Kenny Rogers And The First Edition – Something's Burning

Kenny Rogers And The First Edition – Something's Burning

Released in 1970 on Reprise Records, Something's Burning is the fifth studio album by Kenny Rogers and The First Edition, capturing the group at an important point in their evolution from late-1960s folk-rock and psychedelic country into the polished country-pop sound that would become increasingly associated with Rogers. The album was produced by Kenny Rogers alongside Jimmy Bowen and Mike Post.

The album opens with its standout title track, "Something's Burning", written by Mac Davis and produced by Jimmy Bowen. Built around a slow-burning arrangement and Rogers' increasingly intense vocal, the song became a major international hit in 1970, reaching No.8 on the UK Singles Chart. Its sensual subject matter initially caused resistance from American radio, making the group's decision to perform the song on the UK television programme This Is Tom Jones an important part of its story.

Elsewhere, Something's Burning balances country ballads, folk-rock and accessible pop. "She Even Woke Me Up To Say Goodbye", written by Mickey Newbury, gives Rogers plenty of space for his distinctive storytelling vocal, while "Then I Miss You", "My Washington Woman" and "Just Remember You're My Sunshine" demonstrate the band's melodic, roots-oriented approach. The record has the relaxed warmth of early-1970s country music without losing the pop instincts that had already made The First Edition successful.

The second side continues in the same eclectic vein with "Sunshine Joe", "A Stranger In My Place", "It's A Crazy Afternoon", "Momma's Waiting" and "Elvira". The latter is particularly interesting for collectors familiar with the later country standard: this recording predates the Dr. Hook and Oak Ridge Boys versions that would make "Elvira" famous, giving the song an intriguing place in the history of country-pop songwriting.

For collectors of Kenny Rogers, The First Edition, 1970s country rock and classic Reprise releases, Something's Burning is an excellent snapshot of Rogers before his later solo superstardom. It sits comfortably alongside country-pop, folk-rock and soft-rock collections, while the hit title track and early recording of "Elvira" add particular appeal for fans and collectors.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Something's Burning – 4:00
2. She Even Woke Me Up To Say Goodbye – 2:42
3. Then I Miss You – 2:45
4. My Washington Woman – 3:22
5. Just Remember You're My Sunshine – 2:36

Side B

1. Sunshine Joe – 2:30
2. A Stranger In My Place – 2:59
3. It's A Crazy Afternoon – 2:00
4. Momma's Waiting – 3:20
5. Elvira – 2:37