Bad Love

text

As a solo album artist, Randy Newman isn't exactly what you'd call prolific. His output of only eleven albums (not counting soundtracks) in thirty years underlines this. When one does come out, however, it is always clear that they are made with a great deal of care and ambition. Bad Love, Newman's first for Dreamworks, is no exception; in fact it easily stands up as one of his greatest. Songs like the tender "I Miss You" and the hilarious "I'm Dead" and "Shame" - where Newman admits to his lover "God damn it you little bitch, I'd kill you if I didn't love you so much" - will all be recognized as fresh Newman classics. All of the things that make Randy appealing are evident on this record - the sarcasm, rapier wit, as well as his classic blues/pop sensibility will satisfy longtime fans. This record is different, however, in many ways. Some of the things that make it refreshing are the arrangements (Newman) and production (Mitchell Froom). There is more of a sense of intimacy in the arrangements, and it's primarily because there is a close ensemble 'trio' feel to all of the rhythm tracks. This creates an immediacy that sets Bad Love apart from his other work. Deadly fun, and absolutely necessary for anyone with even a passing interest in one of America's greatest songwriters.