Faze-O - Riding High (1977)

“Riding High” by Faze-O (1977)

Release Date: November 1977
Produced by Tight Corporation (Clarence Satchell)
Genre: R&B, Soul, Funk
Label: She Records (a subsidiary of Atlantic Records)

Chart Positions: #98 (US), #19 (US R&B)
Certifications: N/A
Awards: N/A

Singles and Chart Positions: “Riding High” #9 (US R&B)
Singles Certifications: N/A
Other Charting Tracks: N/A

Best Tracks: ALL TRACKS: Solid album from start to finish

“Riding High” by Faze-O (Click Here) 

Trivia: “Riding High” is one of those classics that most people do not know exists, but those that know this album love it.

Dayton, Ohio band Faze-O released their debut album “Riding High” in 1977. They made their mark on the US charts reaching #98 on the US Top 100 albums chart as well as making it to #19 on the R&B albums chart. The lead single “Riding High” got them into the top 10 reaching #9 on the US R&B singles chart. Unfortunately, this success was not duplicated on their next two albums.

The album was produced by Tight Corporation which is actually the funk band Ohio Players lead by the production talents of Clarence Satchell.

Several of the songs on the album have a similar sound to Ohio Players’ signature sound such as “Funky Reputation,” “Toejam” and “Get Some Booty.”

"Riding High (1977)

The following is a user review I found on AllMusic:

Good ole dirty FUNK played like nobody's business, the album boasts the massive cut "Ridin High" which is their only huge hit and the album cuts Funky Reputation, Toe Jam, Get Some Booty & Test - This Is Faze-O. This album needs no introduction to the FUNK world as it was produced by the biggest FUNK band of the time "Ohio Players" now this is where we get to the reals, all these guys are great musicians in their own right and can throw down the FUNK but deeply listening to the sounds, one who knows their music can point out that they were deep rooted with the band who produced them. FUNK fans it's a must have but for newbies, this is the only one u need and ur good to go.

The following is a short review from Picadilly Records:

Having made an impact on the Billboard charts in 1978 with their most successful single “Riding High”, Faze-O stake their claim as masters of soulful, groovy funk music. Produced by Clarence Satchell of the Ohio Players, the whole album percolates with heavy guitar and a medley of fresh, funky keyboards.

The following is a review found on Funk My Soul:

A spacey soul classic with a sound that never gets old!
Faze-O will be forever remembered for their massive cut “Riding High” a stretched out slow funk jam that has amazing keyboards, floating guitars, and a super-dope groove that’s stayed fresh from the moment it was first set to wax back in 1977! This album’s the group’s first, and best — and it’s a really wonderful record that blends together funky fusion and heavy soul filled with killer cuts arranged by the Ohio Players, and with lots of great keyboards by the group! Includes, of course, the hit “Riding High” — plus “Toe Jam” and “Funky Reputation.

This group was produced by the Ohio Players and this album by these midwest funkers have all the earmarks of an Ohio Players production: deep and heavy drums and fills, funky ass bass, familiar horn lines, burbling keyboards, clavinets, and synths, and funky vocals. The track that gets the most attention from this album is “riding high”, an all time funk bomb! There wasn’t a time back in the late 70’s that you did not hear this cut on the radio or at one of your relatives or friends houses, especially at a late night party. This is a real mid-tempo smooth ride all the way until the end of the song. 2 songs on the album deserve special attention: the throbbing bass/synth funk of “funky reputation”, a blazing funk jam that you just have to blast out of your speakers on a hot saturday afternoon, and also “get some booty”(!) (yes, that is the title of this short,3 minute track! don’t worry, nothin’ nasty, just a fast paced funk frenzy with much emphasis on getting the boo-tay on the dance floor!). Other songs follow in the Ohio Player(s) style, but these 5 guys make a good funky sound all on their own.

The following review is December Decmber 3, 1977 issue of Billboard Magazine:

Five man disco/R&B group debuts on the new She label distributed by Atlantic. The sound is a cross between Slave and The Ohio Players who arranged all seven selections. Synthesizer, percussion, clavinet and guitar spark the instrumentals which range from out and out funk and R&B flavored mid-tempo ballads. Best Cuts: Riding High, Funky Reputation, Toe Jam.

The song “Riding High” is a classic R&B tune that is occasionally heard on the airwaves from time to time. Many consider it to be a Quiet Storm classic.

