Barbara Acklin
Barbara Acklin was an American soul singer and songwriter, born on February 28, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois. She rose to prominence during the 1960s and 1970s, characterized by her smooth and emotive vocal style. Acklin is best known for her hit single "Love Makes a Woman," which became a significant success in 1968, solidifying her place in the music industry.
In addition to her singing career, Acklin was a talented songwriter and contributed to various musical projects, frequently collaborating with notable artists and producers. Her work has been compared to that of other prominent vocalists of the era, such as Dionne Warwick and Brenda Holloway . Acklin's influence extended beyond her chart-topping hits, as she was recognized for her contributions to the Chicago soul music scene.
Barbara Acklin passed away on November 27, 1998, but her legacy continues through her memorable songs and the impact she had on soul and R&B music.
Groovy Ideas
Arranged By – Sonny Sanders
Directed By – Quinton Joseph
Producer – Eugene Record
Written-By – Eugene Record, Sandra Drayton
3:18
A2 I Call It Trouble
Arranged By – Sonny Sanders, Tom Tom Washington
Directed By – Quinton Joseph
Producer – Eugene Record
Written-By – Barbara Acklin, Eugene Record
3:16
A3 I'm Living With A Memory
Arranged By – Tom Tom Washington
Directed By – Quinton Joseph, Willie Henderson
Producer – Eugene Record
Written-By – Barbara Acklin, Eugene Record
2:42
A4 It's A Groovy Idea
Arranged By – Sonny Sanders, Tom Tom Washington
Directed By – Quinton Joseph, Willie Henderson
Producer – Eugene Record
Written-By – Chuck Jackson, Marvin Yancy
2:58
A5 I Did It
Arranged By – Tom Tom Washington
Directed By – Quinton Joseph, Willie Henderson
Producer – Eugene Record
Written-By – Eugene Record
2:32
A6 Portrait Of A Broken Heart
Arranged By – Sonny Sanders, Tom Tom Washington
Directed By – Quinton Joseph, Willie Henderson
Producer – Eugene Record
Written-By – Barbara Acklin, Eugene Record
3:32
A7 Seven Days Of Nights
Arranged By – Sonny Sanders
Directed By – Willie Henderson
Producer – Carl Davis, Eugene Record
Written-By – Carl Davis, Eugene Record
2:34
A8 More Ways Than One
Arranged By – Sonny Sanders
Directed By – Willie Henderson
Producer – Carl Davis, Eugene Record
Written-By – Barbara Acklin, Eugene Record
3:32
B1 Love Makes A Woman
Arranged By – Sonny Sanders
Producer – Carl Davis, Eugene Record
Written-By – Davis, Record, Sims, Sanders
2:53
B2 Be By My Side
Arranged By – Sonny Sanders
Directed By – Willie Henderson
Producer – Carl Davis, Eugene Record
Written-By – Barbara Acklin, Eugene Record
2:34
B3 Just Ain't No Love
Arranged By – Sonny Sanders
Directed By – Willie Henderson
Producer – Carl Davis, Eugene Record
Written-By – Carl Davis, Eugene Record
2:45
B4 Here Is A Heart
Arranged By – Sonny Sanders
Directed By – Willie Henderson
Producer – Carl Davis, Eugene Record
Written-By – Barbara Acklin, Carl Davis, Eugene Record
2:38
B5 I've Got You Baby
Arranged By – Sonny Sanders
Producer – Carl Davis, Eugene Record
Written-By – Karl Tarleton, James Cleveland
2:12
B6 After You
Arranged By – Sonny Sanders, Tom Tom Washington
Directed By – Quinton Joseph, Willie Henderson
Producer – Carl Davis, Eugene Record
Written-By – Barbara Acklin, Eugene Record
2:25
B7 Am I The Same Girl
Arranged By – Sonny Sanders
Producer – Carl Davis, Eugene Record
Written-By – Eugene Record, William Sanders
2:58
B8 Come And See Me Baby
Arranged By – Sonny Sanders
Directed By – Gerald Sims
Producer – Carl Davis, Eugene Record
Written-By – Eugene Record
2:53
Label: Kent Records – KENT 072
Format: Vinyl, LP, Compilation
Country: UK
Released: 1987
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk
Barbara Acklin's Groovy Ideas, released on Kent Records (KENT 072), is a compilation of her smooth Chicago Soul and Pop-Soul tracks, praised for its consistent quality, showcasing hits like "Am I the Same Girl," and offering deep cuts with heartfelt vocals, capturing her signature emotive style perfect for soul aficionados. While specific critical reviews for the Kent reissue are scarce, general reception highlights its cohesive sound, with tracks like "I'll Bake Me a Man" and "It's a Groovy Idea" defining her appeal.
The album is highly regarded by soul enthusiasts for its curation of Acklin’s Chicago soul sound. It holds an average user rating of 4.36 / 5 on Discogs and 4.20 / 5 on Rate Your Music. Critics highlight Acklin's "vulnerable voice" and the "classic slice of late-1960s soul" found in her major hits, particularly the title track "It’s a Groovy Idea" and her signature "Love Makes a Woman".
