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Bubble Gum
A2 Learn To Live (Bill Eriksen 3:33)
A3 Sexy Girl (Dennis Grant, J.D. Burrise 3:23)
A4 Quit It (A.D. Burrise, Bill Eriksen, J.D. Burrise, Mike Micenheimer 2:26)
A5 Falling In Love (Henry Anaden, J.D. Burrise 6:43)
B1 Truth, Trust, Love & Happiness (J.D. Burrise, Robert E. Clark 3:31)
B2 Rule Of Mind (Henry Anadon, J.D. Burrise 5:06)
B3 Suburban Blue (Bill Eriksen 3:45)
B4 We Need Love (A.D. Burrise, J. D. Burrise 3:49)
Label: Ritetrack Record Co. – RKA-01M
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1975
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk
Bubble Gum is the first album by the funk and soul band The 9th Creation, known for its jazzed-up funk and being a treasure trove of sampled beats and breaks.
Released on the PYE label in Europe and Ritetrack in the US after the initial plan with Bill Withers' Sussex label fell through, the album is often compared to groups like Tower of Power and Earth, Wind & Fire. It is considered a "lost treasure" of 1970s soul music and features high-quality soul and funk tracks.
Despite its high quality and a dedicated fan following., the band and album did not achieve mainstream commercial success.
Come Get To This
Written-By – Marvin Gaye 3:00
A2 All My Love Comes Down
Written-By – B. Page, G. Page 4:03
A3 Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight
Written-By – James Taylor 3:21
A4 If I Ever Lose This Heaven
Written-By – L. Ware, P. Sawyer 4:35
A5 Happy Tears
Written-By – B. Page, G. Page 4:06
B1 Houdini Of The Midnite Hour
Written-By – B. Page, G. Page 3:27
B2 This Time Last Summer
Written-By – Jim Web 4:00
B3 He Called Me Baby
Written-By – Harlan Howard 3:51
B4 Like A Circle Never Stops
Featuring – Jennifer Hicklin, John Merlino, Kevin Ward
Written-By – B. Page, G. Page 3:30
B5 Boogeyin' All The Way
Written-By – B. Page, G. Page 3:22
Label: Capitol Records – ST-11386
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1975
Genre: R&B Soul, Pop
Style: Seventies Soul, Jazz
Nancy Wilson's 1975 album Come Get to This is a successful shift into contemporary R&B and soul, earning praise for its lush production and strong vocals, though some critics initially found it inauthentic compared to her jazz roots. Highlights include her cover of James Taylor's "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight," the funky "Boogeyin' All The Way," and the Marvin Gaye-penned title track, all arranged by Gene Page. The album was commercially successful, reaching the #14 spot on Billboard's Soul chart, and has since been recognized as one of her greatest works.
Many reviewers praised the album's tight arrangements, soulful and powerful vocals, and its funky R&B sound. It was a commercial success, reaching No. 14 on the Billboard Soul chart. Over time, it has been recognized as one of Wilson's most significant albums.
Some critics initially felt the album's move toward R&B and disco was a calculated attempt to maintain popularity and was less authentic than her jazz work. Some critics noted that while Come Get to This was a great album, its predecessor, All in Love Is Fair, was more cohesive. The sound quality of the recording itself has been praised, with the mix, balance of instruments, and clarity of vocals receiving high marks.
Key tracks
"Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight": A strong and gutsy cover of the James Taylor song.
"Houdini Of The Midnight Hour": A standout track with a strong arrangement, considered a highlight by some critics.
"Boogeyin' All The Way": Described as fine and funky, it's the album's finale and a fan favorite.
"He Called Me Baby": A notable track featured on the album.
Title track, "Come Get to This": Written by Marvin Gaye, the title track is a highlight of the album.
The album's legacy has grown significantly over time:
It has been noted as one of the most sampled records in hip-hop music.
It was nominated for Album of the Year at the 18th Annual Grammy Awards in 1976.
It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2004 and included in the Library of Congress' National Recording Registry in 2007.
Music outlets like AllMusic praise the album's "lush and expressive R&B" that bridges the gap between jazz and soul audiences.
I Love You So
Written-By – C. Jackson, M. Yancy 4:49
A2 You're So Good
Written-By – F. Freeman, H. Nehls 3:23
A3 It's Been You
Written-By – C. Jackson, M. Yancy 4:53
A4 Your Lonely Heart Written-By – N. Cole 4:45
A5 The Winner
Written-By – C. Jackson, G. Barge, M.Yancy 3:40
B1 Oh, Daddy
Written-By – C. McVie 4:03
B2 Sorry
Written-By – C. Jackson, J. Dixon, M. Yancy 4:45
B3 Stand By
Written-By – M. Yancy, N. Cole 4:19
B4 Who Will Carry On
Written-By – N. Cole 3:36
Label: Capitol Records – SO-11928
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1979
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Disco
Natalie Cole's 1979 album I Love You So is regarded by fans as a classic late-70s R&B/soul record, notable for its blend of disco and funk elements and for being certified Gold by the RIAA. While major music critic reviews are scarce in the search results, user ratings suggest a generally positive reception, with a current average of 4.1/5 on Discogs.
Overview of Critical and Fan Reception
The album is recognized for its quintessential late-70s sound, incorporating significant R&B, soul, and disco influences, produced by Chuck Jackson, Marvin Yancy, and Gene Barge. The production style is consistent with the successful formula of her earlier albums.
The title track itself is highlighted as a great disco song, and another standout track frequently mentioned is "Your Lonely Heart," which Natalie Cole penned herself. The album's only major single was "Stand By," which reached number 9 on the U.S. R&B chart. The album also features "Oh, Daddy," a song written by Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac.
I Love You So performed well commercially, peaking at number 52 on the Billboard 200 and number 11 on the Billboard R&B Albums chart. It was RIAA-certified Gold, though it didn't reach the Platinum status of some of her earlier works like Thankful.
The album is considered a must-have for fans of Cole's 70s output and great 70s music in general. It is sometimes packaged in compilation reissues alongside albums such as Thankful and Don't Look Back, where its production quality in remastered form is often praised.
In summary, I Love You So is a strong and enjoyable entry in Natalie Cole's discography, showcasing her powerful vocals within the popular R&B/disco sound of the era, even if it is less critically discussed in major publications than her Unforgettable... With Love album from the 90s. Fans appreciate the album's classic feel and several strong tracks.
I Put A Spell On You
Written-By – Hawkins 2:33
A2 Tomorrow Is My Turn
Written-By – Aznavour, Stellman, Stéphane 2:43
A3 Ne Me Quitte Pas
Words By [French Words By] – Jacques Brel 3:27
A4 Marriage Is For Old Folks
Written-By – E. Shuman, L. Carr 3:22
A5 July Tree
Written-By – E. Merrian, I. Jurist 2:40
A6 Gimme Some
Written-By – A. Stroud 2:58
B1 Feeling Good
Written-By – A. Newley, L. Bricusse 2:52
B2 One September Day
Written-By – R, Stevenson 2:47
B3 Blues On Purpose
Written-By – R. Stevenson 3:18
B4 Beautiful Land
Written-By – A. Newley, L. Bricusse 1:55
B5 You've Got To Learn
Written-By – C. Aznavour 2:40
B6 Take Care Of Business
Written-By – A. Stroud 2:04
Label: Philips – PHS 600-172
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1965
Genre: R&B Jazz, Blues
Style: Soul-Jazz, Piano Blues
Nina Simone's 1965 album, I Put a Spell on You, is a highly acclaimed, eclectic masterpiece balancing pop accessibility with deep emotional complexity, featuring iconic hits like the powerful title track and "Feeling Good," showcasing her versatility with jazz, R&B, and show tunes, and despite some minor filler tracks, it's considered a cornerstone of her discography and essential listening for its raw vocal delivery and consistent quality.
It's noted as one of her most accessible albums, bringing her closer to pop, but still retaining her signature dark, urgent, and soulful edge, making it a great entry point.
The album Contains two of her most famous songs, the intense "I Put a Spell on You" and the celebratory "Feeling Good," both delivered with unmatched vocal power.
It blends jazz instrumentals ("Blues on Purpose"), French chanson ("Ne Me Quitte Pas"), standards, and R&B, showcasing her broad range.
Songs tackle heartbreak, frustration, and freedom, with Simone's expressive voice giving life to potentially light material.
Reviewers praise its well-crafted nature, calling it one of her most consistent works, though a few tracks like "Marriage Is for Old Folks" are sometimes seen as weaker.
Often ranked among her best and most important albums, praised for its directness and replay value. In essence, I Put a Spell on You is a pivotal album, capturing Nina Simone at a moment where she successfully merged pop appeal with her profound artistic identity, making it a must-have for fans of jazz, soul, and powerful vocal performances.
