I
Acoustic Soul
2 Video
Mixed By – Mike Shipley
Recorded By – Kevin Haywood
Written-By – C. Broady 4:09
3 Promises
Drums – Steve Grossman
Mixed By – Blue Miller
Percussion – Dave Spak, Terry MacMillan
Recorded By [Assistant] – Jason Breckling
Written-By – P. Lackee 4:37
4 Brown Skin
Mixed By – Alvin Speights
Organ, Drums, Percussion – Mark Batson 4:56
5 Strength, Courage & Wisdom
Synthesizer, Mellotron – Mark Batson 4:57
6 Nature
Arranged By [String Arrangement] – Mark Batson
Bass – Avery Johnson
Cello – Nioka Workman
Viola – Judeth Insel
Violin – Kelly Hall-Tompkins, Marlene Rice 4:24
7 Back To The Middle
Backing Vocals [Additional Background Vocals], Programmed By – Blue Miller
Percussion – Steve Grossman 5:11
8 Ready For Love
Cello – John Catchings
Mixed By – Dave Way 4:28
9 Interlude 1:24
10 Always In My Head
Contractor [String Contractor] – Larry Gold
Drums – Ralph Rolle
Engineer [Additional] – Larry Philabaum, Louis Scalise
Organ, Organ [Wurlitzer] – Larry Goldings
Percussion – Bashiri Johnson
Producer, Programmed By, Conductor [Strings], Recorded By, Mixed By, Bass – Bob Power
Recorded By [Strings] – Jon Smeltz 4:40
11 I See God In You
Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – India.Arie
Mixed By – Kevin Haywood
Mixed By, Programmed By – Carlos Broady
Recorded By – Mark Niemiec
Recorded By [Vocals], Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – Blue Miller 3:17
12 Simple
Arranged By [Vocal Arrangement] – India.Arie, Tony Harrington
Written-By – The Unit 3:26
13 Part Of My Life
Written-By, Guitar – T. Harrington 4:03
14 Beautiful
Mixed By, Celesta [Celeste] – Mark Batson
Written-By – K. Hicks 4:06
15 Outro 1:17
16 Wonderful (Stevie Wonder Dedication)
Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – Duane Covert, Joyce Simpson, Laurnea Wilker-Hymen
Percussion – India.Arie
Written-By – C. Barnes 5:30
Label: Motown – 440 013 770-2
Format: CD, Album
Country: US
Released: 2001
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Neo Soul, Contemporary R&B
India.Arie's debut album, Acoustic Soul, is widely considered a neo-soul classic that was both a commercial success and a critical darling. Released in 2001, it was praised for its organic sound, empowering lyrics, and Arie's "velvet smooth" vocals, offering a refreshing alternative to the more commercial R&B of the era.
The album's central themes revolve around self-love, inner beauty, and empowerment, with the hit single "Video" serving as a thesis statement against the superficiality often seen in R&B music videos. This message resonated strongly with a wide audience and has been cited as an inspiration for modern concepts like "Black Girl Magic".
As the title suggests, the album is built around Arie's acoustic guitar, which was a unique approach in 90s/early 2000s R&B. This choice, combined with an organic production style, gives the album a warm, natural feel that stands out from the heavily produced, machine-beat R&B of the time.
Critics consistently lauded the honesty, strength, and wisdom in Arie's songwriting, noting her ability to blend personal narratives with universal truths. Songs like "Brown Skin" and "Strength, Courage & Wisdom" were highlighted as particularly strong examples of her thoughtful and relatable lyricism.
Arie's voice is frequently described as "beautiful," "soulful," and "sublime". Her musical style, which blends neo-soul, folk, and R&B, drew comparisons to artists like Tracy Chapman and Stevie Wonder, the latter of whom she pays tribute to on the bonus track "Wonderful".
The album was a major commercial success, certified double platinum by the RIAA, and earned an impressive seven Grammy nominations in 2002, including Album of the Year and Best New Artist. Despite not winning any awards at the time—a result widely considered a major snub—its critical acclaim and impact were undeniable.
