Artist: Del Shannon Album: Drop Down and Get Me

Year: 1981
Duration: 0:0-1

A Deep Dive into Del Shannon's Drop Down and Get Me

Growing up in the 60s and 70s, music was an essential part of my life. One of the artists that I remember fondly from that era was Del Shannon. Shannon was a unique artist with exceptional songwriting abilities. In this post, I'm going to take a critical look at his album Drop Down and Get Me. We'll start with a brief history of the artist, explore the music genre of the album, and discuss some of the best songs. We'll also take a look at the innovative parts of the album and provide some constructive criticism.

Del Shannon was born Charles Westover in Michigan in 1934. Music was a passion of his, and he started playing guitar and singing at a young age. In the late 50s, he began performing in local clubs and made his first recording. He had several hits in the early 60s, including Runaway and Hats Off to Larry. However, his popularity waned in the mid-60s, and he struggled to find success until the late 70s. That's when he made the Drop Down and Get Me album, one of the most underrated albums of the 80s.

Drop Down and Get Me is a blend of rock, pop, and country, showcasing Shannon's versatility as an artist. The album features several upbeat tracks, including Sea of Love and Cheap Love. The album's sound was ahead of its time, incorporating elements of rockabilly and surf music. The album's theme is love and heartbreak, a classic rock 'n roll genre.

The best songs on the album are undoubtedly Drop Down and Get Me and Mind Over Matter. These two tracks showcase Shannon's smooth vocals and exceptional songwriting abilities. The songs have catchy choruses and a raw energy that is still palpable today. Other notable songs on the album include Are You Lovin' Me Too, a catchy pop song with a funky dance beat, and I Go to Pieces, a haunting ballad that showcases Shannon's vocal range.

One of the most innovative parts of the album is the production. Drop Down and Get Me was produced by Tom Petty and features Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers as the backing band. Petty's influence can be heard throughout the album's sound, particularly in the guitar parts. The album's sound was sonically different from Shannon's previous works, which had a more traditional rock 'n roll sound.

However, the album's main criticism comes from the lack of consistency in song quality. While some tracks are exceptional, others feel average and forgettable. Although the album offers a unique blend of genres, it lacks a cohesive sound that ties the songs together. If Shannon had focused on creating a more cohesive album, Drop Down and Get Me could have been a classic.

In conclusion, Drop Down and Get Me is an album that deserves a deeper look and recognition. Despite its flaws, the album showcases Shannon's talent as a songwriter and performer. The blend of rock, pop, and country sounds contemporary and fresh, even after three decades. The album is a testament to Shannon's dedication to the music industry, even despite his career's ups and downs. It's definitely an album worth listening to, whether you're a Del Shannon fan or not.

In conclusion, Drop Down and Get Me is an album that deserves a deeper look and recognition. Despite its flaws, the album showcases Shannon's talent as a songwriter and performer. The blend of rock, pop, and country sounds contemporary and fresh, even after three decades. The album is a testament to Shannon's dedication to the music industry, even despite his career's ups and downs. It's definitely an album worth listening to, whether you're a Del Shannon fan or not.