Windy City
Let Me Ride
Arranged By – Tom Tom 84
Written-By – L. Honore, T. Washington 1:32
A2 (So You Think) Somethin's Missin'
Arranged By – Tom Tom 84
Written-By – R. Bennett 2:19
A3 Win Or Lose
Arranged By – James Mack
Written-By – S. Dees 3:06
A4 Gimme Some
Arranged By – James Mack
Written-By – R. Bennett 3:32
A5 Feeling Like I Don't Belong
Arranged By – Tom Tom 84
Written-By – D. Butler 3:22
A6 Let Me Ride
Arranged By – James Mack
Written-By – R. Bennett 3:55
B1 Learnin'
Arranged By – Tom Tom 84
Written-By – C. Winbush, D. Butler, M. Butler, R. Bennett, R. Butler, S. Beasley 3:18
B2 Good Guys Don't Always Win
Arranged By – James Mack
Written-By – S. Dees 3:28
B3 Fool Or Your Man
Arranged By – James Mack
Written-By – S. Dees 3:21
B4 I've Got Mine
Arranged By – Tom Tom 84
Written-By – D. Butler 3:30
B5 If By Chance
Arranged By – James Mack
Written-By – D. Butler 5:24
Label: Chi Sound Records – CH-LA691
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1977
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk
Windy City's 1977 album Let Me Ride is an underrated "hidden gem" of Chicago soul/funk, praised by critics and crate diggers for its blend of polished production and raw emotion. It is the group's only album and has gained a cult following since its initial release on the Chi-Sound label.
Reviews highlight the album as a masterpiece of tension, seamlessly mixing sophisticated arrangements with a raw, gritty edge that feels more like an East Coast indie project than a typical polished Chicago record.
Subtlety and Emotion of The tracks, particularly the title track "Let Me Ride," are not designed to dominate the charts but to connect with the listener on a deeper, more emotional level. The album is filled with strong songwriting, arrangements, and incredible vocals that convey a wide range of emotions.
The music is a definitive document of the "pre-Go-Go" Washington D.C. sound, blending deep soul, R&B, and funk elements. Unlike looser, jam-heavy funk, the album is built on a rigid, percussive structure, showcasing a disciplined yet soulful approach.
Produced by respected industry executives Carl Davis and Otis Leavill, the album manages to keep the band's edge while still having a smooth, professional quality.
The album is often described as a "Holy Grail" for collectors and a quiet favorite among soul purists who appreciate music that reveals its depth upon close listening. It is often cited as being better than many more commercially successful soul/funk albums of the era.
Notable Tracks:
"Let Me Ride" The title track is noted for its yearning quality and open-ended hope.
"Windy City Theme (Introduction)" A well-known track often associated with DJ Norman Jay.
"Good Guys Don't Always Win" Another frequently mentioned standout track.
"Win or Lose" Highlighted as a key track by fans.
Overall, the album is highly regarded by soul and funk aficionados for its unique sound and emotional depth, a record that "doesn't need to shout to prove its worth". It is available on various vinyl and digital reissues.