Faze-O

Link to “Riding High” (Click Here)

FAZE-O

Nancy Wilson - Now I'm A Woman (1970)

“Now I’m A Woman” by Nancy Wilson (1970)

Release Date: September 1970
Produced by Gamble-Huff Productions
Genre: Vocal, R&B, Pop, Jazz, Adult Contemporary
Label: Capitol Records

Chart Positions: #54 (US), #5 (US R&B)
Certifications: N/A
Awards: N/A

Singles and Chart Positions: “Now I’m A Woman” #93 (US), #41 (US R&B)
Singles Certifications: N/A
Other Charting Tracks: N/A
Best Tracks: “Now I’m A Woman,” “Joe,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “The Real Me”

“Now I’m A Woman” by Nancy Wilson (Click Here)

After an extended period of albums with producer David Cavanaugh, Wilson did this 1970 album with Gamble-Huff productions, featuring producers/arrangers including Thom Bell, Bobby Martin, and arranger-conductor Lenny Pakula. Cavanaugh did show up as executive producer.

Around this time the Philly production team was best known for their work with artists like Jerry Butler, Billy Paul, and the Delfonics, among many others. Wilson falls right into the production style.

The title track is a customary strong outing from Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. The beautiful "Joe" has the sound of a prime Thom Bell production, and Wilson gives an amazing performance and a particularly emotional note that might go through a listener. Wilson shines on "Lonely, Lonely" and "Let's Fall in Love Again"; both benefit from Bobby Martin's patently brassy and sweeping Philly production. “Now I'm a Woman” is an important album in Wilson's oeuvre and the Philly sound.

The release of Nancy Wilson's Now I'm a Woman album coincided with her distingué performance in an episode of Hawaii Five-O's third season ("Trouble in Mind") as the heroin-addicted jazz vocalist Eadie Jordan. In one scene, the no-nonsense Steve McGarrett confesses to being an Eadie Jordan record collector and fanboy.

The album’s only single, the title track, “Now I’m A Woman,” is a soul-stirring song that Wilson sinks her teeth into. The song about a woman reflecting on her past hurts, once as a baby, then as a lady, and now as a woman. Once again displaying their remarkable ability at song-tailoring, Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff craft a beauty for Wilson, utilizing an understated rhythm section and stately, well-spaced strings. Wilson was as comfortable and compelling in contemporary settings as she was with jazz and more elaborately arranged sessions.

Now I'm A Woman (1970)

Album highlight, “Joe,” a Kenny Gamble/Norman Harris/Allan Felder song that the Philly innovators also recorded with Dusty Springfield; Nancy Wilson's quite comfortable in this contemporary setting and demonstrates her inherent ability to sing in perfect diction, making the availability of lyrics unnecessary. Trademark Philly horns provide a familiar opening, and Wilson's exquisite, longing enhances the lush track. She misses Joe badly; check out her sorrowful, womanly cry before the chorus, it catches you by surprise.

Other album highlights “Bridge Over Troubled Water” is a soul-stirring rendition that brings an aura to the song that is as moving as any other cover of the Simon and Garfunkel classic. “The Real Me” is one of the three best songs on the album showcasing Wilson’s finesse with jazz and blues.

The following is a review of Nancy's album in the November 21, 1970 issue of Billboard Magazine:
A talent of consistent fine quality - that's Nancy Wilson. In this album, she demonstrates her versatility and professionalism with a selection of today's top hits "Bridge Over Troubled Water," "Long and Winding Road," "Close To You" and "Now I'm A Woman."

The following review showed up in the Spotlight Singles section of the October 10, 1970 issue of Billboard Magazine:
Miss Wilson is at her ballad best with this beautiful Gamble-Huff material that should prove an Easy Listening and Soul smash and carry her over to the Top 100 as well. First-rate production work.

Nancy Wilson (1970)

Link to “Now I’m A Woman” (Click Here)

NANCY WILSON

Rose Royce - Rose Royce II: In Full Bloom (1977)

“Rose Royce II: In Full Bloom” by Rose Royce (1977)

Release Date: July 29, 1977
Produced by Norman Whitfield
Genre: R&B, Soul, Quiet Storm, Disco, Pop, Ballad
Label: Whitfield

Chart Positions: #9 (US), #16 (Canada), #18 (UK), #1 (US R&B)
Certifications: Platinum (US), Gold (UK)
Awards: N/A

Singles and Chart Positions: 
“Do Your Dance” #39 (US), #30 (UK), #66 (Canada), #20 (US Dance)
“It Makes You Feel Like Dancin’” #16 (UK), #20 (US Dance)
“Ooh Boy” #35 (Canada), #46 (UK), #72 (US), #3 (US R&B)
“Wishing On A Star” #1 (France), #3 (UK), #14 (Belgium), #15 (Netherlands), #101 (US), #52 (US R&B)
 Singles Certifications: “Wishin’ On A Star” Silver (UK)
Other Charting Tracks: N/A
Best Tracks: All Tracks – “Wishing On A Star,” “Ooh Boy,” “Do Your Dance,” “Fun Factory”

