Womack and Womack
Womack & Womack was an influential American R&B and soul duo comprising the husband-and-wife team of Cecil Womack and Linda Womack (née Cooke). They achieved global fame in the 1980s and 1990s as both performers and prolific songwriters.
Cecil Womack (1947–2013) was born in Cleveland, Ohio, Cecil was one of the five musical Womack brothers. They began as a gospel group before transitioning to secular music as The Valentinos, mentored by Sam Cooke. Linda Womack (born 1953), the daughter of legendary soul singer Sam Cooke, was immersed in the music industry from childhood. The duo's relationship was marked by a complex family history. Cecil's brother, Bobby Womack, married Sam Cooke's widow, Barbara, making Bobby Linda's stepfather before she eventually married his younger brother, Cecil.
The pair officially formed Womack & Womack in 1983. Their debut album, Love Wars (1983), was a critical favorite. They reached international superstardom with the 1988 single "Teardrops," which sold over 10 million copies and topped charts in several countries, including the Netherlands and Australia.
Before and during their time as a duo, they wrote hits for numerous major artists, including: Teddy Pendergrass: "Love T.K.O."; Patti LaBelle: "Love Bankrupt"; George Benson: "New Day"; Bonnie Raitt: Various contributions.
In the early 1990s, the couple discovered ancestral ties to the Zekkariyas tribe in Nigeria. Cecil adopted the name Zekkariyas, and Linda became Zeriiya. They relocated to South Africa and began recording with their seven children under the name The House of Zekkariyas. Three of their daughters now perform as The Womack Sisters.
Cecil Womack died on February 1, 2013, in Johannesburg, South Africa, at the age of 65. Linda remains based in Africa and continues to be involved in music.
Conscience
A2 MPB (Missin' Persons Bureau) 4:00
A3 Friends (So Called) 5:50
A4 Slave (Just For Love) 5:00
B1 Teardrops 5:00
B2 Good Man Monologue 5:00
B3 Life's Just A Ballgame 4:22
B4 I Am Love 2:40
B5 Celebrate The World 4:00
Label: 4th & Broadway – 209 139
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: Europe
Released: 1988
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Eighties Soul, Disco
Womack & Womack's 1988 album, Conscience, is a critically acclaimed soul/R&B gem celebrated for its smooth grooves, heartfelt lyrics, and the stellar chemistry between Cecil and Linda Womack, especially highlighted by the global hit "Teardrops," though some critics found its unique, sometimes languid pace or sparse production a bit uneven, making it a grower that rewards repeated listens with deep, soulful moments like "Baby I'm Scared of You" and "Life's Just a Ballgame".
The album's standout is "Teardrops," a massive international hit known for its catchy melody and emotional depth, solidifying the duo's global fame.
Critical Reception: Generally positive, with praise for its soulful sound, strong songwriting, and the duo's vocal talents, though some reviews noted dated or sparse production.
Blends soul, R&B, and pop, featuring unique, sometimes mesmerising grooves and a classy ambiance that works well as background music.
Besides "Teardrops," tracks like "Life's Just a Ballgame," "Good Man Monologue," and "Baby I'm Scared of You" showcase their emotional power.
Features the Mountain Man Band, with some critics feeling the British backup was sometimes tepid, contrasting with the Womacks' powerful core performances.
Conscience is seen as a fantastic, gem-filled album for soul fans, a record that might not grab you instantly but offers deep satisfaction with each play, becoming a cherished classic for many.
Love Wars
Electronic Drums [Linn Drum] – Art Wood 5:58
A2 Express Myself
Percussion – Paulinho Da Costa
Written-By – Friendly Womack II 4:52
A3 Baby I'm Scared Of You 5:38
Written-By – Cecil Womack and Linda Womack
A4 T.K.O.
Lead Vocals – Curtis Womack
Written-By – Eddie "Gip" Noble 4:14
B1 A.P.B.
Bass – Nathan East
Written-By – Friendly Womack, Sr. 5:31
B2 Catch And Don't Look Back
Keyboards – Denzil Miller
Written-By – Naomi Womack 5:26
B3 Woman
Percussion – Paulinho Da Costa 4:17
B4 Angie
Written-By – Keith Richards, Mick Jagger 2:55
B5 Good Times
Written-By – Bobby Womack 3:06
Label: Elektra – 9 60293-1
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1983
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Eighties Soul, Funk
Love Wars (1983) is the iconic debut album from the husband-and-wife duo Womack & Womack, a warm, soulful R&B record blending deep soul with 80s textures, featuring the hit title track, the gritty "Baby I'm Scared of You," and their take on Cecil's "TKO," offering sophisticated, heartfelt songs often compared to Ashford & Simpson with a unique Womack family touch, hailed as a critical favorite and a classic.
A fusion of classic deep soul, contemporary R&B, with subtle 80s electronic elements, providing a rich, warm backdrop to their passionate vocals.
Explores love and relationships with depth, featuring soulful duets and personal storytelling, notes BBC.
Notable Tracks:
"Love Wars": The gospel-infused, synth-accented title track.
"Baby I'm Scared of You": A funky, dramatic duet.
"T.K.O.": A powerful version of Cecil's hit originally for Teddy Pendergrass.
"Express Myself": Features a preacher-style intro and soulful delivery.
Produced by Stewart Levine with a talented lineup including Neil Larsen, James Gadson, and Nathan East, it's ranked highly by publications like NME, praised for its consistent quality across all tracks, and remains a beloved staple of soul music.
The album and its singles, especially 'Love Wars', were particularly popular and influential in the UK.
In essence, Love Wars is celebrated as a richly authentic, emotionally resonant soul masterpiece that uses contemporary production to serve timeless songwriting and performance, making it a must-listen for soul music fans.