Album Review: Happiest Man by Gerard – A Funky Slice of 1968 Soul
Man, oh man, if you’re a sucker for that old-school groove with just enough pop sparkle to keep things interesting, then Gerard’s Happiest Man is your jam. Released way back in ’68 on Laurie Records, this album feels like someone bottled up the sunniest parts of the decade and poured it into vinyl form. It’s not perfect, but dang if it doesn’t make you want to shimmy around your living room like nobody’s watching.
Let’s talk tracks, shall we? First off, there’s the title track “Happiest Man.” This one hits you right outta the gate with its bouncy bassline and brass section that sounds like it’s having the time of its life. The arrangement (shoutout to John Abbott here) is tight without being too stiff—like they knew exactly how much wiggle room to leave for those funky vibes. What sticks with me about this song isn’t just the melody; it’s the vibe. You can almost picture some groovy dude strutting down the street in bell-bottoms, tipping his hat at everyone he passes because, hey, he’s the happiest man alive. Corny? Maybe. Infectious? Absolutely.
Then there’s “When All The Bells Have Rung,” which takes things down a notch but still keeps that soulful energy simmering. There’s something about the way the strings swell behind the vocals—it’s like nostalgia wrapped up in velvet. I remember listening to this track late one night when everything else was quiet, and suddenly, all these little details popped out at me. Like, whoa, did you catch that subtle guitar riff sneaking in during the second verse? Or how the backing harmonies whisper secrets only your ears can hear? It’s the kind of song that sneaks up on you when you least expect it.
Now, let’s be real—this album ain’t gonna blow your mind like some experimental masterpiece from the same era. But maybe that’s why I dig it so much. It doesn’t try too hard. Instead, it lets the music breathe, giving each track space to shine in its own quirky little way. And honestly? That’s refreshing as heck.
Here’s the kicker, though: Listening to Happiest Man made me realize something kinda wild. Back in ‘68, people were probably spinning this record while dealing with their own chaos—the Vietnam War, civil rights struggles, all that heavy stuff. Yet here’s an album that just wants to remind folks to smile, even if just for three minutes at a time. So yeah, sure, it’s fun and funky—but it’s also quietly rebellious in its own happy-go-lucky way. How cool is that?
So grab yourself a copy (if you can find one), crank up the volume, and let Gerard take you back to a simpler time. Just don’t blame me if you start dancing like a goofball.
