A collection of old school slow jams released in the mid-'90s by Rhino Records. Songs on this volume are from the years 1974-1986. A solid compilation.
Peak on the US Billboard Top 200 chart: Did not chart
Peak on Billboard R&B albums chart: #64
Tracks:
- Who Can I Run To - The Jones Girls (1979)
This quiet storm staple was previously heard on disc 8 of the wonderful Philadelphia International Records: The 40th Anniversary Box Set, but a welcome inclusion here. - Don't Ask My Neighbors - Emotions (1977, #7 R&B, #44 pop)
Possibly the best cut on the disc, written by Skip Scarborough, produced by Maurice White, and backed by White and the rest of Earth, Wind & Fire. So dadgum smooth! I'm thinking the pleading vocals are the best part, but then the orchestration kicks in underneath it all and it all just floats directly to my soul. I'll be listening to this again several more times today then saving it for play again later tonight ifyaknowwhatImean. - Magic Man - Robert Winters & Fall (1980, #11 R&B, #101 pop)
A nice slow-shuffle ballad. I was previously unfamiliar with Winters, but he certainly proves here that he's got some range. - Let's Get Closer - Atlantic Starr (1982)
Not a single from the group; this is a sexy, late night, deep album cut from the group's 1982 LP, Brilliance. A large ensemble with several vocalists, the group was led by guitarist David Lewis on this slow burner. - Come Share My Love - Miki Howard (1986, #5 R&B)
Howard has a great voice and the song is pleasant enough, but my relationship with this type of R&B had lessened in the late eighties as synths entered the game. Maybe it's just me, but when the production distracts from the music, my mind wanders. - (Pop, Pop, Pop, Pop) Goes My Mind - Levert (1986, #1 R&B)
See above (particularly the drums in verse two). Shame because the hook is catchy and the singing is fantastic. - When We Get Married - Larry Graham (1980, #9 R&B, #76 pop)
The follow-up to the wonderful One In A Million You (on Volume 1 of this series), this tune doesn't quite measure up, but its a nice enough cover of a 1961 tune, first released by The Dreamlovers, then covered by in 1970 by The Intruders. - Country Girl (You're My Everything) - The Nights (1977)
Mid-'70s soul tune with a soaring falsetto vocal and a pleading, spoken word section in the middle? Sign me up! If you thought this being performed by The Stylistics, no one could fault you. - (If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don't Want To Be Right/Rap/(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don't Want To Be Right (Reprise) - Millie Jackson (1974, #42 R&B, #42 pop)
A Stax staple for sure, but I'm fairly sure that I first come to this tune through Barbra Mandrell's version. Jackson's powerhouse performance here was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance (losing out to Aretha Franklin's recording of Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing). Highs and lows, raw emotion - this thing tells a complete three act story arc in just over eleven minutes. - If You Don't Know Me By Now - Patti LaBelle (1985, #79 R&B)
Originally written by the legendary Gamble & Huff for LaBelle, the trio passed and it went to Harold & The Blue Notes with lead vocals by Teddy Pendergrass. Teddy crushes it, but this passionate 8 minute live version from Patti's 1985 album, Patti, gives The Blue Notes a run for their money. But, if this photo from the CD liner notes is any indication, no one is even in the same league with Patti as far as hair is concerned. (Her sweet potato pie is damn good, too.)
- Blind Over You - Black Ice (1976)
I was previously unfamiliar with the group Black Ice, but this smooth ballad is right in my wheelhouse. Those background harmonies! - Stars In Your Eyes - Herbie Hancock (1980, #33 R&B)
People often completely dismiss Hancock's pop/disco/R&B work between Headhunters (1973) and Future Shock (1983), but I like those efforts and this funky mid-tempo tune, with vocals from Gavin Christopher, is great stuff.
Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None.
Previously revisited for the blog:
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