Average White Band - Aftershock

Today Marks The 36th Anniversary of The Average White Band’s 10th Studio Album “Aftershock” Originally Released on May 31, 1989.

“Aftershock” is the tenth studio album by Scottish funk and R&B band The Average White Band released in 1989 on Track Records.

The album reached #69 on the U.S. Billboard Top Black Albums charts.

Two songs were released as singles from the album “The Spirit of Love” and

“The Spirit of Love” reached #47 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Black Singles charts. The song features R8B vocalists Chaka Khan and Ronnie Laws.

"Sticky Situation" was the second song released from the album it failed to chart in the United States Billboard music charts.

The album “Aftershock” saw the return of three original band members, They were reduced to a trio consisting of singer/bassist Alan Gorrie, guitarist/singer Onnie McIntyre, and saxophonist Roger Ball. Singer, guitarist and drummer Alex Ligertwood also joined the band.

The album was quite successful in Europe.

Tracklist

1. "The Spirit of Love" (4:05)

2. "Sticky Situation" (4:29)

3. "Aftershock" (4:07)

4. "Love at First Sight" (4:47)

5. "I'll Get Over You" (4:32)

6. "Later We'll Be Greater" (3:52)

7. "Let's Go All the Way" (5:53)

8. "We're in Too Deep" (3:54)

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology

The Isley Brothers - Havest for the World

Today Marks The 49th Anniversary of The Isley Brothers’ 14th Studio Album “Harvest for the World” Originally Released on May 29, 1976.

Harvest for the World is the fourteenth studio album released by The Isley Brothers on their T-Neck imprint on May 29, 1976.

The album peaked at #1 on the US Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and at #9 on US Billboard Pop Albums chart.

Three singles were released from the album “Who Loves You Better”, The album’s title track "Harvest for the World" and "People of Today".

“Who Loves You Better” peaked at #2 on the US Billboard Dance Club Songs chart, #3 on the US Billboard R&B Singles Chart and at #47 on the US Billboard Pop Singles Chart.

"Harvest for the World" peaked at #9 on the US Billboard R&B Singles Chart and at #63 on the US Billboard Pop Singles Chart.

"People of Today" peaked at #3 on the US Billboard Dance Club Songs chart.

“(At Your Best) You Are Love” was a fan favorite though it wasn’t released as a single it was in heavy rotation on urban radio stations abroad.

The song was covered by many artists including Aaliyah, Althea Hewitt, Justice Der and M.Y.M.P. as well as a few others.

The album sold over 500,000 copies in the first three weeks of release, making it one of the fastest-selling records ever (it passed the million sales mark in the early 2000s).

Track-listing

1. Harvest for the World (Prelude)

2. Harvest for the World

3. People of Today

4. Who Loves You Better

5. (At Your Best) You Are Love

6. Let Me Down Easy

7. So You Wanna Stay Down

8. You Still Feel the Need

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

Heatwave - Current

Today Marks The 43rd Anniversary of Heatwave’s 5th Studio Album “Current” Originally Released on May 28, 1982.

“Current” is the fifth studio album by funk-disco band Heatwave, released in 1982 on Epic Records.

The album reached #21 on the U.S. Billboard Top Black LPs chart and at #156 on the U.S. Billboard Top LPs chart.

Four singles were released from the album Lettin' It Loose" and "Look After Love" were released in the United States and "The Big Guns" and "Hold On to the One" were released as singles in Japan.

The album’s lead single "Lettin' It Loose" reached #54 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart.

"Look After Love" was the second single released in the United States it failed to reach the Billboard charts.

“Current” was the last Heatwave album to feature vocalist Johnnie Wilder Jr. as well as their final album to feature Rod Temperton as the band's primary songwriter, It was also the final Heatwave album to feature Derek Bramble before his departure to focus on a career in production.

British singer and lead vocalist from the group Imagination, Leee John was featured as a guest vocalist providing vocals and harmony work

The album was remastered and reissued with bonus tracks in 2010 by Big Break Records.

Track-listing

1. Lettin' It Loose

2. State to State

3. Look After Love

4. Naturally

5. The Big Guns

6. Find It in Your Heart

7. Hold On to the One

8. Mind What You Find

9. Lettin' It Loose (12" version)

10. Look After Love (Single Version)

11. Mind What You Find (12" Version)

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

Eddie Hazel - The Basement Rehearsals

Today Marks The 11th Anniversary of Eddie Hazel’s 5th Posthumous Album “The Basement Rehearsals” Originally Released on May 28, 2014.

The Basement Rehearsals is a posthumous album by former Parliament-Funkadelic lead guitarist Eddie Hazel and the band Krunchy.

The album was released digitally on May 28, 2014 By Funk To The Max a Dutch based P-Funk record label.

Track-listing

1. I Don't Live Today (1st. Rehearsal Version, 24 November, 1990)

2. Voodoo Child (1st. Rehearsal Version, 24 November, 1990)

3. Power Of Soul (1st. Rehearsal Version, 24 November, 1990)

4. I Don't Live Today (2nd. Rehearsal Version, 24 November, 1990)

5. Power of Soul (2nd. Rehearsal Version, 25 November, 1990)

6. Johhny Connellyy's Theory (Rehearsal Recording, 25 November, 1990)

7. Manic Depression (Rehearsal Recording, 25 November, 1990)

8. Are You Experienced (Rehearsal Recording, 25 November, 1990)

9. I Don't Live Today (3rd. Rehearsal Version, 25 November, 1990)

10. Voodoo Child (2nd. Rehearsal Version. 25 November, 1990)

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology

Odyssey - I Got The Melody

Today Marks The 44th Anniversary of Odyssey’s 4th Studio Album “I Got the Melody” Originally Released on May 27, 1981.

“I Got the Melody” is the fourth studio album by New York City Disco/R&B group Odyssey released in 1981 on RCA Victor Records.

The album reached #62 on the U.S. Billboard Soul LP chart, and at #175 on the U.S. Billboard Top LPs & Tapes chart.

Two songs were released as singles from the album "Going Back to My Roots" and "It Will Be Alright".

"Going Back to My Roots" reached #55 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play and at #68 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart.

"It Will Be Alright" was released in the United Kingdom it reached #44 on the UK Singles chart.

The album was produced by Steve Tyrell

Tracklist

1. I Got The Melody

2. Roots Suite: Ajomora, Going Back To My Roots, Bawa Awa

3. I Can't Keep Holding Back My Love

4. Baby That's All I Want

5. It Will Be Alright

6. Oh No Not My Baby

7. Hold On To Love

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology

Con Funk Shun - Candy

Today Marks The 46th Anniversary of Con Funk Shun’s 5th Studio Album “Candy” Originally Released on May 26, 1979.

“Candy” is the fifth studio album by Vallejo, California funk band Con Funk Shun released in 1979 on the Mercury Records label.

The album peaked at #7 on the U.S. Billboard Top Black Albums chart and at #46 on the U.S.Billboard Billboard Top LPs & Tape chart.

Three songs were released from the album "Chase Me", "(Let Me Put) Love On Your Mind" and "Da Lady".

"Chase Me" peaked at #4 on the U.S. Billboard Best Selling Soul Singles chart.

