Just Like Walkin' in the Sunshine

Last updated
Just Like Walkin' in the Sunshine
Jean Shepard--Just Like Walkin in the Sunshine.jpg
Studio album by
Jean Shepard
ReleasedSeptember 1972 (1972-09)
RecordedJune 1971–June 1972
Genre Country [1]
Label Capitol
Producer
Jean Shepard chronology
Just as Soon as I Get Over Loving You
(1971)		Just Like Walkin' in the Sunshine
(1972)		 Slippin' Away
(1973)
Singles from Just Like Walkin' in the Sunshine
  1. "Safe in These Lovin' Arms of Mine"
    Released: November 1971
  2. "Virginia"
    Released: March 1972
  3. "Just Like Walkin' in the Sunshine"
    Released: July 1972

Just Like Walkin' in the Sunshine is a studio album by American country singer Jean Shepard. It was released in September 1972 by Capitol Records and was her nineteenth studio album. It would be Shepard's final Capitol album before moving to United Artists Records. Shepard was noticing a lack of attention towards her music from Capitol by this point and would even boycott recording sessions for the album until receiving more support from the company. Nonetheless, the album was completed and included three singles that peaked outside the US and Canadian country top 40 songs charts: "Safe in These Lovin' Arms of Mine", "Virginia" and the title track. It was given a positive review from Billboard following its release.

Contents

Background, recording and content

Jean Shepard was among the country genre's first female solo artists to find commercial success. Her career launched in the 1950s on Capitol Records where she had top ten, top 20 and top 40 singles over the next two decades. [2] By the early 1970s, Shepard's record sales had dropped and her commercial success waned. [3] According to her autobiography, Shepard claimed that she was "getting lost in the shuffle" within the Capitol Records roster. [4] In 1972, Shepard went on "strike" against Capitol, vowing not to record her next studio album until receiving "support" from the company. [5]

Shepard then went into the studio to finish sessions her final sessions for Just Like Walkin' in the Sunshine in June 1972. It was produced by Earl Ball and Larry Butler. The album consisted of ten tracks. New material from Don Reid ("Virginia") and Jerry Chesnut ("Love Will Always Be There") was included in the track listing. Song story lines varied from discussing the joy's of love (such as the title track) and giving advice to a woman having an extramarital affair ("I've Loved Him Much Longer Than You"). [6]

Release, critical reception and singles

Just Like Walkin' in the Sunshine was released by Capitol Records in September 1972. It was her nineteenth studio album in her career. The label distributed the disc as a vinyl LP, with five tracks on side of the disc. [6] Shepard would later move to United Artists Records shortly after the album's release. [3] It was given a positive response from Billboard magazine who called it a "strong entry" that should be "sure to prove a big seller". [1]

Despite this prediction, the album's three singles reached positions outside the country songs top 40 charts in the US and Canada. The album's release was preceded by its lead single in November 1971 called "Safe in These Lovin' Arms of Mine". [7] It climbed to the number 55 position on the US Billboard country songs chart. [8] The next single released from the album was "Virginia" in March 1972. [9] The song went to the number 68 position on the US country songs chart. [8] In July 1972, the title track was issued as the album's third single. [10] It reached number 46 on the US country songs chart [8] and number 65 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks chart. [11]

Track listing

Side one [6]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Just Like Walkin' in the Sunshine"
  • N. Merritt
  • A. Woodward
2:22
2."I've Loved Him Much Longer Than You"
2:30
3."We Good Good Together"Milton Blackford2:10
4."Virginia" Don Reid 2:48
5."Lonesome End of the Line"Chuck Rogers2:05
Side two [6]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Love Will Always Be There" Jerry Chesnut 2:23
2."Candlelighted World" Red Lane 2:33
3."Safe in These Lovin' Arms of Mine"
2:35
4."Singin' the Blues" Melvin Endsley 1:55
5."Thank Goodness It's Forever"
2:20

Release history

RegionDateFormatLabelRef.
North AmericaSeptember 1972Vinyl LP StereoCapitol Records [6]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jean Shepard</span> American country singer (1933–2016)

Jean Shepard was an American country singer who was considered by many writers and authors to be one of the genre's first significant female artists. Her early successes during the 1950s decade were said to influence the future careers of Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton and Tammy Wynette.

