The Seely Style

The Seely Style was produced by Fred Foster, whom Seely would collaborate with during her recording time with the Monument label. Sessions were held between February and July 1966 at the Fred Foster Sound Studio. Among the first songs recorded was "Don't Touch Me" and the track, "You Tied Tin Cans to My Heart".[1] The album contained 12 tracks that were composed by several singer-songwriters including Merle Haggard, Bobby Bare, John Lennon and Paul McCartney.[2] The album also contains several cuts written by Hank Cochran, Seely's husband at the time. Among the six tracks Cochran wrote was "Don't Touch Me", the opening song on the album. She also covered Cochran's "I Fall to Pieces", which was first recorded by Patsy Cline in 1961. The album also includes Seely's self-penned "It Just Takes Practice", which was first recorded by Dottie West in 1965.[1]

The Seely Style was released on September 19, 1966, by Monument Records and was distributed in a vinyl record format. Six songs were featured on the first side while six were featured on the second side of the album.[2] In the 2010s, the album was released digitally.[3] By December, the record peaked at number 8 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. It was her only album to reach the top 10 on any Billboard chart.[4] Its lead single was "Don't Touch Me". The song became her biggest hit, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart by June 1966.[5] It also became her only song to reach the Billboard Hot 100 and adult contemporary charts, peaking at number 85 and number 29 respectively.[6][7] The album's second single was its seventh track, "It's Only Love". Also becoming a major hit, it reached number 15 on the Billboard country singles chart.[8]

Upon the release of The Seely Style, it was reviewed by Billboard who responded positively. "'The Seely Style' is one of tenderness and warmth as she offers first-rate readings of such greats as 'I Fall to Pieces' and 'Put It Off Until Tomorrow'. Fred Foster has developed a long-time top star," commented the publication.[9]

All credits are adapted from the liner notes of The Seely Style.[1]

Musical personnel

• Floyd Cramer – piano
• Bobby Emmons – keyboards
• Buddy Harman – drums
• Charlie McCoy – harmonica
• Boots Randolph – saxophone
• Jerry Reed – guitar
• Jeannie Seely – lead vocals
• Buck Trent – banjo

Technical personnel

• Fred Foster – record producer
• Ed Hamilton – liner notes
• Ken Kim – photography