Reviews (page 2 of 7)
this is such a good album. seems like something from another era but still modern.
"The Poet," by Bobby Womack, showcases the artist's glorious vocal performance, effortlessly blending elements of soul, R&B, and funk. Womack's rich and emotive voice draws listeners into a profound emotional journey, where every note resonates with passion and authenticity. Despite its eclectic mix of genres, the album maintains a cohesive sound that highlights Womack’s songwriting prowess and artistry, solidifying its status as a classic in the music world. The seamless integration of styles not only showcases Womack’s versatility but also underscores why "The Poet" remains an enduring favorite among fans and music critics alike.
A heartfelt and funky good time. Also, no long Bobby-style monologues, which, though interesting, get wearing on multiple listens.
Good album
This kicks ass. Really funky, soul/RnB. Loved it. A really fun listen
I don’t think I’d heard of Bobby Womack before today, but by Jove I’m glad I have now! It took only a few seconds of the first track to know that I was going to g to enjoy this. It’s super funky and soulful, and just has feel good vibes all around. An absolute highlight, as is often the case with funk, is the fantastic bass lines that make you want to move your body. I think my favourite track here might be Secrets, but there genuinely isn’t a bad one on this album.
Hoy toca artista casi desconocido, que con la canción inicial me recuerda a Stevie Wonder y después a bandas más contemporáneas argentinas como Bandalos Chinos. Leyendo su bio veo que suya es la canción emblema de "Jackie Brown" y voy uniendo cabos. Discazo sexi, divertido, ideal para una juntada nocturna con una pareja o promesa de ella. Gracias como siempre y hasta mañana.
amazing album, great discovery
The sexiest album on the list so far
Was gonna give this a 4, then if you think youre lonely now came on and pushed it over. Holy moly
Absolutely superb.
This album is wild. I don't think I've listened to Bobby Womack before. Excellent funk music. Nathan East is a great bass player. This is not my general listening so I'm glad the generator threw this my way. This is good to listen to on repeat. Dig it.
Приятный нежный
I'll keep this short, since I wasn't able to get to this album the day my group had it and I just **need** to hurry on to listening to Country Joe & The Fish—oops, I'm not supposed to know that. But anyway, before now, I had no idea what Bobby Womack had done besides "be on a Gorillaz song." So to discover that he used to make lush-as-hell funk and soul... Oooh, this shit is incredibly up my alley. The soul stuff especially, it's so pretty. Honestly, I really wish I'd been able to spin this yesterday instead of having to hurry along like I feel I hafta. This is shit I really adore, goodness. Country Joe could never.
I’m at a 5. This is just unabashedly my type of music, and I will not apologize for it one bit. Very, very Stevie-esque stuff here, but without the same sort of emotional maturity or wisdom… but a lot of the funk. Sometimes, all you need is the funk. That’s not to say this album is entirely stupid or anything – it’s a little stupid, but in the “go stupid and have fun” type of way, not in the “go drink bleach” type of way. I had a lot of fun with this – it’s sort of a final gasp of the late 70s disco era, but just contemporary enough for the early 80s that it kinda sneaks into that “sure, this sounds like it could go next to a Hall & Oates record” place on the record store shelf. My biggest compliment that I can give, other than the instrumentals being fantastic, is that his voice is absolutely perfect for this style and sound – the only Bobby Womack I’ve heard before this is Across 110th Street (significantly more of a socially serious 60s-style track), and his two features of Plastic Beach, but his voice especially pops on these more funky instrumentals, especially when he’s doing his best Stevie Wonder impression. It’s truly impossible for me to not make the comparison here, sorry. I just really, really liked this. I could keep going, but I’ll boil it down to this: it’s funky, he’s got a gritty voice, it’s a great combo, and it makes for a great album. Super fun 5.
5/5
Had only heard the name before now. Brilliant soul/rnb album top to bottom, with some excellent guitar playing, particularly on "Games".
made my day
Incredible front to back. One of the best finds so far. Musically inspiring.
There really are still albums worth listening to before you die, unfortunately there are too few on this list. But this is definitely one of them.
I love Bobby Womack!
Sensational
Smooth and funky. Immaculate basslines; incredible voice.
Now this is some comfy and groovy stuff. Definitely adding this guy to my list of interesting artists I never would have discovered if it weren't for this project.
This album is the perfect balance of nuanced instrumentation with straightforward “songs” that each stand alone.
A SOULFUL MASTAPIECE, shit got me dancing fr fr
This was a beautiful and soulful experience. Increíble musicalidad y complejidad disonante que encaja como si fuese destinado a ser escrita e interpretada de esa forma. 0 burdens, all the vibes needed. This album delivered. 10/10
Love this Album and will gladly listen to it again!
Some days this project feels like work. A lot of the albums lately - even the 4s and 5s - seem to have taken some effort to listen to and evaluate. Today the lights went down, a log went into the fireplace and I mentally stretched out on deep shag carpet to The Poet’s dulcet tones mentally massaging my psyche. There is something magical about R&B from the late seventies… and Bobby really knows how to sing it. On the second listen I became Pam Grier coolly driving through rush hour traffic to “Lay Your Lovin’ On Me.” A smooth and easy 5…
The single funkiest album I've heard in this book so far. Welcome to my immediate rotation, Bobby Womack. Favorite track: Stand Up
In the game, "marry, f*ck, kill," this is one you marry. It's goofy-funny while still being able to pull off cool-sexy, a rare combo, but it exists. Take my wife! Perhaps you commitment-phobes out there can listen to this and see how all these features can coexist. Maybe there really is the perfect person for you somewhere.
I have been fucking obsessed with this album in the past. and I will be fucking obsessed with it in the future.
