I Wrote a Simple Song


I Wrote a Simple Song is the sixth studio album by American soul musician Billy Preston. Released in November 1971, it was his first album for A&M Records and marked the start of a run of commercial success in the United States that lasted through to the late 1970s. The album includes the hit single "Outa-Space", which won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance of 1972. Preston included a live version of the instrumental "The Bus", as part of a medley with the Beatles' "Day Tripper", on his 1974 album Live European Tour.

Recording

I Wrote a Simple Song was Preston's first self-produced album. Preston's friend George Harrison played lead guitar on most of the songs, and supplied dobro accompaniment on the title track. The album continued Preston's inclusion of gospel-themed songs which had started with the 1967 album Club Meeting.

Reception

The instrumental "Outa-Space" won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance in 1973.

Track listing

All songs by Billy Preston and Joe Greene, except where noted.
Side one
  1. "Should Have Known Better" – 2:28
  2. "I Wrote a Simple Song" – 3:28
  3. "John Henry" – 3:15
  4. "Without a Song" – 4:57
  5. "The Bus" – 3:32
Side two
  1. "Outa-Space" – 4:08
  2. "The Looner Tune" – 2:47
  3. "You Done Got Older" – 3:08
  4. "Swing Down Chariot" – 4:13
  5. "God Is Great" – 3:32
  6. "My Country, 'Tis of Thee" – 4:27

    Personnel

;Technical

Singles