Jenny Please Don’t Sing That Song – A Hidden Gem from 1974
Alright, let’s talk about Jenny Please Don’t Sing That Song by John Guess. Released in ‘74 under Capitol Records, this album is a cool mix of Pop, Folk, World, Country, and Rock vibes with a Soft Rock twist. It’s not some big-name classic, but it has this understated charm that kinda sneaks up on you. Produced by John Guess and Larry Carlton (yep, the guitar legend), it feels like one of those records you stumble upon at a thrift store and end up loving for no reason.
The title track, “Jenny (Please Don’t Sing That Song),” is the obvious standout. I mean, how can you not remember a song with such a quirky name? The lyrics are simple yet oddly relatable—like when someone belts out a tune you just don’t wanna hear at that moment. The melody sticks to your brain like gum under a table. You know what I mean? It’s got this laid-back groove, thanks to Larry Carlton’s arrangement skills. His touch gives it a smooth, almost jazzy feel without overdoing it. Honestly, if this came on during a road trip, I’d crank it up and sing along badly… which is always a good sign.
Another track worth mentioning is “Someday We’ll Be Together Again.” This one hits different. It’s slower, more reflective, and kinda tugs at your heartstrings. The acoustic guitar work here is gorgeous—simple but packed with emotion. It reminds me of sitting on a porch somewhere, thinking about people you miss. Not gonna lie, I teared up a little the first time I heard it. The vocals might not be perfect, but they’re real, y’know? Like, you can tell John Guess isn’t faking the feelings he’s singing about.
What makes this album special isn’t flashy production or crazy solos—it’s the sincerity. Everything feels organic, like these guys were just jamming in a room and decided to press record. And honestly, that’s refreshing. In a world full of overproduced stuff, Jenny Please Don’t Sing That Song feels like an old friend who doesn’t try too hard to impress you.
Oh, random thought: I wonder if Jenny ever stopped singing that song. Like, did she listen to this and go, “Oops, my bad”? Anyway, give this album a spin if you dig soft rock with a folk edge. It’s not gonna change your life, but it’ll definitely make your day a little brighter.