Chain Lightning is the seventh studio album by American singer-songwriter Don McLean. It was recorded in Nashville between June and August 1978 and featured many of that city's noted session players as well as backing vocals from the Jordanaires. It was first released in December 1978 in the UK and other markets, but not released for another two years in the US following its delayed success in European markets. The lead single "Crying" became a major hit for McLean, reaching No.1 in the UK Singles Chart in June 1980. The album was subsequently repackaged and released in the US where it also became a success with "Crying" reaching the top five in early 1981. "Since I Don't Have You" was also released as a single, reaching #23.
Critical reception
The Boston Globe panned the "awful, sappy version" of "Your Cheatin' Heart".
Track listing All tracks composed by Don McLean, except where indicated.
"Words and Music" - (3:06) "Crying" (Roy Orbison, Joe Melson) - (3:35) "It's Just the Sun" - (2:30) "Lotta Lovin'" (Bernice Bedwell) - (2:07) "Chain Lightning" - (7:48) "Your Cheatin' Heart" (Hank Williams) - (3:04) "Wonderful Night" - (3:01) "It Doesn't Matter Anymore" (Paul Anka) - (3:02) "Since I Don't Have You" (Wally Lester, Joe VerScharen, Janet Vogel, Lenny Martin, Joseph Rock, James Beaumont, Jackie Taylor) - (2:31) "Genesis (In the Beginning)" - (4:48) "It's a Beautiful Life" - (2:11) "If You Could Read My Mind" - (Gordon Lightfoot)
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (1978–1981) PeakpositionAustralian Albums (Kent Music Report)41Canadian Albums (RPM)25Canadian Country Albums (RPM)3
Year-end charts Chart (1981) Position US Billboard 200 100
Personnel Don McLean - vocals, acoustic guitar James D. Capps, Ray Edenton - acoustic guitar Tommy D. Allsup, Billy R. Sanford - electric guitar Pete Drake - pedal steel guitar Hargus "Pig" Robbins, Chuck Cochran - piano Bobby R. Wood - electric piano Bob "King" Moore - bass Jerry K. Carrigan - drums, percussion Joseph E. "Gene" Chrisman, Eddy Anderson - drums The Jordanaires - backing vocals The Nashville Strings - strings Bill Justis - arrangements, conductor
Sales and certifications
References