“Rose Royce II: In Full Bloom” by Rose Royce (Click Here)

Trivia: “Rose Royce II: In Full Bloom” is the 1st true studio album by Rose Royce. Their first actual album was the Original Soundtrack album for the film “Car Wash” from which they achieved two major hit singles “Car Wash” and “I Wanna Get Next To You.” “In Full Bloom,” though it did not have any major hits in the US was a bigger hit than “Car Wash” in the US and was certified Platinum by the RIAA. This was their only platinum in the US.

The album is solid and is full of dance and quiet storm hits. “Ooh Boy” one of the albums rhythmic ballads gives us a Michael Jackson sort of feel.

“You’re My World, Girl” not released as a single is very similar to “I Wanna Get Next To You.” Most of the songs on the album feature the lead vocals of the incomparable Gwen Dickey but “You’re My World, Girl” features the vocals of Kenny Copeland as does “I Wanna Get Next To You.

“Do Your Dance” and “It Makes You Feel Like Dancin’” both follow in the same vein as “Car Wash” both made it to #20 on the US Dance/Disco charts. “Do Your Dance” made it to US #39, becoming Rose Royce’s 3rd US top 40 hit out of four total.

The album highlight “Wishing On A Star” ironically was not a hit in the US. It only made it to #101 on the US singles chart and #52 on the US R&B chart. As time has gone by the song though has become a classic in the US. In other parts of the world, the song was a huge hit reaching #1 in France and #3 in the UK. The song was certified Silver in the UK.

"Wishing on a Star" was written by former Undisputed Truth member Billie Rae Calvin. The song was covered by several artists and was finally a hit in the US in 1992 by the Cover Girls but it is the original version by Rose Royce that is now most recognized in the US and around the world.

Wishing On A Star (1977)

Link to “Rose Royce II: In Full Bloom” (Click Here)

ROSE ROYCE

Barry White - Can't Get Enough (1974)

“Can’t Get Enough” by Barry White (1974)

Release Date: August 6, 1974
Produced by Barry White
Genre: R&B, Disco, Soul, Pop, Quiet Storm
Label: 20th Century

Chart Positions: #1 (US, Italy), #2 (Canada, France), #4 (UK, Austria), #5 (Germany), #9 (Norway), #28 (Australia), #1 (US R&B)
Certifications: Gold (US, UK)
Awards: N/A

Singles and Chart Positions:
“Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love Babe” #1 (US), #2 (Canada, France), #3 (Italy), #8 (UK),  #12 (Netherlands, South Africa), #13 (Belgium), #23 (Australia), #25 (Germany), #1 (US R&B), #26 (US Adult Contemporary)
“You’re The First, The Last, My Everything” #1 (UK, Italy), #2 (US, South Africa), #3 (Brazil), #4 (France), #5 (Canada), #6 (Ireland, Belgium), #7 (Australia, Austria, Switzerland), #9 (Germany), #13 (Netherlands), #1 (US R&B), #2 (US Dance)
 Singles Certifications: “Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love Babe”  (US Gold), “You’re The First, The Last, My Everything”  (US Gold, UK Silver)
Other Charting Tracks: N/A
Best Tracks: All Tracks – Solid Album from start to finish

“Can’t Get Enough” by Barry White (Click Here)

“Can’t Get Enough” is Barry White’s third album and his first to crack the top five in the US and in many other parts of the world. This was Barry’s breakout, the one that launched him to worldwide superstardom.

The album topped the R&B albums chart, his third to do so. It also topped the US Billboard 200 and peaked at #4 on the UK Albums Chart as well as #1 in Italy and #2 in Canada and France.

Barry White wrote all the songs on the album as well as producing, arranging and engineering the album. White was a super talent well worth the recognition he received throughout the 70s and into the 90s.

Despite featuring two of his biggest career hits the album is a solid work with every song worthy of having been a single release.

“Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love, Babe” was released as the first single from his album Can't Get Enough in 1974, the song topped the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts and was a big hit throughout much of Europe. It was his second U.S. chart-topper, after "Love's Theme". The song is a pop-soul track with lush string arrangements and a disco-influenced beat behind it.

Barry White fell in love in 1973 with Glodean James, who was one of the members of his Love Unlimited backing trio of singers. He wrote, “Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love Babe” for her one night when he had troubles falling asleep. Barry and Glodean married in October 1974 and for a time were one of the best-known couples in showbiz. The pair separated in 1988 but never divorced and remained good friends for the remainder of White's life.

