Cher - I'd Rather Believe in You (1976)
Tracklist front / back album covers
Side one
1. "Long Distance Love Affair" 2:45
2. "I'd Rather Believe in You" 3:45
3. "I Know (You Don't Love Me)" 2:54
4. "Silver Wings & Golden Rings" 3:20
5. "Flashback" 3:53
Side two
1. "It's a Cryin' Shame" 2:49
2. "Early Morning Strangers" 3:43
3. "Knock on Wood" 3:30
4. "Spring" 4:23
5. "Borrowed Time" 2:57
Cher Band Members / Musicians
Cher - lead vocals
Dean Parks, Lee Ritenour - guitar
Jay Graydon - guitar, mandolin
Ben Benay - guitar, harmonica
David Hungate, Lee Sklar, Scott Edwards - bass guitar
Michael Omartian - keyboards, backing vocals
Jeff Porcaro - drums
Steve Barri, Victor Feldman - percussion
Chuck Findley, Lew McCreary, Nino Tempo, Steve Douglas, Steve Madaio - horns
Dan Walsh, Gene Nelson, Ginger Blake, Jim Haas, Julia Tillman Waters, Kerry Chater, Maxine Tillman Waters, Michael Price, Stephanie Spring - backing vocals
Steve Barri - record producer
Michael Omartian - record producer
Phil Kaye - sound engineer
Ed Thrasher - art direction
Norman Seeff - photography
I'd Rather Believe in You is the 13th studio album by American singer-actress Cher, released in October 1976 by Warner Bros. Records. This album was a commercial failure and failed to chart.
Cher – I’d Rather Believe in You (1976): A Hidden 70s Gem
Introduction
Released in 1976, I’d Rather Believe in You is one of Cher’s most underrated albums of the 1970s, showcasing her continued exploration of soft rock, adult contemporary, and introspective pop. Unlike her earlier narrative-driven hits such as Half-Breed and Dark Lady, this album emphasizes emotional vulnerability, romantic introspection, and mature themes.
Although it did not achieve major commercial success, the album highlights Cher’s versatility as a vocalist and her ability to adapt to changing musical trends, bridging her 70s pop era with her later disco and rock experiments.
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Cher in 1976: Reinvention and Transition
By 1976, Cher was navigating a transitional phase in her career. The early 70s pop and narrative hits had slowed commercially, and she was exploring more sophisticated, adult contemporary sounds.
I’d Rather Believe in You reflects this period of experimentation, blending soft rock arrangements, introspective lyrics, and contemporary production. The album demonstrates Cher’s emotional range and interpretive skill, even in songs that did not chart as singles.
About I’d Rather Believe in You (1976)
Album Overview
Produced by Snuff Garrett, the album presents ten tracks of soft rock and ballads, with orchestral arrangements and acoustic instrumentation. The record focuses on themes of love, trust, heartbreak, and personal reflection, emphasizing Cher’s deep, expressive contralto voice.
Key tracks include:
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“I’d Rather Believe in You” – The title track, a tender ballad about trust and love
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“Love Hurts” – A cover of the classic Boudleaux Bryant song, highlighting Cher’s emotional delivery
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“Easy Come, Easy Go” – Smooth mid-tempo soft rock
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“Pirate” – Dramatic storytelling with folk-rock influences
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“Hey Joe” – A soulful reinterpretation of the classic rock song
The album blends covers and original material, giving listeners a balanced experience of vocal interpretation and personal expression.
Tracklist
I’d Rather Believe in You (1976) – Official Tracklist
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I’d Rather Believe in You
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Easy Come, Easy Go
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Pirate
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Love Hurts
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Hey Joe
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Mama Was a Rock and Roll Singer, Papa Used to Write All Her Songs
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Ruby Jane
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My Song (The World Will Always Love Me)
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Long Distance Love Affair
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The Way of Love
This tracklist highlights Cher’s emotional versatility, combining introspective originals with bold reinterpretations of popular songs.
Musical Style and Themes
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Genres: Soft rock, adult contemporary, folk pop
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Themes: Love, heartbreak, trust, independence
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Production Style: Orchestral arrangements, mid-tempo grooves, vocal-forward mixing
Cher’s contralto voice drives the album, conveying both strength and vulnerability, and allowing each song to resonate emotionally.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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The album is considered one of Cher’s least commercially promoted releases, which contributed to its relative obscurity.
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“I’d Rather Believe in You” became a fan favorite, despite not charting.
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The album includes reinterpretations of classic songs, such as “Love Hurts” and “Hey Joe,” demonstrating Cher’s ability to make any song her own.
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Snuff Garrett’s production gave the album a polished, radio-friendly sound, aligned with mid-70s adult contemporary trends.
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The album showcases Cher’s transition toward more mature themes, away from her theatrical 70s pop hits.
Commercial Performance and Grossing
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Billboard 200: Did not chart significantly
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Singles: No major hits
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Sales: Estimated under 200,000 copies in the US, making it one of her least commercially successful albums of the 1970s
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Despite low sales, the album is valued by collectors and fans for its artistic merit and vocal performance
Why I’d Rather Believe in You Still Matters
Vocal Showcase
The album demonstrates Cher’s ability to adapt to softer, more introspective material, highlighting her interpretive range.
Underrated Artistic Gem
Though commercially overlooked, the album is a hidden gem in her 70s discography, valued by fans for its subtle emotional depth.
Bridge to Later Styles
I’d Rather Believe in You anticipates Cher’s future stylistic shifts into disco, rock, and adult contemporary, making it an important transitional work.
Final Thoughts
I’d Rather Believe in You (1976) is a quietly sophisticated entry in Cher’s 1970s catalog. Featuring soft rock arrangements, emotional storytelling, and expressive vocals, it highlights her growth as an artist willing to experiment beyond commercial hits. While not a chart-topper, it remains a must-listen for fans interested in Cher’s musical evolution.
Meta Description
Discover Cher’s I’d Rather Believe in You (1976), an underrated 70s soft rock album. Full tracklist, fun facts, and why it remains a hidden gem in her discography.
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