About the song
“It Never Rains in Southern California” by Albert Hammond is a classic pop-rock tune that has become a staple of the early 1970s. Released in 1972, this song is from Hammond’s debut album, It Never Rains in Southern California. Co-written by Albert Hammond himself and Mike Hazlewood, the song captures the irony of the so-called paradise of California, where dreams often clash with harsh reality.
The lyrics tell the story of a man who heads to Southern California with big dreams of success, only to face disappointment and failure. The chorus, “It never rains in California, but girl, don’t they warn ya, it pours, man, it pours,” perfectly encapsulates the song’s message about the contrast between expectation and reality.
Upon its release, the song became a significant hit, reaching number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and also performing well internationally. Its success solidified Hammond’s career as a songwriter and performer, leading to more hits and a lasting legacy in the music industry.
The track is notable not just for its catchy melody and relatable lyrics, but also for the way it paints a vivid picture of California life, which resonated with many during the 1970s. Even today, the song remains a nostalgic anthem for those who lived through that era and for new generations discovering it for the first time.