Jeffrey Osborne | Stay With Me Tonight
Album Review: Jeffrey Osborne | Stay With Me Tonight
By Randy Holmes
This 1983 A&M Records Platinum plus release from one of the greatest vocalists in R&B, Mr. Jeffrey Osborne, is no doubt a "must have" in any music collection. Need I go any further? You know the hits, from his days with seminal funk band, L.T.D. (Love, Togetherness & Devotion) to his solo success, songs we cherish. So I'm just going delve into this great George Duke produced album.
"Don't You Get So Mad About It".Uptempo, feel good, FUNKY song. A tight rhythm section consisting of Michael Sembello on guitar, Steve Ferrone on drums, Duke along with Don Freeman on keys.
Then you have the sophisticated side of his music, almost classical with it's lush string arrangements courtesy of,once again, Jorge Del Barrio, "We're Going All The Way". A beautiful song nonetheless.
Hit single and title track, "Stay With Me Tonight" with it's New Wave stylings did very well on Billboard R&B and Pop charts in late 1983. Brian May, guitarist of one of Rock's greatest groups, Queen, is featured here in a fiery charged guitar solo .... as one would expect it to be.
Another favorite of mine from this album is the Hawk Wolinksi penned track "Plane Love" (Hawk as we all know was one of 2 keyboard players in one of Funk & Roll's trailblazing bands, RUFUS during that time. Kevin Murphy being the other.) This funky, rolling, bouncy, slick rhythm West Coast sounding guitar licks, is one the most standout tracks on the album.
Other songs, "Greatest Love Of All", I'll Make Believe", "Forever Mine", etc.round out a very fine collection of R&B songs that'll stand the test of time. They're just damn good !! .... And jot this one down on your "Albums To Revisit" memo pad.
Happy Listening !
Randy Holmes
The Urban Music Scene
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