Barry White
Barry White was a renowned American singer, songwriter, and record producer, celebrated for his distinctive bass voice and romantic persona. He rose to fame primarily in the 1970s, both as a solo artist and as part of the Love Unlimited Orchestra. His music, which blended elements of soul, R&B, and disco, earned him two Grammy Awards and a devoted fan base.
As the "undisputed king of boudoir disco," Barry White's work is characterized by its sensual themes and lush orchestration. His ability to produce and perform simultaneously set him apart in the music industry, and he was recognized as a master of soul and popular R&B music. His signature style combined deep, powerful vocals with romantic lyrics, making his songs a staple in the genre.
Born in Galveston, Texas, Barry White began his musical journey by singing gospel songs alongside his mother and taught himself to play the piano. He recorded his first song at the age of 16 and eventually became a long-time session producer before achieving prominence as a solo artist in the 1970s. His contributions to music included not only his performances but also his innovative production techniques.
Barry White's legacy continues to influence artists across various genres, and his music remains popular today.
Barry White The Man
Written-By – F. Wilson*, R. Cooksey*, T. Payton*
7:40
A2 Your Sweetness Is My Weakness
Written-By – B. White*
8:04
A3 Sha La La Means I Love You
Written-By – B. White*
8:00
B1 September When I First Met You
Written-By – B. White*, E. Brown*, F. Wilson*, P. Politi*
6:57
B2 It's Only Love Doing Its Thing
Written-By – J. Cameron-V. Cameron*
4:04
B3 Just The Way You Are
Written-By – Billy Joel
7:09
B4 Early Years
Written-By – R. Coleman*
6:50
Label: 20th Century Fox Records – T-571
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1978
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Disco
Barry White's 1978 album, The Man, is a disco-infused, smooth soul record that leans heavily into danceable grooves, featuring hits like "Your Sweetness Is My Weakness" and "Sha La La (Means I Love You)," but it's often seen as less essential than his earlier work, lacking standout hits despite solid tracks and featuring his signature spoken word intros with slightly excessive bedroom talk for some critics, ultimately praised for its cohesive, chill vibe and inventive arrangements, though some tracks are considered overly long.
A blend of disco rhythms, smooth soul, and hints of salsa, moving away from pure ballads towards more upbeat, groove-focused tracks.
Includes the popular "Your Sweetness Is My Weakness" (a potential template for Michael Jackson's style), "Sha La La (Means I Love You)," and "Look At Her".
Some reviewers found the spoken-word interludes excessive and some tracks, like "Don't Let Go," tediously long, noting a dip in White's usual impact compared to his peak.
Described as a cohesive, chill, and inventive release, with the cover of Billy Joel's "Just the Way You Are" offering a softer touch.
The album peaked at #1 on the R&B charts and #36 on the Billboard Pop chart. As of 2026, user platforms like Discogs reflect strong enduring appeal with average ratings around 4.4/5. Many fans and critics consider this the peak of White's 20th Century Records era before he transitioned into more synthesizer-heavy production in the 1980s.
In essence, The Man is a well-regarded album for fans of Barry White's smoother, disco-influenced side, offering enjoyable grooves but not reaching the iconic heights of his signature classics.
Stone Gon’
A2 Honey Please, Can't Ya See 5:05
A3 You're My Baby 8:58
B1 Hard To Believe That I Found You 6:49
B2 Never, Never Gonna Give Ya Up 7:59
Label: 20th Century Records – T-423
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1973
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk, Disco
Arranged By – Gene Page
Arranged By, Producer, Written-By – Barry White
Artwork [Concept By] – Sound Packaging Corp.
Design [Album] – Craig Braun
Engineer – Frank Kegmer
Photography By – Norman Seef
Typography [Lettering By] – Bob Maile
Barry White's 1973 album Stone Gon' is widely considered a masterpiece of early '70s soul and funk, praised for its lush orchestrations, deep baritone vocals, and elongated, sensual compositions. It was a commercial success, reaching number one on the R&B albums chart.
Critics and fans view Stone Gon' as an essential, high-quality album from White's most prolific period. The album is noted for its pre-disco sound, where the lack of a simplified dance beat allowed White to showcase his "extraordinary feeling for making orchestrations".
It features a rich fusion of symphonic strings, "honeyed" rhythms, and funky guitars, creating a distinct "Love Unlimited" sound that is both grand and intimate. The production quality, especially the drums and bass, is often highlighted as superb.
White's signature deep, tranquil, and "amazing" voice is a central feature. His extended love monologues are considered a fascinating and unscripted part of his performance, adding to the album's romantic and "implicitly sexual" atmosphere without feeling cheesy.
The compositions are described as being of the highest quality, often featuring extended track lengths (most over six minutes) that allow the musical ideas to fully develop. Some critics mention that while the tracks are long, they maintain a high standard throughout.
For many listeners, the album evokes strong, positive memories, contributing to its enduring appeal and status as a treasured record.
The album features several tracks that maintain the high standard of his work, including two major R&B hits:
"Never, Never Gonna Give Ya Up": A significant hit single that is frequently cited as one of the album's best tracks, praised for its layered mid-tempo funk.
"Honey Please, Can't Ya See": Another chart-topping single, known for its "crawling, implicitly sexual" groove.
"Girl It's True, Yes I'll Always Love You": A sincere and sensitive love song that provides a different dimension to the album.
Overall, Stone Gon' is widely regarded as a significant album in Barry White's discography and a masterpiece of its genre, often recommended as an essential listen for fans of soul and R&B music.