Wow! I wasn't previously familiar with Bobby Womack but I just loved this album top top to bottom. There were a decent amount of earworms, some really interesting backing tracks/effects, and great vocal takes. If you think you're lonely now is the standout imo I'm really bummed the first 3 tracks aren't on Spotify cuz I want these all showing up on my shuffle list.
Классно, классно! Вот такой R&B мне нравится! Secrets классная, все остальное тоже на уровне. Удивляюсь, почему мой сосед от R&B блюётся.
This album is fantastic. Womack’s vocals and his great instrumentals make this a great soul filled funky listen.
Bobby is a king
Fun old Motown
I didn’t expect to like this album just based on what I heard about it beforehand, but wow, I REALLY liked this album. I don’t know if I’ll feel the same way in a week but I think I’ll be listening to this album for a long time.
Fantastic album! "Stand Up" is my favorite but I was groovin' from start to finish.
Loved it. No other words to describe this album but SMOOOOOOOTH
Geweldig
Insane Bobby wommers, will listen to this from here on out
Could listen to his voice forever
Cool album
Muito bom o som
Groovy. I loved it.
Ну супер секс и приятный соул Алкоальбом: Манхэттен
Funk has been one of the genres I’ve consistently rated the lowest on this; it just doesn’t work for me So it is much to my surprise that I absolutely loved this album His voice is brilliantly soulful but the songs are fabulous as well Particularly loved So Many Sides Of You, Just My Imagination, Stand Up, If You Think You’re Lonely Now For turning the head of someone who doesn’t normally go for this, this gets the full monty
Soul funk super bien réalisée, voix, arrangements, musiciens, tout est de très haut niveau. Just my imagination, stand up...
This album shows a lot of soul that seems to get passed on in later slow albums in the same genre. Also first 3 songs are unavailable on Spotify.
Me encantó, perfecto para quitarse el mal sabor de oído luego es escuchar alguno que no te haya gustado. No esperaba nada de el al igual que de la mayoría hasta ahora, pero se siente increíble cuando termina siendo una obra maestra como esta. La única que flojea un poco es Just My Imagination, pero, incluso así, sirve como respiro después de ese inicio tan emocionante
Soulful and some groovy to it. Loved this
Proved soul wasn’t dead with the advent of the 80s, it just needed to adapt. “If You Think You’re Lonely Now” (yes, the sane song Mariah Carey references in “We Belong Together”) is a stone classic.
my favorite album yet! know I will be returning to this. story about Bobby Womack and Sam Cooke is soo crazy listened to it again and again
Killer.
tap tap tappin my shoes
Asså det här var ju asnice. Krispigt.
So, so cool. Those lush backing vocals are a perfect platform to launch Bobby's crooning voice. It's fabulous.
Upbeat jazzy songs. Voice sometimes goes rough but it’s done well. Really good album with variation between songs, some fast and some slow
First off, what a really cool album cover, amazing. And thankfully, the quality of the music is equally top notch. Soulful lead vocals, gospel influenced backing vocals, lovely smooth production, tasteful arrangements. It's hard to pick stand out tracks as every one is a winner thanks to the funky backing, it never drags. A joyous, wonderful record from start to finish.
Disappointed that there's only 5 of the 8 songs on Spotify available to play. I listened to it several times. I enjoyed this a lot.
BUENO
Short and very very sweet
Ok this is the best shit I've ever heard.
Proves Womack is one of the giants of R&B. One of my favorite albums!
meh
I mean this dude is just an absolute legend. Have hardly ever heard a bad song and this song is just full of jams. 'Imagination' and 'If you think you're lonely now' are incredible.
This isn't the kind of music I would typically listen to, but it is beautiful.
Great album easy to listen to music. Bobby Womack great soul artist!!
Love Bobby, smooth, soulful, mmmmm
Funky delicious jams. All about it
upbeat R & B. Catchy
Amai dit was genieten, jammer dat er twee nummers niet beschikbaar zijn. just my imagination vind ik de leukste
hohoho dit is goed voor die avonden alleen
Nice
Funky and i liked it
1 fiestas
Great soul album ❤️
Great album
yeah it's a funky situation we got going on here
Smoother than my regular thing, but works anyway.
banger
What a wonderful way to start my day! The energy alone is worth 2 stars! But I'm giving it 4 (last 2 songs dragged and brought the whole mood down)
it was cool pretty chill and cool
Smooth like peanut butter and cheesier than Velveeta.
A fitting album for a sunny day. Would be even better to listen to it while slow dancing with a drink in my hand…
Enjoyable funky one today. Definitely a vibe. Glad to have heard it.
There’s a party feel to this soul, which really works.
Great find. For my vote, I'd choose either So Many Sides of You or Stand Up as the best cuts, but the hit is If You Think You're Lonely Now ... which is okay. Great vocals, excellent guitar work and an overall good listen.
So many Sides of You - nice groove
Bobby Womack's soul and legend shines through on this album. Just listen to it. If you're a lover of Sam Cooke then you already know, but if not you're going to love it.
One for slap bass aficionados
funky, groovy, and lovely. i liked this album. his voice and the background singers are a big part of it too as well as the bass guitar.
The only Bobby Womack track I knew prior to this was Across 110th Street, which I liked. I liked this a lot too. He has a great voice.
Some glitzy, shiny '80s soul that's just straight up ear-candy, no bells and whistles. No out-of-place beat, tone, or note - just consistently enjoyable to the point where I don't really mind that it doesn't ever get too ambitious or out there. It's a kind of "get what you paid for" album. 'Just My Imagination', despite sounding overly '80s in its melody and progression, was maybe my favorite thing here. I loved the slower balladry, alongside the weighty piano chords driving the song along. So pristine. 'Stand Up' was maybe the most outwardly funky song here, at least in that traditional Parliament warbly Bootsy bass style, a nice change in pace near the middle of the record. 'If You Think You're Lonely Now' is another top-tier '80s soul cut, just so smooth, and those backing melodies and swelling instrumentation are absolutely perfect. The definition of easy listening. Smooth like butter, and soothing in a way only this type of music can be. Shout out to Womack.
