Keith Barrow
Keith Barrow was an American disco and soul singer-songwriter born in Chicago on September 27, 1954. He was the son of civil rights activist and minister Reverend Willie Taplin Barrow and began his musical career singing gospel, later leading a high school group called the Soul Shakers.
Barrow started writing music at age eight and released a self-titled gospel album in 1973 on Jewel Records at age 19. He moved to New York City and then Los Angeles, signing with Columbia Records around 1976, where he penned the hit "Teach Me (It's Something About Love)" for Blue Magic, which reached No. 48 on the Billboard R&B chart.
His secular debut, a self-titled album produced by Bobby Eli, came out in 1977, featuring singles like "Precious." He later switched to Capitol Records for his final album, Just As I Am, in 1980, with the single "Why Love Half The World (When You Can Love The Whole World)."
In 1979, Barrow was diagnosed with HIV after falling ill during a Paris performance. He passed away on October 22, 1983, at age 29, one of the early prominent figures in music affected by the disease.
Just As I Am
Other [Male Back-ups] – Me, Myself and I Singers
Vocals [Guest Vocals] – Suzi Lane
Written-By – Keith Barrow 7:00
A2 Running On Empty (Well Travelled Man)
Other [Special Thanks To] – Bob Duffy
Written-By – Keith Barrow 3:39
A3 Coming On To You
Performer – Tip Wirrick
Tenor Saxophone – Artie Kaplan
Written-By – Keith Barrow
Written-By [Bridge By] – Tip Wirrick 5:14
A4 Just As I Am
Other [Thanks To] – Bob Duffy
Written-By – Keith Barrow 4:52
B1 Why Love Half The World (When You Can Love The Whole World)
Other [Special Thanks To] – Debbie Backus
Performer – Tip Wirrick
Written-By – Keith Barrow
Written-By [Bridge By] – Tip Wirrick 7:20
B2 Tell Me This Ain't Heaven
Alto Saxophone – David Tofani
Piano [Solo] – Leon Pendarvis
Written-By – Jim Lang 5:14
B3 Move A Little Closer
Written-By – C. Portnoy, J. Napoli 3:38
B4 Foolish Hearts
Written-By – D. Child, D. P. Yowell 3:44
B5 It's Real
Written-By – E. Gay, H. E. Cox 1:06
Label: Capitol Records – ST-12112
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1980
Genre: R&B Soul, Jazz, Funk
Style: Funk, Soul, Disco, Jazz-Funk, Gospel
Keith Barrow's 1978 album, Just As I Am, is a highly recommended and well-regarded piece of 70s Philly soul, often praised for its solid production and Keith Barrow's exceptional vocal talent.
Reviews for the album are generally very positive, especially among soul and funk collectors. Barrow is consistently lauded for his "amazing range" and emotional delivery. He had a "lilting voice" that allowed him to "caress each note," making each song his own. Many listeners consider his ballads to be where he truly shines.
The album is a strong representation of 70s Philly soul at its peak. It features elements of soul, funk, R&B, and disco. The album was produced by Bobby Eli, and re-releases (like those by BBR) are noted for being beautifully remastered, preserving the quality of the original sound.
Due to Barrow's untimely death at age 29, the album stands as a testament to his potential and existing talent, leaving a lasting impact on fans of the genre.
Several tracks on the album have been specifically highlighted by reviewers:
"Teach Me (It's Something About Love)": A standout, Barrow-penned ballad that showcases his emotional range.
"Mr. Magic Man": An excellent example of the Philly disco sound, penned by producer Bobby Eli.
"A World of Lonely People" and "You Don't Know How Hard It Is To Make It": Solid urban R&B jams with a strong message.
"Precious" and "Questions": More ballads that highlight his vocal abilities.
In summary, for fans of 70s soul and funk, Just As I Am is considered a must-have album that is solid from beginning to end. The general consensus is that "it really grows on you" and is a great piece of musical art.
The album is available for purchase on various platforms, including Amazon and Discogs, where you can find different release details.