Sorry to hear he’s died and condolences to the family and friends. But “Poet Laureate”? Please. My high school English teacher, Mr. Lewis, thought Rod McKuen’s poetry and song lyrics were utter dreck. And after listening to them more closely I had to agree. They were emblematic of the 70’s, a time of exhaustion and excessively successful mediocrity (”Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Love Story” ... need I say more?). The girls in our class were appalled but old Arnie Lewis was right. He also considered Dylan’s lyrics near genius and on this I also had to agree.
JCS was a great rock opera.
McKuen wrote sappy stuff,the bubble-gum of poetry. His popularity proves Americans have had crappy taste back then, too. I disagree with you on Rice/Webber’s JCS. Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber are immensely talented and, to me, the Superstar album is a masterpiece. I listen to it every year during Passion Week, and at other times too.