Very fun album to listen to, beautiful singing and beats loved it all
Great in parts, let down by a few weaker songs 4*
The funk is strong with this one. A lot of really great tracks. Stand Up was a fave. I also really enjoyed the slow jam, If You Think You're Lonely Now. Not an instant add for me like Chic, but a classic nonetheless.
Took me back to being a child in the back seat of the car. Really enjoyed this Album, very well produced and his voice is still unbeaten today.
Jammed to this. Also dope suit, I want one.
So much soul, so much funk, so much cocaine.
Now don't get me wrong, this is a good album. Performances are very good from everyone involved, songwriting is tight and the arrangements are clean. Very singable tunes on this thing. So I really enjoyed it, as I have before. Maybe it's cuz The Poet is his most successful album (I think?), but honestly I feel like Bobby Womack's 70s offerings would have been more indicative of his sound generally. It's definitely present here, but the kinda classic soul thing is more evolved. Lotta synth and slap bass that would have before been a slightly more acoustic sound. Not a bad thing, just seems like most of his career wasn't this specific sound.
muito incrível esse álbum, adoro um blues, e esse artista é maravilhoso. gostei de todas as tracks, mas a favorita é "games". vocais perfeitos e solos de se admirar.
Top top
Soul and funk are two of my favourite music genres, so I quite like this album 😊 Four stars…
One of those albums that immediately put me in my place as far as expectations going in are concerned. Barely had a couple seconds to think that 70's soul isn't really my thing before So Many Sides of You barrels in as an absolute banger. Games is another fantastic cut from this thing. Of course, there are some songs on here that aren't hitting too hard for me like Stand Up, but this album is just warm and full, with Womack's amazing vocals. Don't know if I'm even surprised it's this good, but yeah.
I think one thing I've learned on this music listening journey is that I really like soul and funk. Solid album.
I think maybe I've heard the name Bobby Womack before?? I liked every song on this album, I actually listened to the album 2 times back to back.
4.25 - I thought Bobby Womack was a female folk singer... this was great.
I feel bad for never having heard of Bobby Womack before this. That first song, "So Many Sides of You" was a great tone setter.
None of the songs hit the heights of Across 110th Street. Which is a bewildering, astronomical jump from this pretty solid, mid-but-not-middling soul album. Quite enjoyed it though, If You Think You're Lonely Now was a standout, reminded me of Trapped In The Closet, from R Kelly. Remember that? Secrets is good too. I feel I should probably give this a 3, but something tells me to knock it up one, it is rather fun.
Before this I only knew Bobby Womack from his work with Gorillaz. His two tracks were probably my favourites on Plastic Beach so I was looking forward to it. This was a really good album. Love his voice and there’s not a bad song on it. It’s just missing something for me to give it top marks
Yeah, pretty good album. Good voice. Groovy. What more do you need? Better than most in the genre.
Some nice soul for a Sunday morning, I particularly liked the songs that leaned into funk Favorite Track - Stand-Up Least Favorite Track - Where Do We Go From Here ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Funky and fun!
Sometimes this is all you need in an album. Just a reeeal smooth, wonderful vibe of a record. He's got a great voice, and the instruments and production are just well on-point. I very much enjoyed this and will re-visit it!
Very nice!!
Sehr starkes Album, so chillig
Bobby Womack's most consistent oeuvre, he sounds as soulful and funky as ever. Definitely a worthy inclusion. 9/10 [KEEP]
4.
I had only heard Bobby Womack's features with Gorillaz and I didn't know what to expect with this one. As it is, it's a pretty solid funk album with some light '80s production thrown in. Bobby's vocals are powerful and demanding, and it's the kind of album that you want to listen to as soon as it's over.
I think there's a time and mood that would make this a 5/5. Grading student essays is not the time or mood. It was still a very nice listening experience.
4/5 excelente me gustó muchísimo. Canción fav "so many sides of You"
Really enjoyable pop and funk infused Motown.
Not sure I've ever heard of Bobby Womack but so far it feels pretty funky. I liked it, not my favorite but had some good grooves. Solid 3.5.
gee willikers this was fun to listen too
Really good! Similar to Robert Cray
Very fun to listen to. Entertaining. He is absolutely talented.
Incredible voice
I enjoyed it well enough but not something I’ll probably be listening to much going forward.
Vem sa att det inte gjordes bra soul på 80talet? Perfekt soul post disco med en touch av Philly, slickt med en massa blod och förstås löjligt välspelat. Bara "Just my imagination" är kanske i smetigaste laget, men annars vet Bobby precis vad han sysslor med. Särskilt dom tre spåren skrivna tillsammans med Jim Ford är lysande. Jag gillar det här skarpt, stabil fyra till Bobby
Det är snyggt och Bobby sjunger fantastiskt. Flera riktigt bra låtar. Det är egentligen bara Stand up som faller ur ramen. Den låter mer som ett albumspår från någon Rick James-skiva än ett Womack-låt. De avslutande tre spåren, Games, If You Think Your Lonely Now och Where do we go from here är soul av yppersta klass. Stark fyra, nära femman.
no notes, this is everything
A great one, bangers and bops 4
So smooth
I never know how to describe this kind of music. Turns out it's rnb. A lot of instruments and guitar and back vocals it's nice. I liked "Stand Up" and "Games". Didn't finish, but it was a nice neutral listen.
