Ashford and Simpson<div hidden>Ashford & Simpson</div>

Ashford & Simpson were a prominent American duo known for their contributions to soul music, significantly shaping the R&B genre. They were a husband-and-wife team, Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson, who not only performed but also wrote and produced numerous hit songs during their career. Their music is characterized by rich harmonies and a blend of various influences, which helped define the sound of soul in the 1970s and 1980s. One of their most notable works is the song "Solid," released in 1984, which became a defining track for them and showcased their ability to create infectious rhythms and catchy melodies that resonated with audiences. Over the years, Ashford & Simpson produced a plethora of hits, including "It Seems to Hang On" and "Is It Still Good to Ya," solidifying their status as icons in the R&B and soul music landscape. Their legacy continues to influence contemporary artists in the genre.

A Musical Affair

A1 Love Don't Make It Right
4:21

A2 Rushing To
5:23

A3 I Ain't Asking For Your Love
4:00

A4 Make It To The Sky
3:52
B1 We'll Meet Again
3:51

B2 You Never Left Me Alone
3:47

B3 Get Out Your Handkerchief
3:58

B4 Happy Endings
5:14

Producer, Written-By – Nickolas Ashford & Valerie Simpson

Label: Warner Bros. Records – K56840
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: UK
Released: 1980

Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Eighties Soul, Disco

Come As You Are

A1 It'll Come, It'll Come, It'll Come 2:53
A2 One More Try 3:26
A3 Believe In Me 5:20
A4 Caretaker 3:53
B1 Somebody Told A Lie 5:49
B2 Tell It All 5:15
B3 Sell The House 3:20
B4 It Came To Me 3:53

Written-By – Bobby Gene Hall, Jr. (tracks: A2), Nickolas Ashford (tracks: A1, A3, A4, B1, B2, B3, B4), Raymond Simpson (tracks: A2), Valerie Simpson (tracks: A1, A3, A4, B1, B2, B3, B4)

Label: Warner Bros. Records – BS 2858
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1976

Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Disco

Gimme Something Real

A1 Bend Me 3:18
A2 Time 4:40
A3 Have You Ever Tried It 3:25
A4 Gimme Something Real 6:33
B1 Can You Make It Brother 4:27
B2 I'm Determined 3:18
B3 Ain't That Good Enough 3:12
B4 I Need Your Light 3:41
B5 Anywhere 5:00

Written-By – Ashford And Simpson (tracks: A1 to B2, B4, B5)

B3 Written-By – Joshie Armstead, Nickolas Ashford, Valerie Simpson

Label: Warner Bros. Records – BS 2739
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1973

Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul

Gimme Something Real is the 1973 debut album for Ashford & Simpson as recording artists for Warner Bros. Records, showcasing their signature blend of sophisticated, soulful R&B and funk, moving from mellow grooves to driving anthems like the standout title track and "Have You Ever Tried It," establishing them as powerful vocalists and performers beyond their legendary songwriting for Motown, featuring intimate storytelling and elegant arrangements.

It marked their transition from behind-the-scenes Motown hitmakers (for artists like Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell) to a formidable recording duo, saving some of their best material for themselves.

The album mixes mellow soul, intimate ballads, and funky, uptempo numbers with deep grooves, featuring intricate songwriting and rich instrumentation.

It is a seminal release that saw the duo transition from their established "joyous pop formula" at Motown to developing a more mature "quiet storm" soul template. It is a sophisticated collection of songs that allowed them to showcase their talents as recording artists, performing their own material.

Considered a hidden gem and an essential listen for fans, highlighting their raw talent and paving the way for their future success as recording artists, even if it wasn't an immediate chart-topper.

Later CD releases offer bonus tracks and new interviews, making this classic album more accessible.

