First (David Gates album)

First is the debut solo album by David Gates, released in 1973.

Musicians who appear on the album include Larry Knechtel, Mike Botts, Jimmy Getzoff, Jim Gordon, Jim Horn, John Guerin, Larry Carlton, Louie Shelton, and Russ Kunkel.

Critical reception
The New Rolling Stone Record Guide wrote: "Above all, Gates displays a concern for lyrics and melody (indeed, for song structure) that is nothing if not admirable and praiseworthy. But he can also be totally insipid: side two of First is an emotional wasteland." In The Pittsburgh Press, critic Pete Bishop said that the album's "easy-on-the-ear songs...will please any who liked that sound [of Bread (band)] the first time around."

Track listing
All tracks composed and arranged by David Gates.
 * 1) "Sail Around the World"
 * 2) "Sunday Rider"
 * 3) "Soap (I Use The)"
 * 4) "Suite: Clouds, Rain"
 * 5) "Help Is on the Way"
 * 6) "Ann"
 * 7) "Do You Believe He's Comin'"
 * 8) "Sight and Sound"
 * 9) "Lorilee"

Personnel

 * David Gates - guitar, vocals, composer, producer, arranger
 * James Getzoff - strings
 * Jim Gordon - drums
 * Jim Horn - saxophone
 * John Guerin - drums
 * Larry Carlton - guitar
 * Larry Knechtel - keyboards, associate producer
 * Louie Shelton - guitar
 * Mike Botts - drums
 * Russ Kunkel - drums
 * Technical
 * Armin Steiner, Bruce Morgan - engineer
 * Robert L. Heimall - cover design
 * Frank Bez - front cover photography