Randy Newman – Born Again (1979)

They say that money can’t buy love, but it will get you a great imitation.

As a music enthusiast with an appreciation for biting wit and social critique, Born Again by Randy Newman stands out as one of the most fascinating yet underrated albums of his career. Released in 1979, it’s arguably his most cynical work, holding up a satirical mirror to the American dream, corporate greed, and the absurdity of the music industry.

From the opening track, It’s Money That I Love, Newman sets the tone with a cheeky, ironic anthem to materialism. The song’s exaggerated glorification of wealth makes it both hilarious and unsettling, proving that his social commentary remains as relevant today as it was decades ago. Then comes The Story of a Rock and Roll Band, where Newman playfully mocks the excesses of arena rock, specifically targeting Electric Light Orchestra with a mix of admiration and ridicule.

What makes Born Again particularly intriguing is Newman’s knack for writing characters that are grotesque, flawed, and often unlikable. Mr. Sheep is a perfect example, portraying a clash between corporate conformity and counterculture ideals, without clearly favoring either side. It’s classic Newman—he makes us laugh while simultaneously forcing us to confront uncomfortable truths.

Some tracks, like Pretty Boy and Half a Man, are more abstract and unsettling, pushing the listener into strange, almost surreal territory. This isn’t an album designed for easy listening—it demands attention, interpretation, and a willingness to embrace its dark humor. Even the cover art, featuring Newman with painted dollar signs over his eyes, reinforces the album’s overarching themes of commercialization and artistic integrity.

Upon release, Born Again received mixed reviews and wasn’t a commercial hit, but it has aged remarkably well. It’s an album that refuses to be background music—it asks questions, challenges perceptions, and invites scrutiny. For me, it’s a hidden gem in Newman’s discography, an album that proves satire and music can be a powerful duo.

If you’re looking for an album that entertains while forcing you to think, Born Again is worth your time. Just be prepared—Randy Newman holds nothing back, and he won’t go easy on you either.

Tracklist

A1 It’s Money That I Love
A2 The Story Of A Rock And Roll Band
A3 Pretty Boy
A4 Mr. Sheep
A5 Ghosts
A6 They Just Got Married
B1 Spies
B2 The Girls In My Life (Part 1)
B3 Half A Man
B4 William Brown
B5 Pants

Vinyl Specs

Streaming

Links

https://www.discogs.com/release/7694146-Randy-Newman-Born-Again

https://www.waxlog.com/collection/cave/artist-r/release/1831218669/randy-newman-born-again