What makes Hard Candy by Ned Doheny notable?

Hard Candy received critical acclaim for its sophisticated songwriting and production, helping to establish Doheny as a key figure in the soft rock movement. The album features tracks that have influenced various artists in the genre and continues to be celebrated for its seamless blend of pop and rock elements. Released in 1976, Hard Candy is Ned Doheny's second album, following his self-titled debut from 1973. At this point in his career, Doheny was carving out a niche in the soft rock genre, drawing comparisons to contemporaries like Jackson Browne and Fleetwood Mac.

How many songs are on Hard Candy?

Hard Candy has 9 tracks, running approximately 36 minutes.

Released 50 years ago

Hard Candy

Ned Doheny · 1976

36 min · 9 tracks · pop music

A smooth blend of soft rock and pop, infused with heartfelt melodies and lush instrumentation that captures the spirit of the mid-1970s.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Get It Up for Love — This opening track sets a vibrant tone for the album, showcasing Doheny's knack for catchy hooks paired with thoughtful lyrics about love and desire.
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If You Should Fall — A poignant ballad that highlights Doheny's emotive vocal delivery and lyrical depth, making it a standout example of his songwriting prowess.
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Valentine (I Was Wrong About You) — The closing track encapsulates the album's themes of reflection and regret, combining soulful melodies with relatable storytelling that resonates with listeners.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and production, with a mix of tempos and emotional depth.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature upbeat tempos and layered harmonies, while the subsequent tracks shift to more introspective themes and slower rhythms.
The album closes with a ballad that features a gradual build-up in instrumentation, creating a sense of resolution.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Get It Up for Love 4:47
2 If You Should Fall 3:38
3 Each Time You Pray 3:40
4 When Love Hangs in the Balance 5:14
5 A Love of Your Own 3:49
6 I’ve Got Your Number 3:17
7 On the Swing Shift 3:05
8 Sing to Me 3:39
9 Valentine (I Was Wrong About You) 5:06

What to play next

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Ned Doheny

1973

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