Tears and Laughter
Johnny Mathis · 1980
71 min · 20 tracks · pop music
A warm tapestry of lush orchestration and heartfelt vocals, blending classic love songs with introspective ballads.
Top tracks — play these first
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Don’t Give Up on Us Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Too Much, Too Little, Too Late — This track is a duet with Deniece Williams that became one of Mathis's most successful singles, highlighting his smooth vocal delivery paired with poignant lyrics about lost love.
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Solitaire — Mathis’s rendition of this melancholic song stands out for its emotional depth, showcasing his ability to convey vulnerability through rich vocal phrasing.
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Laughter in the Rain — This track captures a joyful essence that contrasts with some of the deeper themes of the album, illustrating Mathis's range as an entertainer.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- nostalgic warmth in every note
- wave-like pacing for reflection
- heartfelt vocals for emotional connection
- for cozy evenings
- gentle melodies for quiet moments
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced listening experiences
- seek high-energy party tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Features hit single 'Too Much, Too Little, Too Late' that solidified Mathis's popularity.
- Themes
- nostalgic warmth· heartfelt ballads· intimate duets
- Career context
- By the time 'Tears and Laughter' was released in 1980, Johnny Mathis was enjoying a resurgence in popularity following a successful decade filled with both commercial hits and concert performances. This album came after his 1978 release, 'Mathis Magic', showcasing his enduring ability to interpret contemporary songs while maintaining his signature romantic style.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Perry Como· Frank Sinatra· Nat King Cole
Tracklist
- 1 Don’t Give Up on Us Start here 3:55
- 2 Goodbye to Love 3:13
- 3 Gone, Gone, Gone 3:38
- 4 Midnight Blue 3:35
- 5 Solitaire 4:33
- 6 The Hungry Years 4:34
- 7 Alone Again (Naturally) 4:18
- 8 Too Much, Too Little, Too Late 2:58
- 9 Without You 2:55
- 10 It’s Too Late 3:07
- 11 Laughter in the Rain 2:29
- 12 You Are the Sunshine of My Life 2:40
- 13 Everything Is Beautiful 3:35
- 14 The Most Beautiful Girl 2:29
- 15 Betcha by Golly Wow 2:44
- 16 Just the Way You Are 3:42
- 17 And I Love You So 3:24
- 18 Song of Joy 4:02
- 19 Life Is a Song Worth Singing 5:48
- 20 You Light Up My Life 3:53
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
If I Should Love Again
Barry Manilow
Shares lush arrangements and heartfelt ballads that evoke nostalgia and intimacy.
JT
James Taylor
Combines warm vocals and introspective lyrics with rich orchestration, creating a similar comforting atmosphere.
And I Love You So
Perry Como
Features soothing melodies and sincere performances that evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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