What does Face in the Crowd sound like?

A soulful blend of blues and rock, interwoven with heartfelt storytelling and rich instrumentation. Rooted in blues and country. Start with "Love Is a Battlefield".

Is Face in the Crowd a good place to start with Leon Russell?

Yes, Face in the Crowd is recommended as a starting point for new Leon Russell listeners. A soulful blend of blues and rock, interwoven with heartfelt storytelling and rich instrumentation. By the time 'Face in the Crowd' was released in 1999, Leon Russell had already established himself as a seasoned musician known for his eclectic style. This album came over two decades after his self-titled debut in 1970 and followed a period of relative obscurity, marking a return to recording after sporadic releases throughout the 1990s.

Who is Face in the Crowd for?

Face in the Crowd works well if you're into nostalgic reflections on love, short tracks for quick listens and melancholic themes with warmth.

How many songs are on Face in the Crowd?

Face in the Crowd has 12 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.

Face in the Crowd

Leon Russell · 1999

45 min · 12 tracks · blues

A soulful blend of blues and rock, interwoven with heartfelt storytelling and rich instrumentation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Love Is a Battlefield Start here — This track stands out for its blend of emotional depth and musicality, capturing the struggles of love through a blues-infused lens.
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So Hard to Say Goodbye — The poignant lyrics and soulful delivery highlight Russell's ability to convey heartache, making it one of the album's emotional peaks.
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The Devil Started Talking — This song showcases Russell's characteristic storytelling, combining humor and darkness in a way that reflects his unique lyrical style.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

nostalgic reflections on love
short tracks for quick listens
melancholic themes with warmth
playful storytelling with wit

Maybe skip if you

seeking lengthy immersive journeys
prefer high-energy dance tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Showcases Russell's enduring style and collaborations in a strong late-career release.
Career context: By the time 'Face in the Crowd' was released in 1999, Leon Russell had already established himself as a seasoned musician known for his eclectic style. This album came over two decades after his self-titled debut in 1970 and followed a period of relative obscurity, marking a return to recording after sporadic releases throughout the 1990s.
Stylistic neighbors: Joe Cocker· Leonard Cohen· Bob Dylan

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

So Hard to Say Goodbye

The narration shifts from reflection to an urgent plea as goodbye approaches.

This shift intensifies the emotional impact, illustrating the struggle between acceptance and lingering attachment.

Tracklist

1 Love Is a Battlefield Start here 2:57
2 Dr Love 4:25
3 Down in the Flood 4:07
4 So Hard to Say Goodbye 2:37
5 Betty Ann 4:19
6 This Heart of Mine 3:36
7 Message From My Baby 3:40
8 Blue Eyes and a Black Heart 4:05
9 What Will I Do Without You 4:40
10 Mean and Evil 2:51
11 The Devil Started Talking 4:17
12 Don't Bring the Blues to Bed 3:51

What to play next

Listen next

Live at Gilley's

2000

This live album captures a similar energy and performance spirit as 'Face in the Crowd'.

Go back to

Blues: Same Old Song

1999

Full Leon Russell discography Where to start with Leon Russell Artists like Leon Russell

blues folk rock

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