High-Rise

A1 High-Rise 5:30
A2 Side Effect 4:07
A3 Experience (Love Had No Face) 4:35
A4 It's A Rush 4:44
B1 My Kinda Pick Me Up 3:09
B2 I'm Not That Tough 4:34
B3 It's Much Deeper 6:29
B4 Still Such A Thing 5:12

Written-by – Nickolas Ashford & Valerie Simpson

Label: Capitol Records – ST-12282
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Country: US
Released: 1983

Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Eighties Funk, Soul, Disco

I Wanna Be Selfish

A1 Spoiled 3:00
A2 Everybody's Got To Give It Up 3:27
A3 I Wanna Be Selfish 3:13
A4 I Had A Love 4:41
A5 Main Line 3:13
B1 Ain't That Something 2:27
B2 Don't Fight It 2:30
B3 Ain't Nothin' But A Maybe 3:45
B4 Over To Where You Are 4:10
B5 Take All The Time You Need 5:07

Written-By, Producer – Ashford & Simpson

Label: Warner Bros. Records – BS 2789
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1974

Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Disco

Love Or Physical

A1 Love Or Physical 4:24

A2 I'll Be There For You 4:38

A3 Comes With The Package 4:15

A4 Til We Get It Right 5:07

B1 Something To You 4:59

B2 In Your Arms
Composed By – Bruce Roberts, Edgar Bronfman, Jr.
4:39

B3 Cookies And Cake 4:43

B4 Timing 4:52

Written-By – Nickolas Ashford & Valerie Simpson

Label: Capitol Records – 064 -7 46946 1
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: Europe
Released: 1989

Genre: R&B Funk, Soul, Pop
Style: Eighties Soul

Real Love

A1 Count Your Blessings 4:53
A2 Real Love 4:03
A3 Nobody Walks In L.A. 5:38
A4 How Does It Fit 4:08
B1 Relations 5:17
B2 What Becomes Of Love 5:59
B3 Way Ahead 4:01
B4 10th Round 4:22

Produced and Written-By – Nickolas Ashford & Valerie Simpson

Label: Capitol Records – 1A 064-24 0593 1
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: Europe
Released: 1986

Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Eighties Soul, Disco

Send It

A1 By Way Of Love's Express 3:36
A2 Let Love Use Me 4:41
A3 Don't Cost You Nothing 4:53
A4 Send It 4:27
B1 Top Of The Stairs 4:39
B2 Too Bad 3:27
B3 Bourgié Bourgié (Instrumental) 6:07
B4 I Waited Too Long 4:39

Written-By – Nickolas Ashford, Valerie Simpson

Label: Warner Bros. Records – BS 3088
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1977

Genre: R&B Soul, Funk
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk, Disco

So So Satisfied

A1 Tried, Tested And Found True 5:27
A2 Couldn't Get Enough 3:37
A3 Maybe I Can Find It 5:15
A4 Destiny 3:54
B1 So So Satisfied 7:04
B2 Over And Over 4:21
B3 It's You 3:52
B4 If You're Lying 5:04

Producer, Written-By – Nickolas Ashford & Valerie Simpson

Label: Warner Bros. Records – BS 2992
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1977

Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk, Disco

Solid

A1 Solid
Written By – N. Ashford/V. Simpson
5:04

A2 Outta The World
Written By – N. Ashford/V. Simpson
5:48

A3 The Jungle
Written By – N. Ashford/V. Simpson
2:51

A4 Honey I Love You
Written By – N. Ashford/V. Simpson
3:58

B1 Babies
Written By – N. Ashford/V. Simpson
5:00

B2 Closest To Love
Written By – Ashford/Simpson/Ramone/Galdston
4:10

B3 Cherish Forever More
Written By – N. Ashford/V. Simpson
3:48

B4 Tonight We Escape
Written By – N. Ashford/V. Simpson
3:14

Label: Capitol Records – 1A 064-24 0250 1
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: Europe
Released: 1984

Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Eighties Funk, Soul

Street Opera

A1 Love It Away 4:26
A2 Make It Work Again 4:17
A3 Mighty Mighty Love 4:45
A4 I'll Take The Whole World On 5:11

Street Opera
B1 Working Man 2:04
B2 Who Will They Look To 3:01
B3 Street Corner 4:20
B4 Times Will Be Good Again 2:36
B5 Working Man (Reprise) 1:15

Written-By – Nickolas Ashford, Valerie Simpson

Label: Capitol Records – ST-12207
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1982

Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Disco

Album Details - Test

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