Nicolette Larson - Nicolette (1978)
Tracklist front / back album covers
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1. "Lotta Love" (Neil Young) 3:11
2. "Rhumba Girl" (Jesse Winchester) 3:52
3. "You Send Me" (Sam Cooke) 3:56
4. "Can't Get Away from You" (Lauren "Chunky" Wood) 3:17
5. "Mexican Divorce" (Bob Hilliard, Burt Bacharach) 3:57
6. "Baby Don't You Do It" (Holland, Dozier, Holland) 3:42
7. "Give a Little" (Bill Payne) 3:00
8. "Angels Rejoiced" (Ira Louvin, Charlie Louvin) 2:27
9. "French Waltz" (Adam Mitchell) 4:22
10. "Come Early Mornin'" (Bob McDill) 2:42
11. "Last in Love" (Glenn Frey, J. D. Souther) 3:43
Nicolette Larson Band Members / Musicians
Nicolette Larson – vocals, backing vocals, guitar, percussion
Paul Barrère – guitar
James Burton – guitar, dobro
Valerie Carter – backing vocals
Victor Feldman – vibes, percussion
Michael McDonald – backing vocals
Bill Payne – keyboards
Herb Pedersen – guitar, backing vocals
Linda Ronstadt – backing vocals
Bob Glaub – bass guitar
Mark T. Jordan – keyboards
David Kalish – guitar
Bobby LaKind – percussion, conga, triangle
Albert Lee – guitar, mandolin
Fred Tackett – guitar
Ted Templeman – percussion, backing vocals
Klaus Voormann – bass guitar
Sid Sharp – synthesizer, concertmaster
Jimmie Haskell – strings, accordion, conductor, string arrangements, woodwind arrangement
Chuck Findley – horn
Jim Horn – horn
Plas Johnson – flute
Andrew Love – saxophone
Steve Madaio – horn
Rick Shlosser – drums
Patrick Simmons – guitar
Edward Van Halen - guitar on "Can't Get Away from You"
Donn Landee – engineer
Mike Zagaris – photography
Joel Bernstein – sleeve photo
Dave Bhang – art direction, design
Nicolette is the debut album by Nicolette Larson, released in 1978 by Warner Bros. Records. It reached #15 on the US pop charts and #1 in Canada and was certified Gold in both markets.
Larson came to public attention singing backup for Neil Young on American Stars 'n Bars and Comes a Time. Her first charting single was Young's smoky composition "Lotta Love". As a single, it hit #1 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart, #8 on the Billboard Hot 100, #8 on the Cash Box Top 100, and #8 in Record World magazine. The follow-up single, "Rhumba Girl," fell short of the US Top 40, but reached #15 in Canada and #4 on the Canadian Adult Contemporary chart.
Eddie Van Halen appears uncredited on guitar on "Can't Get Away From You".
The album was re-released on CD in 2005 on the Wounded Bird label.
Nicolette Larson (July 17, 1952 – December 16, 1997) was an American singer. She is perhaps best known for her work in the late 1970s with Neil Young and her 1978 hit single of Young's "Lotta Love", which hit No. 1 on the Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks chart and No. 8 on the pop singles chart. It was followed by four more adult contemporary hits, two of which were also minor pop hits.
By 1985, she shifted her focus to country music, charting six times on the US country singles chart. Her only top-40 country hit was "That's How You Know When Love's Right", a duet with Steve Wariner. She died in 1997 of cerebral edema and liver failure.
Nicolette Larson Discography Full
1978 Nicolette
1979 In the Nick of Time
1979 Live at the Roxy (only as Promo)
1981 Radioland
1982 All Dressed Up and No Place to Go
1985 ...Say When
1986 Rose of My Heart
1988 Shadows of Love
1994 Sleep, Baby, Sleep: Quiet Songs for Quiet Times
1995 That's How You Know When Love Is Right (cassette)
1999 The Very Best of Nicolette Larson
2006 A Tribute to Nicolette Larson: Lotta Love Concert
2006 Live at the Roxy (recorded in 1979)
Nicolette Larson – Nicolette (1978): West Coast Soft Rock at Its Most Radiant
Released in September 1978, Nicolette marked the stunning debut of Nicolette Larson, a singer whose warm voice, emotional clarity, and effortless phrasing made her one of the defining female voices of late-1970s West Coast soft rock. At a time when California pop-rock dominated radio, Larson’s debut arrived polished yet heartfelt, commercial yet sincere—bridging the worlds of country-rock, adult contemporary, and mainstream pop.
Produced by Ted Templeman, the architect behind some of the biggest records by the Doobie Brothers and Van Halen, Nicolette became an instant success, launching Larson into stardom and securing her place in the golden era of California soft rock.
