Back to Front (Gilbert O'Sullivan album)

Back to Front
Back to Front
Studio album by Gilbert O'Sullivan
Released	October 1972
Recorded	Audio International Studios, London
Genre	Pop; orchestral pop; easy listening;
Length	35:47
Label	MAM
Producer	Gordon Mills
Gilbert O'Sullivan chronology
Singles from Back to Front
	"Clair"; Released: October 1972; "Out of the Question"; Released: February 1973;

Back to Front is the second studio album by Irish singer-songwriter Gilbert O'Sullivan, released in October 1972 by MAM Records. The album follows the success of his 1971 debut album Himself and singles such as "Alone Again (Naturally)". Coinciding with the album, O'Sullivan abandoned his distinctive dress sense, which included a short cap and trousers, and instead presented himself as a more masculine, hairy-chested singer with a perm, wearing sweaters with the letter "G" emblazoned on them, which helped establish him as a sex symbol. O'Sullivan wrote the album's songs at home during night-time writing sessions, and recorded the album with his manager and producer Gordon Mills in London.

As with Himself, the album combines show tune-inspired pop music with string arrangements, but also places an emphasis on piano-based songs. O'Sullivan's lyrical style displays his characteristic observational, kitchen sink style, with songs boasting humorous twists and a wide range of musical and lyrical influences, including Fats Domino. Upon release, Back to Front was a critical and commercial success, reaching number 1 on the UK Albums Chart and allowing O'Sullivan to become the era's best-selling British-based artist. The single "Clair" was a UK chart-topper. To promote the album, the singer underwent his first nationwide tour. Salvo released a remastered version of Back to Front in February 2012 as part of their Gilbert O'Sullivan – A Singer & His Songs collection.