Really enjoyed the funk, jazz, R&B, and 80s of it all. His voice is silky smooth and I loved the backing singers. Really hit me with nostalgia for a time that I wasn't even alive. Minus one for the songs being too long :)
Love some Bobby Womack. Always solid R&B and timeless
Perfect for easy listening at the weekend
хорош бобби, хорош
It might be Just My Imagination, but I’d say the Secrets are out on this album.
nice
Not his best but it's OK and "If You Think You're Lonely Now" is a powerful banger 3.9
being the zillennial I am, I only knew two things about Bobby Womack before listening to this. first, I knew that he was one of the featured artists on "Stylo", one of my favorite Gorillaz songs. (Damon Albarn, the musical mind behind the Gorillaz, also produced Womack's final album, The Bravest Man in the Universe, released two years before his death.) second, I knew (or, was reminded) that he's also the guy behind "Across 110th Street", the title song for the blaxploitation film of the same name, but even more popular for its use in the iconic opening credits of Tarantino's Jackie Brown. Womack's career in music spanned over six decades and produced quite a few hit songs, but for whatever reason, I feel like I don't hear his name come up too often in conversations about soul or R&B music these days. The Poet, Womack's 13th studio album, was a major critical and commercial bounce-back for him after several LPs of ill-fitting diversions into country music and disco. the A-side takes it back to the fundamentals of soul Womack made himself known for in the first place, with some additional flourishes of smooth, synth-laden production now that it was the 80s (check out the funky A-side closer "Stand Up"). most of the material here consists of a set of smoky love songs that tenderly showcase Womack's dynamic, robust tenor. there's a small choir of backing vocalists in the mix as well, which sometimes comes off a little corny; in my mind, Womack's pleading riffs on tracks like "Lay Your Lovin' on Me" or the slow-burning "Games" are more than sufficient to carry a track on their own, but I guess Womack's producer brain convinced him he needed some "shooby-doo-wah" business. on the positive end (and as a fellow saxophonist), I feel obligated to shout out Fernando Harkless, who gets a few nice opportunities to add some extra smoothness to the proceedings. I tend to prefer the more raw presentation of 70s soul to this lighter "quiet storm" approach that really took hold of the airwaves in the 80s, but Womack's voice (not to mention the bluesy guitar work he laces throughout this album) deserves to be witnessed. decent 7/10.
I really liked this album. I had heard a few of these songs previously but did not know the artist. Not really the type of music that I normally listen to but I enjoyed the entire album. Maybe 1 or 2 duds (for me) but otherwise this is an album that I would listen to again
Oooouf, c’est skibidi-funky ça, j’y reviens c’est sûr, pour l’heure un fort 4 semble approprié, mais jsuis sûr dans un mois je reviens changer pour un 5
Vibey, but it didn’t leave a mark on me as much as i hoped it would. Low 4?
25/02/2026 I actually really enjoyed this album, it was a good listen. Spotify listeners: 1.9 million
This was quite a bit more funky than I expected, given my limited prior exposure to this artist.
Tough deciding between a 3 and 4 for this. I need that apple pie recipe from Secrets.
This is real music. Not the bs I kept getting in a row that definitely shouldn't be on this generator.
En los 80 a Bobby Womack se le metió en la cabeza que el soul no estaba muerto, así que se encargó de ponerle unas gotitas de R&B y, a remolque de las producciones disco que estaban en auge por aquel entonces, nos regaló un álbum que ahora no nos parece muy original, pero és Què se ha imitado hasta la extenuación. Tampoco Womack partía de planteamientos súper originales (mención aquí a Stevie Wonder) pero este disco mantiene esa cohesión de estilo que lo hacen referente para miles de producciones, sobre todo en los 80.
Fantastic, first track pulled me right in.
7.3
sympathique j’ai passé un bon moment
Very nice R'N'B-album with tiny tunes and melodies.
Excellent album front to back. Masterfully put together.
Not his best work but far from his worst. Very good as long as you are ok with its overall 80’s sound.
I really liked this album I think the songs were very enjoyable
Funk/soul. Pretty good.
7/10
Goddamn, this was a fun listen.
A 3.5 or 4 from me, as it's very good for the genre, but it doesn't really push beyond that, from what I can hear. Definitely a fun listen and something I will revisit, but it's hard to say how influential and impactful it was on the larger music world.
I really enjoyed every song, but every song seemed to be a minute and a half too long. It’s like he didn’t know how to end them and just kept vamping.
From across 110th Street comes The Poet with a great collection of old school soul delivered in his unique sometimes bear gruff sometimes smooth as honey voice. The music is more late-night light jazz rather than funky but varied enough to not get tired of any one style. While not a certified soul classic ala Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On' or Curtis Mayfield's 1970's solo debut, 'The Poet' gets close sometimes and delivers 8 solid songs with a whole lot of passion and soul.
Good energy album, kind of lovey. I liked!
This is a fun, funky R&B album. It's also very firmly rooted in the early 80s with the yacht-rock backing band and general feeling of cheese. It's not poetry, but it is a good album that really gets you in the groove like only R&B can do. Vocals are smooth as ever, and Womack can certainly play the guitar. The backing band is tight, which elevates the album quite a bit. Lyrics aren't that good, especially for an album called "The Poet", but they serve the genre. This was a fun listen-or maybe I have a soft spot for 80s R&B. Either way, I enjoyed this.
Absolutely loved it, such a vibe
This is my first time listening to this album. This is enjoyable, though some of the production choices make it seem pretty dated and 80s. I'm not sure I need to add this to my library, but I _am_ glad I listened to this.
This album sounds exactly like the 70s R&B that was ubiquitous in my aunt Mary’s house through my childhood. I’m sure Heart FM must’ve been playing Bobby Womack between 2003-2009. It made me nostalgic for the triangular tuna sandwiches served with grapes and plain crisps. Very nice album.
