A New Place in the Sun cover

A New Place in the Sun

Glen Campbell · 1968

27 min · 11 tracks · country music

A melodic blend of country and pop infused with storytelling that captures the zeitgeist of the late 1960s.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Legend of Bonnie and Clyde — This track stands out for its narrative style, recounting the infamous story with a catchy melody that captivated listeners and showcased Campbell's storytelling prowess.
  • →
    Freeborn Man — The opening track sets an adventurous tone, blending folk influences with a sense of freedom that reflects the era's countercultural spirit.
  • →
    She Called Me Baby — This poignant ballad highlights Campbell's emotive vocal delivery, making it a memorable expression of heartache within the album's diverse soundscape.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album blends country and pop with strong melodies but lacks standout compositions throughout.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo rhythm, while the fourth track introduces a more upbeat tempo with a playful arrangement.
  • Several songs incorporate lush string arrangements that enhance the melodic elements, particularly in 'The Legend of Bonnie and Clyde'.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • concise storytelling experiences
  • warm, nostalgic afternoon vibes
  • easygoing background listening
  • short, engaging song formats

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album solidified Campbell's status as a mainstream pop crossover artist.
Career context
When 'A New Place in the Sun' was released in May 1968, Glen Campbell was transitioning from a successful session musician to a mainstream solo artist. This album followed his breakthrough hit 'Gentle on My Mind' and showcased his growing prominence in the music scene, further establishing him as a relatable voice in American music.
Stylistic neighbors
Jimmy Webb· John Denver· The Mamas & the Papas

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Freeborn Man 2:40
  • 2 The Last Letter 2:59
  • 3 She Called Me Baby 3:01
  • 4 Visions of Sugarplums 1:52
  • 5 I Have No One to Love Me Anymore 2:44
  • 6 The Legend of Bonnie and Clyde 2:18
  • 7 A Place in the Sun 2:42
  • 8 Have I Stayed Away Too Long 2:19
  • 9 Within My Memory 2:13
  • 10 The Twelfth of Never 2:32
  • 11 Sunny Day Girl 2:14

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata