AMG Review of Hey, Little One

Shawn Haney
All Music Guide

Glen Campbell is richly brought into light here with a talented backup group and the enchanting power of a full string orchestra. His record, Hey Little One, was inspired with nine covers and one original, and though not a compelling work, his vocal style and his arrangements overshadow the record's list of covers. Enchanting in presence, Campbell sings with a sizzling flair for the romantic. Songs covered for the record include melodies about lost loves, break ups and getting back together. The title track, written originally by Dorsey Burnette and Barry De Vorzon, is a beautiful melody of solitude, loneliness, and one's initial experience of being far from home. "The Elusive Butterfly," a haunting and joyful statement of love written by Bob Lind, is played with great compassion. Campbell isn't afraid to explore the country genre as well, with a heartwarming rendition of John D. Loudermilk's "Break My Mind." He pays homage to the renowned poet Bob Dylan with his version of "I Don't Believe You." Thankfully, the record's form of originality is not lost, due to Campbell's original composition, "Turn Around and Look at Me," a charming and romantic tune later covered by the Beach Boys. The song was a remake of hit 1961 hit, and is presented here with full of emotion and endearing sentimental quality. It, like many of the tunes presented in this collection, radiates with a distinctive style Campbell can sincerely call his own. The orchestral arrangements are still necessary to carry the record, and they do so with a chilling degree of dynamics.