C.L. Blast<div hidden>CL Blast</div>
C.L. Blast, born Clarence Junior Lewis on August 20, 1934, in Birmingham, Alabama, was a prominent American soul and blues singer. Lewis spent his formative years in Alabama before moving to New York in the mid-1950s, where he began to make a name for himself in the music industry.
Throughout his career, he was known for his powerful voice and emotive performances, which established him as a respected figure in the soul music scene. He released music under various names, including his real name, Clarence Junior Lewis, and the stage name C.L. Blast. His work during this period showcased his versatility and musical range, capturing the essence of soul and blues.
His first notable record, "Your Heart Must Be Made of Stone," marked the beginning of his recording career and had a significant impact on listeners. C.L. Blast's music resonated with audiences, and he quickly gained recognition for his contributions to the genre.
Despite his success, details about his personal life remain limited, and he often preferred to focus on his music rather than the spotlight of celebrity. C.L. Blast continued to perform and create music until his passing on February 26, 2016, leaving behind a legacy that would influence future soul and blues artists.
C.L. Blast
Written-By – F. Knight 4:43
A2 50/50 Love
Saxophone [Solo] – Harvey Thompson
Written-By – F. Knight 4:28
A3 I Need To Love You
Guitar [Solo] – John Willis
Vocals – Marilyn Denise Hubbard
Written-By – F. Knight 5:10
A4 Drown In My Own Tears
Written-By – Henry Glover 5:15
A5 Never Let Me Go
Written-By – Joseph W. Scott 3:32
B1 Lay Another Log On The Fire
Guitar [Solo] – Michael Ward
Written-By – F. Knight 4:45
B2 Somebody Shot My Eagle
Written-By – F. Knight 4:59
B3 I Just Don't Know
Written-By – J. Shamwell, T. Tate 4:12
B4 Let Me Entertain You
Written-By – F. Knight 4:31
Label: Park Place Records – PPR 416
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1984
Genre: R&B Soul, Blues
Style: Southern Soul
The self-titled 1984 album by C.L. Blast (born Clarence Lewis) is widely regarded as a standout example of soulful Southern R&B from the 1980s. Released on Amherst Records and Park Place Records, the album showcases Blast’s traditional, gospel-tinged vocal style.
Reviews frequently highlight Blast’s "amazing" and "beautiful" voice, noting its soulful depth and melodic rhythm. His style is often compared to classic soul icons like David Ruffin, bringing a sense of "nostalgia" to the recordings.
The album balances romantic soul ballads with more energetic, uptempo tracks. It is described as "classy and melancholy" with a "warm, vibrant sound" that appeals to fans of traditional soul music.
While some modern critiques suggest the instrumentation occasionally lacks the raw power of his earlier work, the recording quality is still praised for its clarity.
Several songs from the 1984 release have remained favorites among soul collectors:
"Love Don't Feel Like Love No More": Often cited as a "hit" that evokes strong nostalgia.
"I Need To Love You": A prominent ballad that has seen continued play on soul platforms.
"Boomerang Love" and "50/50 Love": Notable for their crossover appeal and consistent ratings among fans.
On collector platforms like Discogs, the album maintains a high average rating of approximately 4 out of 5 stars based on user reviews.
Much of this material was later compiled into the retrospective collection Lay Another Log on the Fire: The Complete Juana Sessions 1976–1984, which is recommended for those looking for the definitive version of his late-career work.
While C.L. Blast is often described as an underrated traditional gospel-tinged soul singer, this album is considered a highlight of his later career. You can buy this album on digital platforms like Amazon or Apple Music. Collectors can often find original vinyl pressings or the comprehensive 2008 CD compilation Lay Another Log on the Fire – The Complete Juana Sessions 1976-1984 through Discogs.