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Torn Between Two Lovers 1976
Album · by Mary MacGregor ↗ View artist

Torn Between Two Lovers

Mary MacGregor's debut album, titled Torn Between Two Lovers, was released in December 1976. Recorded at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Sheffield, Alabama, this pop genre album was produced by Peter Yarrow and Barry Beckett, and released under the Ariola America label. Yarrow's production, known for his previous work with Peter, Paul, and Mary, alongside Beckett, achieved a sound that allowed MacGregor to express herself freely, enhancing her vocal qualities. The album reached number 17 on the Billboard 200 chart, and from it, three singles were released that appeared on both the Country charts and the pop Hot 100.

Year
1976
Songs
10
Duration
33 min 9 seg
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About the album

Torn Between Two Lovers, according to DoReSol

The title track, Torn Between Two Lovers, became a resounding success, reaching number one on the pop and adult contemporary charts. This ballad, described as simple yet deeply moving and effective, temporarily overshadowed other pieces on the album. However, critics like Peter Reilly of Stereo Review highlighted MacGregor's genuine talent as both a performer and songwriter. Reilly praised her voice, describing it as a light, finely spun, and expressive instrument, used with great skill to create subtle dramatic points. The album's songs, according to Reilly, explore different nuances of romantic love from the perspective of a young woman entering adulthood, showing a natural and observant sensitivity.

Other critics offered different perspectives. Robert Christgau, in his 1970s rock record guide, gave it a "C" rating, noting that Peter Yarrow's first commercial success of the decade was an alternative to Olivia Newton-John, while admitting infidelities. For his part, Robert Hilburn of the Los Angeles Times compared MacGregor's voice to a mix between the innocence of John Denver and the vulnerability of Olivia Newton-John, calling the album a mostly unfortunate collection of "lost girl" vocals. Despite this, Hilburn acknowledged that when MacGregor strayed from what he considered trivial, she demonstrated surprising vocal authority and charm, suggesting that her next work might be more interesting.

The arrangement of Albums, in general, was done by David Campbell.