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So many sides. An introduction to Bobby Womack
Released on 28 July 2003
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After several fallow years, soul legend Bobby Womack returned to top form in the early 1980s with his The Poet album. The best material from that triumphant comeback is assembled here, featuring modern soul classics such as 'So Many Sides Of You’ and 'Tell Me Why’, plus two epic duets with Patti Labelle. |
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Like many soul headz I imagine Bobby Womack has been at one time or another my favourite soul singer. Of course these things go in cycles as other artists peak or hit the spot, but undeniably Bobby is pretty much a legend. That said it's been a while, apart from the odd track here and there, since I've properly listened to him, despite having many of his albums. I've never been an 'artist' man so far as record buying is concerned but it got pretty close with Bobby.
Now listening to this album again, containing some of the best works from the 80's, it all comes flooding back. Of course during this period the output was a bit more polished than his earlier stuff but nonetheless it retains the grittiness and soulfulness in his voice, but as importantly this material very much stands the test of time. Yes the 80's are 20 years ago!
The opening track, So many sides of you, is still one that gets many plays in the Soul Rooms even now and is a classic. This and the first 5 tracks coming from the Poet. Secrets continues in that groove. But there were also some great ballads on this album, none more so than the wonderful If you think you're lonely now, which probably is the cut that kickstarted interest in the album and Bobby's resurgence. Games is typical womack with the poken bit and familiar guitar.
Poet II cut amongst some label acrimony was still a classic, including some massive cuts with Patti Labelle Love has finally come at last, Through the eyes of a child and It takes a lot of strength to say goodbye, all featured here. Of the uptempo material there is another classic that also still gets plays and that is Trying to get over you. American dream is a bluesy balad complete with MLK speech.
Someday We'll all be free was the last of a trilogy coming out later – and strangely is completely omitted from the sleeve notes. The title track is a fine ballad and Falling in Love is as fast as Bobby ever gets!
In fact the notes talk about two tracks from the later album on Solar but there seems only to be one. I haven't checked the record books so I may be wrong but I am just going by the press release and dates on the sleeve notes. Save the Children, in the late 80's for Solar, is a bit Marvin, heartfelt message of hope for the next generation.
Great Stuff.
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