Crackin' - Special Touch (1978)

The fourth and final studio album by the Californian group. The music blends funk, soul, jazz, and pop elements (think a more gospelish AWB or EWF) and it's hard to believe this music didn’t break through to the mainstream. I first discovered the group because of the vocals of Leslie Smith, and he certainly delivers the goods here. So dadgum smooth! Producer Michael Omartian definitely brought in some top talent to the sessions, including recognizable names such as Jay Graydon and Ernie Watts. I like Special Touch even better than the group's 1977 self-titled album and I like that one a lot.

Billboard, October 7, 1978, p. 82

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

Tracks: The lead track, Double Love, was released as a single, but I can't find any chart action for it. That one is a favorite, plus Heavenly Day, I Can't Wait Forever, On The Wing, and Don't Cha Love Me (the yachtiest cut on the album). But there's nothing here that you'd want to skip.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None

Previously revisited for the blog:
Crackin' (1977)

Crackin' (1977)

I retroactively discovered Crackin' a few years back through the later solo work of their fabulous singer, Leslie Smith - in particular, his 1982 album, Heartache, which I highly recommend. In Crackin', Smith's voice isn't the only star, he's joined in the band by a few familiar names, most notably producer Michael Omartian, singer/keyboardist Lester Abrams, drummer Peter Bunetta, and bassist Rick Chudacoff. 

The music is a pleasant blend of soft rock, R&B, and at times, disco. Billboard compared the sound to Earth, Wind & Fire and that's definitely there, but depending on the songwriters, I'm also reminded of Pablo Cruise and Doobie Brothers (a group they opened for in early 1977). Anyway, you get the point. With a 35 minute playing time, it's easy to enjoy the whole thing in one gulp.

Press of the time:

• CashBox: "Crackin' has further refined its own interesting blend of rock and R&B styles."
• Billboard: "A lively collection of soul and jazz rock compositions with an Earth, Wind & Fire feel to it."

Only 11 years old at the time, I was living in Odessa at the time of the 10/26 show.
No concerts beyond Up With People for young impressionable Mark, though.

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

Tracks: The single released from the album was track 6, Don't You Wish You Could Be There. It didn't see any Billboard chart action, but that doesn't mean it doesn't groove in a funky-yachty-disco way. Other top picks include It Just Takes A While, I Know You Can, You Know Where I Am, and The World's A Fool For You.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None