Juice Newton, Break It To Me Gently | Throwback Vibez

In the 201^st edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Break It To Me Gently” by Juice Newton.

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome. In the 201^st edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Break It To Me Gently” performed by Juice Newton.  

Word. Grammy-winning country/pop musician Juice Newton (Judith Newton, b. 1952) delivered a surefire gem with “Break It To Me Gently”. “Break It To Me Gently” is the third track from her 1981 album, Quiet Lies. Notably, this song, written by Diane Lampert (1924 – 2013) and Joe Seneca (1919 – 1996), is a cover. Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Brenda Lee (b. 1944) originally recorded and released it in 1962, with considerable success. However, Juice Newton brings the juice with this can’t-miss cover! It was a big-time pop hit as well, peaking at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. Richard Landis produced this high-flying take.

What initially stands out about “Break It To Me Gently” is its celestial, full-fledged, and robust sound.  This song features a gorgeous, top-notch arrangement and production.  The strings soar, filled with emotion, adding drama and intensity. The keys are warm, while the electric guitar is ripe.  There is also the acoustic guitar, which gives “Break” just the right amount of folky, country-western flavor.  “Break” is a big, powerful song that oozes with soul and possesses plenty of pop sensibilities.  Juice Newton eats vocally (leaving no crumbs), bringing the countrification to the track. Her tone is beautiful, while her performance is nuanced, potent, and powerful.  She superbly brings the melodies to life, which are nothing short of radiant. Likewise, she brings out the text, aka lyrics.

“And break it to me gently, give me time

Oh, give me a little time to ease the pain

If you must go, then go slowly

‘Cause I’ll never love again.”

Hopefully, not loving again is not the case, Juice.  But, love can be nothing short of arduous, unfortunately. Do you know what’s not arduous in the least? Listening to “Break It To Me Gently”, of course! In the hands of the gifted Juice Newton, this cover (🤯) sounds utterly sublime.

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Juice Newton » Quiet Lies » Capitol Records Nashville » 1981

Juice Newton, Break It To Me Gently: Throwback Vibez No. 201 (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Capitol Records Nashville; AcatXlo, OpenClipart-Vectors, Speedy McVroom from Pixabay]

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