Released: January 1967
The Young Rascals’ first album had good songs, but I wouldn’t call it a good album. A fine album, but not good. I rated it a C. The definition of “fine” in my musical world.
On their second album, the group absolutely puts out a good LP in Collections. Good ain’t great or perfect, though.
The Dynamite Dance Songs
With “What Is The Reason”, the album opens with an homage to the opulent pop of Phil Spector and Motown’s Holland-Dozier-Holland. The ponderous lyrics and sleigh bells see to that. The grandiose pop continues on the lightly stomping “I've Been Lonely Too Long”, a lovely homage to the Motown sound.
The Young Rascals go further into their love for Motown with a cover of the Miracles’ “Mickey’s Monkey”. It’s a pretty darn good cover, but they take it up a whole nother notch by tacking on “Turn On Your Love Light” originally done by Bobby Bland. This song kicks ass merging their garage rock affinity with their Motown sensibilities.
Speaking of garage rock, “Come On Up” is pure filth. Shoulda been a single, but I guess the lyrics were too racy cuz the sexual connotations are barely hidden here.
Ed. Note: Apparently “Come On Up” was released as a single! Only reached #43 on the pop chart. I am ashamed of you, America.
Another Motown homage is found in a cover of the Marvelettes’ “Too Many Fish In The Sea”. The Rascals’ version is very good. The original is perfect, though.
The album’s most soulful song is the absolutely fantastic “Love Is A Beautiful Thing” as Felix and Eddie share lead vocals. Wilson Pickett would later cover the song. So preemptively returning the favor, the Young Rascals did a trashy rock version of “Land of 1000 Dances”. Pickett’s version is perfect. Theirs is satisfactory.
The Sappy Ballads
“Since I Fell For You” is a respectable slow, organ-driven ballad. “No Love To Give” follows in similar footsteps although it ditches the organ for acoustic guitar and sappy strings. Second weakest song on the album, which is honestly an improvement from where things stood on The Young Rascals. Also, on the plus side, it shows their growing willingness to experiment beyond trashy rock and soul.
The worst song is “More”. I have no idea why so many artists in the 1960s recorded this song. It sucks. That said, the Young Rascals gave it a better go than most. It’s still not good, though.
ALBUM GRADE: B
If only this album were just the dance songs, it’d be an A. These Young Rascals were still figuring out how to manage the slow numbers. That particular naivete would finally vanish on the next album.
The beauty with this good album is that these wild hellions still have room to grow. Hell, they already made progress in having only one clunker on this album instead of the two or three they recorded on their debut.
Song Scores
What Is The Reason: 8/10
Since I Fell For You: 6.5/10
I've Been Lonely Too Long: 8.5/10
No Love To Give: 5.5/10
Mickey's Monkey/Love Lights: 8.5/10
Come On Up: 9/10
Too Many Fish In The Sea: 7.5/10
More: 4/10
Nineteen Fifty Six: 6/10
Love Is A Beautiful Thing: 9/10
Land of 1000 Dances: 6/10