First (David Gates album)

First is the debut solo album by David Gates, released in 1973.[2]

First
Studio album by David Gates
Released	1973
Studio	Elektra Sound Recorders, Los Angeles, California
Genre	Soft rock
Label	Elektra[1]
Producer	David Gates[2]
David Gates chronology
First (1973) Never Let Her Go (1975)

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[3]
The Encyclopedia of Popular Music	[4]
The New Rolling Stone Record Guide	[5]

Musicians who appear on the album include Larry Knechtel, Mike Botts, Jimmy Getzoff, Jim Gordon, Jim Horn, John Guerin, Larry Carlton, Louie Shelton, and Russ Kunkel.

Critical reception

The New Rolling Stone Record Guide wrote: "Above all, Gates displays a concern for lyrics and melody (indeed, for song structure) that is nothing if not admirable and praiseworthy. But he can also be totally insipid: side two of First is an emotional wasteland."[5]

Track listing

All tracks composed and arranged by David Gates.

1. "Sail Around the World"
2. "Sunday Rider"
3. "Soap (I Use The)"
4. "Suite: Clouds, Rain"
5. "Help Is on the Way"
6. "Ann"
7. "Do You Believe He's Comin'"
8. "Sight and Sound"
9. "Lorilee"

Personnel

• James Getzoff, Jim Gordon, Jim Horn, John Guerin, Larry Carlton, Larry Knechtel, Louie Shelton, Mike Botts, Russ Kunkel - musicians
• Larry Knechtel - associate producer
• Armin Steiner, Bruce Morgan - engineer
• Robert L. Heimall - cover design
• Frank Bez - front cover photography

References

1. Houghton, Mick (September 10, 2010). Becoming Elektra: The True Story of Jac Holzman's Visionary Record Label. Jawbone Press. ISBN 9781906002299 – via Google Books.
2. "David Gates | San Diego Reader". www.sandiegoreader.com.
3. "First - David Gates | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic" – via www.allmusic.com.
4. Larkin, Colin (2006). The Encyclopedia of Popular Music. Volume 3: MUZE. p. 693.CS1 maint: location (link)
5. The New Rolling Stone Record Guide. Random House. 1983. p. 193.