“You’re The First, The Last, My Everything” has gone on to become Barry’s biggest career hit and was the second single from the album. The song was White's fourth top ten hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, reaching #2; it spent a week at #1 on the Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart. The early disco classic made it to number two on the disco/dance charts. In the UK Singles Chart, it fared even better, spending two weeks at the top in December 1974. It was also #1 in Italy, #2 in South Africa, #3 in Brazil, #4 in France and #5 in Canada and reached the Top 20 in another dozen countries around the world.

"You're The First, The Last, My Everything" (1974)

White's friend Peter Radcliffe started writing this as a Country song called "You're My First, You're My Last, My In-Between," but he couldn't get it recorded for 21 years. White recorded this as a Disco song, keeping most of the structure and two-thirds the title, but he rewrote the lyrics.

The album was a big winner at the 1974 NAACP Awards, which were presented in January 1975. White won Album of the Year ("Can't Get Enough), Male Vocalist of the Year and Producer of the Year. He attended the awards ceremony with his (then) wife Glodean.

The following review appeared in the July 20, 1974 issue of Billboard Magazine in the Top Single Picks section:
"Can't Get Enough Of Your Love Babe"
"Short talking intro leads into strongest vocal Barry has come up with in some time. Most uptempo thing he's done in a while, which includes his usual strong production work and distinctive beat which should be perfect for discos. Could cross easily into pop."

Link to “Can’t Get Enough” (Click Here)

Barry White 1974

BARRY WHITE

The Stylistics - Let’s Put It All Together (1974)

“Let’s Put It All Together” by The Stylistics (1974)

Release Date: May 1974
Produced by Hugo & Luigi, Thom Bell
Genre: R&B, Philadelphia Soul, Quiet Storm
Label: Avco

Chart Positions: #14 (US), #26 (UK), #4 (US R&B)
Certifications: Gold (US), Silver (UK)
Awards: N/A

Singles and Chart Positions: 
“You Make Me Feel Brand New” #1 (Canada, Brazil), #2 (US, UK), #3 (Australia), #6 (South Africa), #11 (Netherlands), #23 (Belgium), #5 (US R&B), #6 (US Adult Contemporary)
“Let’s Put It All Together” #4 (Brazil), #9 (UK), #18 (US), #8 (US R&B), #26 (US Adult Contemporary)
Singles Certifications: “You Make Me Feel Brand New” (US Gold, UK Silver)
Other Charting Tracks: N/A

Best Tracks: “You Make Me Feel Brand New,” “Let’s Put It All Together Again,” “I Got A Letter,” “We Can Make It Happen Again,” “Doin’ The Street”

“Let’s Put It All Together” by The Stylistics (Click Here) 

“Let's Put It All Together is the fourth studio album by The Stylistics and was their best selling album overall.

The album reached #14 on the Billboard 200, their highest ever position on that chart, and #4 on the R&B albums chart. "You Make Me Feel Brand New", which originally appeared in a five-minute version on their previous album, Rockin' Roll Baby, was included in an edited version. This version was released as a single and became a huge hit, reaching #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart. It also peaked at #5 on R&B singles chart and #6 on the Easy Listening chart. “You Make Me Feel Brand New” ended up being The Stylistics biggest hit worldwide and was their last to reach the Top 15 in the US. This was written by the Philadelphia songwriters Linda Creed and Thom Bell. Both songwriters made huge contributions to the Philadelphia Soul sound, writing many hits for The Stylistics and The Spinners. Bell also produced this track.

You Make Me Feel Brand New (1974)

The title track, “Let’s Put It All Together,” was also successful, peaking at number #18 on the Billboard Hot 100, their last big hit on that chart, #8 on the R&B singles chart, and #9 on the UK Singles chart. The Hugo & Luigi tracks were arranged and conducted by Van McCoy.

The following review appeared in the May 11, 1974 issue of Billboard Magazine in the Top Album Picks section:
"One of today's finer soul congregations, able to offer a variety of styles both vocally and instrumentally. The falsetto vocals so popular in soul is prominent, but the group is also able to offer lead singers with more traditional sounding vocalizing as well as serving up a healthy dish of harmonizing. Production of Hugo & Luigi is as outstanding as it was 15 years ago. Sure to get Pop and MOR play as well as soul play. Best Cuts: Let's Put It All Together," "You Make Me Feel Brand New," "I Got Time On My Hands." Dealers: Group has been around and is well known. Use step down display if possible."

