Bobby Caldwell - What You Won't Do For Love (1978)

Originally issued as a self-titled album in 1978, then retitled for compact disc reissue in 1992.

With the success Boz Scaggs was enjoying in the late '70s, you'd think this release would have hit bigger because it's very much in the same vein. Heck, to draw the obvious comparison, the label even used the word "lowdown" in print ads (see below). This album has a slightly more disco flavor to than say, Silk Degrees, but this one has more soul. A lot is made of Caldwell's voice - and rightfully so - but that seems to minimize Caldwell's songwriting talents and, as evident throughout this album, his guitar playing. Speaking of Silk Degrees, that album would make for a great pairing with this one and I'll be playing it next this morning.

Press of the time:

• CashBox: "a varied, soulful assortment which showcases his skills as a singer, songwriter and guitarist."
• Billboard: "an excellent showcase for Caldwell to display his multi-talents."
• Record World: "There is a very bright future for this talented new singer."

Album chart peaks:

• US Billboard 200: #21
• Billboard R&B: #7
• CashBox: #32
• Rolling Stone: #65

Tracks: Of course, the star here is What You Won't Do For Love (#9 pop, #6 R&B, #10 AC back in the '70s and, most recently, at #1 on the TikTok Billboard Top 50. This timeless hit is followed by two other minor hits, My Flame (#40 R&B) and Can't Say Goodbye (#36 R&B). And there's the deep cuts that are so good that there's instant familiarity: Come To Me, Take Me Back To Then, and the closer, Down For The Third Time. There's nothing to skip - the album is solid and it's over far too soon.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: Not exactly a grail CD, but this was a tough one to find at a decent price. I'm happy to finally add it to the collection.

Previously revisited for the blog:
Where Is Love (1993)

Bobby Caldwell - Where Is Love (1993)

The material Caldwell picks/writes has always been hit-or-miss to me but I've always love his blue-eyed soul vocals. This album is no different. Caldwell produced, arranged, and played most of the instruments on this album (plus Boney James on sax), but it's an artifact of its time - the arrangement, mix, and synthdrums immediately date it. Now that I think about it, this album dates more late '80s than early '90s. There's two exceptions: Caldwell sings two 1930's standards (Don't Worry 'Bout Me & I Get A Kick Out Of You) with an all-star big band and both tracks are stellar. These two cuts are easily my favorites - mostly because of Caldwell's perfect phrasing.

Album chart peaks:

• US Billboard Top 200: Did not chart
• Billboard Contemporary Jazz: #13

Tracks: Most of the album straddles the line between quiet storm and smooth jazz while many of the tunes seem like they should be sub-titled "Love Theme from [title of romantic movie]" (see Never Take A Chance for an example). Of the non-big band cuts here, the best are the title cut, Once Upon A Time, and Rina. I don't skip anything; this is one of those albums that I don't seek out to play but am always pleasantly surprised when a Caldwell track suddenly appears in a shuffle.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None