Najee’s Theme
Day Side
A1 Feel So Good To Me 4:35
A2 Najee's Theme 4:33
A3 For The Love Of You (Drums – Richie Ruiz) 4:58
A4 Can't Hide Love (Drums – Omar Hakim) 5:06
A5 We're Still Family 4:52
Night Side
B1 Sweet Love 4:44
B2 Betcha Don't Know (Piano [Acoustic] – Rahni Song) 5:48
B3 What You Do To Me (Drums – Ralph Rolle, Piano [Acoustic] – Lesette Wilson) 5:09
B4 Mysterious 3:58
Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Flute, Keyboards, Drum Programming – Najee
Art Direction – Henry Marquez
Bass Guitar – Barry Johnson
Coordinator [Administrator] – Anne L. Thomas
Coordinator [Production] – Zack Vaz
Design – Carol Chen
Direct Metal Mastering By – ZJack
Engineer – Andre DeBourg, Arthur Zarate, Kurt Upper, Larry DeCarmine, Roey Shamir
Engineer [Assistant] – Anthony Saunders, Howard Sutherland, Hugh "Big Beat" Nanton, Luiz duRocher
Executive-Producer – Beau Huggins
Guitar – Fareed
Keyboards [Bass] – Kris Kellow, Wayne Brathwaite
Keyboards [Bass], Vocals – Regis Branson
Keyboards, Keyboards [Bass], Programmed By [Synthesizer], Drum Programming, Backing Vocals – Rahni Song
Keyboards, Programmed By [Synthesizer], Drum Programming – Charles Elgart
Management – Hush Productions
Percussion – Peter Tateo
Photography By – Carol Weinberg
Producer – Charles Elgart (tracks: A3, A4, B3, B4), Najee (tracks: A3, A4, B3, B4), Rahni Song (tracks: A1, A2, A5, B1, B2)
Vocals – Andricka, Billy Rucker, John White, Karen Marshall, Scott White, Tanya Willoughby, Tracey Clay, Vanessa Anderson
Vocals, Percussion – Zachary Harris
Written-By – A. Baker (tracks: B1), C. Elgart (tracks: A3), G. Bias (tracks: B1), L. Johnson (tracks: B1), Najee (tracks: A3, B3), Onaje Allan Gumbs (tracks: B3), Rahni Song (tracks: A1, A2, A5, B2), R. Branson (tracks: A3), Skip Scarborough (tracks: A4), Wayne Brathwaite (tracks: B4), Zack Vaz (tracks: A1)
Label: EMI America – ST-17241
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1986
Genre: Jazz, Funk, Soul
Style: Smooth Jazz, Jazz-Funk
Najee's 1986 debut album, Najee's Theme, is a highly successful and acclaimed record in the smooth jazz and R&B genres, noted for its blend of soulful saxophone melodies with slick, funky grooves. It was a significant debut, achieving commercial success and establishing Najee's long-lasting career.
The album has been well-received by critics and fans, earning a 4.5 out of 5 stars from publications like The Urban Music Scene. Reviewers praise its ability to balance original compositions with standout cover songs, all anchored by Najee's versatile saxophone and flute playing.
The album is considered a key example of 80s dance-driven, synth-laden smooth jazz, offering a sound that is both relaxing and funky. The production, particularly by Rahni Song, is described as tastefully and thoughtfully done, with no compromise on musicianship.
The title track, "Najee's Theme", is a highlight, featuring Najee's smooth, bluesy tenor over a soft, percussive funk cushion. The album also features two popular cover songs that are often noted as fan favorites: "Sweet Love" (originally by Anita Baker) features Najee's soprano sax flurries over lush orchestrations. "Can't Hide Love" (originally by Earth, Wind & Fire) is a more organic, ballad-style track featuring live drums by Omar Hakim, allowing Najee to shine.
Najee's Theme was a remarkable accomplishment for a debut record, reaching number one on the contemporary jazz album charts for Billboard and solidifying Najee's status in jazz music circles.
User reviews on platforms like Amazon and Discogs largely echo critical praise, with many listeners giving the album five stars. Fans describe the album as "pure bliss," "wonderful to listen to," and a "master class" in smooth jazz. Many appreciate the nostalgic "summer time feeling" the album evokes and the quality of the musicianship.
Overall, Najee's Theme is regarded as a classic debut album that effectively showcased Najee's talent and set the benchmark for his long and successful career.
