If You Ever Leave Me (album)

If You Ever Leave Me was the first of three studio albums that Jones released in 1968, with it being released shortly after his easy listening hit single also titled "If You Ever Leave Me". The single reached a high position on the Billboard Easy Listening chart and broke into the pop charts.^[6] It was issued by RCA Victor Records, a label which he had just started recording for after his move from Kapp Records.^[1]

The album was produced by Ernie Altschuler and arranged by Marty Paich.^[7] It featured covers of recent pop hits and other standards, as well as his own songs. Notably he offered interpretations of contemporary pop, country songs by Jimmy Webb, Leonard Bernstein & Stephen Sondheim, and Teddy Randazzo.^[7][2]

The album received positive to mixed critical reception. Billboard believed that there's "Very excellent programming material here for easy listening stations, especially 'If You Ever Leave Me' and Jack Jones' versions of rock hits 'The Letter' and 'Goin' Out of My Head." They noted that "'Pretty' is a catchy little crowd pleaser, and Jones also does a winning 'By the Time I Get to Phoenix.'"^[8] On the other hand, The Belfast Telegraph was disappointed by the LP, believing that it "too many mediocre" tracks.^[9]

Record World said that "Jones includes his recent single with other choice cuts," noting the Paich arrangements.^[3] Cashbox magazine stated that "Jack Jones chants eleven pop ditties, creating a rich, mellow mood on such top efforts". The magazine believed that the "artist has a full-bodied, lyrical voice, and he employs it to good advantage throughout the album. The Jones boy should see a good deal of sales action with this quality LP."^[2] The Encyclopedia of Popular Music rated the album three stars as well.^[1]

The album debuted on Billboard magazine's Top LP's chart in the issue dated April 27, 1968, peaking at No. 198 during a three-week run on the chart.^[5] It debuted on Cashbox magazine's Top 100 Albums chart in the issue also dated March 30, 1968, peaking at a much higher No. 60 during a nine-week run on the chart.^[10] The album debuted on Record World magazine's 100 Top LP's chart in the issue dated November 25, 1968, peaking at No. 79 during a five-week run on it.^[11]

The track "If You Ever Leave Me" debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 in the issue dated February 17, 1968, peaking at number 92 during a two-week run,^[12] and debuted on the magazine's Easy Listening chart November 18, peaking at number 5 during a seven-week run.^[6]