<i>When Its Just You and Me</i> (album) 1977 studio album by Dottie West

When It's Just You and Me is a studio album by American country artist Dottie West. It was released in July 1977 via United Artists Records and contained 11 tracks. It was the 24th studio album in West's career and her first for the United Artists label. Of its 11 songs, four of them were spawned as singles: the title track, "Every Word I Write", "Tonight You Belong to Me" and "That's All I Wanted to Know". The title track reached the top 20 on the US and Canadian country singles charts. The album was reviewed positively by Billboard magazine following its original release.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jean Shepard discography</span>

The discography of American country singer Jean Shepard contains 29 studio albums, 12 compilation albums, two live albums, 1 box set album, 72 lead and collaborative singles, four promotional singles, two other charted songs and nine album appearances. Her first singles were released by Capitol Records in 1953, beginning with "Crying Steel Guitar Waltz". Her next two releases featured vocals by Shepard and a recitation by Ferlin Husky. The first was "A Dear John Letter", Shepard's only number one single on the US Hot Country Songs chart. It also reached number four on the US pop chart and number three in Australia. The second was "Forgive Me, John", which reached the US country top five, the US pop top 30 and the Australia top 20. In 1955, her solo singles "A Satisfied Mind" and "Beautiful Lies" both reached number four on the US Hot Country Songs chart. Their B-sides also charted on the US country chart: "Take Possession" and "I Thought of You". The latter peaked in the US country top ten.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Slippin' Away (Jean Shepard song)</span> 1973 single by Jean Shepard

"Slippin' Away" is a song written by American singer-songwriter Bill Anderson and was originally recorded by American country singer Jean Shepard. Inspired to write the song while watching an old film, Shepard chose to the song to record and it was released as her first single for the United Artists label in 1973. It became her first top ten US country song in several years and was issued on an album of the same name.

<i>I Love Charley Brown</i> 1968 studio album by Connie Smith

I Love Charley Brown is the tenth studio album by American country singer Connie Smith, released in April 1968 by RCA Victor. The album reached the top 20 of the American country albums chart. It was described as a collection of pop-inspired country songs. Included were four cuts written by Smith's longtime songwriting collaborator, Dallas Frazier. Among his cuts was one of the album's three singles, "Run Away Little Tears". Along with Frazier's cut, the two additional singles included reached the top ten of the American country songs chart. The album was met with favorable reviews from critics.

<i>Love Is the Look Youre Looking For</i> 1973 compilation album by Connie Smith

Love Is the Look You're Looking for is a compilation album by American country singer Connie Smith, released in February 1973 by RCA Victor. It was Smith's third compilation released by RCA Victor and mostly included previously-recorded material. The album was named for the title track, which became a top ten single on the North American country singles charts. The album itself would chart on the American country LP's chart in 1973.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Many Happy Hangovers to You</span> 1966 single by Jean Shepard

"Many Happy Hangovers to You" is a song written by Johnny MacRae that was originally recorded by American country singer Jean Shepard. It was released as a single by Capitol Records in 1966, reaching the US country top 20 that year. It received a positive review from Billboard magazine following its release and was included on her 1966 studio album of a similar name.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Then He Touched Me</span> 1969 single by Jean Shepard

"Then He Touched Me" is a song originally recorded by American country singer Jean Shepard. Written by George Richey and Norro Wilson, it reached the top ten of the US country chart and was nominated by the Grammy Awards. It was Shepard's ninth top ten single in her career and was included on her 1970 album A Woman's Hand.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Another Lonely Night (Jean Shepard song)</span>

"Another Lonely Night" is a song written by Jan Crutchfield and Larry Butler. It was released as a single by both Jean Shepard (1970) and Jody Miller (1977). Shepard's version was the highest-charting, rising into the top 20 of the US country chart in 1971. Her version was included on her 1971 studio album Here and Now. Miller's version also made the US country chart, but only rose into the top 80 after its release. Both versions were reviewed by Billboard magazine following their individual releases.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">At the Time</span> 1974 single by Jean Shepard

"At the Time" is a song written by Bill Anderson that was recorded by American country singer Jean Shepard. Released as a single by United Artists Records, it reached the top 20 of the US country chart in 1974. It was the second single written by Anderson that Shepard recorded. It was given positive reviews from magazines and books following its release.

<i>Bedtime Story</i> (album) 1972 studio album by Tammy Wynette

Bedtime Story is a studio album by American country artist, Tammy Wynette. It was released in March 1972 via Epic Records and contained 11 tracks. The disc featured both new recordings and cover tunes. Two singles were included: title track and "Reach Out Your Hand". Both made top positions on the North American country charts in 1972. The album itself reached the top ten of the American country albums chart following its release.

<i>My Man</i> (album) 1972 studio album by Tammy Wynette

My Man is a studio album by American country artist, Tammy Wynette. It was released on September 25, 1972 via Epic Records and was the fifteenth studio album of her career. The disc was a collection of 11 tracks whose themes centered around spousal loyalty and heartache. Two singles were spawned from the album: "My Man (Understands)" and "'Til I Get It Right". Both topped the country charts in 1972 and 1973, respectively. The album itself reached the top position on the American country albums chart.

