Glen Campbell - Galveston

Glen Campbell's 13th studio album from 1969, released at a time when Glen's star was shining bright not only as a country singer but also a cross-over pop star though this would arguably reach its peak in the mid-1970s. Anyway the title track, a chart hit in many parts of the world in 1969. Its big and bold in sound yet reflective and nostalgic in lyric. Perceived as both an anti-war and a patriotic song depending on who performs/listens to it, i've always got a homesick melancholic vibe out of it.

Thats the album's bit hit, albums from this period generally had just a couple of possible singles and plenty of filler. "Where's the playground Susie" was the album's other single and is a mellow easy listening romp with an amazing big chorus. Much of the rest of the album is fine, if maybe not that memorable, but "Take my hand for awhile" is sung lovely. So this is an alternative sound of 1969, no psychedelic swirls here and proto-heavy rock rather sweet strings and mellow melodies. Personally i've always thought Glen Campbell had one of the best singing voices around and its really to the fore here.