"(Let Me Put) Love On Your Mind" reached #24 on the U.S. Billboard Best Selling Soul Singles chart.

"Da Lady" reached #60 on the U.S. Billboard Best Selling Soul Singles chart.

The album title track “Candy”wasn’t released as a single but received airplays on urban radio stations.

Track-listing

1. Fire When Ready

2. Chase Me

3. Not Ready

4. Da Lady

5. Candy

6. (Let Me Put) Love On Your Mind

7. Main Slice

8. Images

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology

The Pointer Sisters - The Pointer Sisters

Today Marks The 52nd Anniversary of The Pointer Sisters’ Debut Self-titled Studio Album “The Pointer Sisters” Originally Released on May 26, 1973.

“The Pointer Sisters” is the debut self-titled studio album by the Pointer Sisters, released in 1973 by Blue Thumb Records.

The album peaked at #3 on the U.S. Billboard Soul LP's chart and at #13 on the U.S. Billboard Top LPs & Tapes charts.

The released two hit singles "Yes We Can Can" and "Wang Dang Doodle"

"Yes We Can Can" reached #11 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and at #12 on the U.S. Billboard Best Selling Soul Singles chart.

"Wang Dang Doodle" reached #24 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and at #61 on the U.S. Billboard Best Selling Soul Singles chart.

The album was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America in February 1974.

The album was remastered and issued on CD in 2001 by MCA Records.

Track-listing

1. Yes We Can Can

2. Cloudburst

3. Jada

4. River Boulevard

5. Old Songs

6. That's How I Feel

7. Sugar

8. Pains and Tears

9. Naked Foot

10. Wang Dang Doodle

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology

Mass Production - Three Miles High

Today Marks The 47th Anniversary of Mass Production’s 3rd Studio Album “Three Miles High” Originally Released on May 25, 1978.

“Three Miles High” is the third studio album by Norfolk, Virginia funk, Disco band Mass Production released in 1978 on Cotillion Records.

The album peaked at #4 on the U.S. Billboard Top Soul LPs charts.

Two songs were released as singles from the album, Just Wanna Make a Dream Come True (Mass in F Minor) and “Sky High “.

“Just Wanna Make a Dream Come True (Mass in F Minor)” reached #46 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart.

“Sky High” reached #87 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart.

The album was produced by Ed A. Ellerbe and Mass Production.

Track-list

1. Watch Me Do It

2. Sky High

3. I Don't Want To Know

4. Groove Me

5. Our Thought (Let The Music Take You Away)

6. Just Wanna Make A Dream Come True (Mass In F Minor)

7. Scarey Love

8. Slow Bump

9. Music And Love

 

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

 

Odyssey - Happy Together

Today Marks The 43rd Anniversary of Odyssey’s 5th Studio Album “Happy Together” Originally Released on May 25, 1982.

“Happy Together” is the fifth studio album by New York City R&B group Odyssey released in 1982 on RCA Victor Records.

The album reached #23 on the U.S. Billboard Soul LP charts.

Two songs were released as singles from the album "Inside Out" and "Magic Touch".

"Inside Out" peaked at #12 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart, #25 on the U.S. Billboard Dance Club Songs chart and at #104 just beneath the Billboard Hot 100.

"Inside Out" was the group’s second highest charting single on the UK Singles Chart, where it peaked at #3 on the UK singles chart.

Inside Out’s is quite identical to Slave’s hit single “Watching You” in which they both have the same backing tracks with slight alterations that are distinctive from one another and both songs were produced by Jimmy Douglass who produced many of Slave’s albums.

"Magic Touch" reached #41 on the UK Singles charts.

The album was produced by Jimmy Douglass.

Track-list

 1. Together

2. Inside Out

3. Happy Together

4. Happy People

5. When You Love Somebody

6. Love's Allright

7. Magic Touch

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

Loose Ends - A Little Spice

Today Marks The 51st Anniversary of Loose Ends’ Debut Studio Album “A Little Spice” Originally Released on May 25, 1984.

“A Little Spice” is the debut studio album released by the English R&B band Loose Ends released in 1984 on Virgin Records.

The album peaked at #5 on the U.S. Billboard Black LPs chart, and at #46 on the Billboard Top LPs & Tape charts.

The album also went to #46 on the United Kingdom Official Albums Chart.

Three songs were released as singles from the album, "Tell Me What You Want", "Emergency (Dial 999)" and "Choose Me (Rescue Me)".

"Tell Me What You Want" reached #74 on the UK singles chart.

"Emergency (Dial 999)" reached #41 on the UK singles chart.

"Choose Me (Rescue Me)" reached #47 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Black Singles chart, It also reached #59 on the UK singles chart.

 The following year, an alternative version of the album, featuring "Hangin' on a String (Contemplating)" in place of "Feels So Right Now" and a re-ordered overall track listing was released for the U.S. market.

Track-listing

1. Tell Me What You Want

2. Feel So Right Now

3. Let's Rock

4. So Much Love

5. Emergency (Dial 999)

6. Music Takes Me Higher

7. Choose Me (Rescue Me)

8. A Little Spice

9. In the Sky (UK Single - Long Version)

10. Only a Day Away

11. We've Arrived (UK Single - US Mix)

12. Don't Hold Back Your Love (UK Single)

13. No Stranger to Darkness (UK Single)

14. Tell Me What You Want (Extended Version)

15. Choose Me (Rescue Me) (Extended Version)

 By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology

Vanity - Skin on Skin

Today Marks The 39th Anniversary of Vanity’s 2nd Studio Album “Skin on Skin” Originally Released in May 24, 2986.

“Skin on Skin” is the second and final studio album by singer/actress Vanity, released in 1986 on Motown Records.

The album peaked at #18 on the U.S. Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and at #66 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart.

Two singles were released from the album "Under the Influence" and "Animals".

"Under the Influence" peaked at #9 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart and #6 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart.

"Animals" was the second single from the album it failed to reach the U.S. Billboard charts.

The Rolling Stone Album Guide wrote that "Under the Influence" "masks her vocal limitations enough to seem listenable.

Track-listin

1. Under the Influence

2. Manhunt

3. Romantic Voyage

4. Confidential

5. Animals

6. Skin on Skin

7. Gun Shy

8. Ouch

9. In the Jungle

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

L.T.D - Togetherness

Today Marks The 47th Anniversary of L.T.D’s 5th Studio Album “Togetherness” Originally Released on May 23, 1978.

“Togetherness” is the fifth studio album by Los Angeles, California -based band, L.T.D., released in 1978 on the A&M Records.

The album peaked at #3 on the U.S. Billboard Top Soul LPs chart, and at #18 in the U.S. Billboard Top LPs chart.

Two songs were released from the album, "Holding On (When Love Is Gone)" and "We Both Deserve Each Other's Love".

"Holding On (When Love Is Gone)" peaked at #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart, and at #49 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

"We Both Deserve Each Other's Love" reached #19 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart, and at #107 just beneath the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

The album was certified platinum in the United States by RIAA selling over a million copies.