Acoustic Soul is regarded as a formidable debut that shaped the neo-soul genre and inspired future artists. Its focus on self-worth and raw, authentic artistry has ensured its enduring status as a cherished album among fans and critics alike.
Changin’ Times
A2 Comin' Home (Ike White, John (Obee) O'Brian 3:54)
A3 Antoinette (Ike White 8:48)
B1 I Remember George (Ike White 9:58)
B2 Happy Face (Ike White 5:12)
B3 Love And Affection (Doug Rouch, Greg Errico, Ike White 5:37)
Label: LAX Records – GG 58007
Format: Vinyl LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1976
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk
Changin' Times is an extraordinary and rare 1974 funk, soul, and R&B album recorded under unique circumstances: entirely inside a maximum-security prison in California. Ike White, a musical prodigy serving a life sentence for murder, recorded the acclaimed album with producer Jerry Goldstein (known for his work with War and Sly and the Family Stone).
The album is praised for its high production quality and is noted for its blend of musical styles, drawing comparisons to artists like Jimi Hendrix and Gil Scott-Heron. Ike White showcased his talent by performing vocals, guitar, and keyboards on the record. The music is described as "spiritual funk" with powerful tracks that stand the test of time.
It was the first-ever commercial album recorded inside an American prison. A mobile recording unit was brought into the prison for the project.
Though it fell into obscurity after its initial release, the album was critically acclaimed at the time. The track "Love and Affection" became popular as a sampling source for hip-hop artists like Ice Cube and Snoop Dogg, contributing to the album's later cult status.
Superstar Stevie Wonder became a big fan of the album and even helped arrange for White's legal representation, which eventually led to his early release from prison. It features a heavy focus on soul and funk with tight instrumentation and production, often leaving listeners wondering why there wasn't more music from the artist.
The album and the enigmatic story behind it are the subject of a highly-rated 2019 documentary, The Changin' Times of Ike White, which further explores the musician's life, his sudden disappearance after prison, and his complex personality.
The original vinyl release is a sought-after collector's item.
Energy of Love
Arranged By – Bobby Martin
Written-By – K. Gamble, L. Huff 3:33
A2 Rainy Days And Mondays
Producer, Arranged By [Produced And Arranged By] – Vince Montana
Written-By – P. Williams, R. Nichols 6:28
A3 A Nice Girl Like You
Arranged By – Bobby Martin
Producer [Produced By] – Gamble-Huff
Written-By – K. Gamble, L. Huff 3:30
A4 Jan
Arranged By – Jack Faith
Producer – Bruce Hawes
Written-By – M. Gaye 4:35
A5 Be Thankful For What You Got
Producer, Arranged By [Produced And Arranged By] – John Davis (5)
Written-By – W. De Vaughn 3:13
B1 What's Easy For Two Is So Hard For One
Arranged By – Bobby Martin
Producer [Produced By] – Gamble-Huff
Written-By – W. Robinson 3:19
B2 Lonely Lonely
Arranged By – Bobby Martin
Producer [Produced By] – Gamble-Huff
Written-By – K. Gamble, L. Huff 3:19
B3 Everyone's A Star
Producer, Arranged By [Produced And Arranged By] – John Davis (5)
Written-By – J. Davis 5:42
B4 Plain Ol' Fashioned Girl
Arranged By – Bobby Martin
Producer [Produced By] – Gilbert-Life
Written-By – C. Gilbert, T. Life 2:50
B5 Be On Time
Arranged By – Bobby Martin
Producer [Produced By] – Gamble-Huff
Written-By – K. Gamble, L. Huff 4:54
Label: Philadelphia International Records – PIR 80401
Vinyl, LP, Aston Clinton Pressing
Country: UK
Released: 1974
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Philly Sound
The Intruders' 1974 album, Energy of Love, was their final recording with Philly International/TSOP, showcasing their evolved Philly Soul sound with mellow, sophisticated vibes, featuring tracks like the Gamble & Huff-penned "Energy of Love" and a funky cover of "Be Thankful for What You Got". Backed by M.F.S.B., the album captured a blend of smooth harmonies and heartfelt vocals, bridging early ballads with mature '70s soul, though it wasn't as commercially successful as prior efforts before the group disbanded.
