"Biggest Part of Me" by Ambrosia

Top 10 Alert!

Song#:  0123
Date:  04/05/1980
Debut:  60
Peak:  3
Weeks:  19
Genre:  Pop, Soft Rock



Pop Bits:  When mentioning the band Ambrosia, for most folks they think of two big soft rock classics that both peaked at #3, "How Much I Feel" and this hit. But their first two albums were prog-rock affairs with their second album "Somewhere I've Never Travelled" incorporating symphonic elements as well. It wasn't until they signed on with Warner Bros. that they moved towards a more commercial soft rock sound. These recordings were not embraced by critics, but thanks to the two singles above, the new sound was welcomed by record buyers. However, the success was short-lived and after one more album in 1982 the band would call it quits.

ReduxReview:  Like the salad that shares their name, this is a smooth and creamy dish that you think "ugh" when it is mentioned, but then when you taste the stuff, it's not too bad. And typically there are seconds involved. But a first and second helpin' of their two bit singles is plenty. A little too much Ambrosia might make you sick. (However, their "Somewhere..." album is kind of a lost treasure - highly recommended for listening.)

ReduxRating:  6/10

Trivia:  Ambrosia's self-titled debut album was engineered by Alan Parsons (of the Alan Parsons Project) and it received a Grammy nomination for best engineered recording. Parsons then ended up producing the second album "Somewhere I've Never Travelled," which also got an engineering Grammy nod. Parsons and the band were intertwined during this time as all band members performed on the Alan Parsons Project's debut "Tales of Mystery and Imagination." This album inspired Ambrosia to incorporate symphonic elements on the "Somewhere..." album. In fact, Parsons competed against himself at the 1977 Grammys when "Somewhere..." and "Tales of..." were both nominated for best engineered recording. Unfortunately, neither won. It went to George Benson's "Breezin'" album.

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