Track-listing

1. Holding On (When Love Is Gone)

2. We Both Deserve Each Other's Love

3. Jam

4. You Must Have Known I Needed Love

5. Don't Stop Loving Me Now

6. It's Time to Be Real

7. Concentrate on You

8. You Fooled Me

9. Together Forever

10. Let's All Live and Give Together

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

The Kay-Gees - Kilowatt

Today Marks The 47th Anniversary of The Kay-Gees 3rd Studio Album “Kilowatt” Originally Released on May 22, 1978.

“Kilowatt” is the third album by Jersey City disco funk Band The Kay-Gees released in 1978 days on De-Lite Records.

The album reached #199 on the U.S. Billboard Top LPs & Tape chart.

The album was the final and most popular album by the Kool & The Gang protégés, It features a mix of disco and funk, with heavy use of horns, and several popular club singles, including "Cheek to Cheek" and "Tango Hustle".

“Cheek to Cheek” reached #75 on the U.S. Billboard R&B Soul Singles chart.

Track-listing

1. Kay Gee's Theme Song

2. Cheek to Cheek

3. Fat Daddy

4. Tango Hustle

5. Celestial Vibration

6. Kilowatt

7. Kilowatt/Invasion

8. Space Disco

9. Good Feel

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

Parliament - Medicaid Fraud Dogg

Today Marks The 7th Anniversary of Parliament’s 10th Studio Album “Medicaid Fraud Dogg” Originally Released on May 22, 2018.

“Medicaid Fraud Dogg” is the tenth and final studio album by American funk band Parliament on C Kunspyruhzy Records. It was later released on September 12, 2018 in Japan by P-Vine Records.

The album followed a 38-year dry spell since the release of the band's last studio album, Trombipulation. Most of the 23 tracks on the album were written by Clinton in collaboration with his son, Tracey Lewis.

The album featured guest musicians including Fred Wesley and Pee Wee Ellis, one-time James Brown collaborators. It features guest appearances from Scarface and Mudbone.

Track-listing

1. Medicated Creep

2. Psychotropic

3. 69

4. Backwoods

5. Oil Jones

6. Proof Is in the Pudding

7. I'm Gon Make U Sick O'me (feat. Scarface & Mudbone)

8. Antisocial Media

9. All In

10. On Fire

11. Loodie Poo Da Pimp

12. Mama Told Me

13. Set Trip

14. Kool Aid

15. DaDa

16. Pain Management

17. Riddle Me This

18. No Mos

19. Ya Habit

20. Higher

21. Medicaid Fraud Dogg

22. Insurance Man

23. Type Two

 

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology

Funkadelic - America Eats It's Young

Today Marks The 53rd Anniversary of Funkadelic’s 4th Studio Album “America Eats It's Young” Originally Released on May 22, 1972.

“America Eats Its Young” is the fourth album (a double album) by Funkadelic, released in May 1972 on Westbound Records.

The album peaked at #22 on the U.S. Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and at #123 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart.

The album released the single “A Joyful Process” it reached #38 on the U.S. Billboard R&B Singles Chart.

Track-listing

1. You Hit The Nail On The Head

2. If You Don't Like The Effects, Don't Produce The Cause

3. Everybody Is Going To Make It This Time

4. A Joyful Process

5. We Hurt Too

6. Loose Booty

7. Philmore

8. Pussy

9. America Eats Its Young

10. Biological Speculation

11. That Was My Girl

12. Miss Lucifer's Love

13. Wake Up

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

The J.B.’s - Bring the Funk On Down

Today Marks The 26th Anniversary of The J.B.'s 9th Studio Album “Bring the Funk On Down” Originally Released on May 21, 1999.

“Bring the Funk On Down” is an album by The J.B.'s, released in 1999 by P-Vine Records in Japan, and in 2002 it was reissued in the U.S. by Instinct Records.

The album is a The J.B.'s reunion album and is credited as “The J.B.'s Reunion”

“The J.B.'s Reunion” is a version of the J.B.'s including Fred Wesley, Bootsy Collins, Pee Wee Ellis, Bobby Byrd, and Clyde Stubblefield assembled to record the 1999 "reunion" album Bring the Funk on Down, The album was dedicated to the memory of St. Clair Pinckney.

Track-listing

1. Do the Doo

2. On the Spot

3. Up on 45 (Part 1)

4. Carry On

5. Bring the Funk on Down

6. Dynaflo

7. Why Did You Have to Go?

8. What About the Music

9. There's a Price to Pay to Live in Paradise

10. Tag Alone

11. Born to Groove

12. Who Do You Think You're Fooling?

13. Soul Men

14. Mistakes and All

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

Earth, Wind & Fire - Head to the Sky

Today Marks The 52nd Anniversary of Earth, Wind & Fire’s 4th Studio Album “Head to the Sky” Originally Released on May 21, 1973.

“Head to the Sky” is the fourth studio album by American band Earth, Wind & Fire, released in May 1973 on Columbia Records.

The album peaked at #2 on the U.S. Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and at #27 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart.

The album released two singles "Evil" and "Keep Your Head to the Sky".

"Evil" peaked at #19 on the U.S. Billboard Easy Listening chart and #25 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart.

"Keep Your Head to the Sky" peaking at #23 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart and at #52 on the U.S. U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

The album has was certified Platinum in the US by the RIAA.

Issac Hayes called Head to the Sky one of Earth, Wind & Fire's five essential recordings.

Erykah Badu paid tribute to the album in the music video of her 2008 single "Honey".

Alex Henderson of Allmusic called Head to the Sky an "excellent" album.

Track-listing

1. Evil

2. Keep Your Head to the Sky

3. Build Your Nest

4. The World's a Masquerade

5. Clover

6. Zanzibar

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

Marvin Gaye - What’s Going On

Today Marks The 54th Anniversary of Marvin Gaye’s 11th Studio Album “What's Going On” Originally Released on May 21, 1971.

“What's Going On” is the eleventh studio album by American soul singer Marvin Gaye. It was released on May 21, 1971, by Tamla Records.

The album peaked at #1 on the U.S. Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and at #6 on the U.S. Billboard Pop Albums chart.

The album stayed on the Billboard Top LPs for over a year and became Gaye's second number-one album on Billboard's Soul LPs chart, where it stayed for nine weeks.

Three singles were released from the album "What's Going On", "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)" and “Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)”.

 "What's Going On" peaked at #1 on the U.S. Billboard R&B/Soul Singles chart, #2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the U.S.Cash Box Top 100 charts.

"Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)" was the The follow-up single it peaked at #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart and at #4 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart.

 “Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)” peaked at #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart and at #9 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The album was an immediate commercial and critical success, and came to be viewed by music historians as a classic of 1970s soul.

In 1985, writers on British music weekly the NME voted it the best album of all time.

“What’s Going On” was ranked number one on Rolling Stone's list of the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time".

Track-listing

1. What's Going On

2. What's Happening Brother

3. Flyin' High (In The Friendly Sky)

4. Save The Children

5. God Is Love

6. Mercy Mercy (The Ecology)

7. Right On

8. Wholy Holy

9. Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

Atlantic Starr - We're Movin' Up

Today Marks The 36th Anniversary of Atlantic Starr’s 10th Studio Album “We're Movin' Up” Originally Released on May 20, 1989.

“We're Movin' Up” is the eighth studio album by White Plains, New York R&B band Atlantic Starr released in 1989 on Warner Bros. Records.

