The Motown Sound. Can you dig it?
Commodores was a melding of two student groups back in 1968. The band featured Lionel Richie, Thomas McClary, and William King from the Mystics, and Andre Callahan, Michael Gilbert, and Milan Williams from the Jays. They would go on to sign with Motown in 1972, joining the ranks of The Miracles, Diana Ross And The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Glady's Knight And The Pips, Martha And The Vandellas, The Four Tops, and a little group you may have heard of, The Jackson 5 - Just to name a few.
The six-man group released nine consecutive albums between 1974 and 1981, finding success with single after single under the Motown label. However, while their songs would reach the top fifty consistently, it wouldn't be until their 1978 album Natural High, that they would finally achieve a number one hit with, Three Times A Lady. To date, it remains their biggest chart topper.
1981 is where I'm inserting myself into the fold, firing up, In The Pocket. I personally came to this album for two tracks, Lady (You Bring Me Up), and and Oh No. Two classic tracks, that I must say, are 80's shuffle requirements.
In The Pocket definitely captures the Motown Sound. Those of you hip to the term know what I'm talking about. Those of you who don't know, need to. It was a unique style, and critical to the success of several artists of the time. It bridged gaps, broke race barriers, and overall, it just made you feel good inside.
The album brings together an infusion of ballads, funk, and a whole lot of groove. While I wouldn't call it my favorite album released under the Motown label, it's definitely got some good tunes to be heard. For me, it's ironic that two of my favorites are the slower paced tracks noted above because I'm not personally a ballad kind of guy. But, Commodores do them right, and because of that, it's hard not to enjoy them.
A downside to this particular CD is the price point. Motown CD's, in general, seem to be somewhat scarce. Especially of those for albums during the prime of its existence. This is most likely a result of low production quantities of original pressings. I don't think I've ever seen an album from the 1961 through 1986(ish) period that is under twenty dollars. It's because of this that I really have to be selective of the ones I buy. Sure, I'd love to own a whole lot of the label's discography from 1961 through 1989, and while possible, it's just not feasible due to the price and availability. I suppose there is a plus side to this though. It makes the select few albums I do own all the more important to me to have.
In The Pocket was no exception to this. By the end of my play session, I was thoroughly happy. The tunes are wonderful, and while the hits are the hits, the whole album was great to hear. I grabbed six of the eight for my shuffle list.
Sadly, Lionel Richie opted to leave the group in 1982 to pursue a solo career. It would be an understatement to say that this worked well for him. However, despite his exit, Commodores would continue forward, releasing albums from 1983 through 1994. This venture would also include my favorite song from them, Nightshift, from the 1985 album of the same name.
Commodores would briefly reunite in 1983 for Motown 25, an opus of an event for the record label. Even if you don't check out this album, you are missing out if you don't check out this once in a lifetime event show.
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| THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS January 21, 1984 |
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| THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS January 21, 1989 |
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