Rain Is Falling, A Dream’s For Dreaming: John Horton’s Forgotten Gem Blasts Through 1970
Alright, let’s get real. John Horton’s Rain Is Falling, A Dream’s For Dreaming isn’t some overhyped pop masterpiece you’ll find on every “Best of the 70s” list. Nope. This Belgian-born oddball record dropped in 1970 under Golden Music and kinda just… floated away like smoke from a forgotten cigarette. But don’t let that fool ya—it’s got teeth. It bites back if you give it half a chance.
First up, the title track, Rain Is Falling. Man, this song hits different. The opening riff is so damn simple it hurts—just a lil’ piano loop that feels like raindrops hitting your window at 3 AM when life’s got you down. But then Horton’s voice comes in, all raw and unpolished, and BAM—you’re hooked. He doesn’t try to blow you away with vocal gymnastics; he lets the lyrics do the heavy lifting. Lines like “the sky cries for no one” slap harder than they should because they’re real. Like, who hasn’t felt like the world was dumping on ‘em? You remember this track not ‘cause it’s perfect but ‘cause it’s honest. And honesty? That sticks.
Then there’s A Dream’s For Dreaming. Holy crap, talk about mood swings. This one kicks off with these lush strings that feel straight outta some European art house flick. At first listen, it’s almost too sweet, like eating candy till your teeth ache. But stick around, and the cracks start showing. There’s this subtle tension in the melody, like Horton knows dreams are fragile as hell. By the time the chorus rolls around, you’re not sure whether to cry or punch something. Honestly? I think that’s genius. It’s messy, kinda chaotic even, but isn’t that what dreaming feels like sometimes?
Now, here’s the kicker—this album didn’t explode back in ’70, and it probably won’t now either. But screw trends. Screw what everyone else says. If you dig music that makes you feel stuff without trying too hard, this record might just slap you upside the head and wake you up. Plus, coming from Belgium? Yeah, betcha didn’t see THAT comin’.
So yeah, maybe John Horton never became a household name. Maybe his label dropped the ball. Or maybe—and hear me out—this album was always meant to be a quiet storm, sneakin’ up on folks decades later when they least expect it. Either way, Rain Is Falling, A Dream’s For Dreaming deserves a spot in your collection. Just don’t blame me if it messes with your head.
