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Complete List Of The Association Albums And Discography looks at an American pop band from California. Known for their tight vocal harmony and melodic pop sound, The Association was one of the leading bands of the 1960s, with a number of hit songs such as “Cherish,” “Windy,” and “Along Comes Mary.”
Formation and Early Success
The Association was formed in 1965 by the merging of two bands: The Men and The Inner Tubes. The original lineup consisted of Gary Alexander (guitar, vocals), Russ Giguere (vocals, percussion), Brian Cole (bass, vocals), Ted Bluechel Jr. (drums, vocals, guitar), Jim Yester (vocals, guitar), and Terry Kirkman (vocals, wind instruments). They first gained attention in the folk clubs of Los Angeles, quickly moving to electric instruments and a more pop-oriented sound.
The band’s breakthrough came with the song “Along Comes Mary,” which they performed at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967. The song’s intricate vocal arrangements and catchy rhythm made it an instant hit, reaching number 7 on the Billboard chart. Their follow-up single, “Cherish,” became an even bigger hit, peaking at number 1 and cementing the band’s place in pop music history.
Mid to Late 1960s: Chart-Topping Hits
The Association’s first album, “And Then… Along Comes The Association,” was released in 1966 and was a success, with its innovative sound that fused folk-rock with lush orchestration. They followed this with a string of successful singles and albums, including “Renaissance” and “Insight Out.” The latter produced another number 1 hit with “Windy,” a song that captured the free-spirited optimism of the era.
Challenges and Changes
Despite their initial success, The Association faced challenges as the 1960s progressed. The music scene was rapidly changing, with the rise of harder rock and psychedelic music. The band attempted to adapt with their 1968 album “Birthday,” which embraced a more experimental sound, but it failed to achieve the commercial success of their earlier works.
Throughout the late 1960s and into the 1970s, The Association continued to tour and record, although they could not replicate the immense success of their earlier hits. Changes in the lineup also occurred, with Alexander leaving the band for a period and various other musicians coming and going.
1970s to Present: Enduring Presence
In the 1970s, The Association still enjoyed popularity on the touring circuit and even saw a brief resurgence with the minor hit “Darling Be Home Soon.” However, as the decade progressed, the band’s presence on the charts diminished.
Despite these commercial declines, The Association has never officially disbanded. They have continued to perform live, often as part of nostalgia tours with other 1960s acts. They experienced various line-up changes, with the deaths of original members, including Brian Cole in 1972.
THE ASSOCIATION STUDIO ALBUMS
And Then… Along Comes the Association
Released 1966
“And Then… Along Comes the Association” marked the debut of The Association, an album that introduced their unique sound to the music world. It established the band’s harmony-rich pop that would become their signature, earning them a Gold record in the United States. The album was initially released on Valiant Records and later reissued by Warner Bros. Records. The recording took place in Los Angeles, California.
CD Track Listings:
- “Enter the Young” – 2:43
- “Your Own Love” – 2:19
- “Don’t Blame It on Me” – 2:30
- “Blistered” – 2:26
- “I’ll Be Your Man” – 2:43
- “Along Comes Mary” – 2:49
- “Cherish” – 3:25
- “Standing Still” – 2:47
- “Message of Our Love” – 2:27
- “Round Again” – 1:50
- “Remember” – 2:38
- “Changes” – 2:33
Renaissance
Released 1966
The Association’s second album, “Renaissance,” continued to display their intricate vocal harmonies and pop sensibilities. While it wasn’t as commercially successful as their debut, it still received critical acclaim and featured a more diversified sound. The album was also released on Valiant Records, with subsequent reissues by Warner Bros.
CD Track Listings:
- “I’m the One” – 2:30
- “Memories of You” – 2:15
- “Pandora’s Golden Heebie Jeebies” – 2:50
- “Angeline” – 2:45
- “Songs in the Wind” – 2:47
- “You May Think” – 2:37
- “Looking Glass” – 2:13
- “Come to Me” – 2:46
- “No Fair at All” – 2:35
- “You Hear Me Call Your Name” – 2:22
- “Another Time, Another Place” – 2:47
Insight Out
Released 1967
“Insight Out,” The Association’s third studio album, brought them back into the spotlight with hits that cemented their place in 60s pop music. The album was another Gold record success, featuring some of their most memorable tunes. This album was released by Warner Bros. Records and included the singles “Windy” and “Never My Love,” contributing to its commercial success.
CD Track Listings:
- “Wasn’t It a Bit Like Now (Parallel ’23)” – 3:28
- “On a Quiet Night” – 3:19
- “We Love Us” – 2:24
- “When Love Comes to Me” – 2:43
- “Windy” – 2:56
- “Reputation” – 2:39
- “Never My Love” – 3:07
- “Happiness Is” – 2:13
- “Sometime” – 2:38
- “Wantin’ Ain’t Gettin'” – 2:19
- “Requiem for the Masses” – 4:05
Birthday
Released 1968
“Birthday” was The Association’s fourth studio album, showcasing their ability to create a conceptual piece with a variety of musical styles. This record continued their tradition of sophisticated pop arrangements.