The album reached #26 on the U.S. Billboard Top R&B Albums charts, and at #125 on the U.S. Billboard Top Pop Albums charts.

Three songs were released as singles from the album, "My First Love “, "My Sugar" and “Bring It Back Home Again”.

"My First Love" peaked at #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B Singles charts.

"My Sugar" reached #27 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B Singles charts.

"Bring It Back Home Again" failed to chart in the United States.

The album was produced by brothers and band-members David Lewis and Wayne Lewis.

The band replace their second lead singer Barbara Weathers with new female vocalist Porsha Martin and keyboardist Jonathan Lewis also joined the band's lineup.

Track-list

1. Under Your Spell

2. Bring It Back Home Again

3. I'm in Love with You

4. Don't Start the Fire

5. Love Ain't Fair

6. My First Love

7. Woman's Touch

8. Friends

9. We're Movin' Up

10. My Sugar

11. I Can't Wait

12. You Deserve the Best

 

By Romie Rome For Misique Funkology

The Pointer Sisters - Steppin’

Today Marks The 50th Anniversary of The Pointer Sisters’ 3rd Studio Album “Steppin’” Originally Released on May 19, 1975.

Steppin' is the third studio album by The Pointer Sisters, released in 1975 on the ABC/Blue Thumb label.

The album reached #3 on the U.S. Billboard Soul LP's chart, and at #22 on the U.S. Billboard Top LPs & Tapes chart.

Two songs were released as singles from the album "How Long (Betcha' Got a Chick on the Side)" and “Going Down Slowly”

"How Long (Betcha' Got a Chick on the Side)" peaked at #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart, and at #22 on the Billboard Hot 100.

“Going Down Slowly” reached #16 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart, and at #61 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The album Steppin', was more R&B Funk heavy than the quartet's previous albums.

The album was remastered and issued on CD in 2006 by Hip-O Select.

Track-listing

1. How Long (Betcha' Got a Chick on the Side)

2. Sleeping Alone

3. Easy Days

4. Chainey Do

5. I Ain't Got Nothin' But The Blues (A Medley In Tribute To Duke Ellington)

6. Save The Bones For Henry Jones

7. Wanting Things

8. Going Down Slowly

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology

Fatback Band - Tasty Jam

Today Marks The 44th Anniversary of The Fatback Band’s 15th Studio Album “Tasty Jam” Originally Released on May 18, 1981.

“Tasty Jam” is the fifteenth studio album by American funk/disco band The Fatback Band released in 1981 on Spring Records.

The album reached #17 on the U.S. Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and at #102 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart.

Two singles were released from the album “Take It Any Way You Want It” and “Kool Whip”

“Take It Any Way You Want It” reached #19 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

“Kool Whip” reached #64 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

Track-listing

1. Take It Any Way You Want It

2. Wanna Dance (Keep Up The Dance)

3. Keep Your Fingers Out The Jam

4. Kool Whip

5. High Steppin' Lady

6. Get Ready For The Night

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

O’Bryan - Be My Lover

Today Marks The 41st Anniversary of O'Bryan’s 3rd Studio Album “Be My Lover” Originally Released on May 18, 1984.

“Be My Lover” is the third studio album by Soul, Funk singer O'Bryan released in 1984 on Capitol Records.

The album peaked at #3 on the U.S. Billboard Black LPs chart, and at #64 on the U.S. Billboard Top LPs & Tapes chart.

Three songs were released as singles from the album, "Lovelite", "Breakin' Together" and "Go On And Cry".

"Lovelite" peaked at # 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Black Singles chart.

"Breakin' Together" reached #32 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Black Singles chart.

"Go On And Cry" reached #62 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Black Singles chart.

"Lady I Love You" was another fan favorite, although the song wasn't released as an official single it received heavy rotation on urban radio stations abroad the United States.

"You’re Always On My Mind” was another fan favorite off the album.

The album was produced by O’Byan and was executively produced by Don Cornelius.

Track-list

1. Lovelite

2. Be My Lover

3. You Gotta Use It

4. Go On And Cry

5. Breakin' Together

6. You're Always On My Mind

7. Too Hot

8. Lady I Love You

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

Cameo - Knights of the Sound Table

Today Marks The 44th Anniversary of Cameo’s 7th Studio Album “Knights of the Sound Table” Originally Released on May 18, 1981.

The album peaked at #2 on the U.S. Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and at #44 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart.

The album released two hit singles: "Freaky Dancin'" and "I Like It".

"Freaky Dancin'" peaked at #3 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and at #43 on the U.S. Billboard Dance Club Songs chart.

"I Like It" reached #25 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

The track “Don’t Be So Cool” featured a guest appearance by former Labelle member Nona Hendryx and also received airplay on R&B stations at the time.

Nona Hendryx joined Cameo for a performance of the song on Soul Train that first aired on June 20, 1981.

“Knights of the Sound Table” was the band’s fourth consecutive album to be certified Gold by the RIAA for sales of over 500,000 copies

The album also would be the last Cameo album to feature a ten piece lineup that included many of the band’s original members.

Track-listing

1. Knights by Nights

2. Freaky Dancin'

3. I Never Knew

4. Use It or Lose It

5. The Sound Table

6. Don't Be So Coo

7. I'll Always Stay

8. I Like It

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

The Gap Band - Gap Band IV

Today Marks The 43rd Anniversary of The Gap Band’s 6th Studio Album “Gap Band IV” Originally Released on May 17, 1982.

“Gap Band IV” is the sixth studio album by the Gap Band, released in 1982 on Total Experience Records.

The album peaked at #1 on the U.S. Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and at #14 on the U.S. Billboard Pop Albums chart.

The album released three hit singles "Early in the Morning", "You Dropped a Bomb on Me" and "Outstanding".

"Early in the Morning" peaked at #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, #13 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Dance/Disco Club Play charts and at #24 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

"You Dropped a Bomb on Me" peaked at #2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, #31 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #39 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Dance/Disco Club Play charts.

"Outstanding" peaked at #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, #24 on the the U.S. Billboard Hot Dance/Disco Club Play charts and at #51 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

“Gap Band IV” achieved platinum status, and is considered their most successful commercially released album.

Track-listing

1. Early in the Morning

2. Season's No Reason to Change

3. Lonely Like Me

4. Outstanding

5. Stay with Me

6. You Dropped a Bomb on Me

7. I Can't Get Over You

8. Talkin' Back

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

The Ohio Players - Back

Today Marks The 37th Anniversary of The Ohio Players 16th Studio Album “Back” Originally Released on May 16, 1988.

“Back” is the final studio album by Dayton, Ohio Jazz, Funk band The Ohio Players released in 1988 on Track Records.

The album reached #55 on the U.S. Billboard Top Black Albums chart.

Two songs were released as singles from the album, "Sweat" and "Let's Play (From Now On)".

"Sweat" reached #50 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Black Singles chart.

"Let's Play (From Now On)" reached #33 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Black Singles chart.

The band supported the album by headlining a SOS Racisme show during the New Music Seminar and with a North American tour.

