Maurice White
Maurice White
Written-By – Brian Fairweather, Martin Page, Maurice White
4:17
A2 Jamboree
Written-By – Alice Echols, Dean Gant, Keith Echols
3:27
A3 Stand By Me
Written-By – Ben E. King, Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller*
4:10
A4 Sea Of Glass
Written-By – Brian Fairweather, Peter Wolf
0:44
A5 I Need You
Written-By – Mary Unobsky, Priscilla J. Coolidge*, William Smith
4:36
B1 Believe In Magic
Written-By – Diane Warren, Maurice White, Robbie Buchanan
4:35
B2 Lady Is Love
Written-By – Martin Page, Maurice White, Michel Colombier
5:06
B3 Invitation
Written-By – Gerald Brown, Maurice White, Wanda Vaughn, Wayne Vaughn
3:57
B4 The Sleeping Flame
Written-By, Music By – Peter Wolf, Martin Page, Maurice White
2:02
B5 Children Of Afrika
Written-By – Martin Page, Maurice White, Peter Wolf
4:40
B6 Alpha Dance
Written-By – Diane Warren, Maurice White, Robbie Buchanan
1:16
Maurice White’s 1985 self-titled solo album is a polished, synth-heavy, and underrated 80s R&B gem, showcasing the Earth, Wind & Fire mastermind's versatility beyond the band's signature sound. It blends dance-funk, soulful ballads, and pop, featuring notable tracks like "I Need You," "Stand By Me," and "Switch On Your Radio".
The album features a high-quality, "solid-state" R&B sound with lush, polished production, utilizing synth and drum programming, according to reviews by Allmusic and The Guardian. It is noted for its high-end, "slick" 80s production and "top-notch" arrangements that seamlessly fuse R&B, dance, and electronic funk.
While it echoes the "tight, focused and punchy" nature of classic EWF, some reviewers noted that the departure from the band’s signature group sound might alienate listeners expecting a direct continuation of the EWF formula.
It moves beyond pure funk into diverse territory, combining pop, jazz, and African-influenced rhythms. White delivers confident, warm vocals, sometimes featuring a "satiny sexy" and "haunting Johnny Mathis quality" on slower tracks, says Americana Highways.
Key Tracks and Highlights:- "I Need You": A smooth jazz-infused track showcasing White's keyboard skills; "Stand By Me": A multifaceted, soulful cover that blends ballad and dance elements; "Switch On Your Radio": Described as "industrial 80s dance funk"; "The Changing Times": Highlights intricate percussion and African influences; "Lady Is Love" & "Children Of Africa": Standout, grooving tracks with an Afro-funk feel.
Critics, including Allmusic's Andrew Hamilton, gave it positive reviews, calling it a strong,, sophisticated debut. While some fans of the classic Earth, Wind & Fire sound found it too different, it is regarded by others as a "lost treasure" that successfully translated the band's energy into a modern, 80s, radio-friendly context.
Overall, the album is seen as a "fine return to form" for White that bridges the gap between EWF's Electric Universe and their later Touch The World era.