Guess Things Happen That Wayby Anonymous

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September 22, 2004: Clement's name is probably known to most music fans for his work as a producer and writer at Sun Records. His pen is the source of hits like "Guess Things Happen That Way" and "Ballad of a Teenage Queen" (both covered here), and his producer's desk the source of many of Johnny Cash's Sun-era recordings, as well as sides by Billy Lee Riley, Jerry Lee Lewis (who's Clement-penned "It'll Be Me" is also covered here), Waylon Jennings, Charley Pride and many others (including U2 in the '90s). As a performer, Clement's recorded very sporadically, with his last full length being 1987's "All I Want to Do in Life." ¶ At 73, Clement's voice is a bit wobbly for the up-tempo tracks, but his expressiveness is captivating on the ballads, including the lovely waltz-time "There Ain't a Tune," the slow, introspective cover of "Dreaming My Dreams With You," and his own newly penned "Trapped in an Old Country Song." Ironically, his rendition of "Ballad of a Teenage Queen," punctuated by clips of Johnny Cash lifted from his American Recordings, is a simply produced affair, devoid of the backing singers Clement layered on Cash's Sun-era hit single. The album closes on a whimsical note with the circus-themed waltz, "Off to Join the World," also recently recorded by teen country sensation Blaine Larsen. ¶ While a few tracks, including covers of "It'll Be Me" and the Rolling Stones' "No Expectations," find Clement unsuccessfully trying to out-sing a full electric band, the bulk of the album provides more gentle backing. With bass and drums as a guide, the touches of guitar, mandolin and steel provide perfect accompaniment for Clement and backing singers that include The Jordanaires. Clement may not have the pipes of those he wrote for and produced, but you can hear in his own work the energy and sense of adventure that he lent to those he worked with. ¶ 3-3/4 stars if allowed fractional ratings.