Telepath/Train/The Bells Of St Marys/One Man Band/In My Life/When I Came Home This Morning/Long Tall Glasses/Another Time/Solo/Giving It All Away
The reputation and commercial success of singer songwriter Leo Sayer grew enormously with the release of his follow up album Just A Boy. This was helped by his innovative UK top ten singles One Man Band and Long Tall Glasses. (US:16 UK:4)
“A very listenable, mature set from Leo Sayer. Organic, almost rustic in its production, with a pleasing mix of acoustic instruments, plus banjo and steel guitar, organ, ever-present piano and pleasant bursts of woodwind. They're all put to the service of a variety of sturdy and occasionally very good songs.”
“A lot of these songs were premiered by Roger Daltrey on his debut solo album, but Sayer's own versions have validity by dint of more heightened expression, combined with a more down-home production. I'm not completely convinced by Leo's vocals; he tends to sound overwrought when striving for emotional expression and can sound like a little boy lost at times, but at least he does always sing from the heart.”
“This is the peak of Leo Sayer's career, vastly improved production and far better songs than on Silverbird. Three major hits and virtually every track is above average.”
“Unfortunately, if any of today's artists put out an album like this, most people would not understand it. The dynamics and production are surreal, as it plays like a rock opera, perhaps a smart man's show tune collection. Just A Boy, is a hidden, mostly unknown gem. As a musician, this record speaks to me; as a listener, it moves me, so why can't people make records like this anymore? The lyrics are so sincere and real.”
“Just A Boy contains the entire spectrum of musical styles with Leo's unique lyrics and vocals to connect it all. As with any Leo album, there is a certain amount of vaudeville present, but also included are some ballads, some almost psychedelic rock and a certain amount of straight out rock. Thus, this album runs the gamut, while still maintaining a consistent vision.”
“This is full of great songs by Sayer and his then writing and playing partner David Courtney, all centred around life as a working entertainer.”
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