Album Information:

About Randy Newman:

Randy Newman is a renowned American singer, songwriter, and composer, known for his distinctive musical style, witty lyrics, and satirical humor. He was born on November 28, 1943, in Los Angeles, California, to a family of musicians. His father was a composer and his mother was a singer, and he grew up surrounded by music.

Newman began his musical career in the 1960s, writing songs for other artists, including Gene Pitney, Dusty Springfield, and Judy Collins. In 1968, he released his debut album, 'Randy Newman,' which was well-received but failed to achieve commercial success.

Throughout the 1970s, Newman established himself as a unique voice in American music, with a string of critically acclaimed albums that blended elements of pop, rock, and classical music. His songs often tackled political and social issues, and his lyrics were known for their sharp wit and ironic humor.

In 1984, Newman gained mainstream success with his hit single 'I Love L.A.' and his soundtrack for the film 'The Natural.' He went on to win several awards for his work in film and television, including Oscars, Emmys, and Grammy Awards.

Newman continued to release albums throughout the 1990s and 2000s, exploring a variety of musical genres and themes. He also continued to compose music for films, including the Disney-Pixar animated movies 'Toy Story,' 'A Bug's Life,' and 'Toy Story 3.'

Today, Randy Newman is regarded as one of the most influential and original songwriters of his generation. His unique style and approach to songwriting have inspired countless musicians and continue to resonate with audiences around the world.

About the album 12 Songs:

'12 Songs' is the second studio album by Randy Newman, a prolific singer-songwriter who is known for his witty, satirical, and often politically charged lyrics. The album was released in 1970 and features 12 tracks that showcase Newman's unique songwriting style.

The opening track, 'Have You Seen My Baby', sets the tone for the album with its upbeat, catchy melody and sardonic lyrics. Other standout tracks on the album include 'Everyman', a rumination on the struggles and hardships of everyday life, and 'Mama Told Me Not to Come', a classic song that was later popularized by Three Dog Night.

One of the most notable aspects of '12 Songs' is Newman's use of complex and unconventional chord progressions that give his music a distinctly jazzy and bluesy feel. This is particularly evident on tracks like 'Let's Burn Down the Cornfield', which features a driving rhythm and a memorable saxophone solo.

Lyrically, the album is full of Newman's trademark wit and sarcasm, as he takes aim at everything from the music industry ('Cowboy') to the Vietnam War ('Old Kentucky Home'). However, he also shows a softer side on tracks like 'Linda', a tender love song that stands in contrast to the more acerbic material on the album.

Overall, '12 Songs' is a landmark album that helped establish Randy Newman as one of the most original and innovative songwriters of his generation. Its blend of sharp lyrics, complex harmonies, and memorable melodies make it a must-listen for fans of classic and contemporary singer-songwriters alike.

Members:

I apologize, but Randy Newman is a solo artist and does not have any key members within his band.

Track List for 12 Songs:

1. 'Harps and Angels' (3:25) - The title track of the album is a satirical commentary on the state of America after the 9/11 attacks. Newman delivers biting humor with his clever use of metaphors and witty lyrics.

2. 'Losing You' (2:56) - A heartbreaking ballad about the pain of losing a loved one. Newman's soulful vocals coupled with a gentle piano melody makes for a poignant track.

3. 'Laugh and Be Happy' (2:27) - A cheerful and upbeat tune encouraging listeners to find joy in life's small moments. The song is driven by a lively piano and brass section.

4. 'A Few Words in Defense of Our Country' (4:09) - Another political commentary, this track takes a humorous approach to the current state of the nation. Newman's lyrics take jabs at those in power while reminding listeners of the importance of democracy.

5. 'A Piece of the Pie' (3:29) - A somber song about the struggles of working class Americans. Newman incorporates bluesy guitar riffs and a haunting organ to set the mood for this track.

6. 'Easy Street' (3:36) - Newman's vocals are at their best in this track, delivering a punchy and playful melody. The song's lyrics are tongue-in-cheek, describing a life of luxury and excess.

7. 'Korean Parents' (3:08) - A satirical take on the stereotype of strict Asian parents. Newman's use of humor and irony makes this track a standout.

8. 'Only a Girl' (2:54) - A romantic ballad featuring a simple piano melody and heartfelt lyrics. Newman's vocals are particularly tender in this track.

9. 'Potholes' (2:38) - A lighthearted tune about the frustrations of driving on pothole-filled roads. Newman's quirky lyrics and upbeat piano riffs make this track a fun addition to the album.

10. 'Feels Like Home' (4:44) - A cover of a song by Canadian singer-songwriter Randy Newman, this track is a sweet and sentimental love song. The gentle guitar and piano accompaniment highlights Newman's heartfelt vocals.

11. 'Shame' (2:52) - A serious track about the lasting effects of shame and guilt. Newman's vocals are at their most vulnerable on this track, accompanied by a haunting organ and somber guitar riffs.

12. 'I'm Dreaming' (2:32) - A hopeful and patriotic track calling for unity and progress in America. Newman's uplifting lyrics and layered instrumentation make for a powerful conclusion to the album.

Discography for Randy Newman:

Here is a list of Randy Newman's discography in chronological order:

Albums:
1. Randy Newman (1968)
2. 12 Songs (1970)
3. Sail Away (1972)
4. Good Old Boys (1974)
5. Little Criminals (1977)
6. Born Again (1979)
7. Trouble in Paradise (1983)
8. Land of Dreams (1988)
9. Bad Love (1999)
10. Harps and Angels (2008)
11. Dark Matter (2017)

Singles:
1. 'Mama Told Me Not to Come' (1970)
2. 'Short People' (1977)
3. 'Rider in the Rain' (1977)
4. 'Birmingham' (1979)
5. 'I Love L.A.' (1983)
6. 'It's Money That Matters' (1988)
7. 'I Want You to Hurt Like I Do' (1991)

Other notable releases:
1. 'Burn On' (1972) - from the album Sail Away
2. 'Louisiana 1927' (1974) - from the album Good Old Boys
3. 'You Can Leave Your Hat On' (1979) - from the album Born Again
4. 'Faust' (1993) - soundtrack for the 1993 film
5. 'The Princess and the Frog' (2009) - soundtrack for the 2009 Disney film

Note: Some of Newman's albums and songs have been reissued and remastered over the years, but the original release dates are listed above.