Ricky (album)

Ricky is the solo debut album by actor and singer Ricky Nelson, released in November 1957. Much of the album is in the pop-rock genre, focusing mostly on standards. It has since been re-issued on iTunes.

Musical content

One of the earliest "Teen Idol" albums with a focus on rock music, much of the album is unusually restrained, which several of the songs being popular standards dating as far as the 1920's, but updated for the rock'n'roll sound that was popular at the time. The album sold well, perhaps due to Ricky Nelson's popularity as an actor. Although later albums would see his singing skills improve and eventually see him writing some of his own songs, Ricky still has its fans.

Track listing

1. "Honeycomb" (Bob Merrill) 2:54
2. "Boppin' the Blues" (Carl Perkins) 1:56
3. "Be-Bop Baby" (Pearl Lendhurst) 2:01
4. "Have I Told You Lately that I Love You?" (Scotty Wiseman) 1:58
5. "Teenage Doll" (George Lendhurst, Pearl Lendhurst) 1:40
6. "If You Can't Rock Me" (Willie Jacobs) 1:53
7. "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin On" (Sunny David, Dave Williams) 2:11
8. "Baby I'm Sorry" (Freddie Scott) 2:21
9. "Am I Blue?" (Harry Akst, Grant Clarke) 1:39
10. "I'm Confessin'" (Doc Daugherty, Al Neiburg, Ellis Reynolds) 2:16
11. "Your True Love" (Carl Perkins) 1:58
12. "True Love" (Cole Porter) 2:17

Reception

Reception at the time of release is unknown. A recent review by Allmusic said that it is "derivative" but that "he also sang rhythmically in his smooth voice, negotiating the rock & roll beat with far greater ease than Pat Boone" and that "the 17-year-old continued to display the combination of natural pop instincts and genuine rock & roll feel that set him apart from the burgeoning pack of Elvis Presley imitators"

See also

• 1957 in music
• The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet