Gilbert O’Sullivan Songs Ranked

Raymond Edward “Gilbert” O’Sullivan (born 1 December 1946) is an Irish singer-songwriter who achieved his most significant success during the early 1970s with hits including “Alone Again (Naturally)”, “Clair”, and “Get Down”. O’Sullivan’s songs are often marked by his distinctive, percussive piano playing style and observational lyrics using word play. Born in Waterford, Ireland, O’Sullivan settled in Swindon, England, as a child. In 1967, O’Sullivan began pursuing a career in music. Worldwide, he has charted 16 top 40 records including six No. 1 songs, the first of which was 1970’s “Nothing Rhymed”. Across his career, he has recorded 20 studio albums. The music magazine Record Mirror voted him the top UK male singer of 1972. He has received three Ivor Novello Awards, including “Songwriter of the Year” in 1973. Here are all of Gilbert O’Sullivan songs ranked.

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10. Ooh Baby (I’m a Writer, Not a Fighter, 1973)

“O’Sullivan’s music is appealing to me in that I often find it unusual–The “Oh, Baby’ lyrics are not too imaginative to me, but I really like the tune and chords of the music. Seems really ahead of its time.”

9. Matrimony (Himself, 1971)

“Gilbert O’Sullivan is one of the all time greats as singer and songwriter. So many great tunes. Many of his best tunes are simply flawless including this one.”

8. Ooh Wakka Doo Wakka Day (Back to Front (Deluxe Edition), 1972)

“Gilbert O’ Sullivan amazingly improved on what Paul McCartney achieved with The Beatles. Gilbert’s entire 1970s output is brilliant and his latter day studio efforts are solid.”

See more: Gilbert O’Sullivan Albums Ranked

7. No Matter How I Try (Himself, 1971)

“This man was genius . His songwriting skill were absolutely brilliant. He wrote about everyday life as it was for the working class and I think that was one reason English and Irish people associated with him.”

6. Clair (Back to Front, 1972)

“It’s a cute love song with a twist, that the subject is not a grown woman, but is about Gilbert’s experiences babysitting Gordon Mills’ daughter, culminating in an amusing final verse in which he chastises the child for not going to bed. O’Sullivan’s got a fine voice and carries the song well, capably dealing with the key changes and rhythm.”

5. Why Oh Why Oh Why (I’m a Writer, Not a Fighter, 1973)

“Sweet ballad from Gilbert, with another woman leaving him alone again, naturally. Nice vocal and string arrangement, this was his last UK top ten hit around Christmas time 1973.”

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4. Nothing Rhymed (Himself, 1971)

“Arresting first major hit from Gilbert O’Sullivan, from his pudding-bowl phase I guess you’d say. The song has a simple, almost plodding melody over which the singer gives us his “half-empty” musings on life, including a topical reference to the starving in Biafra. Simple is good however, the melody actually being very pretty while the conversational vocal too creates natural interest.”

3. What’s in a Kiss (Off Centre, 1980)

“Probably the finest Irish singer songwriter ever who has inspired so many modern artists…. he left Waterford as a young man for London where he created a wonderful music style that was not Irish of then but more contemporary romantic songs…. a genius of a man.”

2. Get Down (I’m a Writer, Not a Fighter, 1973)

“O’Sullivan returns with a bit of a dancey tune, so get down, get down, get down! It employs a bit of a similar bait and switch to the lyrics of Clair in which O’Sullivan seems to be talking to a dog on the surface, but is actually talking to a lass who can’t keep herself off ol’ Gil. It’s a fun song, but it just feels a little underpowered”

1. Alone Again (Naturally) (Himself, 1971)

“Wonderful impressive acoustic song about thinking back to yesterday. Sad and great lyrics about love and loss. Unforgettable melody and great vocal. A beautiful masterpiece. Suicide never sounded so good ! There are truly sad themes here, but O’Sullivan sings them in such a carefree, resigned manner that, in the end, you know the man will go on and survive. His vocals are what really makes this record special. He’s sounds like the guy down the street who never got a break – but he manages to live with it ! Listen to this if you think you’ve got troubles.”