Till (Jerry Vale album)

Till was the first of four albums that Vale released in 1969, with all four being released without accompanying singles. Produced by Wally Gold and arranged by Joe Gardner,^[1] the album featured covers of recent pop hits and the top contemporary songs of 1968,^[5] although it contained older hits like "Put Your Head on My Shoulder" and "My Special Angel", both of which were from the late 1950s.^[4] The final track in the album (Look Homeward Angel) would be written by Gold himself.^[1] For the album's promotion Vale would go on many shows, notably The Ed Sullivan Show.^[6]

The album debuted on Billboard magazine's Top LP's chart in the issue dated February 15, 1969, peaking at No. 90 during a twelve-week run on the chart.^[7] It debuted on Cashbox magazine's Top 100 Albums chart in the issue dated February 22, 1969, and was ranked much higher, peaking at No. 69 during a nine-week run on the chart.^[8] The album also debuted on Record World magazine's 100 Top LP's chart in the issue dated February 1, 1969, peaking at No. 90 during a five-week run on the chart.^[9] It would be his final album to reach the Top 100 on the charts.^[8][7]

The album received a positive critical reception upon its release. The initial Record World review stated that "Jerry lets go here. His pipes have never been purer." Continuing, "Just listen to 'MacArthur Park' to get the full force." Also noting "Most of the songs on the package have been in the charts the past few months".^[4] Cashbox magazine wrote, "Jerry Vale lends his rich, warm voice to a strong selection of pop melodies", also noting that "The chanter's smooth, graceful delivery should gain the approval of his large following."^[3]

Retrospectively, Stephen Thomas Erlewine on AllMusic reviewed the album and stated, "As a pop artifact, it's priceless, simply because its sweeping strings, syrupy choirs and light folky guitars capture how directionless mainstream adult pop was at the turn of the decade", he would add that "As a Vale record, it isn't bad, but it's clear from his quavering voice and laissez-faire delivery that he either doesn't care for the songs or isn't quite sure how to sing them," but he noted that "the resulting soft-rock mishmash is actually quite entertaining".^[1]