A must-have for followers of classic soul, especially the '70s Chicago sound. The album provides a strong, listenable experience from start to finish, appealing to both casual listeners and dedicated collectors. In essence, Groovy Ideas is a solid representation of Barbara Acklin's enduring talent, delivering the heartfelt, smooth soul that made her a beloved artist.
Love Makes A Woman
Written-By – Burt Bacharach, Hal David
2:25
A2 The Look Of Love
Written-By – Burt Bacharach, Hal David
2:23
A3 The Old Matchmaker
Written-By – Barbara Acklin, Eugene Record
2:54
A4 Come And See Me Baby
Written-By – Eugene Record
2:47
A5 I've Got You Baby
Written-By – Karl Tarleton, James Cleveland
2:14
A6 Love Makes A Woman
Written-By – Carl Davis, Eugene Record, Gerald Sims, William Sanders
2:55
B1 Please Sunrise, Please
Written-By – Barbara Acklin, Eugene Record
2:50
B2 Your Sweet Loving
Written-By – B. Butler
2:37
B3 Yes I See The Love (I Missed)
Written-By – Eugene Record
2:34
B4 To Sir, With Love
Written-By – Don Black, Marc Loudon
2:24
B5 Be By My Side
Written-By – Barbara Acklin, Eugene Record
2:36
Label: Brunswick – BL 754137
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1968
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Sixties Soul
Barbara Acklin – Love Makes A Woman (1968) is a foundational Chicago soul album produced by Carl Davis and Eugene Record, blending sophisticated pop-soul with gritty, melodic vocals. Featuring the hit title track, it showcases her songwriting talent and a refined, mature sound distinct from contemporary soul singers, making it a "must-have" for genre fans.
The album is considered a cornerstone of the Brunswick Chi-Soul sound, featuring loping grooves and lush, yet tight arrangements.
In addition to the title track, the album includes "Be By My Side," "Your Sweet Loving," "Come and See Me Baby," and a noteworthy cover of "The Look of Love".
Recognized as a landmark debut that established her as a premier vocalist and songwriter, with high praise for its quality and lasting impact. Acklin avoids the "little girl" vocal style common in some 60s soul, opting for a mature, direct approach.
The album is highly regarded by listeners, often described as having excellent, high-quality production, with many calling it a quintessential, essential, and "classy" listen.
The album is often described as a "five-star debut" and a "songwriting triumph". On platforms like Discogs, it maintains high user ratings (averaging ~4.5/5), with fans praising the pressing quality and enduring sound.
Originally released on the iconic Brunswick label, it solidified Acklin's transition from a label receptionist to a major soul star. The album remains a essential listen for fans of 1960s soul, available in various formats including a 180gm heavyweight vinyl reissue for modern listeners.
Seven Days Of Night
Written-By – Barbara Acklin, Carl Davis, Eugene Record
2:32
A2 Go With Love
Written-By – Burt Bacharach-Hal David
2:14
A3 Seven Days Of Night
Written-By – Carl Davis, Eugene Record
2:37
A4 Just Ain't No Love
Written-By – Carl Davis, Eugene Record
2:47
A5 Where Would I Go
Written-By – Burt Bacharach-Hal David
2:41
A6 Am I The Same Girl
Written-By – Eugene Record, W. Sanders
3:02
B1 Until You Return
Written-By – Barbara Acklin, Carl Davis, Eugene Record
3:06
B2 This Girl's In Love With You
Written-By – Burt Bacharach-Hal David
4:26
B3 Here Is A Heart
Written-By – Barbara Acklin, Carl Davis, Eugene Record
2:40
B4 Mr. Sunshine (Where Is My Shadow)
Written-By – Carl Davis, Eugene Record
2:37
B5 Love Had Come To Stay
Written-By – Barbara Acklin, Carl Davis, Eugene Record
3:06
Label: Brunswick – BL 754148
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1969
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Sixties Soul
Barbara Acklin's Seven Days of Night, her second album from 1969, is a Chicago soul classic on the Brunswick label, known for hits like "Am I the Same Girl" and "Just Ain't No Love," showcasing her unique voice and songwriting, often paired with Eugene Record, in a collection of heartfelt, swinging soul tracks reissued by Demon Records.
Produced by Carl Davis and Eugene Record, with direction by Willie Henderson, it features the iconic track "Am I The Same Girl," a "loping soul groover" whose backing track famously became the instrumental hit "Soulful Strut" by Young-Holt Unlimited after Acklin's vocals were removed.
This album established Acklin as a major talent beyond her work as a songwriter for others, blending catchy melodies with deep soul feeling. Remains a beloved album in soul music circles, frequently reissued on vinyl for modern fans. Features plenty of soul, emotion, and often incorporates saxophone and lush arrangements typical of Brunswick Records in that era, with contributions from writers like Eugene Record.
Critics highlight the album as a perfect demonstration of Acklin's unique talent, balancing her "cute charm" as a singer with her sophisticated abilities as a songwriter. It remains a favorite for "rare-groove" collectors. Reissues, including high-quality 180-gram vinyl editions, are available for audiophiles through labels like Demon Records.