On Once a Drifter, his first album for Elektra, Charlie Rich sticks to the romantic-ballad formula that he perfected in the early 70s with smashes like “Behind Closed Doors” and “The Most Beautiful Girl.” The safe, conservative results prove ultimately unimportant and give no hint of Rich’s roots as a formidable Sun Records rocker. Still, if you’re in the mood for a preponderance of laid-back country/pop love songs, this may well be your cup of tea—or glass of wine. Rich has some amiable, melodic material here (by Danny O’Keefe, Michael Murphey, etc.) and his presentation exudes professionalism.