2026.1.17
Favorite track: Lay Your Lovin’ On Me
Damn this thing finished strong. Fantastic production - wait until tonight!!
A good Sunday morning listen - fun and upbeat - between 3 and 4 rounded up
7/10
Very nice, been listening to this album a lot
awesome
Žiauriai geras bass, gan groovy.
This is SO cool, I wish I had heard about it earlier! I loved it, perfect for listening to while drawing or writing. So vibey so fun. I think it's because of the style, but it feels timeless to me.
Funky!
Really good, tasty 80s R&B. 4 stars
4/5
smooth and groovy at the same time. only knew who this guy was because of that one gorillaz song, it cool hearing some solo material from him
so many sides of you- 7 lay your loving on me- 7 secrets- 6 or 7 just my imagination- 6 stand up- 7 games- 6 if you think youre lonely now- 6 where do we go from here- sick Buffy ref. 7 cocaine used to be different
Smooth Jazz
Better than I expected! I was expecting something a little smoother and more processed but this was nice and a little throwback.
AHHH IT'S alright but I really wanted to give this a 5. 4/5
Mmmm, classic soul and blues.
Bobby just made love to my ear drums.
It is unbelievable that I had not listened to Bobby Womack before this album. Smooth tunes and charming attitude. I have a new thing to do now, do a deep dive on his career
This was like my fav station in GTA V.
The Poet by Bobby Womack is a genuinely fun and satisfying listen. The album blends R&B, funk, and jazz with effortless confidence, all carried by Womack’s soulful delivery and some truly brilliant backing vocals. The pacing is tight, the mood romantic, and the whole record flows beautifully from track to track. It’s one of those albums that feels both polished and deeply heartfelt. Favourite track: Just My Imagination and If You Think You’re Lonely Now are the standouts — both rich, emotional, and superbly crafted. Least favourite track: Honestly, every track has its charm; nothing feels out of place. Album artwork: A fairly standard cover, but it fits the era and the tone.
I recognize the lyric “if you think you’re lonely now” but only because of Mariah Carey.
Звучит роскошно, хоть и не совсем моя музыка.
4.5
Heat
This project is really showing my genre bias for soul and R&B. Solid album with some absolute gems, though I will always prefer earlier Womack.
Varit svag för Bobby Womack sen jag hörde Across 110th street för första gången i Jackie Brown. Hade dock endast hört If you think you’re lonely now på den här skivan, vilket är en enastående bra låt. Tycker det är bra i övrigt också och bara Bobbys röst gör lägstanivån väldigt hög.
The birth rate increased in 82-84. I can only assume it was because of this album. No other explanation.
Great vibes on this album. Chill, smooth, funky soul goodness
This was a pleasure to discover, all around just a really solid effort with lots of elements that were all used really well.
Was ein Funk-Poet! eifach immer en mood-lüpfer. Debi no optimali Längi und zum Schaffe im Hintergrund au bestens geeignet. Vieles richtig gmacht Bobby! Vier Schiebewüscher für sini Brülle.
Isch fuuun & schön Ich wird dich wieder mal lose mr bobby disco. E mix zwüschem marvin und em mickael jackson. Also de marvin in biz schlecht und de michael in besser. Das gid e schöni disco-soul mix album. Me gusta 4 gedicht für the lil poet
A soulful album, evan if at times it's pretty corny or campy. Some of the grooves are so awesome, notably in my favorite which was Games. The base line around the halfway point is very compelling and had me rewind it flseveral times. I had a lot of fun with this one, even if it's imperfect.
If this is not the smoothest, most slick, block of velveeta, then I don't know what would qualify.
pretty dope.
Beautiful soul. Guy came from absolutely nothing with his voice and guitar. Great stuff. Secrets, Games, Where Do We Go From Here As standouts, and of course: If You Think You're Lonely Now as an absolute highlight. That guitar riff...
Indeed a fine album, but instead of the title of the album being "The Poet" it should have been "The Pump".
Funky, smooth and a little cheesy. Yeah, don't mind it at all. Has a late 70s hangover sort of sound, not quite fully transitioned into the 80s yet, but with some hints of synth-yet-to-come. I felt like I was watching Top of the Pops listening to this - every song sounded like it could have been a featured song from the charts. As each track faded, I imagined the clapping and a little introduction to the next song, which is weird, because I wasn't even born yet. I listened before 6am even hit. It really suited the time of day with nothing too intense and a lovely clean sound to pull myself round to. It's not my go-to type of music, but I'm certainly not complaining about it. I enjoyed hearing this.
Strong 3,5
donnez-moi plus d’albums comme ça par pitié. une douceur dans la voix et la mélodie très appréciée, et qui est judicieusement tranchée par moments par des riffs plus assertifs (je pense notamment à Just My Imagination qui met en valeur ce jeu d’intensité dans la façon de poser la voix). on tape dans le mille de mon style musical avec une basse qui apporte un côté très dansant, un choeur (limite gospel) qui donne la réplique et rentre parfaitement dans la proposition soul portée par Womack (même si j'aurais aimé qu'il soit légèrement plus intense par moments, et que les harmonies soient un peu plus soutenues). le son Games est juste incroyable avec l’intro guitare et l’aspect à moitié parlé-chanté des paroles au début. encore une fois, le seul défaut que je trouve à ce type d’albums est la tendance un tant soit peu répétitive que les morceaux peuvent avoir quand on écoute tout l’album d’un coup. mais pour moi on est sur un bon 4.25 !
Very good.
funky and fun. not much else to say
In my imagination won me over
All I knew about bobby womack before this was stylo by the gorillaz. Amd I didnt really even like that song that much. But im pleasantly surprised here. Its funky and soulful. It does have a few too poppy missteps in the middle but generally a very good record. The vocals are great. And im such a sucker for bass lines and they are coming out of this records ears. Every song has some good low register goodness. What a great time.