<i>Heart, We Did All That We Could</i> (album) 1967 studio album by Jean Shepard

Heart, We Did All That We Could is a studio album by American country singer Jean Shepard. It was released in March 1967 by Capitol Records and featured 12 tracks. The album's material centered on heartbreak and despair. Six of the tracks were originally singles released between 1963 and 1967. Both "Second Fiddle " and "If Teardrops Were Silver" reached the US country top ten, while the title track reached the top 20. The album itself reached the US country top ten in 1967. The disc received positive reviews from both Billboard and Cashbox.

<i>A Real Good Woman</i> 1968 studio album by Jean Shepard

A Real Good Woman is a studio album by American country singer Jean Shepard. It was released in October 1968 by Capitol Records and was her twelfth studio album. It consisted of 12 tracks, two of which were originally singles: "An Old Bridge" and the title track. The latter was a top 40 single on the US country chart. A Real Good Woman received positive reviews by music publications following its release.

<i>Seven Lonely Days</i> (album) 1969 studio album by Jean Shepard

Seven Lonely Days is a studio album by American country singer Jean Shepard. It was released in September 1969 by Capitol Records and was her fourteenth studio album. The ten-track collection featured several covers, including the title track. Released as a single, the title track reached the top 20 of the US country songs chart. The album itself also reached the US country albums survey. Seven Lonely Days received reviews from both music magazines and music websites following its release.

"With His Hand in Mine" is a song originally recorded by American country singer Jean Shepard. Released as a single in 1971, it reached the top 40 of the US country songs chart. It was later included on her 1971 album Just as Soon as I Get Over Loving You and received reviews from two music publications following its release.

<i>Just as Soon as I Get Over Loving You</i> 1971 studio album by Jean Shepard

Just as Soon as I Get Over Loving You is a studio album by American country singer Jean Shepard. It was released by Capitol Records in September 1971 and was her eighteenth studio album. The project consisted of ten tracks featuring new material and cover tunes. Of its new recordings were two singles: the title track and "With His Hand in Mine". The latter was a top 25 US country single in 1971. The album was met with positive reviews from publications following its release.

<i>Slippin Away</i> (album) 1973 studio album by Jean Shepard

Slippin' Away is a studio album by American country singer Jean Shepard. It was released by United Artists Records in September 1973 and was her twentieth studio album. The album was named for Shepard's top five US and Canadian country single of the same name. The album itself was Shepard's first for United Artists after many years with Capitol Records. It received a positive response from both Billboard and Record World magazines.

<i>Ill Do Anything It Takes</i> 1974 studio album by Jean Shepard

I'll Do Anything It Takes is a studio album by American country singer Jean Shepard. It was released in July 1974 by United Artists Records and was her twenty first studio album. The album was a collection of 11 tracks, which featured subjects about romance and devotion. It was reviewed by various music publications following its release, including AllMusic, which rated it three out of five stars. Two singles were included on the album that reached the US country songs top 20: the title track and "At the Time".

<i>Im a Believer</i> (album) 1975 studio album by Jean Shepard

I'm a Believer is a studio album by American country singer Jean Shepard. It was released by United Artists Records in November 1975 and was her twenty third studio recording. The album was a collection of ten tracks that mixed new songs with cover material. Among its new selections were two singles: the title track and "Another Neon Night". Both made the US country chart in 1975. The album was give positive reviews from music publications following its release.

References

  1. 1 2 "Billboard Album Reviews: Country". Billboard . September 2, 1972. p. 34. Retrieved 8 July 2024.
  2. ↑ Cooper, Dan. "Jean Shepard". Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum . Retrieved 30 June 2024.
  3. 1 2 Cackett, Alan (April 1977). "Keeping Country to Its Purest Roots". Country Music People. p. 20. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  4. ↑ Shepard, Jean (2014). Down Through the Years. Don Wise Productions. p. 84. ISBN   978-0944391068.
  5. ↑ Williams, Bill (May 27, 1972). "Nashville Scene" (PDF). Billboard . p. 70. Retrieved 8 July 2024.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 Shepard, Jean (August 1972). "Just Like Walkin' in the Sunshine (Liner Notes)". Capitol Records . ST-11049.
  7. ↑ Shepard, Jean (November 1971). ""Safe in These Lovin' Arms of Mine"/"The Closest Thing to Perfect" (7" vinyl single)". Capitol Records . 3238.
  8. 1 2 3 Whitburn, Joel (2004). The Billboard Book Of Top 40 Country Hits: 1944-2006, Second edition. Record Research.
  9. ↑ Shepard, Jean (March 1972). ""Virginia"/"We Go Good Together" (7" vinyl single)". Capitol Records . 3315.
  10. ↑ Shepard, Jean (July 1972). ""Just Like Walkin' in the Sunshine"/"Candlelighted World" (7" vinyl single)". Capitol Records . 3395.
  11. ↑ "Search results for "Jean Shepard" under RPM Country Singles". RPM . Archived from the original on October 24, 2012. Retrieved September 10, 2011.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.