Description
The Lovin’ Spoonful – Hums Of The Lovin’ Spoonful – 180 Gram Vinyl Record
Released on November 28, 1966, Hums of the Lovin’ Spoonful is the third studio album from the New York-based folk-rock band The Lovin’ Spoonful. By this point, the group had already established themselves as one of the leading acts of the mid-1960s folk-pop movement, and this album further solidified their reputation by expanding their sound to include country, jug band music, blues, and even hints of psychedelic rock. With its mix of lighthearted fun and introspective balladry, Hums remains one of their most beloved and diverse records.
Hums is an album that showcases the versatility of the band, moving beyond their signature sunshine pop and jug-band-inspired folk-rock into a broader palette of sounds. The most famous track, “Summer in the City,” is a harder-edged, urban rock anthem that captures the hot, restless energy of city life with its driving piano riff, car horns, and dynamic shifts between soft verses and explosive choruses. This song became their only No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains one of the defining songs of the era.
But Hums is far more than just one hit song. Rain on the Roof and Lovin’ You showcase John Sebastian’s knack for crafting warm, romantic melodies, while Nashville Cats is a country-rock tribute to the virtuosity of Nashville’s session musicians, featuring twangy guitar licks and playful lyrics. The band’s jug-band roots shine through on “Henry Thomas”, while Full Measure brings a dose of bluesy grit. Meanwhile, songs like Coconut Grove introduce a dreamy, laid-back vibe, foreshadowing the folk-psychedelic sounds that would later become popular in the late ‘60s.
The album balances playful storytelling with moments of introspection, a hallmark of Sebastian’s songwriting. Whether it’s the nostalgic reflections in Rain on the Roof, the observational wit of Nashville Cats, or the urban grit of Summer in the City, Hums feels like a musical road trip through different aspects of American life.
Upon release, Hums of the Lovin’ Spoonful was a commercial and critical success, reaching No. 14 on the Billboard 200 and producing multiple hit singles. Its influence extended beyond the folk-rock scene, with elements of the album helping shape the evolving sounds of country rock, psychedelic pop, and roots music.
Hums remains one of The Lovin’ Spoonful’s strongest and most engaging albums, capturing the joy, experimentation, and eclectic spirit of 1960s pop music. Whether you’re drawn to the carefree folk harmonies, bluesy grooves, or rock-and-roll energy, this album delivers a little bit of everything—and does it all with charm and heart.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic sealed
Track Listing
Lovin’ You
Bes’ Friends
Voodoo In My Basement
Darlin’ Companion
Henry Thomas
Full Measure
Rain On The Roof
Coconut Grove
Nashville Cats
4 Eyes
Summer In The City
