nealsen / pearson

• Packaging: Miniature LP-style papersleeve

Nielsen/Pearson is the polished 1980 album by American singer-songwriters Reed Nielsen and Mark Pearson. Following their earlier work as the Nielsen Pearson Band, the pair streamlined their name and developed a sophisticated West Coast sound that blended melodic pop, soft rock, jazz-influenced arrangements and carefully layered vocal harmonies.

Produced and arranged by Richard Landis, the album surrounds Nielsen and Pearson's songwriting with an impressive group of Los Angeles studio musicians. Contributors include David Foster, Tom Scott, Victor Feldman, Vinnie Colaiuta, Paulinho da Costa, Neil Stubenhaus, Peter Wolf and Jai Winding, giving the recording the refined instrumental character associated with classic late-seventies and early-eighties West Coast productions.

“Two Lonely Nights” opens the album with an immediately memorable combination of keyboards, guitars and close harmonies, while “Don't Let Me Go” and “Love Me Tonight” balance strong pop melodies with smooth, detailed arrangements. The longer “Annie” allows the duo's expressive vocals and melodic songwriting to unfold at a more relaxed pace.

The album's best-known song, “If You Should Sail,” became Nielsen/Pearson's only American Top 40 hit. Its gentle melody, warm harmonies and understated arrangement make it a particularly fine example of the sophisticated soft-rock style now frequently associated with West Coast AOR and yacht rock.

The second half maintains the album's high standard through the rhythmic “It Could Be Trouble,” the harmony-rich “Givin' Your Love to Me” and the reflective closing songs “Don't Forget” and “Hurt No More.” Throughout the record, carefully controlled performances and rich studio textures support the duo's accessible but intelligently constructed songs.

This Big Pink Music edition makes the complete nine-track album available on CD in a miniature LP-style papersleeve, presenting a sought-after recording for collectors of melodic rock, soft rock and classic American West Coast music.

Track listing:

1. Two Lonely Nights – 3:44
2. Don't Let Me Go – 3:34
3. Love Me Tonight – 4:16
4. Annie – 5:48
5. If You Should Sail – 3:28
6. It Could Be Trouble – 3:46
7. Givin' Your Love to Me
8. Don't Forget
9. Hurt No More