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ORLEANS
"Let There Be Music"
Artist Orleans
Album Title Let There Be Music
Released: 1975
AMG Rating 4 1/2 Stars
Genre: Rock
Styles: Pop Rock, Rock N Roll, Soft Rock
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The first major-label release by Orleans is an earnestly engaging, though diffuse collection of pop tunes in many flavors. Both the title track and "You've Given Me Something" are pure power-pop numbers; the former is an agreeably forceful and hook-filled electric guitar-based selection featuring an especially ardent vocal, while the latter song is a bit breezier in feel, propelled along by a galloping drumbeat. "Fresh Wind" tosses mild funk and psychedelic touches into the pure pop formula. "Business as Usual" explores disco-oriented territory, "Cold Spell" sports a funky Stevie Wonder-style guitar hook, and "Give One Heart" exhibits strong reggae influences. "Time Passes On" is a loping, expressive number with an odd Joni Mitchell-like bridge section that features far-flung harmonic excursions, while "Ending of a Song" is a warmly emotive singer/songwriter-influenced selection.

The big chart hit "Dance with Me" is a magically understated country-pop song that proves very memorable over repeated hearings. Vocal harmonies on this disc are generally full and vibrant; arrangements and production are more complex and intriguing than may be apparent on first listen. Socially critical lyrics appear on some numbers, notably "Cold Spell" and "Business as Usual." This is an engaging platter worth a listen.


TRACK SONG
1. Fresh Wind
2. Dance with Me (Hall/Hall)[an error occurred while processing this directive]
3. Time Passes On
4. Your Life My Friend
5. Let There Be Music
6. Business as Usual
7. Cold Spell
8. Ending of a Song
9. Give One Heart
10. You've Given Me Something
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ALBUM RELEASES
YEAR FORMAT PUBLISHER NUMBER
1975 LP Asylum 1029

MUSICIANS
John Hall Guitar, Mandolin, Percussion, Piano (Electric), Vocals
Lance Hoppen Bass, Vocals
Larry Hoppen Bass, Guitar, Trumpet, Keyboards, Vocals, Melodica
Wells Kelly Percussion, Drums, Keyboards, Vocals

PRODUCTION
Chuck Plotkin Producer


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