It's considered a strong example of the mature Philadelphia Soul sound, recorded at Sigma Sound Studios. It marked their last work with producers Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff, who contributed to several tracks, and featured the legendary M.F.S.B. session musicians, including the Baker, Harris, Young rhythm section, www.jazzmessengers.com “Electronic” Eli, and Montana Jr.
Bobby Martin arranged most tracks, with contributions from Hawkes and Montana Jr.
While it did not achieve the commercial success of their earlier releases, the album is highly regarded by Philly Soul enthusiasts. Critics have noted the group's "glowing harmonies" and "charming" vocals, especially on the remakes. Despite strong tracks, the album's release came as musical tastes were shifting towards disco, which may have impacted its performance.
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".
Givin’ It Back
Written-By [Machine Gun] – Jimi Hendrix
Written-By [Ohio] – Neil Young 9:13
A2 Fire And Rain
Written-By – James Taylor 5:29
A3 Lay Lady Lay
Written-By – Bob Dylan 10:22
B1 Spill The Wine
Written-By – Dickerson, Miller, Brown, Scott, Oskar, Jordan, Allen 6:32
B2 Nothing To Do But Today
Written-By – Stephen Stills 3:42
B3 Cold Bologna
Written-By, Lead Guitar – Bill Withers 3:03
B4 Love The One You're With Congas – Buck Clarke
Written-By – Stephen Stills 3:40
Label: T-Neck – TNS 3008
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1971
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk
Givin' It Back is a highly regarded Isley Brothers album, praised for its innovative funk and psychedelic soul reinterpretations of popular rock and folk songs, successfully bridging rock and soul genres. Critics and fans highlight the passionate vocals, superb musicianship (featuring the younger Isley brothers including Ernie on guitar), and the creative arrangements that make the covers sound like original works.
The album is widely recognized for its bold concept: a Black R&B act covering popular songs by white rock and folk artists such as Stephen Stills, Neil Young, and Bob Dylan, turning the tables after white acts had successfully covered their earlier hits like "Shout" and "Twist and Shout".
Reviewers note the album's success in blending genres, describing it as a "mildly more psychedelic funk take on the folk/soul movement". The production is praised for capturing a warm, clear sound that enhances the soulful vocals while maintaining the original rock energy.
The Isley Brothers are lauded for their "impassioned, soulful and intelligent interpretive vocalizing". The album marked the first full appearance of the younger members (Ernie and Marvin Isley, and cousin Chris Jasper), whose contributions, especially Ernie's "soaring guitar," are seen as crucial to the album's dynamic sound and a precursor to the band's successful "3+3" era.
Impactful Song Choices: Specific tracks receive frequent praise for their powerful reimagining:
"Ohio" / "Machine Gun" medley: This combination of the Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young protest song and the Jimi Hendrix track is described as "mind blowingly powerful" and an "explosive, evocative" entry into Vietnam-era protest music.
"Lay Lady Lay": The Isleys' ten-minute, almost bossa nova, version of the Bob Dylan tune is considered "hypnotic" and an "absolute dream".
"Spill the Wine": Their version, which features the originally rapped elements sung, is seen as a successful and fully reinvented cover.
While most praise the re-interpretations, a few critics, such as Robert Christgau, found some tracks (like "Fire and Rain" and "Lay Lady Lay") more powerful in their "understated originals," though they still lauded the Isleys' energy on hits like "Spill the Wine".
User reviews on sites like Amazon and Discogs are overwhelmingly positive, with many giving the album a perfect 5.0 rating. Fans frequently describe it as a "brilliant album of covers," "utterly fantastic," and a "statement record" that remains relevant today. Users often mention the high quality of specific pressings (vinyl and CD) and the album's ability to blend different musical elements seamlessly.
