The Impressions
Finally Got Myself Together
Written-By – L. Brownlee, L. Simon 4:43
A2 I'm A Changed Man (Finally Got Myself Together)
Written-By – Ed Townsend 3:05
A3 I'll Always Be Here
Written-By – A. J. Tribble, G. Davis, L. Simon 2:59
A4 Miracle Woman
Written-By – Ed Townsend 3:19
B1 We Go Back A Ways
Written-By – A. J. Tribble, L. Simon, S. Davis 3:50
B2 Guess What I've Got
Written-By – Ed Townsend 3:51
B3 Try Me
Written-By – Ed Townsend 5:12
B4 Don't Forget What I Told You
Written-By – A. J. Tribble, L. Simon 4:59
Label: Buddah Records – BDLP 4003
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: UK
Released: 1973
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
Finally Got Myself Together (1974) by The Impressions is a smooth, harmony-driven soul and funk album showcasing a post-Curtis Mayfield era with lush arrangements, featuring hits like the title track and "I'll Always Be Here," produced by Ed Townsend and Lowrell Simon, blending sweet grooves with gospel-infused funk for a mature, romantic sound.
The album features rich harmonies, sweet melodies, and a sophisticated, mellow groove, reminiscent of late-70s soul with key contributions from Ed Townsend (known for Marvin Gaye's Let's Get It On) and Lowrell Simon (also of The Lost Generation).
A strong album from their later period, demonstrating the group's enduring appeal and evolution in the 1970s soul scene.
In essence, it's a collection of smooth, well-crafted soul tracks that solidify The Impressions' reputation with lush production, heartfelt vocals, and danceable funk, making it a beloved record for soul fans.
Modern critics often highlight it as a "relatively undiscovered gem" that proved the group could still excel without Mayfield’s direct involvement.
First Impressions
A2 Same Thing It Took (Chuck Jackson, Ed Townsend, Marvin Yancy 4:58)
A3 Old Before My Time (Ed Townsend 5:26)
A4 First Impressions (Ed Townsend 4:59)
B1 Groove (Ed Townsend 5:18)
B2 I'm So Glad Van McCoy 3:16)
B3 How High Is High (Ed Townsend 4:42)
B4 Why Must A Love Song Be A Sad Song (Ed Townsend 4:58)
Label: Curtom – CU 5003
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1975
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
First Impressions is a 1975 album by the R&B group The Impressions, released after their initial lineup with Curtis Mayfield had disbanded. The album, which featured a new lineup and production, is a collection of "modern soul" tunes showcasing the group's ability to continue grooving. Unlike their earlier debut, this later album features songs produced and recorded in a different era, highlighting the group's evolution.
Released on the Curtom label in 1975, the album is a classic example of the Impressions' post-Curtis Mayfield sound in the mid-70s. Reviewers from sources like Dusty Groove describe it as a great album featuring a solid harmony soul approach and "smooth groove tunes". The sound is characterized by a mix of light and breezy melodies combined with solid grooves.
The album was produced with input from Ed Townsend, Chuck Jackson, Marvin Yancy, and Van McCoy. It was a moderate success, reaching #115 on the US Pop charts and #13 on the US R&B charts.
The album's title track was a major hit single in the UK, reaching #16 in the Pop charts. The album features two other songs that were significant R&B hits in the US, having been released on an earlier album as singles, namely "Sooner or Later" and "Same Thing It Took".
One By One
Written-By – Al Nevins, Artie Dunn, Buck Ram, Morty Nevins 2:17
A2 I Wanna Be Around
Written-By – J. Mercer, S. Vimmerstedt 2:15
A3 Nature Boy
Written-By – Eden Ahbez 2:24
A4 Just One Kiss From You
Written-By – C. Mayfield 2:37
A5 I Want To Be With You
Written-By – Strouse, Adams 3:17
A6 Answer Me, My Love
Written-By – Carl Sigman, Fred Rauch, Gerhard Winkler 2:43
B1 It's Not Unusual
Written-By – Mills, Reed 2:20
B2 Without A Song
Written-By – Rose, Eliscu, Youmans 3:18
B3 Falling In Love With You
Written-By – C. Mayfield 2:56
B4 My Prayer
Written-By – Boulanger, Kennedy 2:58
B5 Mona Lisa
Written By [Wrongly Credited To] – Mana Zuca - Sallie M. Sefrit
Written-By [Uncredited] – Livingston & Evans 2:28
B6 Lonely Man
Written-By – C. Mayfield 2:43
Label: ABC-Paramount – ABCS-523
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1965
Genre: R&B Soul, Blues
Style: Sixties Soul
The Impressions' One by One (1965) album, while featuring their signature sweet harmonies and Curtis Mayfield's evolving songwriting, is often seen by critics as a transitional album, balancing pop covers ("Twilight Time") with their emerging deep soul/social commentary ("Just One Kiss from You") and gospel roots, a solid entry but sometimes overshadowed by bigger hits from nearby LPs like People Get Ready.
