Harry Nilsson was an American singer-songwriter and musician, known for his distinct vocal style and versatile songwriting abilities. He gained widespread recognition in the late 1960s and early 1970s for his hit songs, including “Without You,” “Everybody’s Talkin’,” and “Coconut.” Nilsson’s music spanned a variety of genres, from pop to rock to folk, and he often incorporated elements of humor and wit into his lyrics.
Nilsson began his career as a songwriter, penning songs for other artists such as The Monkees and Three Dog Night, before releasing his own debut album, “Pandemonium Shadow Show,” in 1967. Throughout his career, Nilsson worked with numerous acclaimed musicians, including John Lennon, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison.
Despite his success, Nilsson was known for his reclusive nature and personal struggles, including battles with alcoholism and depression. He died in 1994 at the age of 52.
Nilsson’s legacy continues to influence and inspire musicians today, with his music being covered by artists such as Mariah Carey, Aimee Mann, and The Lemonheads. He was posthumously inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2019 for his hit song, “Everybody’s Talkin’.”
1. “Without You”
Harry Nilsson’s 1971 hit “Without You” is a poignant ballad about heartbreak and loss. The song features Nilsson’s powerful and emotional vocals, accompanied by a simple but effective arrangement of piano and strings. The lyrics describe the pain and emptiness of losing a loved one, with lines like “I can’t live if living is without you” and “I can’t give anymore”. The song became a massive success and has been covered by numerous artists over the years, but Nilsson’s version remains the most iconic, cementing his place as one of the greatest balladeers of all time.
2. “Coconut”
“Coconut” is a playful and catchy tune that features Harry Nilsson’s signature whimsical style. The song’s infectious melody and upbeat rhythm is enhanced by the use of unconventional percussion instruments, such as coconut shells and a soda can. Nilsson’s distinct vocal delivery brings a sense of levity and humor to the lyrics, which are full of nonsensical verses and a catchy chorus that is easy to sing along to. “Coconut” was a hit for Nilsson in the 1970s and has since become a beloved classic that captures the artist’s unique and playful musical sensibilities.
3. “Everybody’s Talkin'”
“Everybody’s Talkin'” is a song by Harry Nilsson that was made famous by its inclusion in the film “Midnight Cowboy”. The song is a melancholic tune about the search for a place to call home, with a memorable melody and simple yet poignant lyrics. The song became a hit for Nilsson, and its inclusion in the movie helped cement its place in pop culture. The track features Nilsson’s signature airy and effortless vocals, backed by a gentle guitar melody and light percussion. The song has been covered by various artists and has remained a beloved classic for over five decades.
4. “One”
Harry Nilsson’s “One” is a touching ballad about loneliness and longing. The song’s gentle melody and poignant lyrics convey the sense of yearning and desire for companionship, as Nilsson sings about the search for that one person who can fill the void in his life. The haunting piano accompaniment and Nilsson’s soulful voice add to the emotional weight of the song, making it a classic example of the singer-songwriter genre of the 1970s. Despite its melancholic themes, “One” has remained a beloved and enduring hit, inspiring covers by artists like Aimee Mann and Three Dog Night.
5. “Jump into the Fire”
“Jump into the Fire” is a dynamic and energetic song by Harry Nilsson that showcases his unique vocal range and style. The song features a blend of rock, soul, and funk elements with driving drums, percussion, and brass section that builds into an explosive chorus. Nilsson’s powerful vocals convey a sense of urgency and excitement as he encourages the listener to take a leap of faith and jump into the fire. The song has been featured in various films and TV shows, cementing its status as one of Nilsson’s most iconic and enduring tracks.
6. “The Point!” (Album)
“The Point!” is a concept album by Harry Nilsson, released in 1970. The album tells the story of Oblio, a round-headed boy who is banished to the Pointless Forest by the evil Count’s son. In the forest, he encounters a series of characters who teach him valuable life lessons. The album features a blend of rock, pop, and folk music with lush arrangements and orchestration. The album’s most famous track is “Me and My Arrow,” which became a hit single and is still widely recognized today. “The Point!” was both a critical and commercial success, cementing Nilsson’s place in the world of music.
7. “Gotta Get Up”
Harry Nilsson’s “Gotta Get Up” is an upbeat and infectious song that captures the feeling of starting a new day with enthusiasm. Released in 1971, the song is driven by a catchy piano riff and Nilsson’s distinctive vocals, as he encourages the listener to get out of bed and seize the day. The song’s positive message is reinforced by the vibrant arrangement and lively percussion. Despite its upbeat tone, the song touches on themes of loneliness and the need for human connection, adding a deeper layer to the song’s otherwise joyful sound.
8. “Spaceman”
“Spaceman” is a song by Harry Nilsson, released in 1972. It tells the story of a man who feels out of place on Earth and longs to be with his extraterrestrial friends in outer space. The song features lush instrumentation, including a string section, and showcases Nilsson’s signature vocal style. “Spaceman” is a standout track on the album “Son of Schmilsson,” which was a commercial success for Nilsson. The song has been covered by several artists over the years, and its popularity has endured, making it one of Nilsson’s most beloved and recognizable tunes.
9. “Me and My Arrow”
“Me and My Arrow” is a whimsical and lighthearted song by Harry Nilsson, released in 1971. It was written for the animated film “The Point!” which was also written by Nilsson. The song features Nilsson’s trademark vocals and playful instrumentation, including a memorable opening piano riff and a catchy chorus. The lyrics tell the story of a boy and his dog, Arrow, as they embark on an adventure together. With its upbeat melody and positive message of friendship, “Me and My Arrow” has become a beloved classic and a fan favorite in Nilsson’s extensive discography.
10. “I Guess the Lord Must Be in New York City”
“I Guess the Lord Must Be in New York City” is a folk-pop song by Harry Nilsson that was released in 1969. The song features Nilsson’s signature style of blending melodic pop with introspective lyrics. The song’s melody is light and breezy, yet the lyrics explore themes of loneliness and hopelessness. The chorus features a choir of children singing “I guess the Lord must be in New York City,” which gives the song a hopeful and optimistic feel. “I Guess the Lord Must Be in New York City” is one of Nilsson’s most beloved and memorable songs.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