I’ll Be Home For Christmas
2 I'll Be Home For Christmas (Kim Gannon, Walter Kent 3:04)
3 I'm In Love (Bobby Ross Avila, Carla Carter, Issiah J. Avila, James Q. Wright, James Harris III, Terry Lewis 4:10)
4 Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (Hugh Martin, Ralph Blane 4:17)
5 Santa Claus Is Coming To Town (Haven Gillespie, J. Fred Coots 4:01)
6 Isley Christmas Medley
(Written-By [Joy To The World] – Isaac Watts; Written-By [The First Noel & Gloria In Excelsis Deo] – Traditional; Written-By [What Child Is This?] – William Chatterton Dix 5:51)
7 What Can I Buy You (James Q. Wright, James Harris III, Terry Lewis 4:26)
8 The Christmas Song Featuring, Guitar by Doc Powell (Mel Tormé, Robert Wells 4:27)
9 White Christmas (Irving Berlin 3:33)
10 Silent Night (Franz X. Gruber, Josef Mohr 4:12)
Label: Def Soul – B0009913-02
Format: CD, Album
Country: US
Released: 2007
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Soul, Holiday
I'll Be Home for Christmas is the Isley Brothers' 31st studio album and their first holiday release, blending classic R&B and soul with traditional Christmas music. Released on October 9, 2007, the album features lead vocals by Ronald Isley with production by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis.
The album is a mix of popular Christmas standards and two original songs, "I'm in Love" and "What Can I Buy You". It is characterized by lush production, smooth R&B arrangements, and Ronald Isley's distinctive, sultry vocals, which critics noted were well-suited for holiday classics. The overall feel is described as a soulful and professional take on seasonal sounds, providing a warm, at-home listening experience.
I'll Be Home for Christmas received largely positive reviews from music critics. It debuted and peaked at number 38 on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Reviewers highlighted the balance between secular and spiritual tracks and praised the quality of the arrangements and performances, especially Ronald Isley's vocal delivery.
Ian Foster
Arranged By [Rhythm] – Carl McIntosh, Jim Salamone, Nick Martinelli, Randy Cantor
Written-By – Ian Foster 5:06
A2 Heaven (Sent Your Love To Me)
Arranged By [Rhythm] – Carl McIntosh, Jim Salamone, Nick Martinelli, Randy Cantor
Featuring – Patrice Hawthorne
Written-By – Ian Foster 5:56
A3 This Time
Arranged By [Rhythm] – Doug Grigsby
Written-By – Ian Foster 5:12
A4 We've Lost This Feeling
Arranged By [Rhythm] – Jim Salamone, Randy Cantor
Backing Vocals – The Bryant Ensemble Choir
Written-By – Ian Foster 5:05
A5 Without Your Love
Arranged By [Rhythm] – Jim Salamone, Randy Cantor
Written-By – Daryl Burgee, Doug Grigsby, Ian Foster 5:25
B1 Don't Hide Your Love
Arranged By [Rhythm] – Jim Salamone, Randy Cantor
Written-By – Ian Foster 5:55
B2 Tell Me It's True
Arranged By [Rhythm] – Jim Salamone, Randy Cantor
Written-By – Ian Foster 3:59
B3 You Make All The Right Moves
Arranged By [Rhythm] – Jim Salamone, Randy Cantor
Written-By – Andy Goldmark, Ian Foster 6:15
B4 Ooh Wee Baby
Arranged By [Rhythm] – Jim Salamone, Randy Cantor
Written-By – Ian Foster 5:09
Label: MCA Records – MCA-42002
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1987
Genre: R&B Soul, Funk
Style: Eighties Soul, Boogie, Disco
The 1987 self-titled album by British soul artist Ian Foster is a highly regarded, though commercially overlooked, "lost gem" of late-1980s R&B and Neo-Soul. Produced by Nick Martinelli, the album is praised for its high-quality production and strong material.
The album is considered classic R&B, soul, and boogie, often compared favorably to acts like Loose Ends and 52nd Street. Foster's vocal style has been noted as being very similar to Carl Macintosh of Loose Ends.
Reviewers consistently highlight the superb quality of Nick Martinelli's production, which is described as hitting "all the right spots" for the era's sound.
Despite its musical quality, the album received poor promotion and did not fare well commercially upon its initial release, leading to its status as a "slept-on" or rare find among soul enthusiasts.
For fans of 1980s R&B and UK soul, Ian Foster's 1987 album is considered a must-have for its authentic, high-quality sound that has stood the test of time. Its lack of mainstream success at the time makes it a valued discovery for collectors and soul music enthusiasts.