Täähän oli yllättävän piristävä paketti. Kunnon kutumusaa, toisin kuin edellinen Prinssi, jossa HK:n sininenkin lerpahtaa prinssinakiksi. Levyn julkaisuvuosi hämmensi, kuulosti hyvällä tavalla vanhemmalta matskulta. Nyt oon niin hövelillä päällä että nelonen napsahtaa!
A little reminiscent of Stevie Wonder
Man, I really dug this album. This album is composed of what some people might call “baby-making music.” On this album, Bobby Womack is telling you about how the love of a good woman is everything in a man’s life and how the love of a bad woman is still pretty damn good in a man’s life, but at some point, you’ve got to get the hell out. The Poet came out in 1981. Baby-making music, or good old-fashioned R&B, was not popular. We were in the dying days of disco and R&B was more dance music. Not that you can’t dance to Bobby Womack music, because Stand Up had me taking a break to boogie at my desk. The Poet is full of that classic music where Bobby is almost talking straight to the listener, imparting his worldly advice. Like Bobby had been at the top, he’d had the money, the fame, the women, but what he really wanted was that foxy soulmate that would keep layin’ her love on him. Besides being full of great R&B, some of the songs veer off course a bit. Just My Imagination isn’t the Just My Imagination you’ve heard from the Temptations or the Rolling Stones. This is a song written by Womack using the same title, but there is a steel guitar used throughout that makes the song sound like a country song. It’s weird, but it’s a good song. It’s almost a haunting song. Then you get to a song called Stand Up that is pure disco goodness. Stand up, ‘cause you can’t sit down. And you can’t. This song could be a hit today. It’s pure boogie fuel. I’ll admit, I’ve had a few dogs this past week in the 1,001 list and I’m not sure if I love this album because it’s broken me out of a rough patch or if it’s really a must hear album. I’m going to say it’s a little of both. The Poet is a great example of the dying days of classic R&B music that was used for dancing or for fu….um, loving. Do yourself a favor, when you’re looking to make things hot for your special friend or you just want to boogie, throw on The Poet and let Bobby talk you into something fun.
3,5 Fav: So Many Sides of You
This album is like sitting in a bar on a Tuesday night feeling sorry for yourself because you like a girl at work but you're not sure she feels the same way and you don't want to put yourself out there to her because if she rejects you, you'll be stuck working with her for the term of your contract and that will be more awkward than anything you've ever known. A man walks into the bar, sits next to you and orders himself a Manhattan. The lady behind the bar has already started pouring it before he orders, so you know he comes here often. He looks over at you and remarks that you have the downtrodden face of a man that is struggling with his emotions, then offers an ear for your troubles. Normally you don't engage with strangers, especially ones who apparently habitually drink Manhattans on a Tuesday night. But you're not really sure how to navigate these feelings without any outside help. You explain the situation and the man smiles. 'You've just gotta go for it my brother', he says. Before you can explain to him how it isn't really that easy, he bursts into an excited rant about the beauty of love, and how wonderful it is that such a raw emotion doesn't bow down to any humanity-imposed barriers like 'you can't have the hots for your workmates' and 'you can only love one girl at once'. While you are somewhat lured in by his charismatic words, he does go off the handle a little bit. Like, you really should only love one girl at a time.
I liked “So Many Sides of You” and “Secrets”
Bobby Womack was a scoundrel and this is some scoundrel ass shit.
This was fun. Love the groove, multiple layers, and his voice has great emotion. New fan.
Such a fun groovy record. Soulful, funky, catchy and instantly had my head bobbing. Some of the lyrics are a little corny, but that's more a sign of the times than anything else and if you just throw this on in the background, you'll be dancing around while you do whatever it is that you do.
> The Beatles
Pretty fun album, great vocals
favorite: Just My Imagination I really like this album but I feel like each song has something I don't like about it. Such as in the song Just My Imagination he refers to the person in the song as "little girl" (ew). And If You Think You're Lonely Now sounds really good and would be a good break-up song but it's so passive-aggressive. And in Secrets which I also really like he's got the line "Just like some good old Kentucky Fried Chicken and all of it was good enough to be finger lickin'", I just hate that line and it takes me out of the smoothness of the song.
Amazing funk. Whenever I got up to do something while listening to the album, I had to suppress the urge to dance. The groove is irresistible. Bobby Womack has an incredible voice, if I hadn’t read the reviews beforehand, I likely wouldn’t have noticed some of the bad lyrics because of his great delivery. 4/5
Great album. The most I’ve listened to Bobby Womack for years has been Across 110th St, and I always thought that was an amazing song, so I’m really happy I’ve finally listened to him in an extended fashion. I think it’s really cool how he was able to naturally adapt his music for the times of the 80s past the 60s and 70s, without it coming across kitschy, like how Herbie Hancock adapted his music for the 70s past the 60s. And you can also hear Sly Stone’s influence on Womack just as much as you can hear Womack’s influence on someone like Luther Vandross. Yeah but Secrets, Just My Imagination, and Stand Up are especially so good, and If You Think You’re Lonely Now is the perfect R&B equivalent of 80s pop rock power ballad schmooze (I genuinely mean that in the best way).
Almost too smooth.
He has a heck of a voice, and what's more his glasses are perfect for pool playing in bright environments. That's a plus. 'If You Think You're Lonely Now' feels a classic in the Motown style, like later 70s Diana Ross. 'Just My Imagination' is a marvelous velvety ballad; it's a bit of a cheek naming after a soul classic, but it stands on its own. The soul n funk combo often works to great effect, with a bass that slaps more than your Mum's ass-cheeks Some of it has the whiff of 80s Sunday soul, so-called cos Mother used to play such music on a Sunday whilst ironing ('Where Do We Go From Here's the worst offender, and it's a shame this protracted and banal outlier closes the album). An album that skirts with the idea of being excellent. One has to make a margin call with these ones, and I think there's enough quality to let is slip into the fours.
Really smooth album, enjoyed it more than I thought I would.
80s cheese, served up with a lot of coke. "Stand Up" and "If You Think You're Lonely Now" still hold up.
I love Bobby Womack and I do really like this album but my favorite by him is Communication. This one’s funkier but Communication has that classic R&B sound that I love. That being said there’s some technical wizardry by all the musicians through out the entire album. Bobby Womack kills the guitar and vocals as always while James Gadson consistently stays in the pocket on the drums, but the stand out instrument for most of the album is the bass, handled by Nathan East. I also really enjoy Dorothy Ashby’s harp addition, if you haven’t listened to the album Afro-Harping by her do yourself a favor and check it out! I’d give this one a 4.
I love Bobby Womack! This album is a first listen for me. I can tell it was recorded in the 80's. It's a funky album, and whoever is playing bass is killing it. Stand Up has a Rick James vibe to it. Lay Your Lovin' On Me got me moist. If You Think You're Lonely Now is a classic, and I actually have heard that one. Didn't know it was from this album. It's my favorite on here. 4.
Fun blues
Excellent soul album!
Some of the most peaceful funky soul albums I've heard. He also should incorporate some goregrind and technical death metal elements into his music.
Funky, groovy, classy, really nice album!
Loved this. Never heard of him before but really enjoyed the upbeat funkiness.
Banger! Whirling music fron to back 4/5
Funky post-disco style. And of course, plenty of soul. Womack's vocal is pretty great, full of emotion and complemented by the solid backing vocals. Despite having barely missed the height of disco, The Poet actually pulls the genre off better than most actual disco albums. It's less dated, for sure. In general, the shorter tracks here are slightly stronger – with the exception of Secrets, which (according to my rules) prevents the album from getting 5 stars. So Many Sides Of You has a slightly cliché melody/chorus but the instrumentation is more than enough to compensate. Great punchy track to open the album. If You Think You're Lonely Now is excellent, featuring a lot of back-and-forth between Womack and other instruments, plus something similar to scatting that he does surprisingly effectively. Also a shoutout to Stand Up for its percussion and fast tempo. It's impossible not to tap your foot to this one. I have no idea what's going on in Secrets lyrically. "When you hold me close, and do all the things / You do to me, oh wee, baby / Just like some good ol' Kentucky fried chicken" "She takes me for a younger bonus revelation / But the first time in my life I'm getting off on her conversation / Just like the apple pies my mama made from scratch". ...I don't know where to begin. But whatever it is, it's distracting enough to render the whole song a miss. I'm also not a big fan of choruses delivered entirely by backing vocalists, which was (oddly) a big early-80s trend. Steely Dan's Gaucho record would've been a contender for the best album of the year 1980 if it hadn't done this. 4/5 Key tracks: So Many Sides Of You, If You Think You're Lonely Now
1. So Many Sides Of You - 10 Bobby Womack's vocals are incredible on this track. The bass is amazing and the drums brilliant lead the track from one line to the next. The background vocals help define this track as a classic soul track. Absolute perfection this track. 2. Lay Your Lovin' On Me - 9 Sax solo is amazing as are the vocals. Really great track with some amazing bass on it as well. Brilliant piece of music. 3. Secrets - 5 Lyrically it's just not as strong. I don't need a significant portion of the song, any song really, to be dedicated to Kentucky Fried Chicken or apple pie. 4. Just My Imagination - 6 Solid love song. Bass sounds great and the lyrics are solid. It's not anything that will blow you away but it's a decent track. 5. Stand Up - 7 Instrumentally this song is a lot more fun than the previous track but lyrically it's a lot weaker, at least in the verses. Choruses are fun at times but it's not enough to really say the entire track is an enjoyable experience. Instead it's just a okay, middle of the road track. 6. Games - 7 Solid track. Pretty simple lyrics but still sung brilliantly and the instrumentally it's a very enjoyable song. The piano is a lovely accompanying instrument and the drums are paired to well with the vocals on this track. 7. If You Think You're Lonely Now - 6 Really weak opening lyrics. It's not a bad song but there's much much better on the album already. 8. Where Do We Go From Here - 7 Decent song to end the album on. Enjoyable albeit a bit repetitive at times it's a lot slower a track than the highest rated ones on the album so far. Solid sound overall. Average Rating: 7.13 Adjusted to a 5-Point Scale: 3.56 Rounded Up: 4 Stars
Side A: COCAINE!!!! Five stars. Side B: cocaine wearing off :( Three stars. Cocaine helps boost a lot of normal people into a zone that my ADHD appreciates, it seems.
Dosta kul album, baš mi je pasao! Pogotovo što dosta stvari prvi put čujem. Baš fino 👌🏻 4/5, 7.5/10
Really enjoyed this one
This album is just plain fun. Nothing too complex about the music or lyrics; just a go with the tunes and "groove:".. little cheesy, lots of fun. The "standing room only" had me dancing~ Bobby Womack's voice is great to listen too. RIP Bobby~
Not sure he’s demonstrating his poetry skills here, but Bobby is a legend
Mjukt, snyggt och svängigt.
Smooth and easy and super funky. Stunning vocals and rhythms. While this didn’t have a standout song for me, everything was such an easy listen.
Didn't have much time, was completely prepared to write it off as lift music... But turns out it's the height of smooth soulful cool 😅
Yes
adri: 9, wow, que ritmazo mar: 8, vaya ritmazo
Akkurat passe bra selskap mens æ leste noen kapittel i en bok, men dagen derpå huske æ ikke så mye av det, anna enn at æ likte det helt greit.