The Stylistics 1974

Link to “Let’s Put It All Together” 

THE STYLISTICS

Smokey Robinson - A Quiet Storm (1975)

“A Quiet Storm” by Smokey Robinson (1975)

Release Date: March 26, 1975
Produced by Smokey Robinson
Genre: Soul, Quiet Storm, Smooth Grooves, R&B, Pop, Adult Contemporary
Label: Tamla

Chart Positions: #36 (US), #7 (US R&B)
Certifications: N/A

Singles and Chart Positions: 
“Baby That’s Backatcha” #26 (US), #1 (US R&B), #7 (US Dance)
“The Agony and the Ecstasy” #36 (US), #7 (US R&B)
“Quiet Storm” #61 (US), #25 (US R&B)
Singles Certifications: N/A
Other Charting Tracks: N/A

Best Tracks: All tracks – Entire album is solid from beginning to end

“A Quiet Storm” by Smokey Robinson (Click Here) 

Trivia: “A Quiet Storm” is Smokey Robinson’s third solo studio album, if you count his albums with the Miracles than this is his 22nd studio album release. From conception the album was destined to be classic & historic.

This is one of the most highly acclaimed soul albums of the 1970s. A longtime innovator at Motown, Robinson responded to the Funk revolution in black music (Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Sly Stone, Curtis Mayfield, Al Green) with an effective counterpoint: the stylish and mature album A Quiet Storm. This landmark album spawned and lent its name to the "Quiet Storm" musical programming format, a format still adopted by radio stations across America 40 years later. Quiet storm is a radio format and a subgenre of contemporary R&B music that is characterized by understated, mellow dynamics, slow tempos, and relaxed rhythms.

The album generated 3 hit singles including Smokey’s first disco hit "Baby That's Backatcha" that went to #7 on the Billboard Disco chart ( as well as #1 R&B), it was Robinson's first number one single since leaving the Miracles. The album re-established Robinson's reputation as a master songwriter and producer and solidified his solo success after leaving his legendary group, The Miracles.

“Love Letters” is a high point in terms of tempo, and it displays how masterful Smokey is in leading an uptempo track. He never misses a beat, and his cadence is virtually unmatched. “Wedding Song," an album highlight, was written for Hazel and Jermaine Jackson's wedding.

As he sings in “The Agony And The Ecstasy”; “our two worlds intertwine”. It was a match made in musical heaven. That particular song also highlights the love metaphor very clearly. Trying to find a balance between two worlds, both of which are essential. “We got to have the agony, before we have the ecstasy”. Both are excessive, but somehow blend seamlessly.

The seven minute title track, "Quiet Storm" became the cornerstone of a more upscale and sophisticated Soul sound that captivated an older, mature and largely black middle class audience. Robinson helped bring Soul music to the forefront of adult contemporary and middle of the road audiences.

In a review for Rolling Stone Magazine Robert Palmer wrote: "The languid intimacy of "Quiet Storm," the intricate instrumental arrangements on "Backatcha" and "Love Letters," and the prominence given to Marvin Tarplin's classy guitar throughout the album are evidence that one of black music's brightest lights is still a dynamic creative force."

"Love Letters" 1975

Smokey Robinson 1975

Link to “A Quiet Storm” (Click Here)

                         Smokey Robinson

Linda Ronstadt - Living In The U.S.A. (1978)

“Living In The USA” by Linda Ronstadt (1978)

Release Date: September 19, 1978
Produced by Peter Asher
Genre: Rock, Classic Rock, Soft-Rock, Pop, R&B
Label: Asylum

Chart Positions: #1 (US), #3 (Australia, New Zealand), #9 (Canada), #19 (Netherlands, France), #23 (Japan), #37 (Sweden), #39 (UK), #3 (US Country Albums), #19 (Canadian Country Albums)
Certifications: 2xPlatinum (US), Gold (Hong Kong), Silver (UK)

Singles and Chart Positions: 
“Back In The USA” #8 (Canada), #11 (South Africa), #16 (US), 324 (New Zealand), #30 (US Adult Contemporary), #41 (US Country Songs), #43 (Canadian Country Songs)
“Ooh Baby, Baby” #6 (Canada), #7 (US), #10 (France), #2 (US Adult Contemporary), #26 (Canadian Adult Contemporary), #85 (US Country Songs)
“Just One Look” #45 (US), #46 (Canada), #4 (Canadian Country), #5 (US Adult Contemporary)
“Alison” #66 (UK), #30 (US Adult Contemporary)
“Love Me Tender” (Released in Europe – No Chart Data)
Singles Certifications: N/A
Other Charting Tracks: “Love Me Tender” (duet Elvis Presley and Linda Ronstadt) #59 (US Country Songs)

