Album Info
| Artist: | The 5th Dimension |
| Album: | Portrait |
| Released: | Australia, 1970 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | Puppet Man | |
| Written-By - Neil Sedaka - Howard Greenfield | ||
| A2 | One Less Bell To Answer | |
| Soloist [Vocal] - Marilyn McCoo Davis | ||
| Written-By - Burt Bacharach - Hal David | ||
| A3 | Feelin' Alright? | |
| Soloist [Piano] - Larry Knechtel | ||
| Soloist [Vocal] - Billy Davis, Jr. | ||
| Written-By - Dave Mason | ||
| A4 | This Is Your Life | |
| Soloist [Vocal] - Florence LaRue Gordon | ||
| Written-By - Jim Webb | ||
| A5 | A Love Like Ours | |
| Written-By - Bob Alcivar, Lamonte McLemore | ||
| B1 | Save The Country | |
| Written-By - Laura Nyro | ||
| Medley | ||
| B2a | The Declaration | |
| Music By - Julius Johnsen, Rene De Knight | ||
| Soloist [Vocal] - Billy Davis, Jr. | ||
| B2b | A Change Is Gonna Come | |
| Soloist [Vocal] - Billy Davis, Jr. | ||
| Written-By - Sam Cooke | ||
| B2c | People Gotta Be Free | |
| Soloist [Vocal] - Billy Davis, Jr. | ||
| Written-By - Eddie Brigati, Felix Cavaliere | ||
| B3 | Dimension 5ive | |
| Written-By - Bob Alcivar |
Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store
- We are a small independent record store located at 91 Plenty Rd, Preston in Melbourne's North (Australia)
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- We almost always ship your vinyl next business day (excluding pre orders)
- We are strongly committed to customer satisfaction. If you experience any problems with your order contact us so we can rectify the situation. If the record arrives damaged or doesn't arrive we will cover the cost of replacing or returning the record.
- If you change your mind you have 30 days to return your record but you must cover the cost of returning it to the store.
- You can contact our Melbourne record shop at (03) 9939 3807 or at info@funkyduckvinyl.com
- Happy Listening!
Description
The late 1960s and early 1970s witnessed a cultural revolution, with pop and soul music becoming platforms for artists to express deeper reflections on society, love, and personal transformation. Within this context, The 5th Dimension's "Portrait" released in 1970, stands as an embodiment of the era's optimism, exploration, and yearning for social unity.
The 5th Dimension's sound is characterized by their lush harmonies, seamlessly blending pop, soul, jazz, and even traces of psychedelia. "Portrait" retains these trademarks while further pushing the envelope in terms of lyrical depth and musical experimentation.
One cannot talk about this album without mentioning "One Less Bell to Answer". A ballad that explores the pangs of lost love, Marilyn McCoo's lead vocal performance is nothing short of breathtaking. Her voice, drenched in sorrow, conveys the weight of heartbreak, making it one of the standout moments of the album and, arguably, the group's entire discography.
"Puppet Man" and "Save the Country" contrastingly add a dash of playfulness and fervor to the record. While the former is an upbeat, catchy tune, the latter, originally penned by Laura Nyro, serves as a call to action, urging for peace and unity in an era fraught with political unrest and societal divisions.
A surprise inclusion in the album is the group's take on "A Song for You", penned by the legendary Leon Russell. The 5th Dimension's rendition is a delicate balance of soul and pop, with a touch of gospel, showcasing their unmatched ability to make any song distinctively their own.
Another intriguing aspect of "Portrait" is its exploration of diverse themes, which range from romantic love to social commentary. Songs like "Dimension 5ive" are emblematic of the era’s fascination with space and the future. Meanwhile, the closing track, "The Declaration", is a poignant medley, integrating snippets from the American Declaration of Independence with reflections on contemporary issues, underlining the gap between societal ideals and reality.
From a production standpoint, "Portrait" benefits from Bones Howe's meticulous touch. Known for his previous work with Elvis Presley and The Mamas & the Papas, Howe ensures that the album retains a polished sound, where every harmony and instrumental layer is clearly discernible. The arrangements are rich yet never overpowering, allowing the group's vocal prowess to shine.
The album cover art, portraying the members in vintage attires against a pastoral backdrop, visually encapsulates the project's essence – a blend of the traditional and the modern, an intersection of the past and the present.
In summary, "Portrait" is The 5th Dimension's love letter to the transitional period of the late '60s and early '70s. It captures the zeitgeist of the era – the dreams, the struggles, the hopes, and the uncertainties. This is an album that not only stands the test of time musically but also serves as a historical document, reflecting the sentiments of a generation seeking change, love, and unity.
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