359 – Randy Newman – I Think It’s Going To Rain Today (1968)
Written by Randy Newman
Produced by Lenny Waronker and Van Dyke Parks
Label – Reprise

Newman’s deadpan ode to solitude would be largely ignored until his increasing song writing skill was realised in the early 70s. The sardonic, loosely Gospel tinged song contains a superb Van Dyke Parks string arrangement which gently takes over Newman’s laconic piano accompaniment. Few songs have ever imbued the sense of sadness, bitterness and withdraw that permeates through every single note.