Track-list

1. Get 2 the Good Part

2. Sweat

3. From Now On (Let's Play)

4. Show Off

5. Just to Show My Love

6. I'm Madd!

7. Vibe Alive

8. Rock the House

9. Just a Minute

Reputation

Try

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

Con Funk Shun - Loveshine

Today Marks The 47th Anniversary of Con Funk Shun’s 4th Studio Album “Loveshine” Originally Released on May 15, 1978.

“Loveshine” is the forth studio album by Vallejo, California funk band Con Funk Shun released in 1978 on the Mercury Records label.

The album peaked at #10 on the U.S. Billboard Top Black Albums chart and at #32 on the U.S. Billboard Billboard Top LPs & Tape chart.

The album released two singles “Shake and Dance with Me" and "So Easy".

"Shake and Dance with Me" peaked at #5 on the U.S. Billboard Best Selling Soul Singles chart and at #60 on the Billboard Hot 100.

"So Easy" reached #28 on the U.S. Billboard Best Selling Soul Singles chart.

The album “Loveshine” was certified gold by the RIAA in 1978.

Track-listing

1. So Easy

2.Magic Woman

3. Shake And Dance With Me

4. Make It Last

5. Loveshine

6. When The Feeling's Right

7. I Think I Found The Answer

8. Wanna Be There

9. Can't Go Away

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

George Duke - Liberated Fantasies

Today Marks The 49th Anniversary of George Duke’s 7th Studio Album “Liberated Fantasies” Originally Released on May 15, 1976.

“Liberated Fantasies” is the seventh studio album by American Jazz, funk keyboardist and record producer George Duke released in 1976 through MPS Records.

The album reached #190 on the U.S. Billboard Top LPs & Tapes charts.

Though there wasn't an official single release from the album, The album remained on the Billboard charts for a total of two weeks.

Track-list

1. Don't Be Shy

2. Seeing You

3. Back to Where We Never Left

4. What the...

5. Tryin' & Cryin' (featuring Napoleon Murphy Brock)

6. I C'n Hear That

7. After The Love

8. Tzina

9. Liberated Fantasies

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology

Klymaxx - The Maxx Is Back

Today Marks The 35th Anniversary of Klymaxx’s 5th Studio Album “The Maxx Is Back” Originally Released on May 15, 1990.

“The Maxx Is Back” is the fifth studio album by Klymaxx, released in 1990 on MCA Records.

The album reached #32 on the U.S. Billboard R&B Albums chart and at #168 on the Billboard 200.

Two singles were released from the album "Good Love" and "Private Party".

"Good Love" reached #4 on the U.S. Billboard R&B Singles chart.

"Private Party" was a moderate hit, reaching 62 on the U.S. Billboard R&B Singles chart.

The album has sold approximately 166,000 copies in the U.S'

“The Maxx Is Back” was the first Klymaxx album that consisted of three original members, Lorena Porter Shelby (lead vocals), Cheryl Cooley (guitar) and Robbin Grider (keyboards).

The groups founder and leader Bernadette Cooper (vocals/drums), Lynn Malsby (keyboards) and Joyce "Fenderella" Irby (bass guitar/vocals) were not involved in the project.

Track-listing

1. The Maxx Is Back

2. Good Love

3. Private Party

4. When You Kiss Me

5. Finishing Touch

6. Girls Chasing Boys

7. Don't Mess With My Man

8. Shame

9. Don't Run Away

10. She's a User

11. Good Love (Extended Hype Club Vibe)

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

Rick James - Deeper Still

Today Marks The 18th Anniversary of Rick James’ Final Studio Album “Deeper Still” Originally Released on May 15, 2007.

“Deeper Still” is the thirteenth and final album by American funk singer Rick James. It was released on May 15, 2007, by Stone City Records

“Deeper Still” was the first posthumous album from Rick James following his untimely death in 2004.

The album peaked at #19 on the U.S. Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and at #195 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart in June 2007.

The album contains eleven songs with a few standouts including the “Do You Wanna Play which features R&B singers Howard Hewett and Johnny Gill.

The album’s title track “Deeper Still” received moderate airplay on urban stations upon the album’s release.

Other albums standouts include “Taste”, “Guinnevere," a cover David Crosby’s classic song and the final track title “Funk Wit Me”.

Track-list

1. Deeper Still

2. Guinnevere

3. Stop It

4. Taste

5. Stroke

6. Do You Wanna Play

7. Not Alone

8. Sapphire

9. Maybe

10. Secrets

11. Funk Wit Me

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

The Fatback Band - Fired Up 'N' Kickin'

Today Marks The 47th Anniversary of The Fatback Band’s 10th Studio Album “Fired Up 'N' Kickin'” Originally Released on May 15, 1978.

“Fired Up 'N' Kickin'” is the tenth studio album by American funk/disco band The Fatback Band released in 1978 on Spring Records.

The album reached #17 on the U.S. Billboard Top Black Albums chart and at #73 on the U.S. Billboard Top LPs & Tape chart.

Two singles were released from the album, "I Like Girls" and "I'm Fired Up".

"I Like Girls" peaked at #9 on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart and at #101 just below the Billboard The Hot 100 chart.

"I'm Fired Up" was the second single it failed to crack the Billboard charts.

Track-listing

 1. I'm Fired Up

2. Boogie Freak

3. Get Out On The Dance Floor

4. At Last

5. I Like Girls

6. Snake

7. Can't You See

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

Today Marks The 44th Anniversary of Teena Marie’s 4th Studio Album “It Must Be Magic” Originally Released on May 14, 1981

“It Must Be Magic” is the fourth studio album by Teena Marie, released in 1981 via Gordy Records.

The album peaked at #2 on the U.S. Billboard Black Albums chart and at #23 on the U.S. Billboard Pop Albums chart.

Three songs were released as singles from the album "Square Biz", "It Must Be Magic" and "Portuguese Love".

"Square Biz" peaked at #3 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, #12 on the U.S. Billboard US Dance Club Songs chart and at #50 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

"It Must Be Magic" peaked 12 on the U.S. Billboard US Dance Club Songs chart and at #30 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

"Portuguese Love" peaked at #54 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

“It Must Be Magic” was her last studio album for Motown and the highest-selling of Marie's tenure with the Motown label.

The album a nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance at the 1982 Grammy Awards.

In 2002, the album was re-released in a remastered and expanded CD edition containing three additional tracks (two of which were recorded during a live concert in Long Beach, California).

Track-listing

1. It Must Be Magic

2. Revolution

3. Where's California

4. 365

5. Opus III (Does Anybody Care)

6. Square Biz

7. The Ballad of Cradle Rob and Me

8. Portuguese Love

9. Yes Indeed

10. Square Biz [Instrumental)

11. Someday We'll All Be Free

12. Déjà Vu

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

Sun - Sun Power

Today Marks The 48th Anniversary of Sun’s Sophomore Studio Album “Sun Power” Originally Released on May 14, 1977.

“Sun Power” is the second album by Dayton, Ohio funk band Sun released in 1977 on Capitol Records.

The album peaked at #39 on the U.S. Billboard Top Soul Albums chart.

The album’s lead single "Boogie Bopper" reached #50 on the U.S. Billboard R&B Singles Chart.

Track-listing

1. Light Me Up

2. Boogie Bopper

3. We're So Hot

4. Conscience

5. Time Is Passing

6. Just A Minute Of Your Time

7. Organ Grinder

8. She Lives Alone

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

Rick James - Throwin' Down

Today Marks The 43rd Anniversary of Rick James’ 6th Studio Album “Throwin' Down” Originally Released on May 13, 1982.

