I Can See Clearly Now, Sam

I listened to this album without reading the part where it was released in 1972. While listening, I mistakenly arrived at all of these thoughts related to "how refreshing a stripped down recording is" and "if you're going to make a cover, try to make it different than the original." I was also put off by "Cream Puff." Now, I know the truth: Johnny Nash was not covering "Stir It Up" and "I Can See Clearly Now" but instead was exposing the world to them for the first time. And "Cream Puff" is more forgivable with that 1970s haze excusing it; this is not a Kate Smith thing here (sorry, Flyers fans).

With that misunderstanding out of the way, I have to say I overall dug this album. Although there are certainly capital-R Reggae songs on here, Nash had more range than a typical (a.k.a. Bob Marley) performer.

There are solid soul tunes on here. I particularly enjoyed "(It Was) Nice While It Lasted" because it reminded me of the progression and production of the intro song to Rocky Horror Picture Show (you know, the one where the lips were singing?). Previously, I thought it was an homage to the film, but now I know the movie came out after—so Rocky is derivative of Johnny? Weird.

It's weird how the framing of "new vs. old" shaped my listening experience. I'm willing to cut 1970s Johnny more slack than I would 2019 Johnny. 1970s Johnny also wrote two very influential songs (and I guess influenced Def Leppard's sugar pouring proclivities). This album is worth of respect (and not the Adrien Brody, "respect my neck" kind).