Impact
Lead Vocals – Damon Otis Harris, John Quintin Simms
Written-By – Bobby Eli, Charles Kelly 6:08
A2 Taboo
Lead Vocals – Damon Otis Harris
Written-By – Bobby Eli, Len Barry 4:46
A3 Friends
Lead Vocals – John Quintin Simms
Written-By – Bobby Eli, Terry Collins 3:03
A4 Give A Broken Heart A Break
Lead Vocals – Damon Otis Harris
Written-By – Bobby Eli, Len Barry 5:57
B1 One Last Memory
Lead Vocals – Charles Timmons, Damon Otis Harris
Written-By – Bobby Eli, Len Barry 5:30
B2 Love Attack
Lead Vocals – John Quintin Simms
Written-By – Bobby Eli, Len Barry 3:30
B3 Winning Combination
Lead Vocals – Charles Timmons, Damon Otis Harris, John Quintin Simms
Written-By – Bobby Eli, Phil Hurtt 3:30
B4 Man And Woman
Lead Vocals – Damon Otis Harris
Synthesizer [Moog] – Dexter Wansel
Written-By – Bobby Eli, Vinnie Barrett 4:00
B5 It Only Happens In The Movies
Lead Vocals – Damon Otis Harris, John Quintin Simms
Written-By – Bobby Eli, Lee Philips 3:18
Label: ATCO Records – SD 36-135
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1976
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Philly Soul
The 1976 self-titled album by the soul group Impact is considered an excellent example of mid-1970s Philly Soul and early disco. The album is highly regarded by fans of the genre for its strong material, excellent production, and first-class vocals.
The album features a distinct mid-70s Philly Soul sound with early disco vibes. The use of falsetto vocals throughout much of the album contributes significantly to its disco feel.
The group was assembled by Damon Harris after his departure from The Temptations. His sweet falsetto is a highlight of the record. The material was penned by notable writers like Len Barry, Phil Hurtt, and Bobby Eli, with production also handled by Bobby Eli.
Despite the strong material and production, the album commercially failed to make a significant impact on the charts at the time of its release, leading the label to drop the group. In retrospect, reviewers feel the album deserved greater success and wider recognition for the talented group.
Standout songs mentioned in reviews include the opener "Happy Man", "Taboo", "It Only Happens In The Movies", "Friends", and "Love Attack".
The album is described as a fun, very likeable, and "artistic treasure" that instantly transports the listener back to the best sounds of the 70s. It is a recommended listen for those who appreciate male vocal groups and the classic Philly sound.
Life, Stranger Than Fiction
2 Bring You Down 4:49
3 Slow Down (Get A Grip) 4:40
4 Skin On My Skin 5:18
5 Cut It Loose 4:33
6 There Will Come A Day 5:36
7 Castles In The Air 5:46
8 Got To Know 4:52
9 Reach Out 6:16
10 Rivers Runnin' Black 6:46
11 On The Road (Part One) 4:24
12 On The Road (Part Two) 4:16
Label: Talkin' Loud – 586 056-2
Format: CD, Album
Country: UK
Released: 2001
Genre: Jazz, Funk
Style: Jazz-Funk, Soul
Life, Stranger Than Fiction is Incognito's eighth studio album, a jazz-funk and R&B fusion project that showcases the band's signature sound with a new set of vocalists. The album, led by Jean-Paul "Bluey" Maunick, is known for its high production quality, rich live instrumentation (including horns and drums), and a mix of soulful tracks and instrumentals.
The album is a fine example of the Incognito acid-jazz-funk sound, with a slightly greater slant towards R&B compared to some of their previous efforts. The overall feel is described as warm, rounded, and delicately crafted, with every instrument given its own space within busy arrangements.
The production by Bluey Maunick is consistently praised as superb across all 14 tracks, providing a master class in contemporary music orchestration.
The album features a new batch of vocalists, including Kelli Sae and Dianne Joseph, with a push towards more male vocals. This change carries on the Incognito tradition, despite the absence of frequent collaborator Maysa.
The title and tracks reflect aspects of Bluey Maunick's life and experiences.