“Throwin' Down” is the 6th studio album by Rick James, released in 1982 via Gordy Records.

The album peaked at #1 on the U.S. Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and at 13 on the Billboard 200. chart

Six songs were released as singles from the album "Standing on the Top", "Dance wit' Me", "Hard to Get", "She Blew My Mind (69 Times)", "Teardrops" and "Throwdown".

"Standing on the Top" peaked at #6 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

"Standing on the Top" was written and produced by Rick James for Motown soul group The Temptations, Rick James is also featured in the song and appears in the music video as well.

The song was featured as an extended 9:48 versions of the song on The Temptations “Reunion” album. The song on “Throwin' Down” is a short version at only 3:51 minutes.

"Dance wit' Me"peaked at #3 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and at #7 on the.U.S. Billboard Dance Club Songs chart.

"Hard to Get" peaked at #15 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

"She Blew My Mind (69 Times)" peaked at #62 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

"Teardrops" and "Throwdown" were released as the album’s fifth and sixth singles both fall to reach the Billboard charts.

“Throwin' Down” was certified gold by the RIAA. It was nominated for an American Music Award for Favorite Soul/R&B Album.

Track-listing

1. Dance Wit' Me

2. Money Talks

3. Teardrops

4. Throwdown

5. Standing on the Top

6. Hard to Get"l

7. Happy

8. She Blew My Mind (69 Times)

9. My Love

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

Roy Ayers - Everybody Loves the Sunshine

Today Marks The 49th Anniversary of Roy Ayers’ 17th Studio Album “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” Originally Released on May 12, 1977.

“Everybody Loves the Sunshine” is the seventeenth studio album by jazz vibraphonist and producer Roy Ayers released in 1976 on Polydor Records.

The album was released under the Roy Ayers Ubiquity umbrella.

The album peaked at #10 on the U.S. Billboard Soul LP's chart, and at #50 on the U.S. Billboard Top LPs & Tapes chart.

Two songs were released from the album “The Golden aRod” and the album’s title track “Everybody Loves The Sunshine”

The song “The Golden Rod” was released as the album’s single it reached #70 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles charts.

“Everybody Loves The Sunshine” the album’s title tack peaked at #3 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 charts.

The song "Everybody Loves the Sunshine" is notable for its drone synth note through most of the cut.

The song has been covered by artists including D'Angelo, Takuya Kuroda, the Robert Glasper Experiment, and others.

The song has been sampled nearly 200 times by artists including Tupac Shakur, Mary J. Blige, and Dr. Dre.

Pitchfork Magazine placed “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” at number 72 on the "200 Best Songs of the 1970s" list.

Track-listing

1. Hey Uh What You Say Come On

2. The Golden Rod

3. Keep On Walking

4. You and Me My Love

5. The Third Eye

6. It Ain't Your Sign It's Your Mind

7. People and the World

8. Everybody Loves the Sunshine

9. Tongue Power

10. Lonesome Cowboy

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology

Kleeer - I Love to Dance

Today Marks The 46th Anniversary of Kleeer’s Debut Studio Album “I Love to Dance” Originally Released on May 12, 1979.

“I Love to Dance” is the debut album by New York City based band Kleeer, released in 1979 on Atlantic Records.

The album reached #53 on the U.S. Billboard Soul Albums chart.

Two singles were released from the album “Keeep Your Body Workin'" and "Tonight's The Night (Good Time)".

"Keeep Your Body Workin'" reached #53 on the U.S. Dance Club Songs chart and at #60 on the U.S. Billboard R&B singles charts.

"Tonight's The Night (Good Time)" reached #33 on the U.S. Billboard R&B singles charts.

Track-listing

1. Tonight's The Night (Good Time)

2. Keeep Your Body Workin'

3. Happy Me

4. I Love To Dance

5. It's Magic

6. To Groove You

7. Amour

8. Kleeer Sailin'

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

Deja - Made to Be Together

Today Marks The 36th Anniversary of Déjà’s 2nd Studio Album “Made to Be Together" Originally Released on May 12, 1989.

“Made to Be Together" is the second studio album by R&B/funk duo Déjà released in 1989 on Virgin Records.

The album reached #96 on the U.S. Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.

Three singles were released from the album "Going Crazy", the album’s title track "Made to Be Together" and "Heart Beat".

"Going Crazy" peaked at #57 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

“Made to Be Together” reached #23 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

"Heart Beat" was released as the album’s third single but it failed to make the Billboard charts.Déjà formerly known as Aurra changed the group’s name due to legal issues over the band’s name which led to members Curt Jones and Starleana Young to record under the name Déjà.

The duo released their first album “Serious” on Virgin Records in 1987. Shortly after Starleana Young decided to leave to pursue a solo career and was replaced by Mysti Day in time to record Déjà's follow-up album.

The resulting album, “Made to Be Together” was released in 1989 it would be the group’s second and final album.

Track-listing

1. Made To Be Together

2. Dreamer

3. Time Is Running Out

4. Waiting Downtown

5. Dance

6. More & More

7. You Don't Appreciate My Love

8. Going Crazy

9. Patience And Time

10. Sexy Dancer

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

The Meters - Cabbage Alley

Today Marks The 53rd Anniversary of The Meters’ 4th Studio Album “Cabbage Alley” Originally Released on May 11, 1972.

“Cabbage Alley” is the fourth studio album by the funk group the Meters released in May 1972 by Reprise Records.

The album reached #48 on the Billboard Top Soul LPs chart, but unlike the group's first two albums, it missed the Billboard Top LPs and Tape chart.

The title track “Cabbage Alley” and "Do the Dirt" were issued as singles from the album.

“Cabbage Alley” was the group's first album released in the United Kingdom, It was issued to coincide with their tour of the country.

The album received wide acclaim from music critics such as Rolling Stone magazine, The Windsor Star and The Montreal Star and other publications whom deemed it the band's best album yet.

Track-listing

1. You've Got to Change (You've Got to Reform)

2. Stay Away

3. Birds

4. The Flower Song

5. Soul Island

6. Do the Dirt

7. Smiling

8. Lonesome and Unwanted People

9. Gettin' Funkier All the Time

10. Cabbage Alley

11. Chug Chug Chug-A-Lug (Push and Shove) Pt 1

12. Chug Chug Chug-A-Lug (Push and Shove) Pt 2

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

The Emotions - Flowers

Today Marks The 49th Anniversary of The Emotions’ 3rd Studio Album “Flowers” Originally Released on May 11, 1976.

Flowers is the debut studio album by the American girl group The Emotions, released in 1976. The album was the group's first LP on Columbia Records,

The album peaked at #5 on the U.S. Billboard Top R&B albums chart and at #45 on the U.S. Billboard Top LPs chart.

Two singles were released from the album, The title track “Flowers” and the second single "I Don't Wanna Lose Your Love".

“Flowers” peaked at #16 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart and at #87 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

"I Don't Wanna Lose Your Love" peaked at #4 on the U.S. 4 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart and at #13 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles charts.

The album was produced by Charles Stepney and Maurice White of Earth, Wind and Fire.

