Ray Stevens

Originally issued on the Barnaby imprint in 1970, Everything Is Beautiful and Unreal!!! showcase a developing Ray Stevens that wasn't so caught up in trying to be a zany humorist with his music. Everything Is Beautiful not only showcases his more somber and melancholic side, but also sports the title track, which is easily regarded as his most well-known composition and biggest hit. The rest of the album is rounded out with several covers, including "Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head," Dylan's "She Belongs to Me," and a pair of Beatles covers with "Something" and "She Came in Through the Bathroom Window." In contrast to an album largely of covers, Unreal!!! largely consists of Stevens' original works, including the minor hit "Sunset Strip." Kudos to Collectables for issuing some of Ray Stevens' most serious works back to back, rather than attempting to lighten the mood by adding a comedy record, rather than Unreal!!!, as a second disc. ~ Rob Theakston, All Music Guide