Departure cover

Departure

Pat Boone · 1969

41 min · 12 tracks · country music

A reflective blend of pop and country, featuring lush arrangements and Boone's smooth, emotive vocals that explore themes of love and longing.

Top tracks — play these first

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    What's Gnawing at Me Start here — This track opens the album with a haunting melody and introspective lyrics that set the tone for Boone's exploration of emotional depth throughout the record.
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    July, You're a Woman — The song features vivid storytelling and reflects Boone's lyrical maturity, embodying a poignant narrative about love and longing that resonates throughout the album.
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    Bad News — With its soulful delivery and bluesy undertones, this track showcases Boone's versatility and willingness to tackle darker themes within his music.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady pacing for relaxed listening
  • short tracks for easy engagement
  • reflective moments of personal introspection
  • catchy melodies for sing-alongs
  • suitable for casual afternoon vibes

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer lengthy, immersive albums
  • want heavy production elements

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Experimental — Departure represents a shift in sound and style for Pat Boone, exploring new musical directions.
Themes
emotional depth· poignant storytelling· reflective love narratives
Career context
Released in 1969, Departure marked Pat Boone's transition away from his earlier teen idol image towards a more mature sound, showcasing a deeper emotional range. This album followed his successful period in the 1950s and early 1960s, where he was known for covers of rock and roll hits, signaling an artistic shift as he ventured into more personal and introspective songwriting.
Stylistic neighbors
Elvis Presley· Frank Sinatra· Johnny Cash

Tracklist

  • 1 What's Gnawing at Me Start here 3:50
  • 2 July, You're a Woman 3:05
  • 3 Within My Own Time 3:12
  • 4 Song of the Siren 3:04
  • 5 Molly 4:03
  • 6 Never Goin' Back 3:07
  • 7 Long Distance 3:15
  • 8 No Playing in the Snow 3:14
  • 9 I've Got a Secret 3:22
  • 10 Bad News 3:34
  • 11 Break My Mind 3:57
  • 12 Friends 3:31

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata