"Nilsson Sings Newman" is a studio album by American singer Harry Nilsson, released in 1970 by RCA Victor. Although Randy Newman is credited in the title, he himself does not appear on the album. Instead, the album features Nilsson’s unique interpretations of ten songs written by Newman. Despite these songs having been previously recorded and released by other artists, Nilsson’s renditions are distinct and inventive, giving them a new flavor.
The album was produced by Harry Nilsson and his longtime recording engineer, Rick Jarrard. Conceptually, it marked a departure from Nilsson's previous work as he aimed for a simpler sound. One of the album's distinctive qualities is Newman's piano, which was recorded on a separate track and mixed in with Nilsson's voice. This innovative idea was born from Nilsson’s desire to match his voice with Newman’s piano playing, allowing for a complementing harmony between piano and voice.
"Nilsson Sings Newman" wasn't commercially successful upon its release, but it nevertheless received acclaim from critics. Despite its commercial underperformance, the combination of Newman's insightful compositions and Nilsson's gifted vocals resulted in a cohesive collection of tracks that, today, is regarded as a classic.
The album boasts poignant and comedic songs that paint pictures of numerous characters, building a snapshot of American life that is as observational as it is affectionate. It won a Grammy in 1971 for Best Contemporary Vocal Performance by a Male and later went on to influence many musicians in its wake.
Interestingly, despite the album featuring only Newman's compositions, it showcases Nilsson's versatility and ability to infuse his personality into the songs, allowing listeners to appreciate both artists' talents in one unique package.
