Maze - Joy and Pain

Today Marks The 44th Anniversary of Maze’s 4th Studio Album “Joy and Pain” Originally Released on July 18, 1980.

“Joy and Pain” is the fourth album by Bay Area-based R&B group Maze, released on July 18, 1980, on Capitol Records.

The album peaked at #5 on the U.S. Billboard R&B Albums chart and at #31 on the U.S. Billboard Top LPs & Tape chart.

Three songs were released as singles "Southern Girl,” "The Look in Your Eyes” and the album’s title track “Joy and Pain”.

"Southern Girl" peaked at #9 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart.

"The Look in Your Eyes” reached #29 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart.

“Joy and Pain” was the third single from the album although it modest airplay on unban radio stations it failed to reach the Billboard charts.

“Joy and Pain” has been covered and sampled numerous times. Donna Allen took her cover to #3 Billboard Hot Black Singles and Top 10 in the UK in 1989, and Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock borrowed the songs chorus for their single of the same name in 1988 which went Top 10 on Billboard's Dance and Rap charts.

The original Maze version was itself re-released in 1989 in the UK, becoming a minor hit there.

The album was certified in the United States gold by the RIAA.

Track-listing

1. Changin' Times

2. The Look In Your Eyes

3. Family

4. Roots

5. Joy And Pain

6. Southern Girl

7. Happiness

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology