CASTLE MUSIC

Whispers - Bingo - The Janus Recordings

Released on 18 November 2002.

This double Cd contains the entire output from the Janus label for the first time on CD including 3 complete albums Love Story, Life and Breath and Bingo.

The first album is predominantly slowies, put together in the exceptional way that Whispers material always was. A couple of the tracks hit US R'n'B Can't help but love you, Love's so doggone good, and There's a love for everyone. The track for me though is You fill my life with music, lifting the tempo just a tad, a fairly commercial beat with nice strings and lovely harmonies. Can't stop Talkin was the upbeat cut in funky mode as was the bonus cut Cracker Jack. The Whispers weren't afraid to make socio or political comment and over the years there are many examples. One of the first set of bonus cuts was one such thing It sure ain't pretty Hard core unemployed.

The second album was Life and Breath, kicking of with a great song Here comes tomorrow sung in a more strained style than was usual. Somebody loves you was the R'n'B hit from this album a dirge ballad. The title cut is also worthy of mention with it's powerful production. Can we love forever is more upbeat but again most of the album is downbeat including the Love theme to The Godfather. More political comment of the Vietnam variety on the bonus track POA.

The third album took the group to Philadelphia which upped the ante commercially, the city was hot and so were a couple of tracks here Bingo and A mother for my children, the latter a particular favourite. The Whispers were perfectly suited to the Philly Sound, the Philly arrangements and the Whispers vocal harmonies go so well together, Will you be mine being a perfect example as is Once more with feeling. Where there is love is a top sound in anyones book, probably the best track from this selection, although What more can a girl ask for, in different tempo, runs it close.

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