Son of Schmilsson
Harry Nilsson · 1972
39 min · 11 tracks · pop music
A whimsical blend of playful melodies, introspective lyrics, and eclectic arrangements reflecting a unique slice of early '70s pop.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Take 54 Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
-
→
Spaceman — This track stands out with its quirky narrative about an alien encounter, encapsulating Nilsson's playful songwriting style and imaginative storytelling.
-
→
You’re Breaking My Heart — With a haunting melody and heartfelt delivery, this song highlights Nilsson's vocal prowess while exploring themes of love and loss.
-
→
The Lottery Song — A clever commentary on chance and fate, this track combines humor with a catchy tune, exemplifying Nilsson's knack for blending serious themes with light-heartedness.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends humor and introspection with eclectic arrangements, showcasing Nilsson's unique songwriting style.
What we noticed
- Several tracks feature unconventional song structures, such as 'The Lottery Song,' which uses a repetitive format to build its narrative.
- 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
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
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
- whimsical storytelling elements
- reflective, nostalgic moods
- playful and light-hearted vibes
- varied emotional landscapes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Fan Favorite — Beloved by fans for its whimsical style and eclectic arrangements.
- Career context
- Released in January 1972, 'Son of Schmilsson' was Harry Nilsson's follow-up to the critically acclaimed 'Nilsson Schmilsson'. By this point, Nilsson was experiencing commercial success and growing recognition as a songwriter, having just won a Grammy for his earlier work. This album further cemented his reputation as an innovative artist willing to experiment with various musical styles.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Randy Newman· The Beach Boys· Paul McCartney
Tracklist
- 1 Take 54 Start here 4:19
- 2 Remember (Christmas) 4:07
- 3 Joy 3:43
- 4 Turn on Your Radio 2:40
- 5 You’re Breaking My Heart 3:07
- 6 Spaceman 3:34
- 7 The Lottery Song 2:26
- 8 At My Front Door 3:00
- 9 Ambush 5:23
- 10 I’d Rather Be Dead 3:21
- 11 The Most Beautiful World in the World 3:35
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.