Background and Career Beginnings
Born in Helena, Montana, in 1952, Nicolette Larson grew up immersed in folk and country music. Before her solo breakthrough, she worked extensively as a session and backing vocalist, most notably with Neil Young, appearing prominently on Comes a Time (1978). Young was instrumental in encouraging her to pursue a solo career, even recommending her to producer Ted Templeman.
Unlike many debut artists, Larson entered the studio already seasoned, confident, and emotionally mature—qualities that shine throughout Nicolette.
Musical Style and Sound
Nicolette is a textbook example of West Coast soft rock, blending:
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Smooth, melodic pop songwriting
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Country-rock influences
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Adult contemporary polish
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Subtle jazz and folk textures
Larson’s voice is the centerpiece—clear, expressive, and emotionally direct, capable of vulnerability without fragility. The production is lush but restrained, allowing her vocals to breathe while surrounding them with warm guitars, tasteful keyboards, and impeccable studio musicianship.
Ted Templeman’s production avoids excess, giving the album a timeless, sun-drenched sound that still feels fresh decades later.
Tracklist Overview
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Let Me Go, Love
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Love Talkin’
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Bluebird
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Give a Little Love
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We’re the Kind of People
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The Last Time I Saw Him
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Lotta Love
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Rhumba Girl
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You Send Me
The album balances radio-ready singles with reflective deep cuts, maintaining consistency and emotional cohesion throughout.
Standout Songs and Highlights
“Lotta Love”
The album’s crown jewel, “Lotta Love”, written by Neil Young, became Larson’s signature song. Her interpretation transforms Young’s raw folk composition into a soaring pop anthem, complete with lush harmonies and a smooth, irresistible groove. The song reached No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the biggest soft rock hits of 1978–79.
“Let Me Go, Love”
The opening track sets the tone with emotional openness and melodic strength, immediately establishing Larson as a commanding lead vocalist.
“Bluebird”
A delicate, airy track that showcases Larson’s sensitivity and control, reinforcing her folk roots.
Lyrical Themes
The lyrics on Nicolette revolve around love, vulnerability, emotional honesty, and quiet resilience. Rather than dramatic heartbreak or bravado, the album focuses on nuanced emotional states—longing, hope, self-reflection, and emotional independence.
This emotional accessibility played a major role in the album’s commercial success, particularly with adult contemporary audiences.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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Neil Young personally approved Nicolette Larson’s recording of “Lotta Love.”
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Ted Templeman signed Larson without requiring a demo, based purely on her voice and reputation.
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Several top-tier session musicians from the West Coast scene appear on the album.
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Nicolette was recorded during the peak of the California soft rock boom, alongside artists like Fleetwood Mac and Linda Ronstadt.
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Larson was often compared to Linda Ronstadt, though her style leaned more toward pop than country.
Did You Know?
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“Lotta Love” earned Grammy nominations, solidifying Larson as a major new artist.
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The album achieved Platinum status in the United States, selling over one million copies.
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Nicolette Larson became a radio staple almost overnight, particularly on FM adult contemporary stations.
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Despite its polished sound, the album was largely recorded live in the studio with minimal overdubs.
Commercial Success and Best-Selling Albums
Nicolette remains Nicolette Larson’s most successful and best-selling album.
Her top commercial releases include:
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Nicolette (1978) – Platinum (US)
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In the Nick of Time (1979) – Strong chart performance
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Radioland (1981) – Moderate success
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Rose of My Heart (1985) – Critically respected
“Lotta Love” stands as her biggest hit single, consistently featured on soft rock and classic pop playlists.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Nicolette captured a fleeting moment in American music when melody, warmth, and emotional sincerity dominated the airwaves. The album represents the height of West Coast soft rock’s mainstream appeal, blending professionalism with genuine emotional expression.
Larson’s influence can be heard in later adult contemporary and pop-folk artists who value vocal clarity and emotional storytelling over flashiness. Though her career was tragically cut short—she passed away in 1997 at age 45—her debut remains a defining statement.
Most Famous Songs by Nicolette Larson
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Lotta Love
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Let Me Go, Love
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Give a Little Love
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Rhumba Girl
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Love Talkin’
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We’re the Kind of People
Full Discography (Studio Albums)
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Nicolette (1978)
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In the Nick of Time (1979)
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Radioland (1981)
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Rose of My Heart (1985)
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Sleep, Baby Sleep (1994)
Artist Timeline
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Born: July 17, 1952
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Solo debut: 1978
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Died: December 16, 1997
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Years active: 1971–1997
Keywords
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