Best Tracks: All tracks – Entire album is solid from beginning to end

“Living In The USA” by Linda Ronstadt (Click Here) 

“Living in the USA” is the 9th studio album by American singer/songwriter/producer Linda Ronstadt (her 12th if you count the three albums she released with The Stone Poneys). The album was Ronstadt's third No. 1 on the Billboard album chart and was the first album in history to ship Double Platinum. As a measure of her impact on popular culture in this time period, the front cover photograph of a roller skating Linda in a satin exercise outfit was noted to have increased the popularity of skating in the United States at the time. As People Magazine put it, “Anyone who gave Linda Ronstadt her first pair of roller skates deserves a place in this decade’s social history.”

It was Ronstadt's record sixth consecutive million-selling Platinum album. It was certified by the RIAA for 2 million copies sold in the US alone and has estimated real sales of 3 million US units sold.

“Living in the USA” was a smash hit even before it arrived in stores on Sept. 19, 1978. Given Ronstadt’s incredible streak of five million-selling albums, retailers couldn’t wait to pre-order the new disc; as a result, it reached the shelves as the first album in history to earn double-platinum status prior to its official release. And unlike certain other high-profile records that benefited from advance buzz, only to end up in the cutout bin, “Living in the USA” went on to dominate radio as well as retail sales.

The first hint of anything from the album happened on April 3, 1978 when Linda made an appearance for the premiere of the film FM she did a live performance of Elvis Presley’s “Love Me Tender.” The song was not featured on the film’s soundtrack album but it did appear on Ronstadt’s upcoming album “Back In The USA.”

The album featured a mix of covers of proven hits and newer compositions by some of Ronstadt's favorite singers. Yet there were changes evident as well. For one, as the album's cover photo showed, Ronstadt had cut her trademark long hair and sported a short permed hairstyle. She also traded in her usual country-style dresses for hot pants, and her high heel shoes for roller skates.

In reference to the album cover Ronstadt said, "I remember I wanted to bring my roller skates into the studio. "My friend Nicolette Larson and I used to skate everywhere. She used to bring her skates into the studio because it was really big and she could skate around between takes. My studio wasn't that big. It had too much carpet, so I wanted them to take it out so I could skate."

While Ronstadt paid tribute to the King with a cover of "Love Me Tender," she also acknowledged the influence of the burgeoning British new wave movement by covering the other Elvis. "Allison" had first appeared on Elvis Costello's debut LP, My Aim Is True, and remains his best-known tune today. "I had a friend at the time and that song reminded me of her, so I sang it for her," Ronstadt says. "She was a really sweet girl, but kind of a party-girl type. I felt like she needed somebody to talk to her in a stern voice, because she was getting married and she would have to change." Ronstadt's version was released as a single in the U.K. but stalled at #66, and was dismissed in interviews by the acid-tongued Costello. Ronstadt commented, “I’ve never communicated with him directly, but I heard that someone asked him what he thought and he said he’d never heard it but that he’d be glad to get the money. So I sent him a message. ‘Send me some more songs, just keep thinking about the money.'” (Costello would ultimately end up contributing three songs to Ronstadt’s next album, 1980’s Mad Love.)

The album's first single, a remake of Chuck Berry's "Back in the U.S.A," climbed to US #16. "Back in the U.S.A" was afforded its greatest impact when Linda Ronstadt remade the song in 1978. Ronstadt had heard the Berry original while being driven around Los Angeles by Eagles member Glenn Frey who had once been in her band, the track being on a "home-made" cassette Frey had playing in his tape deck. When 'Back in the U.S.A. came on Ronstadt said, “Boy that would be a great song to sing. I think I'll do that one."

"Back In The USA (1978)

A take of Doris Troy's "Just One Look" stalled at US #44, but Ronstadt wasn't happy with the recorded version. "It took me years to learn how to really sing that, but I could nail it now," she says, 15 years later.

The biggest hit from “Living in the USA” was Ronstadt's cover of Smokey Robinson's "Ooh Baby Baby," which climbed to US #7 and features alto sax by David Sanborn. "We used a live vocal from the rough mix," Ronstadt says. "We tried to go in and add things to it, but it never sounded as good as that live vocal."

Ronstadt is especially strong on her soulful cover of Little Feat’s “All That You Dream.” The song first appeared on Little Feat’s 1975 album titled “The Last Record Album.” Her soulful bluesy take of J.D Souther’s “White Rhythm and Blues” brings side one of the album to an inspiring close. Souther wrote this song for Ronstadt (he also wrote “Faithless Love” and “Heart Like A Wheel” for her). Souther later recorded “White Rhythm and Blues” for his 1979 hit album “You’re Only Lonely” as a duet with Phil Everly.