Soulful Road
Written-By – Bruce Hawes, Charles Simmons, Joseph B. Jefferson 3:21
A2 I've Had Enough
Written-By – Bruce Hawes, Charles Simmons, Joseph B. Jefferson 3:54
A3 Darling Take Me Back
Written-By – Phil Terry, Talmadge Conway, Life 4:04
A4 Can't Survive Without My Sweets
Written-By – Bruce Hawes, Charles Simmons, Joseph B. Jefferson 3:36
A5 Got To Get You Back In My Life
Written-By – Phillip Pugh, Sherman Marshall 4:10
B1 Do You Remember Yesterday
Written-By – Kenny Gamble, Linda Creed, Thom Bell 4:38
B2 Only You
Written-By – Bruce Hawes, Charles Simmons, Joseph B. Jefferson 6:02
B3 Take My Hand
Written-By – Phil Terry, Talmadge Conway, Life 4:18
B4 Can't Go On Without You
Written-By – Bruce Hawes, Charles Simmons, Joseph B. Jefferson 4:34
B5 Love Is What You Make It
Written-By – Bruce Hawes, Charles Simmons, Joseph B. Jefferson 4:31
Label: Chelsea Records – CHL 500
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1974
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Philly Soul
New York City's Soulful Road is a key Philadelphia Soul album, known for its homage to The Beatles' Abbey Road on its cover and themes, featuring hit R&B singles like "Happiness Is" and "Love Is What You Make It," showcasing smooth vocals, strong production (though largely written by others), and representing the group's final effort with critical and modest chart success before they disbanded.
The album cover directly mirrors Abbey Road, with the band crossing Abbey Road in similar poses but opposite directions, and the tracklist mimicking its layout.
Produced, arranged and conducted by Thom Bell, the album is a prime example of the "Philly Sound," blending soul, disco, funk, R&B, and jazz with lavish string and horn arrangements. The production quality, largely thanks to Sigma Sound Studios and producer Thom Bell, is often praised for its "lush, soulful sound".
Soulful Road had limited commercial success compared to the band's debut, reaching the Top 50 on the US Top Soul Albums chart. The singles "Happiness Is" and "Love Is What You Make It" reached numbers 20 and 41, respectively, on the US R&B charts.
It's a prime example of the genre, noted for its lush arrangements and soulful vocals, cementing the group's importance in Philly Soul's development.
Despite limited mainstream success and the group splitting after its release, Soulful Road is considered a strong entry, ripe for modern reissue, highlighting New York City's talent.
In essence, Soulful Road is a well-crafted soul record with a clever Beatles twist, delivering smooth, chart-friendly tracks that solidified New York City's place in 70s soul music.
The Neville Brothers
Written-By – Jerry Leiber, John Senbello, Mike Stoller, Ralph Palladino 3:10
A2 Washable Ink
Written-By – John Hiatt 3:59
A3 All Nights, All Right
Written-By – Weldon Dean Parks 3:46
A4 Audience For My Pain
Written-By – B. Goldberg, G. Goffin 3:58
A5 Break Away
Written-By – Charles Neville 4:31
B1 If It Takes All Night
Written-By – David Forman 4:04
B2 I'll Take My Chances
Written-By – Lewis Anderson, Susan Hackney, Tony Brown 3:13
B3 Vieux Carre' Rouge
Written-By – Charles Neville 4:22
B4 Arianne
Written-By – C. Roudey 4:45
B5 Speed Of Light
Written-By – Charles Neville 6:08
Label: Capitol Records – ST-11865
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1978
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Bayou Funk
The Neville Brothers' 1978 self-titled debut album was a critically praised effort that successfully captured the group's signature blend of New Orleans R&B, funk, and soul.
The album was highly regarded for bringing the rich musical legacy of New Orleans to a wider audience. Critics noted its "passionate funk" and "blues-soaked deep pocket grooves".
The album effectively showcased the distinct talents of all four brothers—Art, Charles, Aaron, and Cyril—uniting their individual styles for the first time as a single band.
While a hit with critics and fans in the know, it did not achieve the massive commercial crossover success of their later albums like Yellow Moon. The production by Jack Nitzsche was described as having "respectful rock moves" that were "purest gumbo by comparison" to later, more pop-oriented efforts.
The album was seen as an authentic representation of the Nevilles' live energy and deep connection to their native city's musical traditions.
Overall, the album is considered a foundational work for the group, solidifying their unique sound and establishing them as the "first family of New Orleans" R&B.