Al Johnson
Alfred Orlando Johnson (February 11, 1948 – October 26, 2013) was an American soul and R&B singer, songwriter, and producer, best known as the lead vocalist of The Unifics and for his 1980 solo classic, "I'm Back for More". Born in Newport News, Virginia, Johnson attended Howard University in Washington, D.C., where he co-founded the soul group The Unifics in 1966.
Serving as the group's lead singer, he achieved major hits with the group in the late 1960s on the Kapp Records label. Their biggest songs included:- "Court of Love" (1968) - Reached #3 on the Billboard R&B chart and #25 on the Hot 100; "The Beginning of My End" (1969) - Peaked at #9 on the R&B chart.
In 1978, he released his first solo album, Peaceful, which featured the original version of his hit "I've Got My Second Wind". His most enduring solo success came in 1980 with the album Back for More, produced by Norman Connors. The title track, a duet with Jean Carn, became a soul classic.
Johnson was a prolific writer and session keyboardist. He co-wrote "We Have Love for You" for Deniece Williams and worked with artists such as The Whispers, Sharon Redd, and Gayle Adams. In 2005, he reunited with original Unifics member Tom Fauntleroy to release the album Unifics Return.
He continued to work on solo material, releasing My Heart Is an Open Book in 1998. Just before his death, he released the single "It's Real" in 2011. Al Johnson passed away on October 26, 2013, at the age of 65.
Peaceful
A2 Come Check Out This Love 4:30
A3 Peaceful 4:24
A4 It's Not Too Late (To Start Again) 3:33
B1 I'll Do Anything For You 5:02
B2 Since You Walked Out Of My Life 3:43
B3 Let Me Love You (Like You Want To Be Loved) 4:35
B4 Let's Go Home Together 5:22
Label: Marina Records – WML 5000
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1978
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk, Disco
Al Johnson's 1978 album Peaceful is an acclaimed, underrated gem in 70s soul, praised for its consistent quality, rich Philly Soul/smooth funk sound, and standout tracks like "I've Got My Second Wind" and the title track, featuring top-tier musicians like Bernard Purdie & Leo Nocentelli for an "aural delight" with deep grooves and heartfelt ballads, making it a must-have for soul enthusiasts despite its minor label origins.
A smooth, soulful, Philly-Soul influenced, with funk undertones, described as having no "throw-away songs". Co-produced by Johnson himself with iconic singer Lloyd Price, recorded in NYC, New Orleans, and Virginia, notes Al Johnson - Peaceful - Vinyl LP - 1978 - JP - Reissue - HHV.
Features legendary players like drummer Bernard Purdie and guitarist Leo Nocentelli (from The Meters), contributing to its rich sound.
Standout Tracks: "I've Got My Second Wind," the soothing title track "Peaceful," "It's Not Too Late," and "Since You Walked Out of My Life" are frequently highlighted.
Though overshadowed by his later work (like with Norman Connors), Peaceful is considered an enduring classic for soul fans, finally seeing digital and reissue love.
Critics and fans call it a "masterpiece" and an "aural delight," noting its depth and quality. The album showcases Al Johnson's skills as a vocalist and writer before his major label success.
In essence, Peaceful is a highly recommended, quality soul album from an iconic era, perfect for fans of deep grooves and melodic storytelling.