Randy Newman

The Best of Randy Newman (Warner Archives) Coming from one of the undisputed masters of the craft, this could have been titled 21 Songs in deference to Newman’s brilliant 12 Songs. It also might be more correct to call these “greatest hits,” as they represent the bulk of his radio repertoire (“Mama Told Me Not to Come,” “Sail Away,” “I Love L.A.”) as well as his misunderstood tunes (“Short People,” “Rednecks”). The “best” of Randy Newman, even in three decades of these gems, may be yet to come.

This article appears in December 28 • 2001.

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