Deep grooves and soulful sounds
норм, качает.
80s soul in the house! It’s a party and definitely has some disco vibes. But it maintains a sense funk and soul that sends it. STANDING ROOM ONLY!
Fine Soul music from one of Cleveland's illustrious sons. Special note should be given for the outstanding bass lines of session musician Nathan East. Ranking with Tony Levin and Carol Kaye as one of the most recorded bassists in history, his work anchors the music.
For Jimmy
Great
I hadn’t listened to much Bobby Womack before. I was pleasantly surprised. This is a solid album.
Nice.
groovy, good songs
Groovy and jazzy experience
Just like some good ol Kentucky Fried Chicken
Rhythm & Blues
Nice when it's laid back, but way more fun when he kicks up the tempo and cuts loose
This was great. Expected it be funky, have a bit of soul and good vibes. Delivered on all fronts.
Really enjoyable. Mostly funky. Not usually my thing but a high 3.5 so 4.
Excellent opener which set the scene for a great album. So Many Sides Of You was all kinds of funky and foot-tapping, followed by an equally-as-soulful second track, Lay Your Lovin' On Me. I can see how If You Think You’re Lonely Now was the biggest hit from this release. Soul music can lead me to cringe sometimes but I didn’t get this feeling from The Poet. This is the epitome of cool. I've never knowingly listened to Bobby Womack before. I'm genuinely pleased with this discovery.
Cuando en Los Simpson, Barry White dijo "vengan a mi cubículo, es seguro y es sensual", probablemente uno de los álbumes que se hubiera escuchado en ese apasionante momento habría sido alguno de Bobby Womack. Mucho soul, mucha intensidad erótica y un muy buen disco. Y me gustó mucho, pero de Womack tenía el antecedente de Across 110th street, que es una de mis canciones favoritas de la vida. Y esperaba algo a ese nivel, y pues aunque The Poet me pareció sensual y romántico, no llega a esas alturas. Aún así, seguiré escuchando a Womack.
Lots of recognizable songs on this one
Probably not his most essential listen if you asked someone who knows his catalogue. I know this guy kinda already from the couple of songs on plastic beach, which were good, but obviously felt way out of place (especially stylo). So its good to hear him in his 'natural habitat' or whatever, although I think this is a bit more pop than the more soul stuff he was know for in the early 70s. The disco and pop influences are quite cool though. There are such a range of influences, there are some synth-pop ones (like stand up), and some bits which feel a lot like Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson. Downsides are that some songs, especially the three at the end kind of just taper and go nowhere, and feel like boring ballads. Favourite songs: so many sides of you, secrets, just my imagination, stand up. Overall around 7/10
An experience like no other towards poetry.
Didn't think I would like this so much
oh we FUNKIN
Great stuff — great soulful voice with gospel quality. The instrumentation can sound like the smooth and upbeat jazz from Nintendo (and I’m not sure if that’s even a bad thing)
I really love this style of singing. I came into this with no knowledge of "The Poet" and only limited experience with Bobby Womack. This is a very solid album with tremendous basslines and a superb bass player. 4/5
So Many Sides of You- one thing we lose with all the streaming services- the ability to listen to an album all the way through, and see how someone sets up the order of the songs- this is an upbeat, driving love song Lay Your Lovin' On Me Secrets- this guy made a Kentucky Fried Chicken reference without irony Just My Imagination- not a cover of The Temptations' classic, but it stands beside it- this was the first time I heard the song, but was so impressed. Stand Up Games If You Think You're Lonely Where Do We Go From Here
Bassist going crazy, this was a great listen, the different sounds, the consistent funk. I haven't heard of the artist before but they definitely got my attention here.
you can be funky, cool and smooth but also pretty cornball (hell yeah KFC). He probably had a lot of fun making this and so did I listening to it. One of my favorite lines from If You Think You're Lonely Now, "And the skeletons in your closet, chasing you all around the room." Come on, thats a funny moment in a sexy song
Good soul/R&B with a little bit of funk thrown in. Better than average but not great. Would give it 3.5 if possible, but I'll round up.
I'd never heard this before and it was nice. Bobby Womack is a bad person, but one with a great voice and is a charismatic singer. Some of the production sounds dated but it fuses 70s and 80s R&B well I think.
This was also great painting music
Great sound and voice.
Soulful
Bobby Womack!! Such an iconic voice, I enjoyed every minute of this record. And the stellar guitar work was icing on the cake!
Really nice chillout.
Very well-produced!
80/100. The Poet by Bobby Womack is a smooth and soulful album that carries a classic '80s vibe. The music feels sweet, warm, and heartfelt, with excellent instrumentation and Womack’s rich, emotive voice bringing everything together. The standout track for me was "Games".
Vibrant and energetic throughout. Fun listen! Stand-out: So Many Sides of You
Poised just on the cusp of all those great 70s soul sounds being sanitised out by 80s production values.
I love this! It may be a bit cheesy at times, but the musicianship, production, and vocals are genuinely excellent. Very happy to have discovered this one!
Chillig
this hit so well
Album started out so hot with the first song, had to instantly give it a relisten once I was finished. If it stayed like this it was going to be a slam dunk 5. Definitely cooled down into more typical soul R&B type, which was still very enjoyable just not my favorite type. The ending few songs has some really nice guitar solos which ripped. This was bordering on a 4/5 but don't think it quite made it to a 5
Bobby Womack is a legend, this album deserves more love!
Groovy
Pure, coked-up 80s babymaking music. Aww yis.
Love him, very much part of the musical fabric of the 70s-80s. Womack and Womack songwriting was it!!