Essential Listening #50: Without You

My Comments

A beautiful heartbreak song covered by Harry. It was actually written by Badfinger. Again, I would encourage you to listen to the entire album Nillson Schmilsson. The songs are great. However, Harry gets the prize for one of the worst album covers ever. Harry in a funky bath robe. He was a bit eccentric, to say the least.

Details

“Without You” is a notable song by Harry Nilsson, which has been widely recognized and covered by many artists. Here’s a comprehensive overview:

• Release: The song was first released in 1971 on Nilsson’s album Nilsson Schmilsson. It was released as a single in January 1972.
• Genre: It’s a pop ballad with elements of rock and soft rock.
• Songwriters: “Without You” was originally written by Pete Ham and Tom Evans of the British rock band Badfinger. The song was first released by Badfinger in 1970.
• Harry Nilsson’s Version: Nilsson’s cover is perhaps the most famous version of the song. He made some changes to the arrangement and delivery, which helped it become a major hit.
• Style and Sound: Nilsson’s version is known for its emotional intensity and dramatic orchestration. His vocal performance is often praised for its depth and expressiveness.
• Lyrics: The song’s lyrics reflect themes of heartbreak and longing. The refrain “I can’t live if living is without you” is a powerful expression of emotional dependency and loss.
• Reception: Nilsson’s rendition of “Without You” was a major commercial success. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became one of the biggest hits of 1972. It also won a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.
• Music Video: There is no official music video from the early 1970s, but Nilsson’s performances and the song have been featured in various retrospectives and compilations.
• Legacy: “Without You” has become a classic ballad and has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, including Mariah Carey, who also had a hit with her version in 1994. The song remains a significant part of Harry Nilsson’s musical legacy and is frequently included in compilations of his work.