Album: Music Is My Life

Introduction
"Music Is My Life" is the seventh studio album by American artist Billy Preston, released in 1972 on A&M Records. As a keyboardist, singer, and composer, Preston gained prominence as a session musician for a few of the greatest names in the music market, such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan. This album marks an important period in Preston's profession, throughout which he established himself as an effective solo artist. Including a mix of funk, soul, gospel, and R&B, "Music Is My Life" showcases Preston's versatile musicianship and special songwriting capabilities.

Background and Recording
After dealing with numerous famous musicians and appearing on their albums, such as The Beatles' "Let It Be" and The Rolling Stones' "Sticky Fingers", Billy Preston signed with A&M Records in 1971. In 1972, he started dealing with "Music Is My Life", which included cooperations with a number of significant artists, such as George Harrison, Quincy Jones, and David T. Walker.

The album was taped in multiple locations, consisting of A&M Studios in California, Olympic Studios in London, and Apple Studios in London. This varied recording environment reflects the album's diverse noise, blending different musical styles while staying cohesive.

Album Content
"Music Is My Life" consists of ten tracks, covering simply over 37 minutes in length. The album opens with the upbeat, gospel-inspired "We're Gon na Make It", which sets a favorable tone for the record. The following track, "One Time Or Another", showcases Preston's emotional vocal range and ability to craft a powerful ballad.

The third track, the important "Blackbird", is a cover of The Beatles' tune and features George Harrison on guitar. This performance highlights Preston's creative piano-playing and changes the original into a vibrant, jazz-infused rendition. "I Wonder Why", on the other hand, is a sluggish and emotional track that shows Preston's emotive singing.

"Will It Go Round in Circles", one of the album's standout hits, is a contagious funk tune boasting catchy, memorable lyrics and a fascinating horn section. This track showcases Preston's ability to mix various categories perfectly and develop a distinctive sound. Another noteworthy song is "Ain't That Nothin'", a slow-burning, bluesy track featuring intricate guitar work and effective vocals.

The album likewise consists of a cover of Bob Dylan's "It's Alright Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)", which Preston reinterprets with a gospel twist. "Isn't It A Pity", a cover of George Harrison's song, closes the album with a psychological, wholehearted efficiency that displays the strong bond between Preston and Harrison.

Industrial Reception and Legacy
"Music Is My Life" peaked at number 32 on the Billboard Top LPs & Tapes chart and number nine on the Billboard Top Soul LPs chart. The album's hit single, "Will It Go Round in Circles", reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and the Hot Soul Singles charts, earning Preston a gold record.

The album's success sealed Billy Preston's position as a popular solo artist and paved the way for his future work, such as his collaborations with Syreeta Wright and continued success in the 1970s. "Music Is My Life" stays a beloved classic, showcasing Preston's enormous skill and versatility as a musician. It is a testament to his remarkable profession as both a solo artist and a highly popular partner worldwide of music.

Artist: Billy Preston

Billy Preston, the 'Fifth Beatle' and acclaimed keyboardist. Discover his work with legends like the Beatles, Rolling Stones, and his solo success.
More about Billy Preston

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