Notable Tracks:
"Stay Mine": A highlight and strong opener with the instantly recognizable Incognito style.
"Worlds Collide" & "Castles In The Air": Described by some reviewers as masterpieces of soul and jazz fusing with orchestration and stunning vocal arrangements.
"Rivers Runnin' Black": A mainly instrumental track that serves as a benchmark for the band's instrumental prowess on all their albums.
"Down to Earth": The closing title track, noted for its gentle intro that builds into a driving bass and funk rhythm, featuring the vocal power of Sarah Brown and Roy Ayers' vibes.
Reviews of Life, Stranger Than Fiction are generally positive among fans, who appreciate its consistency and quality. While some find certain tracks less impactful or the R&B slant a departure, most agree it is a solid addition to the Incognito collection. It is celebrated for its musicality, rich sound, and ability to keep the "struggling flame of acid-jazz fanned".
Shaft Soundtrack
A2 Bumpy's Lament 1:49
A3 Walk From Regio's 2:22
A4 Ellie's Love Theme 3:16
A5 Shaft's Cab Ride 1:07
B1 Cafe Regio's 6:09
B2 Early Sunday Morning 3:47
B3 Be Yourself 4:27
B4 A Friend's Place 3:21
C1 Soulsville (Vocal) 3:47
C2 No Name Bar 6:09
C3 Bumpy's Blues 4:01
C4 Shaft Strikes Again 3:04
D1 Do Your Thing (Vocal) 19:38
D2 The End Theme 1:56
Label: Enterprise – ENS-2-5002
Format: 2 x Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1971
Genre: R&B Soul, Jazz, Funk
Style: Soul-Jazz, Soundtrack
The Shaft soundtrack by Isaac Hayes is a landmark double album that redefined film music with its pioneering blend of funk, soul, and lush orchestration. It is Hayes' best-known work and the best-selling LP in the history of Stax Records.
The album is a foundational work of blaxploitation cinema scores, known for its distinctive "wah-wah" rhythm guitar, prominent hi-hat cymbals, and a mix of deep grooves and sophisticated, cinematic soul.
The iconic title track was a massive commercial success, hitting number one on the Billboard pop chart. Hayes became the first African-American to win an Academy Award in a non-acting category when the song won Best Original Song in 1972.
While the title track and two other songs ("Soulsville" and "Do Your Thing") feature vocals, the majority of the album consists of instrumental score pieces that provide atmospheric and narrative texture for the film. These tracks showcase Hayes' versatility, incorporating elements of jazz, blues, and orchestral pop.
The soundtrack had a significant impact on music history, influencing the development of disco and becoming a rich source of samples for hip-hop artists. In 2014, the album was added to the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".
It was a major critical success, winning multiple Grammy Awards and a Golden Globe. The album is praised for its production quality and for transporting listeners back to the cool, urban atmosphere of the 1970s, making it a timeless classic.
Take A Look
Written-By – Naomi Neville 2:57
A2 Teasing, But You're Pleasing
Written-By – Naomi Neville 1:42
A3 I Haven't Got Time To Cry
Written-By – Mel Carter, Zelda Samuels 2:38
A4 You Don't Miss A Good Thing (Until It's Gone)
Written-By – Irma Thomas, Jerry Ragovoy 2:20
A5 Some Things You Never Get Used To
Written-By – Van McCoy 2:40
A6 Anyone Who Knows What Love Is (Will Understand)
Written-By – Seely, Arbuckle, Sheeran, Newman 2:30
B1 It's Starting To Get To Me Now
Written-By – Van McCoy 2:31
B2 Times Have Change
Written-By – Van McCoy 2:28
B3 He's My Guy
Written-By – Van McCoy 2:35
Label: Imperial – LP 12302
Format: Vinyl, LP
Country: US
Released: 1966
Genre: R&B Soul, Blues
Style: Sixties Soul, Deep Soul
The album Take A Look by Irma Thomas is widely considered a soul masterpiece and a definitive work by the "Soul Queen of New Orleans". Originally released in 1966 (not 1968), the album is celebrated for showcasing Thomas at the peak of her vocal prowess, blending deep soul with richer, uptown arrangements that include strings and backup vocals.
