Nothing Rhymed
| "Nothing Rhymed" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by Gilbert O'Sullivan | ||||
| from the album Himself | ||||
| B-side | "Everybody Knows" | |||
| Released | 1970 | |||
| Recorded | 1970 (Audio International Studios, London) | |||
| Genre | Soft rock[1] | |||
| Length | 3:27 | |||
| Label | MAM | |||
| Songwriter(s) | Gilbert O'Sullivan | |||
| Producer(s) | Gordon Mills | |||
| Gilbert O'Sullivan singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Official video | ||||
| "Nothing Rhymed" (Official HD Video) on YouTube | ||||
"Nothing Rhymed" is a song written and recorded by the Irish singer-songwriter Gilbert O'Sullivan. It was released in 1970.
The song was O'Sullivan's first hit single in the UK.[2] It peaked at number 8 in the UK Singles Chart,[2] number 2 in Ireland, and number 1 in the Netherlands. "Nothing Rhymed" subsequently appeared on his 1971 album, Himself.[3]
Background[edit]
According to O'Sullivan, he wrote the song after seeing film footage of starving children in Africa (during the Nigerian Civil War) on television for the first time. Later, after being signed by manager Gordon Mills, the song was then recorded and released.[4] Renowned session bassist Herbie Flowers features on the original recording.[5]
Pop historian Paul Gambaccini described it as "one of the great songs of all time" in the 2007 BBC documentary Kings of 70s Romance. In 2012, Paul Weller declared "Nothing Rhymed" and "Alone Again (Naturally)" as "two of my favourite songs, great lyrics, great tunes".[6][7]
Cover versions[edit]
The song is among O'Sullivan's most covered. Tom Jones who, like O'Sullivan, was managed by Gordon Mills, covered it on his 1971 album She's a Lady.[8] That same year, a faithful rendering of the song but with new Italian lyrics was released by I Profeti as the title track of their second album Era Bella.[9] Yvonne Elliman covered it on her 1972 self-titled debut album. It was also covered by the Guess Who frontman Burton Cummings on his self-titled first solo album released in 1976.[10][11] Canadian singer-songwriter Emm Gryner covered the song on her 2005 album Songs of Love and Death. Since 2002, Morrissey has occasionally covered "Nothing Rhymed" in concert.[12] It has been noted that Morrissey's song "Yes I Am Blind" bears a musical resemblance to the song.[13]
Charts[edit]
| Chart (1970–71) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[14] | 3 |
| Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)[15] | 13 |
| Netherlands (Single Top 100)[16] | 1 |
| Ireland (IRMA)[17] | 2 |
| New Zealand (Listener Chart)[18] | 14 |
| UK Singles (OCC)[19] | 8 |
References[edit]
- ^ Fontenot, Robert. "Soft Rock Music and Songs - Oldies Music". Oldies.about.com. Retrieved 2016-10-03.
- ^ a b Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 411. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
- ^ J. Scott McClintock. "Himself - Gilbert O'Sullivan | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 2016-10-03.
- ^ "Episode 72 – Gilbert O'Sullivan". Sodajerker (Podcast). Event occurs at 25:03–26:20. Retrieved 28 March 2018.
- ^ Barnard, Jason (18 June 2016). "Gilbert O'Sullivan". The Strange Brew. Retrieved 28 March 2018.
- ^ Andrews, Kernan. "I can still compete with anyone despite being around so long". Galway Advertiser. Retrieved 28 March 2018.
- ^ Elms, Robert. "Paul Weller Meets Gilbert O'Sullivan - BBC Radio London March 2012". Youtube. Retrieved 28 March 2018.
- ^ "Tom Jones – Tom Jones Sings She's A Lady". Discogs. May 1971. Retrieved 28 March 2018.
- ^ "I Profeti – Era Bella". Discogs. 1971. Retrieved 28 March 2018.
- ^ "Burton Cummings". Allmusic. Retrieved 12 April 2018.
- ^ "Burton Cummings – Burton Cummings (1976, Vinyl)". Discogs. 1976.
- ^ "Morrissey Setlist at Ambassador Theatre, Dublin, Ireland". Setlist.fm. Retrieved 28 March 2018.
- ^ Goddard, Simon (2009). Mozipedia. Ebury Press. p. 304.
- ^ "Gilbert O'Sullivan – Nothing Rhymed" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50.
- ^ "Gilbert O'Sullivan – Nothing Rhymed" (in French). Ultratop 50.
- ^ "Gilbert O'Sullivan – Nothing Rhymed" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
- ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Nothing Rhymed". Irish Singles Chart.
- ^ "Gilber O'Sullivan (search)". Flavour of New Zealand.
- ^ "Gilbert O'Sullivan: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company.
External links[edit]
- Gilbert O Sullivan - Nothing Rhymed at TopPop, 26 October 1980
