A toothless hagiography packed with obvious filler, notably extended quotations from song lyrics and panegyrics from admirers ... This book demonstrates little feel for Newman’s music. I wanted it to contain memorable ideas and sentences, but it does not ... A better-reported and more critical biography will probably have to wait until Newman, and others central to his story, are no longer with us.
Straightforward, helpful in clarifying the intentions underlying Newman’s most challenging songs ... Written with the participation of its subject, who contributes comments with restrained candor and wry, arch wit.
Immersive and fascinating ... Robert Hilburn seeks to situate Newman in the canon of the rock era; he sometimes struggles to do so, in no small part because Newman’s music has always seemed to eschew rock-and-roll altogether ... At times relies too comfortably on the received wisdom of old-school critics and dedicated fandom.
[Hilburn] dispenses a surfeit of details about Newman’s personal life, but few bear on the content of his works, political and otherwise. Having conducted many hours of interviews with his subject, Hilburn can dwell at length on the highs and lows of Newman’s prolific career and two marriages. But to learn which of his albums made lots of money and which flopped or why he split from his first wife but is happily married to the second reveals almost nothing about what inspired his songs ... The result is a biography seemingly intended for readers who already adore Newman’s music but might enjoy having a chronological reference book around as they listen to it.
Hilburn's main source is his own interviews with Randy Newman and his immediate environment ... It is very well that this biography is here now. Robert Hilburn has drawn some invaluable material out of the musician, for which his affectionate admirers will be grateful. At the very least, this volume is a deserved celebration of a deeply loved artist. An indispensable book for fans of the singular Randy Newman.