Thomas's rich, powerful, and natural voice, which is described as bringing a sense of "real understanding" and deep melancholy to her lyrics. Her delivery draws the listener into the song with an effortless, relaxed energy that only comes from a lifetime of performance.
The album successfully merges deep soul with fuller arrangements, pushing her sound towards uptown soul without becoming too pop-oriented. It features a mix of heartfelt, soulful ballads and some upbeat tracks. The production is noted for its stylish, tasteful statements from the backing band, particularly the guitar, Hammond organ, and saxophone.
While the original singles on the album didn't achieve massive mainstream commercial success compared to contemporaries like Aretha Franklin, the album has gained significant critical appreciation over time and is now considered an essential album for soul music lovers. The track "Anyone Who Knows What Love Is (Will Understand)" has garnered renewed attention and iconic status due to its feature in numerous episodes of the TV series Black Mirror.
The album is a de facto singles collection, with many tracks having previously appeared on 45s.
"Take a Look": The title track is an Allen Toussaint-penned "gem" that highlights Thomas's ability to deliver powerful soul.
"Anyone Who Knows What Love Is (Will Understand)": This timeless song, co-written by a young Randy Newman, is a major highlight and a classic of the genre.
"Wait, Wait, Wait": Another "real gem" written and produced by Allen Toussaint.
"I Haven't Got Time To Cry": A standout deep ballad that showcases her big-voiced style.
Overall, Take A Look is a highly regarded album that captures the raw, healthy voice of Irma Thomas and is considered a must-own for deep soul enthusiasts. You can explore the different releases on Discogs and purchase/download it on Amazon.
The First Time We Met
Written-By – J. Jiles, M. Barge 3:23
A2 Our Love Has Got To Come Together
Written-By – C. Jackson, M. Yancy 3:13
A3 Can't Understand It
Written-By – C. Jackson, M. Yancy 2:45
A4 Just As Long As You Need Me (Part 1 & 2)
Written-By – C. Jackson, J. Butler, M. Yancy 6:08
B1 Leaving Me
Written-By – C. Jackson, M. Yancy 3:14
B2 Baby I've Been Missing You
Written-By – C. Jackson, M. Yancy 3:48
B3 I Love You, Yes I Do
Written-By – J. Jiles, M. Barge 2:50
B4 Couldn't Hear Nobody Say (I Love You Like You Do)
Written-By – C. Jackson, M. Yancy 4:31
B5 Here I Am
Written-By – C. Jackson, M. Yancy 4:18
Label: Wand – WDS 694
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1972
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
The Independents' The First Time We Met showcases smooth, mixed-gender harmonies and lush strings, blending classic 70s soul with Philly-style sounds, featuring romantic themes and standout tracks like the laid-back "The First Time We Met," offering a nostalgic, melodic deep dive into a beloved but commercially limited R&B vocal group known for their heartwarming sound and memorable crossover hit "Leaving Me".
A defining feature is the rich, mixed-gender vocal blend (Chuck Jackson, Helen Curry, Eric Thomas, Maurice Jackson), reminiscent of 60s soul but with a distinct '70s feel.
The music is characterized by its smoothness, sweeping strings, and classic soul arrangements, with some modern reissues noting excellent sound quality despite minor original production artifacts like sibilance.
Lyrically, the focus is on love, romance, and reminiscence, typical of the era, but delivered with a genuine, heartfelt touch.
Highlight Tracks: "The First Time We Met" itself is a slower, evocative track, while the group's hit "Leaving Me" is a key inclusion on their compilations.
While the group never achieved massive commercial success beyond a few crossover hits, the album is considered a "hidden gem" of the era. It's a key record for fans of classic soul music, appreciated for its sophisticated arrangements and heartfelt performances.
The album generally receives high user ratings on music databases like Discogs. It is a foundational release in the group's short but impactful discography on Wand Records.
If you're looking for authentic, melodic 1970s soul with a unique, sweet vocal chemistry and a focus on classic themes, The First Time We Met (or their Greatest Hits) is a highly recommended, genuinely good listen for soul music aficionados.