Album: A Tender Look at Love

Introduction
" A Tender Look at Love" is an album by American singer-songwriter and musician Roger Miller, released in 1968. Miller, who was currently a recognized country music artist, chose to explore popular noises within the pop and lounge genres in this album. It was Miller's deviation from his conventional country music design, featuring romantic and sentimental songs with rich orchestrations backing his mentally evocative vocals. Still, it did not impact his signature songwriting talent, as his lyrics were poetic and filled with vivid imagery and sincere feelings.

Background and Production
Following the success of his previous albums, such as "The 3rd Time Around" and "Dang Me", which showcased his humor and distinct songwriting, Miller chose to take a different technique with "A Tender Look at Love". The album was produced by Jerry Kennedy, a prominent Nashville manufacturer understood for dealing with different country artists such as Jerry Lee Lewis and Tom T. Hall. Miller collaborated with a few renowned composers and songwriters, including Johnny Mercer, Raymond Leveen, and Harry Nilsson, whose tunes Miller consisted of on the album.

The production of the album included substantial use of orchestral arrangements, done by Bill Justis, providing a gentle and sophisticated background for Miller's singing. These important arrangements were characterized by cascading strings, brass, and woodwind sections, providing a relaxing and melodic environment to the album.

Tracklist and Themes
" A Tender Look at Love" consisted of 12 tracks, each using a various perspective on love and love. Some of the standout songs consist of:

1. "A World So Full of Love" - A sincere ballad about the sensation of being liked and appreciating the plentiful love in the world.
2. "Ask Any Woman" - Miller's wholehearted guidance to guys on how to find love by understanding and empathizing with females's desires and requirements.
3. "Love is Not for Me" - A touching and individual tune that tells the struggle of resisting the call to love despite fearing the possibility of loss and heartbreak.
4. "Our Hearts Will Play the Music" - A romantic duet with American vocalist and songwriter Mary Arnold, portraying the beautiful consistency of 2 hearts coming together in love.

Throughout the album, Miller encapsulates different aspects and feelings connected to love, ranging from the happiness of discovering a perfect partner to the pain of heartbreak. The lyrics demonstrate his natural capability to take advantage of the core of human emotions, making the tunes relatable for listeners.

Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, "A Tender Look at Love" received blended reviews as fans and critics were not accustomed to Miller delving into the pop and lounge music genres. Despite this, the album showcased a softer and more psychological side, proving his versatility as an artist. The genuine and poetic lyrics, paired with the stunning orchestration, got gratitude from numerous listeners and showcased Miller's incredible musical talents.

Although "A Tender Look at Love" might not have reached the commercial success of some of Miller's other albums, it stands as a testimony to his variety as an artist and his ability to take risks in exploring new noises. Today, the album is kept in mind as an underrated classic that recorded the romantic essence of its period, showcasing the skills of one of the most long-lasting and influential artists in American music history.