Stone City Band - The Boys Are Back

​Today Marks The 43rd Anniversary of The Release of The Stone City Band’s 2nd Studio Album “The Boys Are Back” Originally Released April 3, 1981.

 

The Boys Are Back is the second studio album by Rick James’ backing band The Stone City Band released by Gordy Records in 1981.

 

The album reached number 53 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums music chart.

 

Two singles were released from the album “All Day And All Of The Night” and “Funky Reggae”

 

The Boys Are Back came out around the same time as Street Songs; while that classic went multi-platinum and is widely regarded as James most essential album, The Boys Are Back received little attention and died a quick death as a result of the success of Rick James’ Street Songs album.

 

Track-listing

 

A1. All Day and All of the Night

A2. Feel Good 'bout Yourself

A3. Keep Love Happy

A4. Ganja

B1. Freaky

B2. Funky Reggae

B3. Lovin' You Is Easy

B4. Tin Soldier

 

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.©

O'Bryan - You and I

​Today Marks The 42nd Anniversary of O'Bryan’s  2nd Studio Album “You and I” Originally Released on April 3, 1983.

 

“You and I” is the second studio album by R&B, Funk singer O'Bryan released in 1983 on Capitol Records.

 

The album peaked at #13 on the U.S. Billboard Black LPs chart, and at #87 on the U.S. Billboard Top LPs & Tapes chart.

 

Two songs were released as singles from the album, "I'm Freaky" and "You And I".

 

"I'm Freaky” reached #15 on the “U.S. Billboard Black Singles chart.

 

"You And I" reached #19 on the “U.S. Billboard Black Singles chart.

 

Other album tracks that received modest airplay were "Together Always", "Soft Touch", and "Soul Train's A Comin'", which became the theme song for the television dance show Soul Train from 1983 to 1987 (the original mix was only used on Soul Train for a few months before changing to a remixed version).

 

Tracklist

 

1. I'm Freaky

2. Dazzlin' Lady

3. I'm In Love Again

4. Together Always

5. You and I

6. Shake

7. Soft Touch

8. Soul Train's A' Comin'

 

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology©

One Way - Lady

​

Today Marks The 42nd Anniversary of One Way’s 7th Studio Album “Lady” Originally Released on April 2, 1984.

 

Lady is the seventh studio album by Detroit, Michigan R&B, Funk band One Way released in 1984 on MCA Records.

 

The album peaked at #1 on the U.S. Billboard Black LPs chart, and at #58 on the U.S. Billboard Top LPs & Tapes chart.

 

Three song were released as singles from the album “Lady You Are”, Mr. Groove, and

 

“Lady You Are” peaked at #5 on the U.S. Billboard Black Singles chart.

 

“Mr. Groove” peaked at #8 on the U.S. Billboard Black Singles chart.

 

“Don't Stop” reached #51 on the U.S. Billboard Black Singles chart.

 

The album was produced by Kevin McCord and was executive produced by Irene Perkins.

 

Tracklist:

 

1. Lady You Are

2. I'll Make It Up To You

3. If Only You Knew

4. Don't Stop

5. Mr. Groove

6. Smile

7. Dynomite

8. Can't Get Enough Of Your Love

 

By Romie Rome for Misique Funkology ©

The Ohio Players - Skin Tight

​This Month Marks The 52nd Anniversary of The Ohio Players’  5th Studio Album “Skin Tight” Originally Released April 1, 1974.

 

Skin Tight is the fifth studio album by the Ohio Players, released in April 1974. It is their first album released through the Mercury Records label, and considered to be their commercial breakthrough album.

 

The album peaked at #1 on the U.S. Billboard Top Soul LPs and at #11 on the U.S. Billboard Top LPs chart.

 

The album released two singles “Jive Turkey “ and “Skin Tight”.

 

Jive Turkey peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart and at #47 on the Billboard Hot 100.

 

“Skin Tight” peaked at #2 the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart and at #13 on the Billboard Hot 100.

 

Skin Tight signified a turning point in the group's career towards a more jazzy and polished funk sound.

 

The album began the Players' dominant platinum-selling period, and would bring them a much bigger audience. In fact, this release would outsell all of their previous LPs combined.

 

Track-listing

 

 All tracks are written by James Williams, Billy Beck, Clarence Satchell, Leroy Bonner, Marshall Jones, Ralph Middlebrooks, Marvin Pierce

 

1. "Skin Tight"

2. "Streakin' Cheek to Cheek"

3. "It's Your Night/Words of Love"

4. "Jive Turkey"

5. "Heaven Must Be Like This"

6. "Is Anybody Gonna Be Saved?"

 

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.©

Betty Davis - Betty Davis

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Today Marks The 53rd Anniversary of Betty Davis’ Debut Self-Titled Album “Betty Davis Originally Released on April 2, 1973.

 

Betty Davis is the eponymous debut studio album by American funk singer Betty Davis, released in  1973 on Just Sunshine Records.

 

The album reached #54 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart.

 

The album’s lead single If I'm In Luck I Might Get Picked Up” reached #66 on the IS Billboard R&B charts.

 

The album was produced by Greg Errico and features contributions from a number of noted musicians such as Neal Schon, Merl Saunders, Sylvester, Larry Graham, Pete Sears, and The Pointer Sisters.

 

In 2007, the album was re-issued on CD and vinyl by the Light in the Attic label. The CD reissue includes three previously unreleased bonus tracks, all from the same album sessions.

 

Track-listing

 

1.  If I'm in Luck I Might Get Picked Up

2. Walkin' Up the Road

3. Anti Love Song

4. Your Man My Man

5. Ooh Yeah

6. Steppin' in Her I. Miller Shoes

7. Game Is My Middle Name

8. In the Meantime

9. Come Take Me (Bonus Track)

10. You Won't See Me in the Morning (Bonus Track)

11. I Will Take That Ride (Bonus Track)

 

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.©

James Brown - I’m Real

​Today Marks The 38th Anniversary of James Brown’s 54th Studio Album “I’m Real” Originally Released April 2, 1988.

 

“I'm Real” is the 54th studio album by American soul, funk musician James Brown. The album was released in 1988 on Scotti Bros. Records.

 

The album peaked at #27 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

 

The album released two hit singles the album title track “I’m Real” and “Static”.

 

The single “I’m Real “ peaked at #31 on Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts.

 

The song's horn section is reminiscent of both "Soul Power" and "Think (About It)”.

 

His songs lyrics assert his primacy and relevance as a performer over and against the many musicians who sample his work.

 

The song “Static” peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts.

 

The song contains samples of four songs, "I Know You Got Soul", "Hot Pants (I'm Coming, I'm Coming, I'm Coming)", "Alice, I Want You Just for Me", and "Hot Pants Road".

 

Static  was the last Top 40 hit James Brown's career.

 

All of the tracks were produced, written and arranged by Full Force, with the exception of "I'm Real" (co-written by Full Force and Brown) and "It's Your Money $" (written and produced solely by Brown).

 

Track-listing

 

1. "Tribute (Full Force)"

2. "I'm Real"

3. "Static (Part 1 & 2)"

4. "Time To Get Busy"

5. "You And Me"

6. "Interview"

7. "She Looks All Types A' Good"

8. "Keep Keepin'"

9. "Can't Git Enuf"

10. "It's Your Money $"

11. "Godfather Runnin' the Joint (Full Force)"

 

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.©