Al Hudson and One Way
Al Hudson and One Way were a popular Detroit funk/R&B group, evolving from Al Hudson & The Partners, known for soulful hits like "You Can Do It" and "Cutie Pie," blending funk, disco, and soul with smooth vocals and deep grooves, achieving significant R&B chart success in the late 70s and 80s with members like Alicia Myers, then Candyce Edwards, before returning with new music decades later.
The group began as Al Hudson & The Soul Partners in Detroit, with Al Hudson (vocals), Dave Roberson (guitar), Cortez Harris (guitar), Kevin McCord (bass), Corky Meadows (keys), and Gregory Greene (drums). They scored their initial R&B success with the 1979 track "You Can Do It" (co-written with new vocalist Alicia Myers) on the ABC label, transitioning to MCA Records.
In 1979, the band became "One Way featuring Al Hudson" and later "One Way," delivering a string of funk and soul classics. Alicia Myers was a pivotal voice until 1981, when she departed for a solo career; Candyce Edwards stepped in, maintaining the group's momentum.
They earned multiple Top 10 R&B hits, including "Pop It," "Lady You Are," "Mr. Groove," "Don't Think About It," and their biggest, "Cutie Pie" (1982), which hit #4 on the Billboard Soul chart. Known for catchy rhythms, deep basslines, and soulful vocals, their music was a staple in funk and disco.
After a final album with Capitol Records in 1988, the group largely faded from recording but continued touring. In a surprise move, One Way released their twelfth album, New Old School, in 2019, bringing their classic sound back after a 31-year break.
A New Beginning
A2 Weekend Lover (Al Hudson, Cuba Gregory, Irene Perkins, Maurice Gregory, Valdez Brantley 4:00)
A3 Let's Talk featuring Al Hudson & Lorrie Tice (Hugh Morton, Maurice Gregory 3:34)
A4 Get Up Off It (Hugh Morton, Maurice Gregory 4:49)
A5 Say You Will featuring Al Hudson & Jeanette Mack (Al Hudson, Cuba Gregory, Irene Perkins, Maurice Gregory, Valdez Brantley 4:51)
B1 Love At The Count Of 3 (Al Hudson, Cuba Gregory, Irene Perkins, Maurice Gregory, Valdez Brantley 4:31)
B2 Pleasure Seeker (Al Hudson, Cuba Gregory, Irene Perkins, Maurice Gregory, Valdez Brantley 4:12)
B3 U, Me & The Other Guy (Dave Roberson 5:20)
B4 You're Not My Problem (Al Hudson, Cuba Gregory, Irene Perkins, Maurice Gregory, Valdez Brantley 3:25)
B5 Must'a Been Crazy (Al Hudson, Lanar Brantley, Theodore Thomas Jr., Valdez Brantley 4:37)
Label: Capitol Records – C1-48990
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1988
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Disco Funk
A New Beginning is the final studio album by American R&B and funk band Al Hudson and One Way. The album is rooted in the genres of funk and soul, characteristic of the band's late-era work.
The album explores various facets of contemporary R&B and funk for the late 1980s. A notable track, "Get Up Off It," is described as a "dope late era electro funk track" that features lush vocoder and human beatbox effects.
While specific critical reviews are limited, the band in this period was known for navigating the evolving sound of funk in the 80s, blending live instrumentation with electronic and synthesized elements.
The album's lead track "Driving Me Crazy" was Al Hudson and One Way's last charting single . Released in 1988, the song peaked at number 75 on the US R&B chart. Following the release of this album on Capitol Records in 1988 the band disbanded, though they later reformed in 2019.