High Chart Position - No. 35 on the Pop Albums Chart

AMG Review - "Come on Everybody" aside, this is a different side of Springfield of which fans of his work in the '80s may not be aware. This is the work of an artist trying to fit into the sensitive singer/songwriter mould. While not a bad record, it's most interesting for "Speak to the Sky," his first American hit, and as a clue to the roots of the work for which he is best known. — Jim Worbois

Questions (Verbatim Responses):

1) what did you think the first time you heard the album?

That many of the songs had a "gospel music" feel

Ummm, what the heck

I wasn't sure that I liked it, it was the 80's and it was really different from what I was used to hearing out of Rick Springfield.  I like it much better now!

It was 1982 and I thought..."YUCK" (I am embarassed to admit!) I have only listened to it off and on throughout the years. It's appeal has really increased for me as I mature. I like hearing the different stages of Rick's voice.

How different he sounded

Rick's voice sounded so young

That he has come SOOOO far songwriting wise and as a performer.

2) do you remember buying the album and that experience?

It was a few years ago at a used record store. My mom was with me and we laughed at the pictures.

It was a gift

Yes.....1982....found it in the "bargin bin" and I thought...."Hmmm....I guess I will get it because it is Rick but his hair is awful!" I know....extremely deep!

Yah, it was fairly recent in an Ebay purchase.... It was a very smooth transaction. :o) It's vinyl and in very good condition, though no gate fold.....

I do remember. It was at the same time I bought Hard to Hold. I had some extra money and went thumbing through the Rick Springfield bin and found Beginnings and Comic Book Heroes and bought them both. I'm not sure I ever listened to either one at that time, though.

I got this album after WCD and Success and remember that I had to go out and get it since it was Rick.

3) What surprises did you receive when listening to this album now

This is so funny....I thought I always disliked Hooky Jo very much...previous to this review if someone would have asked me what was the WORST Rick Springfield song ever (if I HAD to pick one)...it would have been Hooky Jo. Now I actually like it....I don't skip it and I sing along with it. It has been replaced with The Unhappy Ending for me I think!
He's got a wide range of tunes and the most of the songs are really good*
I actually enjoy it more now than I did when first listening to it.

Like it more now, especially since I'm paying more attention to the words

I was surprised that I liked as many of the songs as I did

I've always thought STTS was my favorite song and I think there's at least a couple I've come to like more. I always thought Hooky Jo was my least favorite RS song, every, but I ended up liking Annie Goodbody less.

Banjo's and tubas are big surprises...... Not good ones mind you. <grins>

That I like it more listening to it now then I did 20 years ago.

I like hearing Rick's soft voice on it.

When I started listening to this album in earnest a couple of months ago I found that I could appreciate it more now, then when I was a teen. The songs made much more of a connection with me and I'm not sure if it was because I was "studying" this album for review or if I'm more in tune now with what Rick was saying back then. Shows my maturity, eh? Rick wrote these in his early 20's, whereas I'm now in my mid 30's and I'm just now getting them.

Except to say I'm sorry, and how and the wisdom to let it show

4) What are some of your favorite lines from this album?

Why is it so hard to be yourself

"except to say I'm sorry and the wisdom to let it show"

When my heart was yours to play with, Though yours was never mine

And you know sometimes what I say ain't right - It's all right, cause I Speak To The Sky every night

But this song is mine, So's this old guitar

I said "okay babe what do you wanna do"

And though my conversation doesn't always rhyme - I always try to find some time to - Speak To The Sky

But this song is mine - So's this old guitar

 In a 1000 years, I'll still be thinking of you"

" Though you're just 17 - my love's gonna grow every night every day"

Speak to the sky whenever things go wrong and you'll know you're not talking to the air.........

Each time I saw you weeping how I'd wish I'd held you close.....

and if only I'd had shown my love in so many different ways...maybe you would have stayed............