Note: this release was originally purchased as an LP, later replaced by a CD.
This album marked the beginning of the end for Al Jarreau in my book. I can understand an artist wanting to go in new directions, but sometimes their fans just want more of the same ol' stuff. The good tracks are very good, but the bad tracks are just forgettable. Bringing in Nile Rodgers to produce is never a bad idea, but he made a poor choice by getting rid of the Jerry Hey-arranged backing horn section that made Jarreau's previous albums a treat. The music seems aimed at a pop audience, not Jarreau's R&B/jazz fans. Still, he's got a fantastic voice that finds several songs that spotlight it on this release.
From a 2015 interview with producer Nile Rodgers:
It’s the best thing I ever made that didn’t sell. The theme from Moonlighting was on it, but Al and I thought it wasn’t cool enough. So we took it off the album. That becomes a hit, and the album sank. Shows what I know.Press of the time:
- Stereo Review: "offers such superior pop music that it demands acceptance on its own terms."
- Billboard: "A sure shot at the top"
- CashBox: "More cool funk-jazz from the master"
- Musician: "it's almost impossible not to be captivated."
Album chart peaks:
- US Billboard 200: #81 (Oct 25, 1986)
- Billboard Jazz: #9
- Billboard Pop CD: #28
- Billboard R&B: #30
- CashBox Top CD: #25
- CashBox Jazz: #7
- Rolling Stone: #31
Tracks: the first 4-5 tracks are stellar, but then the album seems to fall apart. Particularly bad is (We Got) Telepathy.
Personal Memory Associated with this CD: I remember listening to side one of this album in the Lee St house in Commerce, Spring 86.
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