Although it was never released as a single, Linda Ronstadt's recording of "Love Me Tender" was edited together with the original by Elvis, creating a duet between the two that was played by many radio stations at the time. Elvis did the first verse alone, straight from his original recording, as Ronstadt didn't sing this verse on her version. It garnered enough airplay to chart at #59 on the US Country chart. Ray Quinn, program manager of radio station WCBM in Baltimore, dubbed together Elvis’s 1956 single and Ronstadt’s 1978 version. Although demand for the tape grew, no copies were made available to the public. A three-dollar bootleg single was made, however, on the Duet Label (Duet 101). The duet was inspired by the Barbra Streisand-Neil Diamond’s duet You Don’t Bring Me Flowers. Linda's version was in the same key as Elvis's record, and that would have made it easier for the record company to blend their voices together. There was some talk of recording additional instrumentation to smooth over the parts of the two recordings to give the impression it was just one recording. But that never came to be seen as RCA and Asylum could not agree on a contract for the release.

Billboard Magazine Review (September 1978)

Aside from being one of Linda Ronstadt's more perfect albums, this collection of 10 songs ranging from Hammerstein/Romberg's "When I Grow Too Old To Dream," to Elvis Costello's "Alison" provides a unique display of her vocal charm. The instrumentation, for the most part, is sparse, and it enables the special qualities of Ronstadt's voice to shine through. There are many moods portrayed here, including some husky ones that indicate maturity and a broadening taste, although Ronstadt has always chosen material beyond the merely popular. "All That You Dream" is a classic and could be her biggest song so far. Best cuts: "All That You Dream," "Back In The USA," "Mohammed's Radio," "Just One Look," "Love Me Tender," "Alison."

Link to “Living In The USA” (Click Here)

Linda Ronstadt (1978)

Linda Ronstadt (Rolling Stone Magazine 1978)

LINDA RONSTADT

Heatwave - Too Hot To Handle (1976)

“Too Hot To Handle” by Heatwave (1976)

Release Date: 1976 (UK), May 30, 1977 (US)
Produced by Barry Blue
Genre: R&B, Funk, Disco
Label: GTO (UK), Epic (US)

Chart Positions: #11 (US), #5 (US R&B), #14 (Canada), #36 (New Zealand), #46 (UK)
Certifications: Platinum (US), Silver (UK)

Singles: 
“Ain’t No Half Steppin’” (No chart data)
“Super Soul Sister” (No chart data)
“Boogie Nights” #1 (UK, New Zealand), #2 (US, Canada), #3 (Brazil), #5 (US R&B), #6 (Norway), #11 (Sweden), #17 (Netherlands), #27 (Belgium), #31 (Germany), #54 (Australia)
“Too Hot To Handle” #15 (UK), #28 (New Zealand), #36 (US Disco)
“Always and Forever” #2 (US R&B), #9 (UK), #10 (Canada), #17 (Ireland), #18 (US), #33 (US Adult Contemporary), #89 (Japan)
Singles Certifications: “Boogie Nights” Silver (UK), Gold (Canada), Platinum (US), “Always and Forever” Silver (UK), Platinum (US)
Other Charting Tracks: N/A
Best Tracks: “Boogie Nights,” “Ain’t No Half Steppin’,” “ Always and Forever,” “Super Soul Sister,” “All You Do Is Dial”

“Too Hot To Handle” by Heatwave (Click Here)

Trivia: “Too Hot To Handle” is the debut album from Heatwave, an international funk/disco band formed in 1975. Its most popular lineup featured Americans Johnnie Wilder, Jr. and Keith Wilder (vocals) of Dayton, Ohio, Englishman Rod Temperton (keyboards), Swiss Mario Mantese (bass), Czechoslovak Ernest "Bilbo" Berger (drums), Jamaican Eric Johns (guitar) and Briton Roy Carter (guitar).

Initially “Boogie Nights” was released in France in 1975, where it became a hit in the dance clubs but did not catch on in other parts of the world. Soon after, in 1976, they released two singles in the UK; “Ain’t No Half Steppin” and “Super Soul sister” both songs failed to chart. Finally another push was given to “Boogie Nights,” this time on an international level, this time around the song because a huge hit making it into the Top 10 in more than half a dozen countries around the world. In the US the song reached #2 and was certified Platinum for more than 1 million copies sold.

