Newborn is the eighth studio album by James Gang, released in 1975, and the only released on Atlantic Records. Guitarist Tommy Bolin and singer Roy Kenner had long since left the band, and were replaced by guitarist Richard Shack and vocalist Bubba Keith in time for Newborn's recording. This album is perhaps the most boogie-based James Gang release. It features a cover of the Elvis Presley classic "Heartbreak Hotel".
Both Newborn and its follow-up Jesse Come Home have been reissued on one CD by Wounded Bird Records.
The album cover artwork features a reproduction of Salvador Dalí's "Geopoliticus Child Watching the Birth of the New Man".
Contents
Critical reception
Writing for Allmusic, critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine wrote of the album "The record was another collection of mediocre songs—a problem that plagued the band ever since the departure of Joe Walsh in 1971."
Track listing
All songs by Bubba Keith and Richard Shack, except where noted.
Side one
"Merry-Go-Round" – 3:05
Bubba Keith - lead vocals, guitar
Richard Shack - guitars, backing vocals, guitar solo
Dale Peters - bass, backing vocals
Jim Fox - drums
David Briggs - organ
"Gonna Get By" (Bubba Keith, Mark Smith) – 3:59
Bubba Keith - lead vocals, acoustic guitar
Richard Shack - electric guitar, backing vocals
Dale Peters - bass, backing vocals
Jim Fox - drums
David Briggs - piano, organ
"Earthshaker" (Keith) – 3:48
Bubba Keith - lead vocals, guitar
Richard Shack - guitars, guitar solo
Dale Peters - bass
Jim Fox - drums
Tom Dowd - cacophony
Ken Hamann - synth-A
"All I Have" – 2:17
Bubba Keith - lead vocals
Richard Shack - guitar
Dale Peters - bass
"Watch It" (Keith) – 3:32
Bubba Keith - lead vocals, guitar
Richard Shack - guitars, guitar solo
Dale Peters - bass, cowbell
Jim Fox - drums
Side two
"Driftin' Dreamer" – 3:31
Bubba Keith - lead vocals, acoustic guitar
Richard Shack - electric guitar, backing vocals
Dale Peters - bass, backing vocals, tambourine
Jim Fox - drums, organ
"Shoulda' Seen Your Face" – 3:46
Bubba Keith - lead vocals, guitar
Richard Shack - guitars, guitar solo
Dale Peters - bass, triangle
Jim Fox - drums
"Come With Me" – 2:30
Bubba Keith - lead vocals
Richard Shack - guitar
Donny Brooks - harmonica
George Ricci - cello
Arif Mardin - cello and harmonica arrangements
"Heartbreak Hotel" (Mae Boren Axton & Tommy Durden) – 2:15
Bubba Keith - lead vocals, guitar
Richard Shack - guitars, guitar solo
Dale Peters - bass
Jim Fox - drums, piano
"Red Satin Lover" – 2:17
Bubba Keith - lead vocals, guitar
Richard Shack - guitars, guitar solo
Dale Peters - bass, backing vocals, tambourine
Jim Fox - drums
"Cold Wind" – 2:34
Bubba Keith - lead vocals, acoustic guitar
Richard Shack - electric guitar, guitar solo
Dale Peters - bass
Jim Fox - drums
Al Perkins - steel guitar
Tom Dowd - piano
Personnel
Bubba Keith – lead vocals, electric and acoustic guitars
Richard Shack – electric guitars, backing vocals
Dale Peters – bass, backing vocals, percussion
Jim Fox – drums, organ, piano
Al Perkins – steel guitar
David Briggs – organ, piano
Kenneth Hamann – synthesizer
Don Brooks – harmonica
George Ricci – cello
Sales chart performance
Album - Billboard (United States)