Glenn Yarbrough

Yarbrough applies his tremulous vocals to 14 songs written or co-written by Rod McKuen. Recorded circa 1970, these tracks were recorded with various arrangers and conductors and produced by McKuen himself, who once said that Yarbrough had recorded more of his songs than anybody. The sometimes lush, sometimes affectingly minimalist orchestral arrangements provide a pleasant backdrop to Yarbrough's relaxed and wistful performances on these sentimental and sad compositions. Sometimes, as on "The Single Man," the interesting and subtle orchestral arrangement yields sublime results, and Yarbrough's version of this particular track may be definitive. Other highlights include "Lonesome Cities," "Kaleidoscope," and "To Watch the Trains." Those who find McKuen's voice unpalatable but appreciate his songwriting might find Yarbrough's renditions particularly enjoyable. ~ Greg Adams, Rovi