New Music From An Old Friend

Album: New Music From An Old Friend (2007)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Throughout the '70s and '80s, Paul Williams appeared as an actor in many movies (Smokey And The Bandit, Bugsy Malone) and TV shows (The Muppet Show, Fantasy Island), wrote music for films (A Star Is Born, Phantom Of The Paradise), composed hit songs for the Carpenters and Three Dog Night, and wrote the theme to The Love Boat. This song, which as the title states is about hearing new music from an old friend, taps into Williams ability to connect with people. Williams told Songfacts: "As far as writing love songs for my generation, I think there's almost kind of a window of opportunity for that. I think that at a certain point we move on to write about other things, or we're at a different place in our lives."
  • Jazz vocalist Jane Monheit sings on this with Williams. The album is a collection of old songs by legendary songwriters like Williams, Carole King and Burt Bacharach, with a few new songs added. Included on the album is Willie Nelson's duet with Williams on "Rainbow Connection."

Comments: 1

  • Oc from Humid, FlAt one time, I owned everything Paul Williams had ever recorded. House fire ate it all.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Jason Newsted (ex-Metallica)

Jason Newsted (ex-Metallica)Songwriter Interviews

The former Metallica bassist talks about his first time writing a song with James Hetfield, and how a hand-me-down iPad has changed his songwriting.

Gentle Giant

Gentle GiantSongwriter Interviews

An interview with Ray and Derek Shulman of the progressive rock band Gentle Giant to discuss counterpoint, polyrhythms, and... Bon Jovi.

Chad Channing (Nirvana, Before Cars)

Chad Channing (Nirvana, Before Cars)Songwriter Interviews

Chad tells tales from his time as drummer for Nirvana, and talks about his group Before Cars.

Ron and Russell Mael of Sparks

Ron and Russell Mael of SparksSongwriter Interviews

The men of Sparks on their album Hippopotamus, and how Morrissey handled it when they suggested he lighten up.

Country Song Titles

Country Song TitlesFact or Fiction

Country songs with titles so bizarre they can't possibly be real... or can they?

Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues

Justin Hayward of The Moody BluesSongwriter Interviews

Justin wrote the classic "Nights In White Satin," but his fondest musical memories are from a different decade.