Paul Williams - Someday Man [Deluxe Expanded Edition] (1970/2010)

This 1970 debut under his own name features singer/lyricist Paul Williams working with songwriter Roger Nichols, resulting in a set of bright, upbeat pop -- highlighted by the sparkling title track (also recorded by the Monkees on their Instant Replay LP of the previous year). Williams' amiable, Elton John-like vocals carry the tunes here, most notably the anthemic title track. With its buoyant '70s horn-and-string arrangements, the record sounds charmingly dated, making it ideal for aficionados of that era.

The most famous thing about this 1969 album is its title track, which was covered by the Monkees, but if you're into late-'60s orchestrated pop a la Pet Sounds or Forever Changes, you have to check this out! First of all, Someday Man marked the first major collaboration between Paul Williams and Roger Nichols, who were to team on a bundle of early-'70s hits for the Carpenters and Three Dog Night among others; then there are the musicians, who included such giants as Hal Blaine and Larry Knechtel among their ranks. But it's the songs that really make this album a marvel; seamlessly mixing the topical, personal and spiritual, they belie Williams' tender age of 29. Includes "Someday Man," "So Many People," "She's Too Good to Me," "Mornin' I'll Be Movin' On," "Time," "Trust," "To Put Up with You," "Do You Really Have a Heart," "I Know You," and "Roan Pony."