resulting better than the original album. Well worth waiting for, highly recommended for those who love an accomplished R&B female vocalist accompanied by rich arrangements."
Sunshower, Thelma Houston
Carol Z. Morelli | Mohegan Lake, NY USA | 08/05/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'll be brief and general since prior reviews are detailed by song. I married in 1969 and my late husband and I searched the
web and phoned music stores across the country for more than
two decades for the cd to no avail...the record being old and scratched. I saw Thelma on tv recently and decided to check for Sunshower again. Who thought to check Japan? :-)
Music being all important to me for 58 years, it's difficult to
say it's my favorite album, but I did think to say it which proves how great it is and how very much it means to me. I see
each cut as a joyous vignette from Jimmy Webb and Thelma.
I pray my husband, Louie, who has been in heaven for seven years on Tuesday, August 9th, is listening with me.
"
STUNNING MASTERPIECE!!! BRAVO THELMA!!!!!
Bradly Briggs | TOLUCA LAKE, CALIFORNIA | 03/22/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Sunshower" is the most incredible album that legendary composer Jimmy Webb has ever written, arranged, and produced in his long and brilliant career! As Jimmy stated on the original album sleeve "I hurry to present Thelma... the most prodigious talent I have ever encountered" and Miss Houston more than lives up to this proclamation. Never have I heard a more brilliant marriage of artist and material and this work for many collector's has been an example of singing at it's finest since it's original release. Upon original release radio didn't know what to do with this classic but word of mouth spread like wildfire that Thelma Houston's voice was one of the all-time greats and not to be missed! Immediately I ran out and purchased what quickly became one of my all-time favorite female vocal albums ...I purchased numerous copies so that I would never be without a fresh copy. ... Stirring and soulful is "Everybody Gets to Go to the Moon" and hauntingly beautiful is "To Make It Easier on You" with a vocal that is magnificent. Many have done "Didn't We" but this is the definitive version with an ever so fine vocal that is unforgettable. "Mixed-Up Girl" is sung with such heartbreaking passionate longing that it is totally stunning. By the time you get to the gorgeous "Someone is Standing Outside" you know that this is a solid collection with no throw aways! Thelma really lets it rip on "Jumpin' Jack Flash" and this version is a notch up from the original and really cooks and is a gas!!. Another glorious heartbreaking vocal goes deep inside "This is Where I Came In" and deep anguish through the haunting "Poketful of Keys". "This is Your Life" is an epic ballad with a beautiful passionate vocal that pleads to a wayward lover and is breathtaking in its beauty. Another cooker in this magical collection is the hard rocking "Cheap Lovin'" and the closer is the spiritual "If This Was the Last Song" which ends on a passionate high that soulfully breaks into "Somebody is Standing Outside". Get this fast while its available because they don't get finer than this!! ..."
One of my Top 10 albums of all time
Brian J. Campbell | Thornbury, Vic Australia | 08/17/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a most extraordinary album. After thirty plus years, it still sounds as fresh as the day I first heard it in the 1970's.
Jimmy Webb, at the peak of his powers, after his rather pretentious (but still wonderful) collaboration with Richard Harris, crafted an album for Ms Houston that, not only compliments her voice, but is melodically the most satisfying thing he did since the Fifth Dimension's 'The Magic Garden'. The arrangements are also a contributing factor in this most special of projects. The ice-like setting of 'Pocket Full of Keys', the gospel-infused 'Someone is Standing Outside' and the Las Vegas setting of 'Everybody gets to go to the Moon": this was a tunesmith at the top of his game. One has wait until Mr Webb solo project 'Lands End' to hear anything as completely satisfying.
If one had to quibble, one might wonder why we needed another reprise of 'Didn't We' and 'Jumping Flash Flash' sounds as out of place as 'Ticket to Ride' did on 'The Magic Garden'.
But these are minor blemishes that can't mar a truly great album. Its lack of success upon its release still remains one of the great musical mysteries.
If you want quality pop music, do not deprive yourself any longer.This is magic stuff.
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1