“Always and Forever” did not chart as high as “Boogie Nights,” though it was a worldwide hit and has gone on to become a smooth groove classic. The song has been used in weddings and proms throughout the world and remains a favorite Valentine’s Day song.

The album showed much potential for the group as the album employs nothing but quality tracks.

The legendary Rod Temperton (keyboards and synthesizer) composed all the songs on the album. Temperton went on to international fame as a songwriter and vocal arranger. He wrote several songs for Michael Jackson including “Rock With You,” “Off The Wall,” “Burn This Disco Out,” “Thriller,” “Baby Be Mine” and “The Lady In My Life.” Temperton also wrote hits for artists such as Manhattan Transfer, Donna Summer, Brothers Johnson, George Benson and Quincy Jones. Temperton also wrote three songs for Karen Carpenter’s solo album in 1979-80 for which he also composed the vocal arrangements.

"Boogie Nights" by Heatwave

Link to “Too Hot To Handle” (Click Here) 

HEATWAVE

Grover Washington Jr. - Mister Magic (1975)

“Mister Magic” by Grover Washington Jr. (1975)

Release Date: February 7, 1975
Produced by Creed Taylor
Genre: Jazz, Smooth Jazz, Funk, R&B
Label: Kudu Records

Chart Positions: #10 (US), #1 (US R&B, US Jazz)
Certifications: N/A

Singles: “Mister Magic,” #54 (US), #16 (US R&B), #12 (US Dance)
Other Charting Tracks: N/A
Best Tracks: “All Tracks

“Mister Magic” by Grover Washington Jr (Click Here)

We remember Grover Washington Jr best for his 1981 smash hit “Just The Two Of Us,” a collaboration with Bill Withers. But it is his album “Mister Magic,” Grover's fifth studio album, that gave him his first true breakthrough on both the albums and singles charts. The album made it to #10 on the US Billboard chart and the single peaked at #54 (his first single to chart).

Grover Washington Jr is considered to be one of the founders of the smooth jazz sound. Though Washington’s brand of smooth jazz has always been of the highest form remaining true to the jazz soul styles of his earliest recordings. Because of it’s accessible smooth jazz style, with the musical arrangements composed by Bob James, “Mister Magic” was able to break through in many markets including the pop charts, R&B, dance and jazz charts. “Mister Magic” was a hit on adult contemporary light rock AM radio stations across the US and helped to bring jazz to the forefront in the mid 1970s. Now the album is considered a classic and revered by Washington’s many fans.

The title track, "Mister Magic," was written by jazz music legend Ralph MacDonald. The song is one of those few songs that was able to cross territories of music as not only did jazz radio stations love it but the song was a popular choice in dance clubs throughout the US - it's not too often that a jazz tune is a hit in disco clubs. And if that is not enough even easy listening pop stations liked the tune.

"Mister Magic" (1975)

"Earth Tones," with it's complex 6/4 beat, is the most experimental track of the album featuring a great way was guitar solo by Eric Gale. Washington on the sax and Gale on guitar get ample opportunity to improvise on this 12 minute track.

Grover wrote all the songs on the album with the exception of "Passion Flower" which was written by Billy Strayhorn. The soothing ballad features Grover's dreamy sax playing in a fashion that just brings you to a point where you just melt right in your seat by the beauty of the song. Grover does some fantastic things with the saxophone with a few twists and surprises about half way through.

The guitar solos by Grover Washington Jr and Eric Gale are a major aspect of the album that initially caught the attention of radio programmers and music listeners. Each man plays his instrument to the finest degree possible with each adding their own highly recognizable chords to the arrangements.

The album is a who’s who of jazz music including the legendary Bob James (member of the band Fourplay, composer of the "Taxi" TV Theme song and has composed arrangements and orchestrations for countless musicians), Eric Gale (Legendary jazz guitarist), Ralph McDonald (singer, songwriter, arranger, producer, percussionist. Wrote the songs "Where Is The Love," "Just The Two Of Us" and "Mister Magic") and Jon Faddis (jazz trumpet player, conductor, composer).

Producer Creed Taylor also produced a wide variety of musicians in the jazz field such as Antonio Carlos Jobim, Carmen McRae, Charles Mingus, John Coltrane, Charlie Byrd, Wes Montgomery, Freddie Hubbard, George Benson, Nina Simone, Herbie Hancock and others. Taylor founded the record company CTI and later it’s sister label Kudu which focused on R&B Jazz artists such as Grover Washington Jr.

Grover Washington, Jr. (1975)

Link to “Mister Magic” (Click Here)

GROVER WASHINGTON, JR.