Rating: A
Gregg Allman's first solo album, by far his best, sounded very little like the Allman Brothers Band, and as such it was a perfect example of an individual stepping out from within a band concept to release a more personal, largely superb solo project. Much of the credit for this album's success is due to co-producer Johnny Sandlin, who largely shaped the album's sound, which is soulful, evocative, and melancholic for the most part. The rough edges of Gregg's voice are smoothed over somewhat, but it retains its weathered charm, and gospel backing choirs, horns, and lush strings are featured prominently. Most of these songs are keyboard or piano-driven rather than being guitar-based, with more elaborate arrangements than can be found on any Allman Brothers Band album. "Midnight Rider," one of two songs revisited from The Allman Brothers Band, is more haunting and mysterious than the original; I'm not sure it's better, but both are great and they're very different from one another. "Please Call Home," the other reworking, has a much bigger sound, with a gospel backing choir, luxuriant strings, and blaring horns. In this case I definitely prefer the original version, but again this one is different enough to warrant its inclusion, and it's a fine, completely transformed song in its own right. Sandwiched between these two tracks is "Queen Of Hearts," a terrific love song to second wife Janice and one of two Gregg originals here. This epic 6+-minute track starts as a standard piano ballad (though I like the way the guitar cries out as well) but eventually gets jazzier, with the emphasis on keyboards (Chuck Leavell is every bit the standout on this album as he was on Brothers and Sisters) and horns. The ballad and jazzy parts alternate again, and David "Fathead" Newman and Leavell deliver superb sax and keyboard solos, respectively. Also first-rate is a cover of Rufus Thomas' "Don't Mess Up A Good Thing," though its fun, jaunty spirit seems out of place with the rest of the album. Arguably the album's centerpiece song is what I consider to be the definitive reading of Jackson Browne's pretty, contemplative "These Days," while "Multi-Colored Lady," another evocative piano and strings-led ballad with another excellent lyric, is among the best songs that Gregg ever wrote. "All My Friends," yet another mellow number, isn't as memorable but it is quite pretty and perfectly pleasant, and a version of the traditional "Will The Circle Will Be Unbroken" provides a grand finale. This song obviously held a special meaning for Gregg, as the Allman Brothers Band had previously incorporated it into the end of "Mountain Jam" on Eat A Peach, plus they played it at brother Duane's funeral. Anyway, this version is flat-out fantastic, with churchy piano and a heavenly gospel choir providing the foundation for a joyous sing along that's also somewhat out of place with the rest of the album but is thoroughly enjoyable just the same.
Instead of writing a lot, I'll say simply: All these many years later, this is still the best-produced album I've ever heard.
A masterpiece. The songs, vocals, performances and overall feeling ache of southern soul, blues and gospel.
I well remember when I first got this album, many years ago in the 70s. As an ABB fanatic I was looking forward to hearing Gregg's first solo release. At first, though I liked it OK, it didn't have the same impact as the best ABB sides at the time, & I remember feeling vaguely disappointed, but that was due to my preconceived perceptions going in.
It didn't take long before the beauty & greatness of this album really hit me though. The more I listened to it, the richer it got, & it soon became one of my favorite albums of all time, from any genre. In a different way, it's easily the equal of the best ABB sides & albums, & is an essential album for any lover of great rock & soul. Whether solo or with the Gregg Allman Band, & aside from the ABB, Gregg has never topped this release.
Leslie Curtis
February 28, 2016
This would have to be one of my all time favourite albums. Gregg's voice and his band are superb, a great collection of songs and the production is sublime. What more could you ask for.
One of Gregg’s best solo albums, “Laid Back” benefits from being recorded around the time the Allman Brothers Band recovered from the loss of Duane and then rapid fire loss of Berry shortly after. Gregg exposes his soul here. It benefits from having two members of the Allman Brothers Band supporting and members of the country rock band Cowboy (who appeared on the tour as the supporting band) providing flavor with his fret work.
The recently two disc expanded edition is the way to go; it features alternate mixes, some outtakes and demos that all compliment rather than detract or distract from the main album. Lovingly assembled by Bill Levenson with great liner notes by John Lynskey, the two CD set will be essential for fans. Many of these tracks (but not all) ended up on “One More Try” the outtake anthology that quickly went out of print.
The deluxe includes an entire LP of early mixes (add(ng to the total of 18 previously unreleased tracks) as well more than doubling the length of the original album.
My nicest production LP. I engineered & mixed this Gold Record for Johnny Sandlin mostly at the Record Plant East in Manhattan. Brilliant performances, arranged by Ed Freeman. A softer side by Gregg. Jim Reeves (not the country singer!)
Cody Engelke
February 11, 2025
If you're expecting this album to sound like the ABB at its best, you will be sorely disappointed — it's called "Laid Back" for a reason. But keep an open mind, because you'll miss something truly great if you don't.
This album, is for the most part, laid-back (pun not intended) and lush country rock. There are some energetic numbers, particularly the R&B-infused "Don't Mess Up a Good Thing," but for the most part it's just Gregg Allman demonstrating his sensitive side. And there's absolutely nothing wrong with that.
The rerecording of his ABB songs "Midnight Rider" and "Please Call Home" are also pretty good, and I'd go as far as to say that they're better than their originals. But, that's obviously subjective.
In my opinion this is a classic. It was recorded during the same year as The Allman Brothers Band "Brothers and Sisters" album, yet it separates itself from that in a superb way. Everything from the vocals to the songwriting is a masterclass in composition and production. Gregg Allman takes the southern rock flavor and mixes it with soul, country, folk and more. I listened to the Deluxe Edition which is a treasure trove of extras. This is music that will make your day better.
Tine Crine
January 8, 2019
Almost every song is slow and drags on for too long, "Queen of Hearts" is a good example. Gregg's vocals have little variation and sound the same on every track, which makes the album stale. "Midnight Rider" is the best song, only because it's the most well known, but I would still prefer The Allman Brothers Band's version over this one. If you like slow country-infused blues rock, then you may get a few minutes of enjoyment out of this.
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