Randy Newman Live is a live album by American singer-songwriter Randy Newman. The album was released in 1971 by Reprise Records. It was Newman's first live album and his only album to peak at number one on the Billboard Top 200 chart.
Randy Newman Live was recorded in New York City and Philadelphia during two concert performances in the early 1970's. The album features a stripped-down, piano-driven sound that allows Newman's poignant and satirical lyrics to truly shine. It includes the hit singles "I Think It's Going to Rain Today" and "Mama Told Me Not to Come" which were popularized by other artists but performed here with Newman's unique touch. The album also features some of his more controversial songs such as "Yellow Man" and "Underneath the Harlem Moon."
The album is notable for its straightforward presentation of Newman's songs, without the orchestrated arrangements that characterized his earlier studio albums. Despite its commercial success, the album received mixed reviews from critics, who were appreciative of Newman's songwriting abilities but somewhat disconcerted by his vocal style. Today, the album is considered a classic example of Newman's idiosyncratic musical style and sharp lyrical wit.