“Flowers” has been certified Gold in the US by the RIAA.

The album was reissued with an 8-page booklet, liner notes and a bonus track in 2012.

Track-listing

1. I Don't Wanna Lose Your Love

2. Me for You

3. You've Got the Right to Know

4. We Go Through Changes

5. Special Part

6. No Plans for Tomorrow

7. How Can You Stop Loving Someone

8. Flowers

9. God Will Take Care of You

10. Flowers" (Single Version)

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology

Teena Marie - La Doña

Today Marks The 21st Anniversary of Teena Marie’s 11th Studio Album “La Doña” Originally Released on May 11, 2004.

“La Doña” is the eleventh studio album by Funk and R&B singer, Teena Marie released in 2004 on Cash Money Records and Universal Records.

The album peaked at #3 on the U.S. Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and at #6 on the U.S. Billboard 200 charts.

Two songs were released from the album as singles, "Still in Love" and “A Rose By Any Other Name”

"Still in Love" reached #23 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart, and at #70 on the Billboard Hot 100.

"Still in Love" was Marie's first Top 30 hit on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart in 14 years since her last big hit single “If I Were a Bell”.

“A Rose By Any Other Name” reached #53 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart, and at #97 on the Billboard Hot 100.

She performed the song "My Body's Hungry" on the television sitcom The Parkers in 2000.

The album includes guest appearances from Rick James ("I Got You" - this was the last recording James made before his death), Gerald Levert ("A Rose by Any Other Name"), Common ("Revelations 3:8 Introduction"), Birdman ("Off the Chain"), MC Lyte ("The Mackin' Game") and Marie's daughter, Alia Rose.

Track-listing

1. La Doña Intro

2. Still In Love

3. Honey Call

4. Baby I'm Your Fiend

5. My Body's Hungry

6. A Rose by Any Other Name

7. Off the Chain

8. Makavelli Never Lied

9. Revelations 3:8 Introduction

10. Recycle Hate to Love

11. The Mackin' Game

12. I Love Him Too

13. I Got You

14. Hit Me Where I Live

15. High Yellow Girl

16. Black Rain

17. I'm on Fire

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology

Eddie Hazel - Jams From The Heart

Today Marks The 31st Anniversary of Eddie Hazel’s Posthumous Ep “Jams From The Heart” Originally Released on May 10, 1994.

”Jams From The Heart” is a posthumous EP by former Parliament-Funkadelic guitarist Eddie Hazel. The album was released in May 10, 1994 on JDC Records.

The EP features some of Hazel's greatest playing ever committed to tape. The tracks are from a 1975 studio session, when he was laying down demos for his upcoming solo debut.

Note: the first pressing of “Jams from the Heart”didn't contain personnel and track listings. Later pressings did.

Track-listing

1. Smedley Smorganoff

2. Lampoc Boogie

3. From the Bottom of My Soul

4. Unkut Funk

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

The Commodores - Natural High

Today Marks The 47th Anniversary of The Commodores’ 6th Studio Album “Natural High” Originally Released on May 10, 1978.

“Natural High” is the sixth studio album by the musical group Commodores, released in 1978 on Motown Records.

The album peaked at #1 on the U.S. Billboard Top Black Albums chart and at #3 on the U.S. Billboard Top LPs & Tape charts.

Two singles were released from the album "Three Times a Lady" and "Flying High".

"Three Times a Lady" peaked at number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. The song became their first Billboard Hot 100 number one single.

"Flying High" reached #21 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. Record World called the single "Flying High" a "classically slick r&b hip swinger with cross format appeal."

Natural High earned the group a 1979 Grammy Award nomination for Best R&B Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus.

“Natural High”was certified platinum in the United States by the RIAA selling 1,000,000^ copies.

Track-listing

1. Fire Girl

2. X-Rated Movie

3. Flying High

4. Three Times a Lady

5. Such a Woman

6. Say Yeah

7. I Like What You Do

8. Visions

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

George Duke - A Brazilian Love Affair

Today Marks The 45th Anniversary of George Duke’s 14th Studio Album “A Brazilian Love Affair” Originally Released on May 9, 1980.

“A Brazilian Love Affair” is the fourteenth by American Jazz, funk keyboardist and record producer George Duke released in 1980 through Epic Records.

The album reached #40 on the U.S. Billboard Top Soul LPs charts, and at #119 on the U.S. Billboard Top LPs & Tapes charts.

The Album’s title track “Brazilian Love Affair” reached #36 on the UK Singles Charts.

Tracklist

1. Brazilian Love Affair

2. Summer Breezin'

3. Cravo E Canela

4. Alone-6 AM

5. Brazilian Sugar (featuring Flora Purim)

6. Sugar Loaf Mountain

7. Love Reborn

8. Up from the Sea It Arose and Ate Rio in One Swift Bite

9. I Need You Now (featuring Simone)

10. Ao Que Vai Nascer (featuring Milton Nascimento)

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology

Teena Marie - Sapphire

Today Marks The 19th Anniversary of Teena Marie’s 12th Studio Album ”Sapphire” Originally Released on May 9, 2006.

“Sapphire” is the twelfth studio album by Funk and R&B singer, Teena Marie released in 2006 on Cash Money Records and Universal Records.

The album peaked at #3 on the U.S. Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and at #24 on the U.S. Billboard 200 charts.

The song "Ooh Wee" was released as a single from the album.

"Ooh Wee" reached #32 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart, and at #125 just beneath the Billboard Hot 100 charts

The track "You Blow Me Away" pays tribute to Rick James, while "Resilient (Sapphire)" remembers the victims and survivors of Hurricane Katrina.

Track-listing

1. God Has Created

2. Cruise Control

3. Baby Whose Is It

4. Make It Hot

5. Ooh Wee

6. Sleeping with the Enemy

7. A.P.B.

8. Love Is a Gangsta

9. Ladies Choice

10. Somebody Just Like You

11. You Blow Me Away

12. Simmer Down

13. Romantica

14. The Way You Love Me

15. Ecstasy

16. Resilient (Sapphire)

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology

Loose Ends - Zagora

Today Marks The 39th Anniversary of Loose Ends’ 3rd Studio Album “Zagora” Originally Released on May 7, 1986

“Zagora” is the third studio album released by the English R&B band Loose Ends released in 1986 on Virgin Records.

The album peaked at #7 on the U.S. Billboard Black LPs chart, and at #59 on the Billboard Top LPs & Tape charts.

The album also went to #15 on the United Kingdom Official Albums Chart.

Five songs were released as singles from the album, "Stay a Little While, Child", "Slow Down", "Nights of Pleasure", "Ooh, You Make Me Feel", and "You Can't Stop the Rain".

"Stay a Little While, Child" reached #18 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Black Singles chart, at #52 on the UK Singles charts.

"Slow Down" peaked at #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Black Singles chart, and at #27 on the UK Singles chart.

"Nights of Pleasure" reached #58 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Black Singles chart, at #42 on the UK Singles charts.

"Ooh, You Make Me Feel" reached #77 on the UK Singles chart.

"You Can't Stop the Rain" reached #32 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Black Singles chart.

