| Cover | File:NothingRhymed.jpg |
|---|---|
| Artist | Gilbert O'Sullivan |
| Album | Himself |
| B-side | Everybody Knows |
| Released | 1970 |
| Recorded | 1970 (Audio International Studios, London) |
| Genre | Soft rock[1] |
| Length | 3:27 |
| Label | MAM |
| Writer | Gilbert O'Sullivan |
| Producer | Gordon Mills |
| Prev year | 1969 |
| Next year | 1971 |
"Nothing Rhymed" is a song written and recorded by the Irish singer-songwriter Gilbert O'Sullivan. It was released in 1970.
The song was O'Sullivan's first hit single in the UK.[2] It peaked at number 8 in the UK Singles Chart,[2] number 2 in Ireland, and number 1 in the Netherlands. "Nothing Rhymed" subsequently appeared on his 1971 album, Himself.[3]
Background
According to O'Sullivan, he wrote the song after seeing film footage of starving children in Africa (during the Nigerian Civil War) on television for the first time. Later, after being signed by manager Gordon Mills, the song was then recorded and released.[4] Renowned session bassist Herbie Flowers features on the original recording.[5]
Pop historian Paul Gambaccini described it as "one of the great songs of all time" in the 2007 BBC documentary Kings of 70s Romance. In 2012, Paul Weller declared "Nothing Rhymed" and "Alone Again (Naturally)" as "two of my favourite songs, great lyrics, great tunes".[6][7]
Charts
| Chart (1970–71) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| New Zealand (Listener Chart)[8] | 14 |
References
- ^ Fontenot, Robert. "Soft Rock Music and Songs - Oldies Music". Oldies.about.com. Retrieved 2016-10-03.
- ^ Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums. 19th ed. London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 411. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
- ^ J. Scott McClintock. "Himself - Gilbert O'Sullivan | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 2016-10-03.
- ^ "Episode 72 – Gilbert O'Sullivan". Sodajerker. pp. 25:03–26:20. Retrieved 28 March 2018.
- ^ Barnard, Jason (18 June 2016). "Gilbert O'Sullivan". The Strange Brew. Retrieved 28 March 2018.
- ^ Andrews, Kernan. "I can still compete with anyone despite being around so long". Galway Advertiser. Retrieved 28 March 2018.
- ^ Elms, Robert. "Paul Weller Meets Gilbert O'Sullivan - BBC Radio London March 2012". Youtube. Retrieved 28 March 2018.
- ^ "Gilber O'Sullivan (search)". Flavour of New Zealand.
External links
- Gilbert O Sullivan - Nothing Rhymed at TopPop, 26 October 1980