What makes Reach Out by Burt Bacharach notable?

Reach Out features several tracks that became enduring classics, including What the World Needs Now Is Love and I Say a Little Prayer. The album's rich orchestration and emotive songwriting solidified Bacharach's influence on the easy listening genre and helped define the sound of the late 1960s pop landscape. Released in early 1967, Reach Out was Burt Bacharach's fourth studio album, following the success of his earlier works. At this point in his career, he had already established himself as a leading figure in the pop music scene, known for his sophisticated compositions and collaborations with lyricist Hal David.

Who is Reach Out for?

Reach Out works well if you're into steady melodic journey throughout, immersive orchestral listening experience and poignant moments of reflection.

How many songs are on Reach Out?

Reach Out has 11 tracks, running approximately 33 minutes.

Reach Out

Burt Bacharach · 1967

33 min · 11 tracks · pop music

A lush blend of orchestral arrangements and heartfelt vocals, weaving intricate melodies with poignant themes of love and longing.

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Top tracks — play these first

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What the World Needs Now Is Love — This song encapsulates the spirit of its time, addressing social issues with a hopeful message that resonated deeply during a period of turmoil.
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I Say a Little Prayer — The track showcases Bacharach's signature blend of complex melodies and relatable lyrics, becoming an anthem for devotion and longing.
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Alfie — With its introspective lyrics and sweeping arrangement, this song highlights Bacharach's ability to capture nuanced emotions through music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

70 /100

Alpine

Higher than 94% of albums we've rated

Bacharach's intricate melodies and rich orchestration create a distinctive sound that remains influential in pop music.

What we noticed

The album features lush orchestral arrangements that dominate the sound, with strings and brass layered throughout most tracks.
Each song typically follows a verse-chorus structure, but many include unexpected chord changes that create a sense of tension and release.
Several tracks, like 'What the World Needs Now Is Love', utilize call-and-response vocal techniques, enhancing the emotional impact of the lyrics.

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

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

steady melodic journey throughout
immersive orchestral listening experience
poignant moments of reflection
for romantic evenings

Maybe skip if you

prefer upbeat and fast tempos
seek standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in early 1967, Reach Out was Burt Bacharach's fourth studio album, following the success of his earlier works. At this point in his career, he had already established himself as a leading figure in the pop music scene, known for his sophisticated compositions and collaborations with lyricist Hal David.
Stylistic neighbors: Henry Mancini· Paul Simon· Jimmy Webb