“The Agony and the Ecstasy” is old-school Smokey and those from all the ‘hoods and barrios include this in their Oldies mixes (how ’bout that opening line? Vintage Smokey hooking you into the song). Smokey is a master songwriter, always keeping his ear to what’s hip, and that what “Baby That’s Back Atcha” is hip, funky, and totally Smokey. The melodies and rhythms simply reflect what the 70s were about, using “non-native” instruments (latin percussions/rhythms), funkier beats and bass lines, and non-standard rhythms and times. Soft and warm a quiet storm Quiet as when flowers talk at break of dawn Break of dawn A. You can imagine that if this were the mid 60s, these tracks would sound something like “Track of My Tears” or “Ooh Baby Baby”. The album is quintessential Smokey…his same songwriting formula he has used for decades. That’s why Smokey is the genius he is he didn’t try to do anyone else’s style but his own. His way was smoother, more gentler, never one to ruffle feathers like Marvin or Stevie did with their songs. Marvin & Stevie went their way and “Quiet Storm” was Smokey’s way. Now here he his, just like Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder, going beyond the pop success for a new sound, new direction, new motivations. Defining a sound… just like he did at the beginning of Motown.
0 kommentar(er)
