Album: Son of Schmilsson

Introduction
"Son of Schmilsson" is the eighth album by American singer-songwriter Harry Nilsson, released in 1972. The follow-up to Nilsson's seriously acclaimed and commercially effective "Nilsson Schmilsson" (1971), "Son of Schmilsson" includes aspects of rock, pop, and folk music. Despite getting blended reviews from critics at the time of its release, the album has since garnered a reputation as one of Nilsson's best works.

Background and Production
After the success of "Nilsson Schmilsson", which amassed Nilsson three Grammy nominations and a hit single with "Without You", expectations were high for his next album. With pressure to produce another industrial hit, Nilsson reunited with producer Richard Perry, who had actually worked on his previous album.

Taped mainly in London, "Son of Schmilsson" includes contributions from many prominent artists, including George Harrison (credited as "George Harrysong"), Ringo Starr (credited as "Richie Snare"), Klaus Voormann, Peter Frampton, and Chris Spedding. The album likewise showcases Nilsson's versatile singing variety and his capability to easily shift between various music styles.

Track Listing and Song Themes
"Son of Schmilsson" makes up twelve tracks, showcasing a varied range of musical styles and lyrical styles. Some significant songs include:

1. "Take 54" - The album's opening track is a playful commentary on the recording procedure, with lyrics going over the many takes required to capture the perfect performance.

2. "Remember (Christmas)" - This melancholic ballad is a reflection on the passage of time and lost love. In spite of its mournful tone, the song includes a lush plan and showcases Nilsson's psychological singing delivery.

3. "Turn On Your Radio" - A piano-driven pop song with an appealing chorus, "Turn On Your Radio" motivates listeners to lose themselves in the recovery power of music.

4. "Spaceman" - One of the album's highlights, "Spaceman" is an orchestral pop-rock tune that tells the story of a lonely astronaut yearning for friendship.

5. "The Lottery Song" - A whimsical, folky tune that checks out the elusive nature of joy and the role opportunity plays in forming our lives.

6. "At My Front Door" - A cover of The El Dorados' 1955 hit, Nilsson's variation is a lively rock and roll tune that showcases his dynamic vocal abilities.

Album Artwork and Title
The album cover for "Son of Schmilsson" features a close-up picture of Nilsson sporting a fake beard and impersonating his own daddy, a lively nod to the album's title. The title itself is a tongue-in-cheek reference to the success of "Nilsson Schmilsson", recommending this album is a direct descendant of its predecessor.

Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, "Son of Schmilsson" got blended reviews, with some critics unhappy with Nilsson's discrepancy from the more sleek sound of "Nilsson Schmilsson". The album reached number 12 on the United States Billboard 200 chart and number 11 on the UK Albums Chart. While it did not accomplish the same business success as its predecessor, the album has because been appreciated for its diverse mix of musical styles and Nilsson's expressive vocals.

In the years following its release, "Son of Schmilsson" has ended up being a cult favorite among Nilsson fans and music connoisseurs alike. Its diverse variety of tunes and desire to break from convention make it a distinct and enduring entry in Nilsson's discography. The album has actually also been lauded for its incorporation of humor and light-heartedness, which sets it apart from other works of the period.