Reviewers praise the stunning vocals, especially the intricate gospel-infused interplay, but some find the mix of pop standards and soul tracks less cohesive than their focused concept albums, though it's still a must-have for fans of their glorious sound.
The album showcases the trio's breathtakingly beautiful, interwoven harmonies, a hallmark of their gospel-rooted style. It Features early Curtis Mayfield tracks alongside covers of popular hits, demonstrating their growth into powerful soul artists. It seamlessly incorporates gospel traditions into secular soul, a revolutionary sound.
Some critics felt the pop covers were an awkward fit, a commercial attempt to emulate Motown that didn't always land, making it less focused than People Get Ready. Despite this, the group's inherent talent shines, making even weaker tracks shine, and contains gems like "I've Been Trying".
Highlights:- "I've Been Trying": A showcase for their sublime three-part vocal magic; "Just One Kiss from You": A Mayfield original hinting at deeper lyrical themes; "Twilight Time," "I Wanna Be Around": Examples of their beautifully sung covers.
Overall, One by One captures The Impressions in a pivotal moment, showcasing their transition and unparalleled vocal skill, even if its tracklist isn't as perfectly curated as some of their other classic albums. It's a testament to their sound, proving even their "filler" is exceptional.
The Impressions
A2 Gypsy Woman 2:20
A3 Grow Closer Together 2:12
A4 Little Young Lover 2:14
A5 You've Come Home 2:45
A6 Never Let Me Go 2:30
B1 Minstrel And Queen 2:22
B2 I Need Your Love 2:25
B3 I'm The One Who Loves You 2:28
B4 Sad, Sad Girl And Boy 2:40
B5 As Long As You Love Me 2:27
B6 Twist And Limbo 2:29
Written by – Curtis Mayfield
(tracks: A1 to A5, B1, B3 to B6)
Written-By – Joe Scott (track: A6)
Written-By – Richard Brooks (track: B2)
Label: ABC-Paramount – ABC 450
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1963
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Sixties Soul, Twist, Doo Wop
The Impressions' 1963 self-titled album (often combined with The Never Ending Impressions) is a foundational Soul/R&B record, showcasing Curtis Mayfield's evolving genius, gorgeous harmonies by the trio (Mayfield, Sam Gooden, Fred Cash), and pioneering socially conscious themes alongside sweet ballads, featuring early hits like "Gypsy Woman" and a bridge from gospel to secular soul that set the stage for later classics like "People Get Ready". Reviewers praise its beautiful vocal interplay, Mayfield's songwriting, and its historical importance, calling it a cornerstone of soul music.
The album highlights the exquisite three-part vocal blend of Mayfield, Gooden, and Cash, a signature sound in soul music. Even in these early stages, Mayfield's distinctive voice and songwriting skills shine, moving from tender love songs to deeper, more mature themes.
The sound firmly bridges gospel traditions with secular R&B, a hallmark of the Chicago Soul sound. It features early hits such as "Gypsy Woman," a staple of their catalog. The album captures The Impressions as they defined their sound, foreshadowing the socially conscious anthems that would define the latter half of the 1960s.
Reviewers are often deeply moved by the "ineffable beauty" and "sweetness" of the vocals. It showcases the group's role in shaping R&B and soul, with Mayfield's voice developing from "childlike purity to the hipper ballsier delivery".
In essence, The Impressions (1963) album serves as a vital document of a legendary group finding its voice, offering both catchy, sweet soul and a glimpse into the profound music they were about to create.
