Album: Cass Elliot

Introduction
"Cass Elliot" is the self-titled 4th studio album by the American singer and previous member of the Mamas & the Papas, Cass Elliot, launched in 1972. Produced by Lewis Merenstein and organized by Benny Golson, the album includes rich orchestrations, a departure from the folk-rock sound of her earlier work. Covering a variety of categories such as pop, soul, and adult contemporary, "Cass Elliot" showcases the vocalist's effective and emotive voice, solidifying her status as a solo artist after her highly effective career with the Mamas & the Papas.

Background
Following the release of her previous album, "Dave Mason & Cass Elliot", in 1970, Cass started a solo trip to promote the album. During this duration, she signed an agreement with RCA Records and began teaming up with manufacturer Lewis Merenstein, who was understood for his deal with Van Morrison. As Merenstein developed a close creative partnership with Cass, he motivated her to explore brand-new vocal designs and musical categories in order to create a fresh noise for her launching solo job.

Recording and Production
The album was tape-recorded at RCA Studios in Los Angeles, with Benny Golson setting up and conducting the orchestra. This marked a modification from Cass's earlier work, as her previous albums had included minimal orchestrations and a more stripped-down sound. Throughout the recording sessions, Merenstein motivated Cass to experiment with her singing delivery and to push her voice to new levels, leading to a remarkably flexible and powerful efficiency throughout the album.

In addition to the rich orchestrations, the album includes a number of high-profile visitor musicians, including allure artists Larry Carlton, Joe Sample, and Wilton Felder from the band The Crusaders. These collaborations supplied the album with a varied variety of musical styles, reflecting Cass's wide variety of impacts and interests.

Tracklist and Notable Songs
"Cass Elliot" consists of eleven tracks, including a mix of cover tunes and original structures. Some of the notable tracks on the album include:

1. "I'll Be Home" - This Carole King-penned track is an up-tempo, gospel-infused number, showcasing Cass's remarkable capability to belt out a powerful vocal performance.
2. "Baby I'm Yours" - A cover of the 1965 Barbara Lewis song, Cass delivers a psychological and emotional rendition, backed by a rich string plan.
3. "Jesus Was a Cross Maker" - Written by Judee Sill, this haunting ballad features Cass's plaintive vocals over a perfectly orchestrated background.
4. "That Song" - An initial composition, this reflective tune highlights Cass's softer side and her ability to communicate vulnerability through her voice.

Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, "Cass Elliot" got favorable reviews from critics, who applauded Cass's singing capabilities and the album's diverse range of musical styles. However, the album did not achieve the exact same level of industrial success as her work with the Mamas & the Papas, peaking at number 105 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Regardless of the album's moderate industrial success, "Cass Elliot" stays a testament to the singer's amazing talent, flexibility, and capability to transcend musical categories. Throughout the years, the album has generated a cult following, with numerous fans and critics considering it to be one of her finest works. Tragically, Cass Elliot died at the age of 32 in 1974, leaving behind a powerful musical legacy that continues to motivate and captivate audiences today.