But Cold on the Shoulder is no mere rehash of Sundown. Whereas Sundown's overall motif was restlessness and movement, Cold on the Shoulder is a much more introspective album. The underlying motif of Cold on the Shoulder is essentially "on the outside looking in"--even the cover reflects that concept.

That isn't to say it's a depressing album--it opens and closes with two very fun, upbeat songs ("Bend in the Water," and "Slide on Over"). However, there is a certain amount of sadness, of melancholy which touches many of the songs here--perhaps this is why Lightfoot has been quoted as saying the album is "a little uptight."

There are some beautiful songs to be found here: "Rainy Day People," "As Fine as Fine Can Be," and the underrated "A Tree Too Weak to Stand," as well as one of his best "story-songs" ("Cherokee Bend"). For anyone who has ever experienced those first pangs of disquiet in a relationship, you'll rarely hear those feelings expressed any better as they are in "Now and Then." The album also includes what is arguably the very best of what I call the "observational" songs--"All the Lovely Ladies."

The album is beautifully produced, and the musicianship--as ever--is top notch. This may not be the most accessible of Lightfoot albums: it's definitely not the one to put on if you're in a down mood. That being said, Cold on the Shoulder nevertheless deserves your attention. It is the work of an astonishingly gifted writer, a mature, world-wise artist, who has chosen life--with all of its inherent ups, downs, triumphs, tragedies, laughter, sadness--as his canvas on which to paint. Cold on the Shoulder is one of Lightfoot's overlooked gems.

Tied with Sundown for Lightfoot's best.
Gordon Lightfoot is the best folk songwriter who's ever lived. Most of his albums are excellent, but begin with this one and Sundown, as they are the most consistant. This disc contains such gems as Rainbow Trout, Now And Then, and All The Lovely Ladies, which are some of his best songs, period. If you're a fan of folk (James Taylor, Dan Fogelberg, etc.) or rock in the style of Don McLean/ Harry Chapin, you need this disc in your collection.

If you only buy one Gordon Lightfoot album...
This is it. I've been a Gordon Lightfoot fan since I listened to my sister's copy of "Back Here on Earth". I've owned just about every GL album but I always come back to this one. His craft reached it's fullness in "Cold on the Shoulder". It contains many different GL styles including some of the most powerful and poignant songs you'll hear. "Rainy Day People" was the popular single from the album, but my favorites were "The Soul Is The Rock", "Bells Of The Evening" and "A Tree Too Weak To Stand".

Cold on the Shoulder
I was 15-years-old when I received this album for a birthday present. I had liked Gordon Lightfoot because of my older brother's keen sense of great music - folk and rock and everything in between - since "If You Could Read My Mind was popular in '70 or '71. But my brother got older, more rebellious and distant from me and we didn't have much in common anymore. However, this album, CD, still reminds me how glad I am that my brother instilled an appreciation of an excellent songwriter, guitarist and folk singer. Cold on the Shoulder is probably Lightfoot's best collection of songs he ever produced - "Fine as Fine Can Be," "Rainbow Trout" and "Rainy Day People" stand out. A couple songs are somewhat rock-a-billy, not near as good as his ballads. Overall, this album still brings a smile to my face, and now that I've rediscovered it on CD, and fond memories to my mind.

Memories
I was born after this album was released and was raised to it playing in the background. I have great memories of these melodies playing throughout my childhood and I am still making new memories with this great music. What better way to grow up than to the sounds of soft passion? I rate this album as one of the best of all time. Always good to calm the spirit and enlighten the soul