C
Clair
1993
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The song "Clair" by Gilbert O'Sullivan was released as a single in October 1972. It is featured on his second album, *Back to Front*. The song, written by O'Sullivan and produced by Gordon Mills, became one of O'Sullivan's biggest hits. The single reached number one in the UK charts. The B-side of the UK release was "What Could Be Nicer (Mum, The Kettle's Boiling)". In the U.S., the B-side was "Ooh-Wakka-Doo-Wakka-Day".
The song is from the perspective of someone who babysits a young girl. The "real Clair" was the three-year-old daughter of O'Sullivan's manager and producer, Gordon Mills, and his wife, Jo Waring. Gilbert O'Sullivan's real name is Raymond, which is why he refers to himself as "Uncle Ray" in the song. The song includes the sound of O'Sullivan whistling at the beginning and the giggling of the little girl at the end.
Recording Info
The song was written by Gilbert O'Sullivan and produced by Gordon Mills. It was recorded in London at Audio International Studios.
Track Highlights
- Clair — The A-side; a hit song about Gilbert O'Sullivan's producer's three-year-old daughter
- What Could Be Nicer (Mum, The Kettle's Boiling) — B-side of the UK release
- Ooh-Wakka-Doo-Wakka-Day — B-side of the U.S. release
Personnel
- Gilbert O'Sullivan (Vocals, Piano, Songwriter)
- Gordon Mills (Producer, Harmonica)
Significance
The single "Clair" was a commercial success, reaching number one in the UK charts and becoming one of Gilbert O'Sullivan's signature songs. The album *Back to Front* also reached number one on the UK Albums Chart, establishing O'Sullivan as a leading artist of the era.
The harmonica solo in "Clair," played by Gordon Mills, modulates up a semitone from A to B-flat before returning to A.
Track List
Apple Music
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