Ray Conniff occupied a different space in the '70s than in the '60s. His early albums were distinctive and even innovative, but his '70s albums were made-to-order for "beautiful music" radio stations and listeners who like their music whipped to a froth. Experimental vocal and instrumental arrangements gave way to a light, slick sound just this side of Muzak.
Conniff's albums continued to enjoy modest success through 1973, but his popularity was in steep decline. The array of massive adult contemporary hits on
Alone Again (Naturally), like "Song Sung Blue" and the title track, raise questions as to the necessity of
Conniff's undertaking. How "easy" can easy listening get?