Bobby McFerrin - The Voice (1984)

Note: this release was originally purchased as a LP, later replaced by a CD.

A true solo album. Recorded live in Europe in March 1984, this captures McFerrin unaccompanied with no overdubbing. McFerrin moves seamlessly in and out of his falsetto voice and sings while inhaling while slapping his chest for a percussive effect. As a result, he can create the aural illusion of polyphony. This is by far McFerrin's best album; a few years would pass before his life would change with Don't Worry Be Happy and his recording of the Cosby Show theme for the 1987-88 season.

Peak on the US Billboard Top 200 chart: Did not chart

Tracks: The covers here (Blackbird and I Feel Good) are the best, but I also like a few of the songs written by McFerrin, including The Jump and Music Box. The worst parts of the album are when McFerrin becomes a self-indulgent performer instead of musician and enters a "Hey, Ma, look what I can do!" zone which has no musical merit, but is entertaining if you're at his live show. It simply doesn't translate to a recording.

For more information on the brief life of the CD longbox,
go visit The Legend of the Longbox.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: Talk about the law of diminishing returns! When I first heard this in the ETSU music building in 1985, I had never heard anything like it and couldn't wait to hear it again and again. Unfortunately, the novelty wore off after a while. That's not to say that McFerrin isn't a vocal talent; maybe I'm just bored easily.

I heard McFerrin as guitarist Stanley Jordan's opening act in 1987. Great live show. The highlight was a 10 minute section where he performed a condensed version of the movie The Wizard of Oz that included music, monologues, and action.

Previously revisited for the blog:
Simple Pleasures (1988)