CD Track Listings:
- “Come On In” – 3:17
- “Rose Petals, Incense and a Kitten” – 2:55
- “Like Always” – 3:05
- “Everything That Touches You” – 3:17
- “Toymaker” – 2:24
- “Barefoot Gentleman” – 3:25
- “Time for Livin'” – 2:45
- “Hear in Here” – 3:05
- “The Time It Is Today” – 2:15
- “The Bus Song” – 3:35
- “Birthday Morning” – 2:15
The Association
Released 1969
“The Association” is the self-titled album by the band, featuring a collection of songs that exemplify their harmonious sound. The album received positive reception and performed well in both the US and Canada.
CD Track Listings:
- “Look at Me, Look at You” – 2:54
- “Yes, I Will” – 2:32
- “Love Affair” – 2:43
- “The Nest” – 2:56
- “What Were the Words” – 2:25
- “Are You Ready” – 2:45
- “Dubuque Blues” – 3:16
- “Under Branches” – 3:02
- “I Am Up for Europe” – 2:31
- “Brose” – 2:38
- “Goodbye Forever” – 2:53
- “Boy on the Mountain” – 3:00
Stop Your Motor
Released 1971
“Stop Your Motor” represents a later phase in The Association’s career, where they continued to produce music that remained true to their sound. The album had moderate success, reflecting the changing musical landscape of the early 70s.
CD Track Listings:
- “Bring Yourself Home” – 3:01
- “Funny Kind of Song” – 3:25
- “That’s Racin'” – 4:14
- “P.F. Sloan” – 2:37
- “Silver Morning” – 2:39
- “It’s Gotta Be Real” – 2:20
- “The First Sound” – 3:04
- “Along the Way” – 2:35
- “Traveler’s Guide (Spanish Flyer)” – 2:16
- “Seven Virgins” – 4:19
Waterbeds in Trinidad!
Released 1972
“Waterbeds in Trinidad!” showcased The Association’s exploration of new musical territories, while still holding on to their signature harmonic style. It marked their transition into the 70s, capturing the more relaxed vibes of the era.
CD Track Listings:
- “Silent Song Through the Land” – 3:20
- “Darling Be Home Soon” – 4:36
- “Midnight Wind” – 3:36
- “Rainbows Bent” – 3:14
- “Please, Please, Please” – 3:08
- “How I Heard It” – 3:05
- “Yes, I Will (Wordless)” – 2:23
- “Are You Ready” (Live) – 3:01
- “Dubuque Blues” (Live) – 4:06
- “That’s Racin'” (Live) – 5:04
- “Hear in Here” (Live) – 4:34
THE ASSOCIATION COMPILATION ALBUMS
Greatest Hits
Released 1968
“Greatest Hits” is The Association’s compilation album featuring their most successful singles up to that time. This album became one of the best representations of the group’s work and peaked impressively on the charts in both the US and Canada.
CD Track Listings:
- “The Time It Is Today” – 2:16
- “Everything That Touches You” – 3:18
- “Like Always” – 3:04
- “Never My Love” – 3:07
- “Requiem for the Masses” – 4:05
- “Along Comes Mary” – 2:45
- “Enter the Young” – 2:43
- “No Fair at All” – 2:39
- “Time for Livin'” – 2:45
- “We Love Us” – 2:23
- “Cherish” – 3:25
- “Windy” – 2:53
- “Six Man Band” – 2:18
Goodbye, Columbus
Released 1969
The soundtrack for “Goodbye, Columbus” features The Association’s music from the film of the same name. The album gave a different perspective on the band’s musical ability, fitting their sound to the narrative of the movie.
CD Track Listings:
- “Goodbye, Columbus” – 2:24
- “How Will I Know You?” – 2:31
- “Dartmouth? Dartmouth!” – 2:00
- “Goodbye, Columbus” (Instrumental) – 1:57
- “It’s Gotta Be Real” – 2:18
- “A Moment to Share” – 2:30
- “Love Has a Way” – 2:28
- “A Time for Love” – 1:45
- “So Kind to Me” (Brenda’s Theme) – 3:07
The Association “Live”
Released 1970
“The Association Live” captures the energy and musicianship of The Association in a concert setting, giving fans a taste of their stage performances.
CD Track Listings:
- “Dream Girl” – 2:39
- “One Too Many Mornings” – 2:51
- “Along Comes Mary” – 2:34
- “I’ll Be Your Man” – 3:04
- “Goodbye, Columbus” – 2:22
- “Let’s Get Together” – 2:24
- “Wasn’t It a Bit Like Now” – 2:40
- “Are You Ready” – 3:16
- “Just About the Same” – 2:22
- “Blistered” – 2:26
- “Hear in Here” – 3:26
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