Born Again
Randy Newman · 1979
35 min · 11 tracks · blues
A sardonic blend of sharp wit and melodic charm, exploring the absurdities of life through Newman’s distinctive storytelling style.
Top tracks — play these first
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It’s Money That I Love Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with biting irony, critiquing materialism while showcasing Newman's signature blend of humor and melody.
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The Story of a Rock and Roll Band — Through clever narrative lyrics, this song encapsulates the rise and fall of fame, reflecting Newman's deep understanding of the music industry.
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Ghosts — This hauntingly beautiful track highlights Newman's ability to convey complex emotions, bridging personal reflection with universal themes of loss.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases Newman's sharp wit and melodic charm, balancing energetic tracks with introspective moments.
What we noticed
- Several songs incorporate orchestral arrangements, adding depth to the instrumentation beyond standard blues.
- Newman's vocal delivery often shifts between deadpan and expressive, enhancing the satirical nature of the lyrics.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- playful satire for introspective minds
- steady pacing for casual listening
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
- wry humor amidst reflective moments
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy party anthems
- prefer long, sprawling compositions
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — Represents a transition in style but isn't widely recognized as essential.
- Career context
- When 'Born Again' was released in August 1979, Randy Newman was transitioning from his earlier, more introspective works into a phase characterized by broader social commentary. This album followed his critically acclaimed 'Little Criminals' and marked a continued exploration of both personal and societal themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Harry Nilsson· Leonard Cohen· Tom Waits
Tracklist
- 1 It’s Money That I Love Start here 3:41
- 2 The Story of a Rock and Roll Band 2:53
- 3 Pretty Boy 4:03
- 4 Mr. Sheep 3:55
- 5 Ghosts 2:29
- 6 They Just Got Married 2:53
- 7 Spies 3:58
- 8 The Girls in My Life, Part 1 2:42
- 9 Half a Man 3:42
- 10 William Brown 1:52
- 11 Pants 3:05
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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