The Never Ending Impressions
Written-By – Curtis Mayfield 2:23
A2 Little Boy Blue
Written-By – Curtis Mayfield 2:17
A3 Satin Doll
Written-By – Duke Ellington, Johnny Mercer 2:19
A4 Girl Don't You Know Me
Written-By – Curtis Mayfield 2:18
A5 I Gotta Keep On Movin'
Written-By – Curtis Mayfield 3:41
A6 You Always Hurt The One You Love
Written-By – A. Roberts*, D. Fisher 2:05
B1 That's What Love Will Do
Written-By – Curtis Mayfield 2:00
B2 I'm So Proud
Written-By – Curtis Mayfield 2:48
B3 September Song
Written-By – Kurt Weill, M. Anderson 2:15
B4 Lemon Tree
Written-By – Will Holt
Written-By – Curtis Mayfield 4:08
B5 Ten To One
Written-By – Curtis Mayfield 2:18
B6 A Woman Who Loves Me
Written-By – Curtis Mayfield 2:22
Label: ABC-Paramount – ABCS-468
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1964
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Sixties Soul
The Never Ending Impressions, a seminal 1964 album by The Impressions, showcases Curtis Mayfield's maturing genius and the group's exquisite harmonies, featuring hits like "I'm So Proud" and "Ten To One," solidifying their Chicago soul sound with Johnny Pate's arrangements, and influencing generations with its beautiful melodies and powerful, truth-filled lyrics.
It's celebrated as a key album in soul history, blending gospel roots with secular themes, and is often paired with their earlier single compilations.
The album is packed with original compositions by Mayfield, demonstrating his evolving, masterful craft. The album highlights the trio's signature, gorgeous three-part harmonies, creating an "ineffably beautiful" sound that bridges gospel and soul.
Working with producer Johnny Pate, the album pushed the Impressions as a supper-club act, adding depth with keyboards and backing vocals while retaining their core soulful sound.
Key songs include the Top 20 hit "I'm So Proud," "Ten To One," "Sister Love," "Little Boy Blue," and "I Gotta Keep Movin'," the latter supposedly inspiring Bob Marley.
While the earlier "Impressions" album compiled singles, The Never Ending Impressions was one of their first full albums, marking a pivotal moment as they developed their unique, influential style.
Critics and fans praise the album for its timeless quality, rich harmonies, and Mayfield's poignant lyrics, recognizing it as a cornerstone of 1960s soul music that set the stage for later socially conscious themes. It's considered essential listening for fans of classic soul and the legendary Curtis Mayfield.
Times Have Changed
Arranged By – R. Hampton, C. Mayfield 6:22
A2 Times Have Changed
Arranged By – R. Hampton, C. Mayfield 3:15
A3 Inner City Blues
Arranged By – L. Hutson
Written-By – Nyx, Gaye 3:12
A4 Our Love Goes On And On
Arranged By – R. Hampton, C. Mayfield
Written-By – C. Mayfield 3:28
B1 Potent Love
Arranged By – J. Pate, C. Mayfield
Written-By – C. Mayfield 6:45
B2 I Need To Belong To Someone
Arranged By – R. Hampton, C. Mayfield
Written-By – C. Mayfield 3:54
B3 This Loves For Real
Arranged By – L. Hutson 2:50
Written-By L. Hutson. Hawkins
B4 Love Me
Written-By – C. Mayfield 4:14
Label: Curtom – CRS 8012
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1972
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
The Impressions' "Times Have Changed" (1972) is a pivotal album, marking Leroy Hutson's sole lead vocal tenure, a Curtis Mayfield-produced masterpiece of early '70s soul, praised for its potent social commentary (title track, "Stop the War"), funky grooves ("Love Me"), smooth ballads, and Hutson's compelling voice complementing Sam Gooden's, bridging Mayfield's era with Hutson's solo brilliance, considered a must-have soul classic.}
It's the only Impressions album featuring Leroy Hutson as the primary lead singer, stepping in after Curtis Mayfield's departure, but with Mayfield still producing and writing.
The album blends classic Impressions harmonies with burgeoning '70s soul, featuring Curtis's signature production, funk, fuzz, and sophisticated orchestrations, similar to his own early solo work.
Standout Tracks:
"Stop the War," "Times Have Changed," "Potent Love": Powerful, socially conscious tracks with strong grooves.
"Love Me": An upbeat, funky dancer that charted.
"Our Love Goes On and On": A notable cover of the Gladys Knight & the Pips hit, showcasing the group's vocal interplay.
"Inner City Blues": A respected cover of the Marvin Gaye classic.
The album highlights Hutson's talent and smooth baritone, alongside Sam Gooden, proving the group's strength beyond Mayfield.
Highly regarded by soul fans and critics, it's seen as a perfect introduction to Hutson's talent before his solo career and a strong entry in the Impressions' catalog, essential for its high-standard songwriting and performances.
In summary, "Times Have Changed" is celebrated as an essential early 70s soul record, perfectly capturing a pivotal moment for The Impressions, full of socially relevant themes and fantastic musicianship, solidifying its place in soul music history.