Is Too Much, Too Little, Too Late a good place to start with Johnny Mathis?

Yes, Too Much, Too Little, Too Late is recommended as a starting point for new Johnny Mathis listeners. Smooth melodies intertwine with lush arrangements, showcasing Johnny Mathis's timeless vocal charm over romantic themes. Upon its release in 1978, 'Too Much, Too Little, Too Late' marked Johnny Mathis's return to the top of the charts after a period of fluctuating popularity. This album came during his transition into a more contemporary sound while staying true to his roots in easy listening and pop music, following the success of his previous hits in the 1960s and early 70s.

Who is Too Much, Too Little, Too Late for?

Too Much, Too Little, Too Late works well if you're into wave-like emotional ebb and flow, late-night reflective solitude and short tracks for quick enjoyment.

How many songs are on Too Much, Too Little, Too Late?

Too Much, Too Little, Too Late has 12 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.

Too Much, Too Little, Too Late

Johnny Mathis · 1978

45 min · 12 tracks · pop music

Smooth melodies intertwine with lush arrangements, showcasing Johnny Mathis's timeless vocal charm over romantic themes.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Too Much, Too Little, Too Late Start here — This duet with Deniece Williams not only topped the charts but encapsulates the album's themes of love and longing through its heartfelt lyrics and harmonious blend of voices.
→
Gina — A tender ballad where Mathis's smooth delivery highlights the emotional depth of the lyrics, making it a standout track that showcases his vocal prowess.
→
Love Won’t Let Me Wait — This cover brings a soulful edge to Mathis's repertoire, illustrating his versatility while appealing to the burgeoning R&B audience of the time.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album features strong vocal performances and consistent themes but lacks standout compositions.

What we noticed

The title track opens the album with a slow tempo and lush orchestration, setting a romantic mood that persists throughout.
Each song features prominent vocal harmonies, often layering Mathis's voice with background vocals to create a rich sound.
Several tracks include instrumental interludes that extend the overall length of the songs, contributing to a smooth flow.
The album closes with a cover of 'It’s Gonna Take a Miracle,' which shifts the energy slightly but maintains the overall theme of love and longing.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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

wave-like emotional ebb and flow
late-night reflective solitude
short tracks for quick enjoyment
cathartic moments of vulnerability
warm nostalgia for past love

Maybe skip if you

prefer high-energy listening experiences
seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Revitalized Mathis's career with a number one hit, marking his return to prominence.
Themes: romantic longing· 1970s pop nostalgia· duet harmonies
Career context: Upon its release in 1978, 'Too Much, Too Little, Too Late' marked Johnny Mathis's return to the top of the charts after a period of fluctuating popularity. This album came during his transition into a more contemporary sound while staying true to his roots in easy listening and pop music, following the success of his previous hits in the 1960s and early 70s.
Stylistic neighbors: Perry Como· Frank Sinatra· Nat King Cole

New to Johnny Mathis? Find your way in →

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Never Say Never

The perspective shifts from hopeful anticipation to a resigned acceptance poignantly captures the essence of uncertainty in relationships.