The Animals – Eric Is Here (1967) | Full Album Guide, Tracklist, Credits & Trivia
Introduction
Eric Is Here (1967) is one of the most unusual releases in The Animals’ discography. Credited to The Animals but effectively a solo project by Eric Burdon, the album stands apart due to its orchestral arrangements and pop-oriented production.
Unlike previous albums rooted in blues and R&B, this record showcases a more sophisticated, baroque pop sound, driven by lush instrumentation arranged by Horace Ott. It reflects a transitional moment just before the emergence of Eric Burdon & The Animals’ psychedelic era.
Album Overview
- Artist: The Animals
- Album: Eric Is Here
- Release Year: 1967
- Genre: Pop / Baroque Pop / Orchestral Rock
- Label: MGM Records (US)
- Producer: Tom Wilson
Tracklist (Original Release)
- In the Night
- Mama Told Me Not to Come
- I Think It’s Gonna Rain Today
- This Side of Goodbye
- That Ain’t Where It’s At
- True Love (Comes Only Once in a Lifetime)
- Help Me Girl
- Wait Till Next Year
- Losin’ Control
- It’s Not Easy
Album Credits
- Eric Burdon – Lead Vocals
Orchestral Arrangements & Backing:
- Horace Ott – Arranger & Conductor
Production:
- Tom Wilson – Producer
- MGM Records – Label
Note: None of the original Animals members perform on this album, making it essentially a solo Eric Burdon project under The Animals name.
Musical Style & Direction
Eric Is Here represents a major stylistic shift:
- Heavy use of orchestration and string arrangements
- Strong influence of soul and baroque pop
- Minimal connection to the band’s earlier blues rock sound
Eric Burdon adapts his powerful voice to a more controlled and melodic style, fitting the polished production.
Historical Context
By 1967, the original Animals lineup had disbanded, and Eric Burdon was exploring new musical directions. This album was recorded during a transitional period before forming the new lineup that would produce psychedelic classics like Winds of Change.
The album reflects the broader trend of the mid-60s, where artists experimented with orchestral pop and studio production techniques.
Fun Facts & Trivia
- “Help Me Girl” was originally released as a single before appearing on the album
- “Mama Told Me Not to Come” was written by Randy Newman, long before it became a hit for Three Dog Night
- Horace Ott’s arrangements give the album a cinematic, almost soundtrack-like feel
- The album was marketed as an Animals release despite being completely disconnected from the band
Did You Know?
- This is the only “Animals” album with no actual band members except Eric Burdon
- Many fans were confused upon release due to the drastic change in sound
- The album is often overlooked but has gained appreciation among collectors
- It serves as a bridge between the original Animals and the psychedelic era of Eric Burdon & The Animals