Definition:
The slow-tempo variant of the Pop genre tag, usually, though not always, sentimental in nature. Popular examples would include: Celine Dion's “My Heart Will Go On”, Elton John's “Candle In The Wind” and George Michael's “Careless Whisper”. Note that many of the slow-tempo Traditional Pop ballads are rather found in the Crooner / Cabaret category, whenever the style dictates.
The Jukebox Pick (of 2,589):
Perfect Day
Lou Reed
“Utterly perfect” Pop Ballad
From his album “Transformer” released in October, 1972. By the standards he’d set with the Velvet Underground, Lou Reed’s self-titled debut LP in April ’72 was, as good as it was, a bit of a plain-Jane affair, literally recorded with Yes men. By sheer contrast, the follow-up, “Transformer”, out just 6 months later, was way-ahead in every department – production, quality of songs, invention and delivery. So perfect is the first side of this LP, it probably stands in my All-Time Top 5 of album sides. Again, Lou recorded this one in London, but this time he chose his cohorts wisely, falling in with David Bowie and Mick Ronson – the album’s co-producers – who were into Lou’s work and also had loads of their own ideas to bring to the party. The sublime “Perfect Day” can be taken innocently as an ode to a beautiful romance or sinisterly to a deadly dalliance; adjust as per your mood of the moment. Mick Ronson’s string arrangements showcase a master craftsman at work; clearly, he’s not your average filthy Rock n Roll animal. Not only the ultimate Lou Reed song; “Perfect Day” stands as one of thee greatest songs ever written.
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