While Nilsson began coming into his own at the beginning of the 1970s, Randy Newman was virtually unknown to anyone outside the world of music publishing and almost nonexistent as a performer. The critical appeal that both

Harry, a fitting title. Although stylistically it’s considered a bit of a transitional album, Harry established or reaffirmed most of the fan-endearing attributes that would characterize the best of Nilsson’s future work. There’s gorgeous song craft, expressive

On Skidoo, Harry’s first soundtrack LP, Nilsson curiously receives full songwriting credit – even for the music cues and orchestrated instrumentals. Arranger George Tipton, who had recently worked with Harry on Spotlight On Nilsson, Pandemonium Shadow Show