The Moon Was Blue

Over the course of a career that began in the early ‘60s, Bobby Bare has always relished his role as a country-music outsider. Though he’s enjoyed much success and sold many albums, he was never predictable, setting more trends than he followed. In that regard, The Moon Was Blue is a characteristic Bare offering, encompassing country chestnuts, tender ballads, a pop hit in “Everybody’s Talking,” and an obscure Shel Silverstein tune called “The Ballad of Lucy Jordan.” Bare’s first release in over 20 years, The Moon Was Blue was produced by his talented son, alt-country darling Bobby Bare, Jr., along with Mark Nevers of the band Lambchop. The youngsters add some unexpected studio touches to the mix, providing a pleasant texture to the whole without overwhelming the project and turning it into some throwback to the ‘60s that yielded Bare’s first hits. There are lush string arrangements, female backup singers in all the right spots, and even a children’s chorus on “Fellow Travelers” that should be corny but actually serves the song well. At the age of 70, Bare’s voice remains rich, strong, and controlled. While listeners may debate whether his take on “Yesterday When I Was Young” is unapologetic schmaltz or an inspired interpretation, there is no question that Bare can still deliver the goods.