Barbara Mason
Barbara Mason is an American soul singer who gained prominence in the 1960s and 1970s. She is especially known for her self-written hit song "Yes, I'm Ready," which was released in 1965 and became a major success, reaching the Top Five on both the Pop and R&B charts. Born on August 9, 1947, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Mason has established herself as a unique female artist within the soul genre, showcasing her talent not only as a singer but also as a songwriter.
Mason's music often reflects a young girl's journey through life, and she has written many of her recordings, demonstrating her artistic versatility. Over the years, she has produced several R&B and pop hits, solidifying her place in the music industry during her active years.
Give Me Your Love
Written-By – B. Mason 8:56
A2 When I Fall In Love
Written-By – E. Heyman, V. Young 4:03
A3 Everything I Own
Written-By – D. Gates 3:54
A4 Let Me In Your Life
Written-By – Bill Withers 3:52
B1 Bed And Board
Written-By – Flax, Lambert 3:29
B2 Who Will You Hurt Next
Written-By – B. Mason 3:20
B3 You Can Be With The One You Don't Love
Written-By – B. Mason 4:21
B4 Out Of This World
Written-By – J. Bishop 3:30
B5 Give Me Your Love
Written-By – C. Mayfield 2:58
Label: Buddah Records – BDS 5117
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1972
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Philly
Barbara Mason's Give Me Your Love is a landmark soul album, marking her transition from teen sensation to mature R&B artist, featuring Curtis Mayfield's iconic title track and lush Philly soul production (MFSB players), praised for its emotive vocals, sophisticated arrangements (strings, horns), and deep lyrical themes on adult love, cementing it as a classic with standout tracks like the epic "Yes, I'm Ready" and "Bed and Board".
It moved away from her earlier teen hits to explore complex, adult romantic relationships, with Mason taking charge in her lyrics.
The album heavily featured the classic Sigma Sound Studios setup, with MFSB musicians (Baker, Harris, Young), Don Renaldo's strings, and the Sweethearts of Sigma, giving it a rich, lush sound.
Mayfield wrote and produced the title track, adding a tougher, funkier edge, though the album balances this with sweeter Philly soul.
Standout Tracks: "Yes, I'm Ready" (a revamped, epic version of her earlier hit), the heartbreaking "Bed and Board," "Let Me In Your Life," and "Who Will You Hurt Next" are frequently highlighted.
The original vinyl featured a risqué pop-up picture of Mason in a man's shirt, making second-hand copies rare.
Considered by many critics and fans to be Mason's best work and a defining soul album of the era. Reviewers consistently praise Mason's stunning, heartfelt, and emotive voice.
In essence, Give Me Your Love is celebrated as a seamless blend of powerful vocals, sophisticated production, and mature songwriting, making it a must-have for soul music enthusiasts.
Tied Up
Backing Vocals – Edith Gardner, Sharon Ingram, Virginia Ingram
Written-By – Butch Ingram 6:56
A2 Don't I Ever Cross Your Mind 4:52
A3 All Of A Sudden Baby (Short Version) 3:54
B1 All Of A Sudden Baby 5:37
B2 Tied Up 5:07
B3 Winter Love 7:16
Label: Other End Records – OE BM-1
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: UK
Released: 1984
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Eighties Soul, Disco, Boogie
Released in 1984 on West End Records (under the label Other End), Tied Up is a boogie and soul album that marked a distinct shift in Barbara Mason's career toward more modern electronic and post-disco sounds.
Mason herself noted in interviews that while the album was a major success overseas and reached number one in New York, it struggled to find a foothold across the rest of the United States because radio programmers felt the content did not fit their formats.
On enthusiast platforms like Discogs, the album holds a high community rating of approximately 4.32 / 5, indicating it has aged well among soul and boogie collectors.
The album is defined by its early-80s "boogie" production, featuring synth-heavy arrangements and Mason's signature frank lyrical themes.
"Another Man": The standout track and a pioneer in house and electronic music, known for its bold lyrics about a partner leaving for another man.
"Tied Up": The title track, which maintains the album's smooth yet upbeat rhythmic style.
"Winter Love": A longer, more atmospheric piece that showcases her vocal range in a mid-tempo setting.
Originally released as a vinyl LP, it is now a sought-after item for collectors of 1980s R&B.
The album has been digitally remastered and released on CD; however, some buyers have criticized certain editions for being on CD-R format rather than standard pressed CDs and for lacking detailed liner notes.
In summary, Tied Up is a key record in Barbara Mason's discography, showcasing her mature, provocative style and delivering a massive international hit, even if its US mainstream acceptance was limited initially.