Rick James - Garden of Love

Today Marks The 44th Anniversary of Rick James’ 4th Studio Album “Garden of Love” Originally Released on July 16, 1980.

“Garden of Love is the fourth studio album by the American musician Rick James, released in 1980 on Motown sub-label Gordy Records.

The album peaked at #17 on the U.S. Billboard Top Soul LPs chart and at #83 on the U.S. Billboard Top LPs chart.

Two Singles were released from the album “Big Time” and “Summer Love”.

“Summer Love” was the album’s first single from the album it failed to reach the Billboard charts.

“Big Time” was released as the album’s second single it peaked at #17 on the U.S. Billboard R&B Singles chart and at #38 on the U.S. Billboard Dance Club Songs chart.

The album was considered too ballad-heavy by fans and critics it was a far cry from the earlier albums he released.

Fans of his "Punk Funk" style would only find two uptempo funk driven songs that made them reminisce of his earlier hits “Big Time” and "Mary-Go-Round," Both songs are intricately arranged in James' trademark style and offer plenty of hooks but neither breaks new ground.

The remainder of the album is more focused on love ballads that were usually used as changes of pace on a typical funk-heavy James outing.

Track-listing

1. Big Time

2. Don't Give up on Love

3. Island Lady

4. Gettin' It On (In the Sunshine)

5. Summer Love

6. Mary -Go- Round

7. Gettin' It On (In the Sunshine) Reprise

8. Big Time" (Extended version – Previously unreleased)

10. Gypsy Girl (Unreleased demo)

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.