It Never Rains in Southern California is the debut album by Albert Hammond, released in 1972. The title song was a hit, and the album included the first release of the song "The Air That I Breathe", which became a hit when it was covered by the English band the Hollies in 1974.
Description It Never Rains in Southern California was released by Mums Records in 1972.Albert Hammond, It Never Rains in Southern California Retrieved 20 April 2013 The album landed on the Billboard 200 chart, reaching No. 77.Albert Hammond, It Never Rains in Southern California Chart Position Retrieved 20 April 2013
The title song hit No. 2 on the Adult Contemporary chart, No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, and No. 51 on the UK Singles Chart in 1972. The single "Down by the River" hit No. 38 on the Adult Contemporary chart and No. 91 on the Billboard Hot 100. The single "If You Gotta Break Another Heart" reached No. 63 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1973.Albert Hammond's charting singles Retrieved 20 April 2013
"The Air That I Breathe" would go on to become a major hit for British band the Hollies in 1974.
The album was produced by Hammond and Don Altfeld and was arranged by Michael Omartian.
Track listing All tracks by Albert Hammond and Mike Hazlewood. "Listen to the World" "If You Gotta Break Another Heart" "From Great Britain to L.A." "Brand New Day" "Anyone Here in the Audience" "It Never Rains in Southern California" "Names, Tags, Numbers and Labels" "Down by the River" "The Road to Understanding" "The Air That I Breathe"
Personnel Albert Hammond - lead and backing vocals, guitar Jay Lewis, Larry Carlton - guitar Joe Osborn, Ray Pohlman - bass guitar Hal Blaine, Jim Gordon - drums Michael Omartian - keyboards Don Altfeld - percussion Carol Carmichael - backing vocals Alan Beutler, Jackie Kelso, Tommy Scott - flute
Charts Album YearChartPeakposition1972Australia (Kent Music Report)621972Billboard 20077 Singles YearSingleChartPeakposition1972"Down by the River"Billboard Hot 100911972"Down by the River"Adult Contemporary Chart381972"It Never Rains in Southern California"Billboard Hot 10051972"It Never Rains in Southern California"Adult Contemporary Chart21972"It Never Rains in Southern California"UK Singles Chart511973"If You Gotta Break Another Heart"Billboard Hot 10063
References