The music charts in the mid 70’s had an abundance of melodic pop artists - smooth in sound writing glorious melodies with pop hooks in abundance.
We think of the Carpenters , Gilbert O’ Sullivan , 10CC ,Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel solo albums , Wings , Gerry Rafferty - and the Scottish duo Gallagher and Lyle.
In particular their 1976 UK hit album Breakaway - with their memorable classics : Breakaway , Heart On My Sleeve,I Wanna Stay With You and others.
At the time it felt like the calm before the storm - as Punk was brewing and soon to dominate the music charts with edgy guitars and yelled lyrics.
However for a brief moment this album and the title track- reached everyone who was around at this time-with its smooth melodic sound.
Breakaway was covered by Art Garfunkel and was a 1975 hit before Gallagher and Lyle recorded their own version.
Another tune was covered by American country artist Don Williams.
As far back as 1968 they were signed by the Beatles to write for Apple artists - they also went on to back up and contribute to Ronnie Lane’s solo career after the Faces split in 1975.
The melodic pastoral folk of this time is under appreciated in my opinion, from the legendary Small Faces /Faces songwriter and bass player Ronnie Lane.
In some ways Gallagher and Lyles musical evolution would lead them to 1976 -and this glorious melodic album really does encapsulate a big slice of mid 70’s classic songwriting and production.
Go check it out - a memorable melody never goes out of fashion!
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