This is a hidden gem from 1992 – a set that was for the most part overshadowed by the tidal wave of Swingbeat and Hip Hop that had suddenly caused a seismic change of the guard as far as R&B had hitherto been concerned. MCA was a label that went all out on this New Jack trip, and as such had a LOT of venom directed at them from the likes of me! The early 90s, though, at least saw the likes of Patti LaBelle, Charlie Wilson, Gladys Knight, David Peaston and Jody Watley on the label. Charlie Wilson seized on the copycat nature of Swing, and it was so obvious some had modelled their vocal style on HIM! Hence my first choice, “Sprung On Me” which was, in it's day a massive floor-filler – a less than thinly veiled swipe at Aaron Hall. The rap from Almighty Gee, over the fast and furious beats and James Brown 'Payback' guitar riff is excellent and is still heaps of fun today – if a little passé. A song that stands the test of time a lot more is the Jeff Lorber written “Realize”. Produced by Morris Rentie from Answered Questions, this Soul-II-Soul type groove with its haunting synths really does have the Jeff Lorber touch of class – check the keyboards! Mr. Lorber again adds his sparkle to the heavenly “You Turn My Life Around” which is a slower form of jam and uses a lot of moody basslines and atmospheric synths again. This is EXACTLY the quality groove that was screaming out for attention in the 90s but was ignored by most. Such a shame. My favourite song is the awesome “Confess Your Love”, a track that blew me away back in August 1992 and still does the same now. This is quality 90s soul music in every sense of the word. There is a style of synth that was used in the late 80s / early 90s that sends me into orbit. Gary Taylor used to use it and made special use of it on his own classic, “Take Control” as well as his work with the Manhattans. Morris Rentie, Shavoni Buster and the rest of the Gap Band gang make this a delicacy of the most treasured nature. I'd say this was one of my top 10 slow jams of the 90s, so that is something which will suggest how much I adore it! “Time” is written and produced by brothers Andre and Brian Wilson and is typical of the classier material that the Gap Band has released over the years. I have always felt that the guys excelled on their ballads, and have been known to churn out a few dance floor killers too. This ballad is definitely up there with the very best of them. Perhaps, in a way, this is a Gap Band album in all but name. This album certainly needs to be taken out of your rack, and have the dust blown off of it – or, if not known, for you to check the sound clips and to snap up a copy ASAP as it is not easy to come by any longer. Essential 90s soul music.
The Vibe Scribe
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