The Gap Band
The Gap Band was an influential American R&B and funk band that emerged in the music scene during the 1970s and 1980s.
The band was founded in 1967 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by the Wilson brothers: Charlie, Ronnie, and Robert. They were inspired to pursue music due to their upbringing as sons of a Pentecostal minister. Initially, they formed a different group that included Tuck Andress, but eventually settled on the name The Gap Band, which was derived from the names of three neighborhoods in Tulsa: Greenwood, Archer, and Pine.
The Gap Band gained prominence in the late 1970s and continued to rise throughout the '80s, becoming known for their unique blend of funk, soul, and R&B. The band's music style was heavily influenced by musical pioneers such as George Clinton and Stevie Wonder. Their success was marked by numerous hit songs, including "You Dropped a Bomb on Me," "Outstanding," and "Party Train," which showcased their standout musicianship and catchy melodies.
The Wilson brothers served as multi-instrumentalists, with Charlie Wilson taking on the role of lead vocalist. Their performances were characterized by high energy and engaging stage presence, contributing to their popularity during the disco and funk eras.
The Gap Band's influence extended beyond their own recordings, as they significantly contributed to the funk genre and influenced many artists in the years that followed. They were known for their ability to blend styles and create infectious rhythms that captivated audiences.
The Gap Band's music and legacy continue to resonate today, marking them as icons in the R&B and funk genres. Their ability to craft memorable hits and their contributions to the music industry have ensured that their work remains relevant in modern pop culture.
Although the group faced challenges over the years, including changes in the music industry and personal issues, their impact on the sound of funk and R&B is undeniable, and they are celebrated for their classic tracks and the energetic spirit they brought to their performances.
In summary, The Gap Band was a significant musical force characterized by the talents of the Wilson brothers and their ability to create timeless music, solidifying their place in the annals of American music history.
The Gap Band
A2 You Can Count On Me 4:59
A3 Open Up Your Mind (Wide) 7:08
A4 Messin' With My Mind 4:12
B1 Baby Baba Boogie 6:36
B2 I'm In Love 5:25
B3 Got To Get Away 3:48
B4 I Can Sing 5:18
Written by Buddy Jones (tracks: B2), Charles Wilson, Lonnie Simmons, R. Calhoun (tracks: A4), Robert Whitfield (tracks: A4), Robert Wilson, Ronnie Wilson
Label: Mercury – SRM-1-3758
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1979
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk, Disco
The Gap Band's 1979 self-titled album (often called Gap Band I), their first on Total Experience, marked a pivotal shift from psychedelic soul to a tighter, more commercial funk sound, blending 70s production with hints of disco and Stevie Wonder influences, featuring standout tracks like the strutting funk of "Shake" and jazzy cuts, serving as a strong foundation for their iconic 80s success despite being less known than later hits. Critics praise its vibrant mix of funk, soul, and early electro-funk, with some reviewers giving it high marks for capturing the band finding its essential groove.
The album bridged their earlier Mercury sound with the streamlined funk that would define their peak, incorporating elements of P-Funk, Stevie Wonder, and EWF. It features bright, cosmopolitan funk, disco-infused tracks like "Baby Baba Boogie," and melodic sophistifunk. While Gap Band II (1980) brought massive singles like "Oops Upside Your Head," this 1979 effort established their core sound and chemistry.
The group released a second self-titled album (The Gap Band II) later in the same year, which included the massive hit "I Don't Believe You Want to Get Up and Dance (Oops Upside Your Head)". Most critics consider the first 1979 album more "70s soulful" and the second as the definitive shift toward their signature P-Funk influenced style.
This album showcases The Gap Band solidifying their identity, delivering fun, groove-heavy tracks with sharp horns and dynamic vocals, making it a vital listen for understanding their evolution into funk legends.
The Gap Band – Gap Band V - Jammin’
Written-By – O. Scott
1:35
A2 Shake A Leg
Written-By – C. Wilson, R. Wilson, R. Taylor
4:01
A3 I'm Ready (If You're Ready)
Written-By – C. Wilson, J. Hamilton, M.H. Nestor
5:30
A4 You're My Everything
Written-By – R. Wilson
4:15
A5 Jammin' In America
Written-By – B. Spears, R. Wilson
5:04
A6 Smile
Arranged By [Strings] – Gene Page
Producer – Lonnie Simmons
Written-By – O. Scott, R. Wilson
3:02
B1 Party Train
Producer, Written-By – Lonnie Simmons
Written-By – C. Wilson, R. Wilson, R/ Taylor
6:10
B2 Jam The Motha'
Remix – Robert Wilson
Written-By – C. Wilson, R. Wilson, R. Taylor
4:18
B3 I Expect More
Written-By – F. Jenkins, K. Rich, R. Wilson
3:55
B4 You're Something Special
Lead Vocals – Ronnie Wilson
Written-By – R. Wilson
5:20
B5 Someday
Backing Vocals – Stevie Wonder
Written-By – B. Young, R. Wilson
4:35
Label: Total Experience Records – TE-1-3004
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1983
Genre: R&B Soul, Funk
Style: Eighties Soul, Disco, Funk
Released in 1983, Gap Band V – Jammin’ is often characterized as the final entry in the group’s "golden era" before a noted decline in subsequent releases. While it successfully maintained the group's commercial momentum following the massive success of Gap Band IV, critical reception is mixed, frequently highlighting a shift toward a more commercial sound.
The album retains the band’s trademark "percolated" funk approach—tight, rhythmic lines with a touch of jazz influence—produced primarily by Ronnie Wilson.
Critics note the record is "slicker" and more commercial than its predecessors. It leans heavily on synth-driven dancefloor fillers and introduces socially aware themes, a rarity for the band at the time.
Key Tracks:-
"Party Train": A major R&B hit (reaching #3), this dark, textured groover is considered a dancefloor essential, featuring train sound effects and a driving beat.
"Someday" (feat. Stevie Wonder): A tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., this track is praised as an "inspired" and "moving" moment that showcases a different, more serious side of the band.
"Shake a Leg": Regarded as one of the catchiest openers in their catalog, it features bright horns and a circular rhythm.
While some reviewers call it "outstanding", others find it uneven. Common complaints include "mediocre and samey" tracks in the middle of the album, with "Jammin' In America" often singled out as a weak point.
The album was a commercial success, reaching #1 on the R&B/Black Albums chart and #28 on the Pop chart, eventually earning Gold certification.
Modern reissues include 12" remixes and bonus tracks like the "Party Train" dance mix. Some users have reported sound quality issues (dropouts) on specific remastered CD versions.