Album: Rick Sings Nelson

Introduction
"Rick Sings Nelson" is a 1970 album by Ricky Nelson, an American vocalist, star, and songwriter. Born Eric Hilliard Nelson, Ricky was a part of the popular tv series "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" where he played a fictionalized version of himself. Ricky Nelson ended up being a popular recording artist during the 1950s and 1960s and continued to maintain an effective profession up until his unforeseen death in an airplane crash in 1985. "Rick Sings Nelson" was his 13th studio album and was launched by Decca Records. The album showcases Nelson's skills as a solo artist in addition to a songwriter, and features a mix of original compositions, cover songs, and ballads.

Background
By 1970, Ricky Nelson had actually currently released a string of successful albums and singles, consisting of "Poor Little Fool", "Travelin' Man", and "Hello Mary Lou". However, his popularity was beginning to subside, and he was no longer the teen idol he had actually once been. Diverging from his earlier pop and rock 'n' roll albums, "Rick Sings Nelson" was an effort by Ricky to reinvent himself as an artist and to adapt to the changing times.

Tracklist and Song Overview
"Rick Sings Nelson" consists of 11 tracks, with Nelson having composed or co-written nine of them. The album opens with "We've Got Such a Long Way to Go", a mid-tempo pop tune that sets the tone for the rest of the record.

"California", one of the standout tracks, showcases Nelson's smooth and melancholic vocal style. This song was written as an ode to his house state and represents his feeling of longing for an easier time in his life. Another significant initial composition is the reflective "Gypsy Pilot", motivated by Nelson's experiences and struggles in the music market.

The album also includes a number of cover songs, such as "Down Along the Bayou Country", a song written by Randy Meisner of the Eagles and Poco fame, and "How Long", by Jay Clayton.

One of the album's most noteworthy tracks is "She Belongs to Me", written by Bob Dylan. Nelson's analysis of this classic folk-rock tune highlights his capability to interpret diverse styles of music.

Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, "Rick Sings Nelson" received modestly beneficial reviews from music critics. They praised Ricky's songwriting abilities and his fully grown, reflective method in the album. Nevertheless, the record did not accomplish excellent commercial success, peaking at No. 135 on the Billboard 200 chart. This lack of commercial success led Decca Records to drop Ricky Nelson from their lineup.

Despite the industrial underperformance, "Rick Sings Nelson" is now considered an underrated gem in the vocalist's discography. Throughout the years, the album has gotten a cult following amongst fans and is looked upon as a distinct and individual work that showcased Ricky's development as an artist. The record likewise displays an authentic and genuine side of Ricky that was frequently eclipsed by his image as a teenager idol.

Today, Ricky Nelson is considered a prominent figure in the music market. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, his contributions to music continue to be celebrated. "Rick Sings Nelson" remains an important part of his impressive body of work and acts as a testament to this multitalented artist's ability to adjust, evolve, and stay relevant in an ever-changing market.