Slave
Just A Touch Of Love
Written-By – Danny Webster, Mark Adams, Mark Hicks, Raye Turner, Starlena Young, Steve Arrington
6:24
A2 Are You Ready For Love?
Written-By – Curt Jones, Danny Webster, Floyd Miller, Mark Adams, Mark Hicks, Raye Turner, Starlena Young, Steve Arrington
5:58
A3 Funky Lady (Foxy Lady)
Written-By – James R. Wilson
4:33
B1 Roots
Written-By – Curt Jones, Mark Adams, Starlena Young, Steve Arrington
5:00
B2 Painted Pictures
Recorded By – Charlie Conrad, Jeffrey M. Kawalek, Jim Bonefond
0:26
B3 Thank You
Written-By – Floyd Miller, Kipper Jones, Mark Adams, Steve Arrington
5:35
B4 Shine
Written-By – Curt Jones, Danny Webster, Mark Adams, Mark Hicks, Starlena Young, Steve Arrington
4:58
B5 Warning
Written-By – Mark Adams, Starlena Young, Steve Arrington
Label: Cotillion – SD 5217
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1979
Genre: R&B Soul, Funk
Style: Deventies Soul, Disco, Funk
Released in 1979, Just A Touch Of Love by Slave is a critically acclaimed, bass-heavy funk album that signals a shift toward a smoother, more polished 80s club sound while retaining the band's trademark gritty, high-energy rhythm. Featuring Steve Arrington, the album offers standout funk-soul tracks, including the Top 10 R&B hit title song, "Roots," and "Warning".
The album represents a maturation from their 1977 debut, blending intense, compressed funk with a more refined, vocal-heavy approach. It is characterized by strong, intricate, and often experimental basslines and sharp, rhythmic drumming.
Key Tracks:-
"Just A Touch Of Love" (Title Track): A Top 10 R&B hit, regarded as a quintessential 70s funk track.
"Roots": A standout, soul-infused track with strong vocals.
"Warning": Known for its "space boogie" sound and infectious groove.
"Funky Lady (Foxy Lady)": Features prominent vocals and high-energy funk.
Steve Arrington’s role in the band expanded significantly on this album, contributing to a more melodic, vocal-driven sound. The production is often described as lush yet tight, with excellent, punchy bass and sharp, clean arrangements.
Considered a high point in Slave's discography, the album is highly regarded for its blend of danceable, funk-oriented tracks and soulful vocals. It is often described as a quintessential example of 70s Ohio funk, maintaining high demand among collectors and funk enthusiasts.
Just A Touch Of Love is highly recommended for fans of late 70s funk, boogie, and soul, often cited as a crucial record for understanding the transition into 1980s funk.
Slave
A2 Screw Your Wig On Tite 5:29
A3 Party Hardy 3:42
A4 Son Of Slide 5:29
B1 You And Me 6:41
B2 Love Me 4:39
B3 The Happiest Days 5:17
B4 Separated 5:30
Written-By, Arranged By – C. Bradley, D. Webster, F. Miller, M. Adams, M. Hicks, O. Wilhoite, S. Washington, T. Dozier, T. Lockett, Jr.
Label: Cotillion – SD 5200
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1977
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk
Slave's self-titled 1977 debut album is widely considered a classic and essential masterpiece of heavy, unadulterated funk music. The album is highly regarded for its raw energy, tight musicianship (especially considering most members were still in high school), and for establishing the band as a major force in the Dayton, Ohio funk scene.
The album is noted as defining "monster funk," blending raw sound with a sleek, sophisticated feel. Its heavy approach was particularly appealing to young Black male audiences and heavy funk fans in general.
Reviewers consistently praise the band's musical talent. The standout elements are Mark Adams' "off the charts", slithering bass lines and Mark "Drac" Hicks' hard-rocking guitar solos, which are often compared to those of rock guitarists. The horn section also receives high marks for its tight and impressive arrangements.
The album's major hit, "Slide," is a classic track, instantly recognizable by its "funny bicycle horn" sound effect at the beginning and its irresistible groove. The song topped the US R&B charts and peaked at number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The album was a commercial success, peaking at number six on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and reaching number 22 on the Billboard 200. It was certified Gold by the RIAA.
The album is notable because many of the band members were still in high school when it was recorded. The sound on this album is considered more aggressive and raw compared to their later, slicker releases.
A highly influential debut that proved Slave wasn't a one-trick pony, solidifying their place in funk history and achieving Gold status.