Unborn Child is the sixth studio album by American pop/folk duo Seals and Crofts. It included two low-charting singles, the title track (which reached No. 66) and "The King of Nothing", which reached No. 60. The single "Unborn Child" reached No. 63 in Canada.[2]
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Unborn Child | ||||
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Studio album by | ||||
Released | February 1974 | |||
Recorded | The Sound Factory, Los Angeles | |||
Genre | Soft rock | |||
Length | 38:06 | |||
Label | Warner Bros. | |||
Producer | Louie Shelton | |||
Seals and Crofts chronology | ||||
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Review scores | |
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Source | Rating |
Christgau's Record Guide | D−[1] |
The project originated when Lana Bogan, wife of recording engineer Joseph Bogan, watched a TV documentary on abortion and she was inspired to write a poem from the perspective of the terminated fetus.
According to Dash Crofts, Warner Bros. tried to warn them not to release the album, because the subject of abortion was highly controversial. Neither Seals nor Crofts cared about the money and stated they were making the record to save lives, while Warner was primarily concerned with making money. The duo also insisted that the song's message was more universal; that one should not take life too lightly, and should consider its value before carrying out the procedure of abortion.[3]
Despite Warners' warnings, the album was released in February 1974 and the label's worst fears came true: the title track was deemed controversial at the time because of its anti-abortion stance and as a result, Unborn Child hurt the duo's popularity and it was criticized by music critics. According to Bill de Young, the duo crossed the thin line that separated their music from the Baháʼí Faith, a religion that disapproves of abortion, and abortion-rights advocates boycotted the album and the duo's concerts.[4][5][6] For this record, Seals and Crofts won the "Keep Her in Her Place" award from the National Organization for Women (tying with Paul Anka for his recording of "(You're) Having My Baby") during "its annual putdown of male chauvinism" in the media on Women's Equality Day.[7]
All songs written by James Seals and Dash Crofts, except where indicated.
Side One
Side Two
Chart (1974) | Peak position |
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Australia (Kent Music Report)[8] | 37 |
Canada[9] | 18 |
United States (Billboard 200) | 14 |
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Studio albums |
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Compilation albums |
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Singles |
Authority control ![]() |
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