Randy Goodrum - Solitary Nights (1985)

Goodrum has written songs that became hits for such performers as Kenny Rogers (What Are We Doin’ in Love), Anne Murray (You Needed Me), Steve Perry (Foolish Heart) and George Benson (20/20), among others. This is his first album as a performer, and while nobody is likely to start thinking of him as a golden voice, it’s appealing to hear a good pop composer sing his own material. In this case it’s disappointing that Goodrum decided not to do any of his hits, singing instead eight of his mostly unrecorded songs, plus the sometime Chordettes and Harris-Parton-Ronstadt hit Mr. Sandman. The fact that Goodrum does all his own backup playing and singing, and even recorded the LP at his house, makes it a little sterile too. He nonetheless has a gentle touch as a songwriter—his tunes are full of sighs of regret—and his vocals bring to mind Michael Franks. Next time you’re in a wistful mood, try him.