The Commodores
The Commodores are an iconic American funk and soul band formed in 1968 at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. They rose to fame with Motown Records, selling over 60 million records worldwide through hits like "Machine Gun," "Brick House," and "Sail On."
The group originated from the merger of two college bands, the Mystics and the Jays, with original members including Lionel Richie (vocals, saxophone, keyboards), William King (trumpet), Thomas McClary (guitar), Milan Williams (keyboards), Ronald LaPread (bass), and Walter "Clyde" Orange (drums, vocals). They signed with Motown in 1972 after opening for the Jackson 5, debuting with the instrumental hit "Machine Gun" recorded in Muscle Shoals.
Their most successful era spanned the late 1970s to early 1980s, blending funk, soul, and ballads, with Lionel Richie as co-lead singer alongside Orange. Key albums included Machine Gun (1974), Movin' On (1975), Commodores (1977), and Natural High (1978), featuring No. 1 hits like "Slippery When Wet" and "Three Times a Lady."
Lionel Richie left in 1982 for a solo career, followed by McClary in 1983; later departures included Williams (1989) and LaPread (1986). J.D. Nicholas joined as lead vocalist in 1984, and the core touring lineup became King, Orange, and Nicholas with a backing band.
Active for over 50 years, the Commodores continue performing globally with William King and Walter Orange as original members into 2024, though Nicholas departed that year. They've been inducted into halls of fame, including Alabama Music Hall of Fame (1995).
Nightshift
Arranged By – Peter Wolf
Lead Vocals – Walter
Written-By – Martin Page
4:54
A2 Nightshift
Arranged By – Peter Wolf
Lead Vocals – J.D., Walter
Written-By – Dennis Lambert, Franne Gold, Walter Orange
5:03
A3 I Keep Running
Arranged By – Harold Hudson, Paul Fox, William King
Co-producer – William King
Lead Vocals – J.D.
Written-By – Harold Hudson, Shirley King, William King
4:11
A4 Lay Back
Arranged By – Peter Wolf
Lead Vocals – J.D.
Written-By – Dennis Lambert, Franne Gold, Martin Page, Milan Williams
5:01
B1 Slip Of The Tongue
Arranged By – Peter Wolf
Lead Vocals – Walter
Written-By – Lenny Macaluso, Peter Beckett
3:53
B2 Play This Record Twice
Arranged By – Paul M. Jackson Jr.
Lead Vocals – Walter
Written-By – Kevin Smith, Ronald LaPread
4:22
B3 Janet
Arranged By – Paul Fox
Lead Vocals – Walter
Written-By – Bobby Caldwell, Franne Gold, Paul Fox
3:41
B4 The Woman In My Life
Arranged By – Peter Wolf
Lead Vocals – Walter
Written-By – Keith Stegall, Patrick Henderson
3:34
B5 Lightin' Up The Night
Arranged By – Jeff Lorber
Arranged By [Horns] – Jerry Hey
Lead Vocals – Walter
Written-By – Diane Warren, Jeff Lorber
4:02
Label: Motown – 6124ML
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1985
Genre: R&B Soul, Funk
Style: Eighties Soul
Released in 1985 on Motown Records, Nightshift is often cited as a "remarkable renaissance" for the Commodores, marking their first major success after the departure of lead singer Lionel Richie.
Critics generally viewed the album as a solid, if slightly uneven, comeback project. It holds a 4 out of 5 stars rating from Record Mirror and an average user rating of 3.46/5 on Discogs.
The addition of British-born J.D. Nicholas (formerly of Heatwave) was praised as a "welcome change," providing a smooth tenor that complemented the group's transition into mid-80s synth-pop and R&B.
The album was a commercial triumph, peaking at No. 4 on the US Billboard Top R&B Albums chart and No. 12 on the Billboard 200.
Track Highlights & Analysis:-
"Nightshift": The titular track is the album's undisputed "crown jewel". A moving tribute to late soul legends Marvin Gaye and Jackie Wilson, it won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
"Animal Instinct": This second single received mixed reviews; while successful at the time, some modern critics find its heavy 80s synth-pop production "cheesy" but memorable.
"Janet": Often highlighted as a deep-cut favorite, this track features an infectious melody co-written by Bobby Caldwell.
Criticisms: Some reviewers have noted that beyond the hit singles, the album contains several "filler" tracks or "weak" ballads like "The Woman In My Life," which struggled to match the group's previous Richie-led successes.
The album solidified the group's ability to survive after Richie’s departure, providing them with one of their biggest hits and a Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group.