I'd forgotten this 1994 song by Seal until listening to the latest installment of What Makes This Song Great? by Rick Beato, and remembered how much I liked it. And you don't have to be a musician to enjoy Rick's song breakdowns; if you simply like music it will help rekindle your enjoyment of older songs. First up is the song, followed by Rick's analysis (and he gets special insight directly from Seal).
Though many of The Who's early singles are now regarded as classics (My Generation, The Kids Are Alright, Substitute, I Can't Explain) none charted in the USA, and the highest charting of their first three albums (The Who Sell Out) only reached #48. It was only with the release of Tommy in May 1969 that the band gained widespread popularity in the States. At the time, I thought Tommy was great, but though it has a lot of outstanding songs the production is flawed and the sound of the record much too subdued.
Live At Leeds, released in May 1970, remains the finest live rock album ever released and Who's Next (August 1971) was an instant classic with most of the tracks still standards today. When the double-album Quadrophenia was released in October 1973, I liked it but thought it not as outstanding as the prior three albums. In recent years, I've returned to listening to Quadrophenia and now regard it as the apex of The Who's studio recordings. The songs work individually and together to tell a coherent story, the lyrics are consistently the best Pete Townshend ever wrote, the band incredibly tight, and the production ties it all together. The closing song, the majestic and moving Love Reign O'er Me, combines it all and adds the best vocal of Roger Daltrey's career; and one of the greatest vocals in rock.
Take the time to listen to it here, and below is Rick Beato's breakdown. As usual, Rick's knowledge and enthusiasm (along with his air drumming) makes the video a joy to watch.
I have people tell me that I am wasting my talent and that I should start performing again," Keigans said. "I re-read my journal recently and saw how many times I wrote, ‘I know God does not intend for me to spend my days in the back of a van.' I spent most of my days in the van while we were touring."
The band's record contract was up in October 2008, and she moved everything she owned back to Orangeburg to be closer to her father. She told the band she needed some time to figure things out, and what she figured out was that nursing school was the best choice for her.She still feels like she gets to perform - although perhaps on a smaller scale - when she works with pediatric patients.
"It is so amazing to work with children," Keigans said. "We will do what we can to cheer them up and put smiles on their faces. Sometimes that means performing or singing a song together."