Between the years 1991-2009 the album sold an additional 303,000 copies in the United States according to Nielsen Soundscan 5 years after its initial release, the album remains uncertified with overall sales unknown.

Track-listing

1. Stay A Little While, Child

2. Slow Down

3. I Can't Wait (Another Minute)

4. Sweetest Pain

5. Ooh, You Make Me Feel

6. Who Are You?

7. You Can't Stop the Rain

8. Be Thankful (Mama's Song)

9. Nights of Pleasure

10. Let's Get Back to Love

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology

Kleeer - Taste The Music

Today Marks The 43rd Anniversary of Kleeer’s 5th Studio Album “Taste The Music” Originally Released on May 7, 1982.

“Taste The Music” is the fifth album by New York City-based American band Kleeer released in 1982 on Atlantic Records.

The album reached #31 on the US Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and at #139 on the Billboard Pop Albums chart.

Two singles were released from the album "De Ting Continues'" and the album’s title track "Taste The Music".

The first single "De Ting Continues'" reached #74 on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

The album’s title track "Taste The Music" reached #31 on the US Billboard Dance Club Songs chart and at #55 on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

Track-listing

1. Taste the Music

2. I've Had Enough (Can't Take It Anymore)

3. De Ting Continues

4. Wall to Wall

5. I Shall Get Over

6. Fella

7. Swann

8. Affirmative Mood

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology

Curtis Mayfield - Sweet Exorcist

Today Marks The 51st Anniversary of Curtis Mayfield’s 5th Studio Album “Sweet Exorcist” Originally Released on May 5, 1974.

“Sweet Exorcist” is the fifth studio album by Curtis Mayfield, released in May 1974 on Curtom Records.

The album peaked at #2 on the US Billboard Top Black Albums chart and at #39 on the US Billboard Top LPs & Tapes chart.

Two singles were released from the album "Kung Fu” and the album’s title track "Sweet Exorcist”.

“Kung Fu” peaked at #3 on the US Billboard R&B chart and at #40 on the Billboard Hot 100.

"Sweet Exorcist” peaked at #32 on the US Billboard R&B chart.

Track-listing

1. Ain't Got Time

2. Sweet Exorcist

3. To Be Invisible

4. Power to the People

5. Kung Fu

6. Suffer

7. Make Me Believe in You

8. Kung Fu (Single Edit)

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkolog

Graham Central Station - My Radio Sure Sounds Good to Me

Today Marks The 47th Anniversary of Graham Central Station’s 6th Studio Album “My Radio Sure Sounds Good to Me” Originally Released on May 5, 1978.

“My Radio Sure Sounds Good” is the sixth studio album to Me by Larry Graham & Graham Central Station released in 1978 on Warner Bros. Records.

The album peaked at #18 on the U.S. Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and at #105 on the U.S. Billboard Pop Albums chart.

Two songs were released as singles from the album "Is It Love?" and the album’s title track "My Radio Sure Sounds Good To Me".

"Is It Love?" reached #65 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart.

"My Radio Sure Sounds Good To Me" peaked at #18 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart.

The album marked the first time that Graham called his band Larry Graham & Graham Central Station (as opposed to simply Graham Central Station).

Track-listing

1. Pow

2. My Radio Sure Sounds Good To Me

3. Is It Love?

4. Boogie Witcha, Baby

5. It's The Engine In Me

6. Turn It Out

7. Mr. Friend

8. Are You Happy?

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

Midnight Star - Headlines

Today Marks The 39th Anniversary of Midnight Star’s 6th Studio Album “Headlines” Originally Released on May 5, 1986

“Headlines” is the sixth studio album by Midnight Star released in 1986 on SOLAR Records.

The album peaked at #7 on the US Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and at #56 on the US Billboard 200 chart.

Three singles were released from the album, "Headlines", "Midas Touch" and "Engine No. 9".

"Headlines" peaked at #3 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and at #69 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 music chart.

"Midas Touch" peaked at #7 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and at #42 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 music chart.

"Engine No. 9" peaked at #11 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

The album was certified gold in the United States by the RIAA selling 500,000 copies.

Headlines was the last album to include the Calloway brothers, who left to form the band Calloway.

Track-listing

1. Headlines

2. Midas Touch

3. Stay Here by My Side

4. Close to Midnight

5. Get Dressed

6. Engine No. 9

7. Close Encounter

8. Dead End

9. Searching for Love

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

Rufus - Rags to Rufus

Today Marks The 51st Anniversary of Rufus’ Sophomore Album “Rags to Rufus” Originally Released on May 5, 1974.

“Rags To Rufus” is the second studio album by funk band Rufus, released on the ABC Records label in 1974.

The album peaked at #4 on both of the Billboard’s Pop and Black Albums charts.

Two singles were released from the album "Tell Me Something Good" and "You Got the Love".

"Tell Me Something Good" peaked at #1 on the US Cash Box Top 100, #3 on both the US Billboard Hot 100 and the US Billboard R&B charts.

"You Got the Love" peaked at # on the Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart and at #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.

Chaka Khan re-recorded "You Got the Love/Pack'd My Bags" medley for her 2007 album Funk This, with Tony Maiden on guitar.

 “Rags to Rufus” sold over a million copies later going platinum. After this release, founding member Al Ciner, Dennis Belfield, and Stockert would leave; the lineup of the group by the time of their next album had changed drastically.

Rufus won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus for the song at the 17th Annual Grammy Awards in 1975.

Track-listing

1. You Got the Love

2. I Got the Right Street (But the Wrong Direction)

3. Walkin' in the Sun

4. Rags to Rufus

5. Swing Down Chariot

6. Sideways

7. Ain't Nothin' But a Maybe

8. Tell Me Something Good

9. Look Through My Eyes

10. In Love We Grow

11. Smokin' Room

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

Terence Trent D'Arby - Symphony or Damn

Today Marks The 32nd Anniversary of Terence Trent D'Arby’s 3rd Studio Album “Symphony or Damn” Originally Released on May 3, 1993.

“Symphony or Damn (Exploring the Tension Inside the Sweetness) is the third studio album by singer, songwriter Terence Trent D'Arby, released in 1993 through Columbia Records.

The album reached #119 on the U.S. Billboard Top Pop Albums charts.

Four songs were released from the album, "Do You Love Me Like You Say?", "Delicate", "She Kissed Me" and "Let Her Down Easy".

"Do You Love Me Like You Say?" reached #120 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Black Singles chart.

"Delicate" reached #74 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

"She Kissed Me" reached #16 on the UK Singles chart.

"Let Her Down Easy" reached #111 just beneath the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

Two more tracks were released from the album but they were not as successful as the aforementioned tracks. "Turn the Page" failed to chart, while "Neon Messiah" was released as an EP in Japan only. This included a number of B-sides and is a widely sought-after collector's item.

Tracklisting

1. Welcome to My Monasteryo

2. She Kissed Me

3. Do You Love Me Like You Say?

4. Baby, Let Me Share My Love

5. Delicate

6. Neon Messiah

7. Penelope Please

8. Wet Your Lips

9. Turn the Page

10. Castilian Blue

11. Tension Inside The Sweetness/Frankie & Johnny

12. Are You Happy?

13. Succumb to Me

14. I Still Love You

15. Seasons

16. Let Her Down Easy

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology