The Poet

Ok

Okay

Yeah, nice. Soulful.

Catchy, groovy and danceable. The smooth jive of Womack is fun and lush, the guitarwork is exactly what you would expect from the genre and the grooves are just enjoyable. The record lacks a little in comparing it to acts like curtis mayfield. Overal though I simply ejoyed the vibes and had fun with this one. Favorite song: just my imagination. Overal score: 6.5/10

Just a spectacular hook to open up with on “So Many Sides Of You”!! A groove thats super in-the-pocket, a really memorable phrase and energy thats hard not to latch onto. “Lay Your Lovin’ On Me” takes a little longer to get to the point, but the pay off is there in the chorus all the same - that chorus of vocalists are majestic, floating over the bouncy funk arrangement until it fades out. “Secrets” follows next and is a bit less impactful, doing mostly what’s the first two songs do with a bit less oomph. A special shout-out to the bendy circus keyboard effect on “Just My Imagination”, which pairs so well with the contemplative, chuckling nature of Womack on this one. What comes after are a few songs which are a pleasant but quick mix of dance floor heaters and romantic jams. Then comes “If You Think You’re Lonely Now” which very well may be the best funk song past the 70’s, if not if all time. This song is perfection and the world is better for this song existing in it. A longer closing track concludes an offering from Bobby Womack that is so fun and thorough on all fronts. Really loved this one

Funky sexy soul for the masses. Bobby even channels his inner preacher man passion occasionally. Full robust production. His personal life was bananas but this album is fantastic.

Funky, jazzy and kinda sensual at times. It was fine, never got too adventurous from an instrumental standpoint but it was enjoyable for sure. 3 stars

The pipes on this guy, oh my god. Seriously one of the coolest soul albums I’ve ever heard. Not sure if it’s anything wild or groundbreaking which is going to stop me from giving it a five but loved the voice, loved the production on this one.

Listened: 21/02/2025 Album no: 23 % rating: 67% Fave Song: Secrets Never heard of Bobby Womack so this is all new to me! Super funky, bluesy vibes. Really enjoyed my first listen. I don’t think I’d revisit it but still really enjoyed my listen.

Eh

Oh baby making Musik Sehr schön

This was fine, but nothing to write home about. As for the title, Womack is hardly Keats.

The Poet sounds like it’s right off the ‘70s Soul Train. Bobby’s got some early funk going on, but sounds like he’s trying a little too hard to be cool. Didn’t remember or know any of the songs from the album, never heard of Bobby Womack, but enjoyed the trip back five decades during the listen. (2.9*s)

This man is on crack and so is anyone who likes this album. The only halfway decent song is "Stand Up" but it doesn't redeem the others. Way too many boring, slow, tacky, love songs that bring nothing new. I thought this was going to be a lot better based on the cover art. He looks cooler than he actually is. 0.75 which rounds to a 1 for the audacity to call yourself The Poet.

Womack...you SOB. This was not at all poetic or at all good. Cheesy love ballads complete with sparkly harps and sax. A shimmer of hope with the funky tune "Stand Up", every other track was lame muzack barely worthy of a dentist's waiting room. Bobby has a voice but I'm sorry, you can't be a true poet if you reference KFC...0.85 stars.

Didn't realize Bobby Womack was a previously successful R&B artist as my prior exposure was through his work with Gorillaz. I guess I should have figured since Damon Albarn has an incredible eye for talent and continues to collaborate with so many respected musicians. Any appreciation I have for Bobby will always be tied to his involvement and featured tracks with Gorillaz, though I was glad to dip a toe into his solo work with The Poet. It's an OK album I guess. There's a couple funky tracks that I enjoyed (notably Stand Up) but also some stuff that's skippable. I expect he has some quality nuggets hidden among his discography that I would enjoy, though I have no plans to comb through 40+ years of work. Glad for the exposure but happy to move past. 2.03 stars

Soulful and funky, caught me just in the right mood i guess. Enjoyed it throughout.

Not as boring as lots of 80s r and b, but still not my favourite era of music.

This is amazing! A beautiful eclectic album that will please both mind and hips. 1001 albums seem to be a bit squeamish when it comes to AOR and Yacht Rock adjacent records, but this makes up for a few left out legends.

Easy listening, no standout tracks.

Great music but not for me.

as much as i tried to enjoy it, this just isnt my sorta music

It's a smooth affair, but nothing that really stood out to me.

Same experience with this bloke as Sameen, but I honestly to goodness thought this ripped!! He was killin it every damn song

So pleasant and cool. 3 stars, however

funny enough the only album by this bloke ive heard is his 2012 comeback album right before he passed ... but not familiar with him really otherwise. some nice and funky soul tho ... pretty fun but nothing mind blowing!

5/10 so mellow I melted while wreirjiethng thiesdfefwiojfoaj 2-12-2025

Decently entertaining Soul album. I laughed when he name dropped Kentucky Fried Chicken. Best track: If You Think You're Lonely Now

Not a song that disappointed me

80s Soul, nicely done if you are into that sort of thing. But Simply Red did it better. Still, 3/5.

Some smooth, easy-listening here.

Produktionen er lige corny nok men det er lige til at blive i godt humør af jo

Kæft han synger godt. Smooooth!

Great, soulful, never gets boring. Loved it.

Bobbyn musiikista muuten diggaan, mutta tämä jätti kylmänpuoleiseksi. Silti ihan passelia taustamusiikkia.

This seems like pretty standard run of the mill 1980s R&B which is to say it's fine, but definitely not for me.

The Good: We’ve got a Womack! The Bad: Not sure if he’s a poet… The Ugly: Wondering what happened… I saw this album pop up, so I instantly thought about Womack & Womack, and then I read the wiki page, and then I had to take some heroine, and hootch, and other assorted goodies to pretend like I hadn’t just read what I did… The Poet starts dating the widow of the late Sam Cooke, just shortly after the afore mentioned man is shot… then years later she boots him out the door when it turns out that he’s started an affair with the daughter of the widow… and then the daughter ends up marrying The Poets brother… While another one of his brothers dies when he’s stabbed in the neck by a jealous girlfriend… and… and… and… you just can’t make this shit up. So, the main elephant in the room here is the simple question of “Why is this album included?” It was what I was thinking when I started listening to it… also taking into consideration that The Poet released 12 albums before this one came to fruition. And then I started thining about all the shit albums I’ve had to listen to so far, and I figured that, if they’re going to include some soul music from the early ‘80s, then this ain’t a bad album to listen to. Songs are catchy, composition is tight, voice is lovely, so no complaints there. Yet, try finding this album in top list of Soul albums of 1980s… and I wish you the best of luck. Maybe the authors of the 1001 book know something that other are, so it seems, blind to… I am going to lump Bobby Womack together with Womack & Womack, and give the righteous score of 3*

this is such a good album. seems like something from another era but still modern.

Standouts: So Many Sides Of You If You Think You're Lonely Now Where Do We Go From Here

I liked all of this. Love Bobby’s iconic voice. He’s great. Every single song is a bop. Not an incredible amount of range, but noticeable enough to impress me for an album rather late in his career. Really phun stuph. Glad to have heard it. 4/5

In the right circumstances, I could enjoy this.

Bad 70’s slow funk vibe

First time listening to Bobby Womack. It's dated and cheesy, but damn it's good. Personally I prefer the tracks with a bit of grit like Stand Up, more than the saccharine in some other tracks.

I just don't really jibe with early 80s R&B that isn't straight-up funk, really. It just sounds way too smoothed out and over-produced. Very sterile.

I’m shocked how much I don’t like this. I first heard of Bobby Womack from none other than Mariah Carey, as a little pre-teen girl singing along to “We Belong Together.” Being a nerd, I obviously sought out the song she referenced [“If You ThinK You’re Lonely Now”] and, while I immediately fell in love with it, I never felt so compelled by it to seek out the album it came from originally. Even as an adult, whenever I come across this record in a shop bin, I always pass it over, for some reason or another. So this was a brand new listen, but based on the single, the cover, and the general je ne sais quoi of Womack’s vibe, I figured this would be an instant 5 star review. Oh, how wrong I was… Throughout The Poet, Womack is either a bad Stevie Wonder impressionist or a skeevy manwhore. Sometimes, he’s both, although he most keeps it split evenly across each side of the record. Right out the gate, we get the worst Wonder-lite take with “So Many Sides of You,” which feels like a Stevie chord progression à la “Higher Ground.” It’s fine, but it’s distracting, and I can’t quite shake it. Thankfully, for the next two tracks, I’m kind of passively on board. Sure, they still appear to be Stevie rips, but they’re better. But soon enough, the sap kicks in, and it doesn’t let up until the end. Now, I’m not averse to the quiet storm thing, and I do think “If You Think You’re Lonely Now” holds up, but the majority of this record is wrapped in the stink of a stained satin sheet. It’s really a thick scent, and it stays in your noses, and most of the time, I really don’t want to keep getting a whiff of whatever happened during this recording process. And that’s the main issue here. Womack is an undeniable guitar player, especially in this style of music, but how much sex music does one person need in their life? What The Poet offers beyond that is Walmart Stevie Wonder, and I don’t need that, either. In the end, I’m left with one good song, a couple more okay-ish/tolerable songs, and a bunch of sleaze. Even as an ardent lover of ‘80s soul and R&B, this does nothing for me.

Ok

A bit too smooth for my liking as I like my funk a little bit harder and edgier. But this is still a decent listen.

Vibey, but the songs are all pretty similar and some drags on a bit too much, expecially towards the end

Who knew funk could be so cheesy?

Not my thing but fine

"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.

Allllll the soul (sung in Bobby Womack voice)

It’s not bad, but r&b in general was in a lull

I'm curious why the creators of "1001 Albums" added this one to their list. The singing is good, and the musicianship is fine, but Bobby Womack was a stronger artist in the 70s, and there are better examples of soul and funk music out there, especially from Womack. Right artist, wrong album.

Perfectly fine background listening.

good so far, I like R&B, good beat, 80's music bops

A heartfelt and funky good time. Also, no long Bobby-style monologues, which, though interesting, get wearing on multiple listens.

I quite liked Bobby Womack's album. But it didn't impress me as much as other albums in this genre. It was good, but not thrilling. Still, it was nice to have heard it. 4/5

2.5/5

Good album

All I knew of Bobby Womack going in was his guest vocals on Plastic Beach, so I didn’t know what to expect. I can see why people would like this, but doesn’t really do it for me. His voice is good and the talent is there, but I’m just not an R&B guy.

A little too pleasing and monotonous for me.

#463. Is this a good album? Sure it is. Is this an album that one *needs* to hear? Not really. Like so many others on this list, it's good enough, but not necessarily anything special. 3/5: decent Song added to playlist: If You Think Your Lonely Now I've created a playlist on Spotify that consists of the best and/or my favorite song from each of the albums in this book. This list can be found here if you are interested: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7MAXDGLWlwLkFLb8veGfkA?si=FqkQQPgZTFWG0jAUJXLFZA&utm_source=copy-link

I knew of Bobby Womack prior to today but had never heard of anything by him except the Rolling Stones cover of Harlem Shuffle. This is a rare album in this project that I enjoyed but I'm not sure where it fits in the book. It's not really a comeback album and Womack doesn't have another album in the book, so this isn't a companion album either. The songs were (yet again) a bit long a times but I enjoyed the songs, especially So Many Sides of You, Just my Imagination, If You Think You're Lonely Now and Lay Your Lovin' On Me. There is a definite trend towards the "smooth 80's crooner" soul sound that was famous during the era, but Womack has more soul and grit in his voice.

Nice, classic, soul music.

This kicks ass. Really funky, soul/RnB. Loved it. A really fun listen

Smooooooooooth! Enjoyed this a lot.

Gut! Dinner/ Cocktails

Favorite Track: If You Think You’re Lonely Now

Hot, smooth.

Meh kind of like a not as good Marvin Gaye

30 - Really solid soul funk album with tasty instrumentals and virtuoso vocals. It's sort of like an 80s Marvin Gaye sound, has some real highlights, seems underrated online. B

I'm just not really into this 80's soul sound. It doesn't really bother me if it's playing in the background but I have no real desire to go back to this album. Kind of a low 3.

About a song in, I thought that this could be good, kitschy fun; with good vocals over fun, dated production. But, it just ended up being dated and underwhelming.

First song kind of made me think of 'Master Balster - Jammin' by Stevie Wonder. 'Stand Up' made me think of Earth Wind & Fire. And like those songs, the Temptations cover was competent, but didn't really bring anything new to the table. His vocals are great, but lyrically (Kentucky Fried secrets? Really?) and musically this made me mostly wonder how this ended up on the list.

Groovy, funky!

I found this to be mostly forgettable

Not my cup of tea

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.

Really enjoyed the funkier songs. Not as big on the slower R&B songs. Overall, solid album

I like this smooth R&B, soul sound and from an artist I never heard of. I would listen more from him.

Really enjoyed the first half of this album! Loved the vibes and the energy The 2nd half started slowing down a bit too much. Still very enjoyable songs, but I wanted that energy throughout the album 4 ⭐️

Middle of the road.

the most Smoothed Over of smooth soul possible, just Drenched in early 80s cheese. so so enjoyable tbh lmao, its nothing revelatory but the glitz and idealizaed sexuality and big emotions are all pursued in effortful earnestness thats difficult for me to not respond to. its never got the very Best vocal performances or the very Best arrangements or the very Best melodies like maybe ud expect from a record being included in this 1001 canon thing, but theyre all quality, swishing around my senses and emotions v v pleasantly. and congrats to this guy, ive never heard of him before but he finally broke the unpleasantly horny men streak! very silly era but im glad it-...he did WHAT?????????

This was a good listen! Some call the production cheesy but I love it. R&B isn't my favorite genre, so that probably knocks it down a bit. I don't think this one will get much if any replay from me. I love the country tinge in Just My Imagination, and If You Think You're Lonely Now is one of his biggest hits, and those were the songs I liked best. The backing vocals were definitely a highlight throughout.

Not a lot to say about this apart from I hope I get something I really like tomorrow. 1/5 17/12/24

A groovy little soul album. Reminds me a lot of Stevie Wonder. Not much to say about this one, just a decent album. Low 4.

3.5 rounded down groovy bay bay! highlights: lay your lovin’ on me, stand up (sep 9 2024)

A little too much on the cheesy R&B and funk production end of things for me, and nothing that hits remotely like Across 110th Street.

Bobby moest even wat relatieproblemen van zich afzingen, maar doet dat wel op honingzoete wijze met warme glittersoul. Jammer van zijn geklaag, verder klinkt het allemaal om door een ringetje te halen.

Bij het krachtige eerste nummer spitste ik mijn oren. Maar eerlijk gezegd, volgt daarna niet veel bijzonders. Natuurlijk, er is weinig mis mee, maar er springt ook niet veel uit.

Vroeger werd soul en R&B nog regelmatig begeleid door een gitaar ipv door hiphopbeats en dat bevalt me prima. Het is ietwat zoet allemaal, een soort restaurantmuziek. Easy listening. Ik kan dit prima hebben, maar ik mis persoonlijk weer het hitje dat er een ster bij kan doen. Blijft nu steken op een 3.

Suadente, interessante.

fúnkísskotnir sálartónar. frekar gott. annan séns. 3,5.

Alright. I can vibe with this. This is just a nice soul/funk type album. The singing is pretty good. There's some solid emotion here. The writing hasn't aged poorly. That's a good thing. The sound is nice. It's quite pleasant, and also fits the writing quite well. "If You Think You're Lonely Now" is the stand-out track, but the other ones are still good. The general tone is quite sensual, but it works well. It's not my favorite "sexy album." I think Marvin Gaye has Bobby Womack beat in that regard. However, this is still an album that I enjoyed significantly. I don't have a ton to say. The album's pretty good. Light 4/5.

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.

Stand Up was the sole redeeming track from this album.

Favorite Track: Games

Pleasant way to spend 40 something minutes. 3.5 stars.

Manages to bring just about everything I despise musically together for this album. We have obnoxious synths, cheesy lyrics, plastic-funk, limited diversity, too smooth and safe. Okay, some of the tracks have lyrics so bad that they're hilarious. But this isn't enough to save this album from the single star I'm awarding it.

So Many Sides of You 3.3 Lay Your Lovin' on Me 3.1 Secrets 3.2 Just My Imagination 3.4 Stand Up 3.2 Games 3 If You Think You're Lonely Now 3.5 Where Do We Go from Here 3.3 Score: 3.25

Just from looking at the cover you know it's gonna slap

#82 Vibing.

The Poet is the thirteenth album from soul singer Bobby Womack. Womack's albums did well on the R&B charts, but never found much success with a broader audience, on the pop charts. The Poet is considered his best work. This is a good collection of soul songs, including the successful single "If you think you're Lonely Now." Womack plays lead guitar, with a solid, R&B band behind him, including a group of background singers.

Finely performed. The lead guitar is great. Something about this album feels a little, I don’t know, self-satisfied? It detracts from it as a whole. Didn’t like it as much as I expected.

Sound production is too 80s

This sounded pretty much better exactly how I expected it to. He has a good voice, but the material is a bit too 80s sounding. Low 3.

My only previous exposure to Bobby's music was with Gorillaz (Stylo specifically). So it's no surprise here that he's got powerful vocals. Nice production, backing vocals and range of instruments in the tracklist here. Love how prominent the bass is in the mix - so funky. It's a vibe, no doubt, with some cheesy lyrics and undeniably 80s sound.

Turbo banger album.

3 out of 5. This album was a smooth piece of cake.

Standard 80s jazzy bluesy pop. Not interesting to me.

A funky toe tapping start but runs out of steam

This was a nice pleasant album, and for the most part, I enjoyed listening to it. This is the type of thing for me that is fine to listen to if it happens to be playing at a friends house or a restaurant, but it’s nothing that I would seek out or purchase for myself. For me, this is three stars.

Ég á tvöfaldan safndisk með Bobby, sem ég hlustaði mikið á fyrir circa tveimur áratugum. Þar er hann betri en hér, lögin almennt sterkari og röddin frískari heilt yfir. En þetta er fínt, mjúkt og tilfinningaríkt.

Not my style, I don't have a framework to judge this against

amazing album, great discovery

1980s black lady music, get it gurl

Something special about this one. The passion, love, soul, heartache, really comes through the music. Will be a go to for slow jams

Fun and groovy record that's very inoffensive. I enjoyed it but it's more of a background-music album for me.

This is exactly what I expected, and it was great! Love songs, sex songs, soul songs. Admittedly, there isn't much variety between songs, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. I feel like every song on this record holds up and pushes the music forward. The main variance is the emotion between each song. Some songs are about heartbreak, where other songs are celebrating love. I like the bass lines, the synths, and fun drum beats. I love how no matter the subject matter, every song is going to church. A gospel choir could get behind any song and totally crush it. This was fun!

The sexiest album on the list so far

3.5

I didn't listen to my album yesterday for obvious reasons if you're keeping up with the news. Sam Cooke would've actually been very relevant for the mood I felt at the time, but I was far too stressed to think about that. Thankfully the algorithm blessed me with one of my favorite 80s soul records with an adult contemporary lean that finally gives me a chance to talk about Bobby Womack. Bobby Womack is one of those musicians whose personal life overshadows the music for many people. Barring the obvious names, he was probably one of the most devious RnB musicians on the planet. But above all, he was an extremely skilled guitarist and soulful singer with extensive range. If you want a perfect example of those traits, "Communication" and "Understanding" are excellent starts to his discography in the 70s. In the 80s, his career underwent a revival with "The Poet". This short, but sweet, record was able to revitalize Bobby's career. It features the sleeper hit If You Think You're Lonely Now, which got sampled in Mariah Carey's We Stay Together (and is one of my favorite soul songs of the 80s). This album having so much bounce and flavor in the percussion session makes sense when you realize Paulinho de Costa of Toto fame was on rhythm duties; a little yacht makes everything sound better. I'll forever be salty about Quiet Storm not being considered a real genre on RYM, because this is a perfect contender for the best album in it besides the Smokey record that started it all. 8/10

Very good album! I have never heard this before and it's great, nice vocals, excellent beats. It's smooth and detailed, I like it a lot and will definitely listen to it again.

Nice voice, soulfull mood. Maybe a bit aged. No outstandig track. Sometimes feels like a soundtrack to a Tarantino movie. Weak three stars for this album. 2,5

Beautiful music

Ho Hum

It was fine. I think Bobby Womack has better music than this album.

It's a solid soul record. I was grooving with it for the most part, but nothing really hooked me. It's well made, but not very memorable.

-what is there to say… it’s a nice album with some really good songs. Feels a bit like Stevie Wonder but maybe slightly late to the party? It was consistent in quality across the board though I preferred the second half I guess -Favorites are Stand Up, Games, and If You Think You’re Lonely Now

Musica que pondría de fondo pero sin ser necesariamente mi estilo. No me quedo con ninguna canción en particular.

I like Bobby Womack and his music, going back as far as The Valentinos. There's a couple of good tracks on this album, and several nice tracks, but even with my bias towards this kind of music I'm struggling to see what makes this album one of the 1001 I must hear.

Thirty-seven year old Bobby Womack was about three decades into his career by the time "The Poet" came slinking along. He'd played in bands from the age of 12, featured as guitarist for the likes of Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin and Sly and the Family Stone, and was now contending with a new decade of soul. Arriving in 1981, "The Poet" is much lighter and silkier than I'd anticipated. While the soul and depth of feeling is inarguable, it's let down slightly by brash mid-range production and a little too much sheen. I was surprised that the big hit here, and one of Womack's most celebrated songs, is the fairly maudlin, by-the-numbers ballad "If You Think You're Lonely Now". To me one of the most forgettable songs, it was originally B-side to the far superior "Secrets" but ultimately proved more popular. The uptempo numbers, like "Secrets" and "Stand Up" stood out to me more, although the ballads are best for showcasing Womack's lovely vocals. Across the rest of the album, Womack may not be making music to explode to, but it is music to gently and painlessly melt to. "Where Do We Go From Here" is lilting and luscious; "Just My Imagination" (not that one) fizzes by in a dream state, with its gliding chromatic keyboard figures and Womack's ever-wistful falsetto. There's a little too much keyboard and drum machine for my taste, robbing the songs of some sincerity, but the musicians we do get do a sterling job. David T. Walker (a session musician on "Visions", from Stevie Wonder's "Innervisions" album) shows up with some tasteful guitar accompaniments, harpist Dorothy Ashby adds some nice ornamentation, and a whole roster of backing vocalists really elevate tracks like "Games" and "So Many Sides of You".

Title misleading, no poetry found inside....

Not many feelings about this one. I'm glad I listened to it, the music was smooth and full of passion. If You Think You're Lonely Now stuck with me.

Have heard the name and happy I can associate the name to his music. I can really sum up this album by saying, I just want to go home now, grab my wife and spend the rest of the day grooving to this and music just like this. I'm a Rage Against The Machine, Bon Scott rock n roller, but gogdamn, I just love the older R&B and soul. Solid album. 8 very goods songs and straight to the point in 40 minutes. Now you let the genre play out on Spotify and I will guarantee you'll want to go home to the one you love and love em up good. Beautiful album. Best in awhile. 4

3.5 Never heard of the guy, but damn is his music funky, fresh, and sexy. Apparently he was Sam Cooke’s guitarist which explains a lot, though he infamously went on to marry the dude’s widow shortly after his death in a move that turned a lot of his audience against him. And then, if that wasn’t controversial enough, he later cheated on said wife with her and Sam’s daughter, culminating in her pulling a gun on his ass and opening fire (unlike his former bandmate, Bobby walked away with only a graze). Anyway, not saying this is a great guy, but it’s a shame his music isn’t more known - it really seems that he took the fiery, romantic fervor of Sam Cooke’s music and evolved it with the times, resulting in a really solid 80s R&B record that I feel holds up a lot better than a lot of similar albums from this time. Hell, even some after - something about this just feels kind of timeless, especially compared to a lot of 90s R&B. I think a lot of that is owed to the production, something that was also apparently handled by Mr. Womack. It really seems like the dude had natural musical ability, I guess he just didn’t have quite the same star power as Sam. Can’t say this is the kind of thing that blew my mind or that I fell head over heels in love with, but I can say this was a pretty grooving 40 minutes. I liked just about every song I heard, though If You Think You’re Lonely Now is far and away the highlight (based on the Spotify play count, it seems most would agree with me in that regard). However, what I think I most appreciate is the fact that this album feels genuinely romantic without feeling oversexualized or gratuitous, which I think gives it a lot of replay value in my eyes over many other R&B records. Will definitely have to check out more of this guy’s stuff!

This was a great album. There were a lot of really good songs on there that my wife and I enjoyed. It would be a great vibe to just have going in the background somewhere.

I felt like the Ladies Man while listening to this album

Another from the project where I have heard of the artist but haven’t listened to any music! Nice tracks that blend soul, funk, r&b. I enjoyed the album enough, but seemed a bit dated, wasn’t really my groove today. 3.25/5

He's jammin. Will I listen to again: 25%

Banging

There’s some good stuff here. Very Marvin Gaye-esque

Was gonna give this a 4, then if you think youre lonely now came on and pushed it over. Holy moly

Didn’t particularly enjoy this, but there are some solid basslines. Definitely not sure why I had to hear this before dying…sounds like a typical cheesy 80s soul record. A little overproduced, a little over sung. Feel like he occasionally said some stuff that made me do a double take.

Groovy and nice. Need to spend more time with it and the catalog.

Really mid

Crap

Not for me

Absolutely superb.

Mostly solid album but the quality really dropped off the last few tracks

3.5

Meh. Long winded.

About time I got something a lil funky

super funky disco album with some deep and soulful lyricism that adds to the intensity of the album. Big fan.

This shi fye “Just like some good old Kentucky Fried Chicken” Favourites: Secrets Games If You Think You’re Lonely Now

This shit made me want to dance proactively

I dig this album! Not usually the kind of thing I would pick up to listen to but I like the smooth vibes and vocals.

Oh yeah, this album fucks. S/o to Gorillaz for introducing me to Bobby which made me pick this album up on a whim. Enjoyed this listen through as well and reminded me to go through his other works

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.

I would listen to this for pleasure The whole thing is great, but Secrets is a level above. Absolute banger Really good. If You Think You're Lonely Now is so good too Good 4

3/5. Love the weird sounds and experimental background instruments along with the pop/r&b. The album makes you want to move for sure with the upbeat ones and the ballads are okay, don't think that's his highlight stuff. Lonely was an outlier. The album was enjoyable but I don't think it was too unique to stand out to me. The second half turned out to be better than when it started. Best Song: If You Think You're Lonely Now, Stand Up, Where Do We Go From Here

Not my style but some good songs (couldn’t listen to all of them due to restricted songs)

Soul/R&B only go so far for me. It’s all respectably fine music, none of is great. If You Think You Are Lonely Now is easily the best song 5.0/10

Enjoyed it

Приятный нежный

This is weird, man. Unexpectedly weird! The music is giving me funky groovy good times, but the lyrics are just awful. Not awful in a blatantly trying to create controversy or incite a reaction. Awful in the "I think I'm an artist and everything I say is so profound, but is actually a huge load of shit and completely lacks any real talent with words whatsoever" kind of way. You know this person. They think they're a writer or a singer or an artist, but they are a talentless hack and totally deluded. Yet, for some reason they charge at their dreams hard enough and nobody pipes up to say "actually, you should keep your day job" so somehow they find "success". I think of my cousin's idiot ex-husband who self published a book re-telling his dad's life story and then handed it out as the Thank You gift to everyone who attended their wedding. For real. Next level egotism and delusion. After this listen, I think Bobby Womack is the kinda guy who'd do that same thing. The fact that this album is called The Poet and nary a snippet of interesting poetry can be found here speaks volumes about how far up his ass his head is.

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.

Simply just some wonderful soul from one of the greats of the genre. 4.5 down to 4.

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.

I can’t explain why, but I wanted to be the bass getting slapped throughout this whole record.

If you think this album is inessential, wait until "If You Think You're Lonely Now" and your skepticism will be long gone.

Smooth. I liked it when he started going on about KFC. Made me hungry.

Soul, R&B.

Pretty decent way to start the day without getting too hyped up or worked up.

Easy listening soul music, with a bit of electric disco funk, overall decent for the first time I’ve listened to it

i should like this more. it's completely insane, which i should love, but it just kinda left me a bit...flat.

2 good songs and some mess

Best Song: If You Think You're Lonely Now. The oddly threatening lyrics mixed with the beautiful production make this a treat. A weird treat, but a treat nonetheless. Worst Song: Secrets. I just think has the most boring chorus. Love the bassline though. Overall: The album starts weak and takes some time to find its groove, but the back half is full of great, soulful tracks.

Not bad. Not my jam though.

Sköna vibbisar, i like it

3.5/5

Maybe after a string of dud albums this would be a 5 but this project has been kind to me recently, so sorry Bobby, you get a downgrade

5/5

Fun, funky, but not really my style.

Nothing particularly notable for me

I didn’t know they still made music like this. Sounds like it’s straight out of the 80s and funky as hell.

Had only heard the name before now. Brilliant soul/rnb album top to bottom, with some excellent guitar playing, particularly on "Games".

Good but not ny stle

Surprised how something so smooth can be soo cheesey at the same time.

Some lovely sunny 80s cheese, perfect for listening to in the garden.

made my day

It was exactly as I was expecting. Passable would with a slight 80'e vibe. Nothing stood out but it wasn't offensive.

Ok, I’ve not heard of this album, though I am aware of bobby Womack. Magnificent talent. Enjoyed a great deal. Must listen? I’ll give this one the benefit of the doubt. 4 probably growing to 5.

If Super Cheesy Soul were a genre, this would have to be a finalist. I enjoyed it, it's warm, bounding and fun, but part of my smirk is a satirical one. I'm missing a few things, furry dice, a V8, summer nights and flares, and formation dancing by the Solid Gold Dancers . If you ARE in the mood for it, it's super extra cheesy fun to groove to. But it's also so cheesy it's rich for satire, too. Like American cheese sauce, don't look too deep for substance, and it may not "mature" well. Still undecided if this is intended as Comedy.

If it wasn’t for Stand Up, which is the only track here approaching funky, I wouldn’t have given this a second listen. But I did, and it still sounds to me like a run-of-the-mill sophisto-soul album that is more rooted in the early-to-mid-70’s than the post-Off The Wall 80’s. Surely this stuff had already been done to death by 1981. Two stars.

Bobby Womack is a legendary talent. Personally, my tastes lean towards his grittier 60s and 70s recordings (10/10, would recommend), and I was not at all familiar with this record. 80s RnB is not typically my jam; a little too smooth, a little too polished. And this album is certainly awash with slick musicianship. The production is clean and smooth, and the playing is always tasteful. But it's Bobby's vocals that really lift this from being simply 80s pastel wallpaper. His soul mastery, steeped in gospel, with the right amount of grit and rasp, makes this album really soar. Layer on the gospel choir backing on 'Where Do We Go From Here' (which is kind of an odd song), and you have something really special. So, too my taste, not the Bobby Womack album I would have chosen, but still great to have it on the list. it was huis most successful album and, in fairness, is one of the best RnB records of the decade. Side note: Bobby looks absolutely smokin' on the cover. That jacket, those sunglasses, totally of their era, but he carries them off with his million watt charisma.

Nice to listen, nothing special.

Some sick songwriting and musicianship on here.

Solid R&B/Funk-ish album. I'll go out on a limb and say that "If You Think You're Lonely Now" rivals every other song in the genre, including Let's Get it On. The rest of the album is solid.

Det var ret cool. Kendte egentligt kun navnet fra Gorillaz sangen Stylo. Der var gode sange imellem, og jeg gik ind og ville have mere med Bobby bagefter albummet. Om jeg høre det igen, må tiden vise.

Fed stemme og cool lyd. Laid back feel på hele albummet. Jeg kendte kun Bobby W af navn fra hans senere samarbejde med Gorillas

Funky 70s R&B that while good was a little bit forgettable. I had to hunt down the album to hear all of it, but honestly the song Secrets wasn't really worth the effort. Overall, I am a fan of the sound of the music so this is probably a 2 star record getting a generous "genre and era" bump. A rare cheat but I'm feeling generous towards this record for some reason.

This album was pretty good, but the CLEAR standout imo is "So Many Sides of You". All around this was a pretty sensual listen. Not sure how often I'll come back to this one but not a bad listen. 3/5

Trodde aldrig att jag skulle säga det men detta var ändå ett ganska mid soul och funk-album. Visst gick det att lyssna på och det var inga större fel med låtarna, men jag har börjat kommit till den punkten då jag insett att en stor del av plattorna i denna typ av genre är ganska lika. Jag tycker fortfarande att majoriteten av det är bra men denna skiva var lite tråkig. Samma med omslaget.

A slightly jazzy background listen

more dickin down music. groovy.

Didn’t love or hate. Easy listening, soulful R & B good for certain settings.

The number of collaborations on Bobby’s resume is incredibly impressive. But…even with only 8 songs on this album, I found it a slog to get through. Most likely b/c some of the songs were 6 plus minutes. Oof. What I found more head scratching is this was released in late ‘81/early ‘82 when disco tinged styles like this were already way dead. Yet, this album was still top of the R&B charts when the rest of the world had clearly moved into punk, indie, new wave. Who woulda thunk it? Not me.

A few different types of baby making music here. Not much meat to it though, so didn’t really feel worthy of anything over 3

Spotify has this listed as release in 2021 and I was very confused. Overall it’s….fine. I didn’t mind it but nothing really stood out and there are some parts that drag with their repetitiveness (I know everyone has secrets! And it’s fine that there’s standing room only!). I just can’t get out of my head hearing this in the car with my parents when they were listening to the station that plays the best hits of the 70s 80s and today. Or maybe a doctor or dentist office. Sorry Bobby.

Sorry, Bobby, I did not really enjoy this and don't have much to say. Dig the album cover, tho. 2.5/5

I’d only heard of Bobby Womack in passing. I couldn’t have told you his genre or what era he was most popular during. I’d just heard the name. This was alright. In general, this style of music isn’t really my thing. There are a few Al Green songs that just get me though, and there’s some of that influence and energy here. Loved that. But overall I just wasn’t super enamored. There’s some great grooves, and it’s something to be appreciated. But the genre just isn’t mine and that’s alright. Mr. Womack gets three stars because what I liked was great, what I didn’t was still good, and man it just sounded like he was having so much fun. Standout Tracks: So Many Sides of You, Stand Up

Not my jam

Smooooooooooooth!

This is a big old slice of funktastic 80’s cheese with a side of soul from one of the great soul voices that sounds like it would be great for a romantic night in. Sadly though, the songs don’t quite measure up to the singer. On “If You Think You’re Lonely Now” our hero whines about “his woman” complaining that he’s never there and is broke all the time, so he does the passive aggressive thing of threatening to leave her. Lovely.

Great voice. Not really into this kind of R'n'B. If You Think You Lonely Now is kinda creepy.

Good but nothing extraordinary or special. First 3 tracks not working on Spotify - but their play counts don't suggest Im missing much

gooood good vibes

Smooth AF, not my cup of tea.

The music was good, enjoyable, but the singing was very bad. Ruined it for me.

Enjoyed the faster numbers, the whole record was scattered with some delicious slap bass. But ultimately fell a bit short, a little dreary in places

Romantic one. Most of the songs were unavailable, but what I heard was both new and familiar. Old standards in a voice new to me.

Ah, yes, only a true poet could extol the virtues of finger-lickin’ Kentucky Fried Chicken, alongside the crumbling cookie and mom’s apple pie. Great R&B can put you in the mood, but “Secrets” only put me in the mood for food. The rest of the album was more geared towards the typical R&B tropes of love and romance, just enough to get your mind racing, to get your imagination running away with you. Wait, that’s a different “Just Your Imagination.” Womack’s was playing tricks on him again. Weirdly derivative song. Overall, it doesn’t sound like there’s much originality on “The Poet.” What makes this, his 13th album, the notable and special one? It did make it to the top of the Top Black Albums chart and placed a song number three on the Hot Black Singles Chart. Hold on, what are those charts called? Throughout the 80s, those were the names of Billboard’s R&B charts. Now off to grab a bucket of KFC. Because it’s finger lickin’ good.

Not to be a Tik Tok influencer, but I love his enegyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy [vocal fry]. Bobby has a magnetic draw with his growling vocals.

This is some corny shit. 3 stars

The Poet is short and sweet, maybe just really cheesy and sweet, but it's a decent listen. Problem Womack has is that it all seems like a budget tribute effort to giants of the genre; his voice is good but not great, the grooves are slick but not legendary like his predecessors, his lyrics are passionate but lack depth, and calling himself The Poet doesn't sound tongue-in-cheek but a little arrogant by comparison. Just My Imagination is the best track, it's a solid 3, but when the backing singers and production are better than the artist, you're sort of limited as to how good it can be.

A nice, easy listen. It's very smooth, just glides through your ears, but doesn't really leave a mark. Basically exactly what was said above, it's pleasant background music that you can tune in and out of, but nothing about it screams top class or holds your attention. 3/5.

freeing myself from the shackles that this generator seems to put every album from an artist just for the sake that the artist itself is iconic and listened to fly me to the moon instead. was nice.

É um álbum massa de ouvir mas não achei nada de fenomenal também. Ainda assim, um bom álbum que vale a pena ser ouvido, talvez só não seja marcante.

Pretty good soul. I really like ‘Stand Up’. I am lazy and never want to write a review so sorry ig

2/8, 25%

Soul meets yacht rock.

Like an explosion in a Babybel factory circa 1982, and another reason this project is ace. It's not going on my "goodness gracious, this is the finest thing to ever enter my ears" list, but wasn't at all familiar with the artist or album and now I'm educated. This was a tasty slice of overblown 80s funk / soul and I am here for it.

A fun, soulful album. It's relatively short, as it lasts around 40 minutes. If You Think You're Lonely Now stood out to me for some reason. I quite liked how it flowed. It's not the most creative album I've ever heard, but simplicity can be enjoyable sometimes.

Good stuff, because of course it is. Very nice change after the past few albums.

Incredible front to back. One of the best finds so far. Musically inspiring.

This album is just oh so smooth. A beautiful journey about love and enjoying the world around you. Definitely going to jump back in

The Poet is the thirteenth studio album by Bobby Womack, originally released in 1981. Bobby Womack has been active in the soul scene for a while, dating back to the 1960s. He was already deep into the funk sound by this record's release in 1981. This record contains a combination of upbeat funk and some slower ballads. The backing band is solid, with a mainly funk but a bit disco-tinged sound, as was appropriate for the time. The production is super clean to the point of sounding slick at times. Womack's voice is powerful, and the lyrics revolve around love and women. Solid record overall.

Decent enough laid back soul music. Doesn't really do anything for me, or stand out from similar artists in the genre. 2/5

- GREAT vibes - his voice was great - 3.5

- fantastic soul - really enjoyed my listen -3.5

If you put this record on and it doesn't make the toes tap or put a groove in your step, you might dead.

Would definitely listen again. Just My Imagination is :chefskiss:

Sleezy slimey love making music. Eww.

Can you be too funky? This music sounded very outdated. It doesn’t stand up.

4 stars

Very upbeat, almost funk-y, but not quite. Fun.

Don’t know much about Bobby Womack other than he was half of Womack and Womack. Decent enough

It’s definitely not in the top albums for the genre, but it was fine.

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.

This album sounds very of its time. It gives post-disco R&B funk, but those lyrics? What I’m sure was meant to be sexy now just sounds cheesy. Still, it wasn’t boring.

“The Poet” is a bold declaration. But when he was able to work the finger lickin’ and Kentucky Fried Chicken into a verse he backed it up - pure poetry. Very boring album, but listenable and forgettable.

I think that r&b music is definitely a vibe that I have to be looking for at a specific time. It can be really nice and groovy sometimes but then others it just drags along and I get bored easily. I listened half and half with this, and I feel completely averaged. I just feel unchanged after listening to this- it didn’t really alter my thoughts on it and therefore I feel completely mid.

It feels like a set you'd hear at Vroman's. I do like it. Or I should say it's kinda-sorta-enjoyable. But in a way it's still really disappointing. It *sounds* really good/clear yet is comically dated all at once. I'm definitely a fan of soul and R&B - and previous Bobby Womack releases - but a song like "Secrets" while not *bad* can also serve as a great stereotypical example of what 1981 sounded like. Good and bad. The lyrics on that one in particular are a comical plus, though. Great and fun vocals and guitar work especially on "Games" Eh this is maybe a puzzling addition to this list for me, even though it's fine. Feels like I'd listen again but would probably forget anything I just heard just as quickly. 5/10 3 stars

Good old school funk and r&b. There's the blues, but there's no rythym genre, is there? I mean, with C&W, you have both. Country and Western, which are both definitive genres. It's like your truck got repossessed, and then you had to ride your horse everywhere you wanted to go.

Interesting and fun. A pop-funk-R&B-disco vibe that is very dated to the early eighties. A bit more time-period synthensizer. The songs do have a pretty good pop catchy hook, though the repeating chorus of tracks like Secrets does tire pretty early. Amazingly, the most shockingly dated track, Stand Up, is also the most fun. It goes heavy into disco-synth, but it just bounces. I'm not sure what he's trying to say with "if you think you're lonely now"... it sounds like a threat. Still fun.

Both a good album of you like cheesy sex funk and if you want something to laugh at. The music is so cheesy, but so much passion is put into it you can't help but both laugh at it and like it. Secrets is a song about a woman's mysterious sexual techniques, yet with it's food metaphors it sounds like its also a song about Colonel Sander's secret chicken recipe. Stand Up is straight sex funk number of the album, but the rest of the songs are romantic in nature. The final song is a dud, combining religious music with usual romance and comes off like a smarmy preacher trying to make money.

Boring

Bobby Womack's album "The Poet" stands as a landmark in his career, showcasing his multifaceted talent as a singer, songwriter, and musician. Released in 1981, it remains a timeless piece of soul music, characterized by its poignant lyrics, captivating melodies, and polished production. **Lyrics:** Womack's lyrical prowess shines throughout "The Poet." His songwriting delves into themes of love, heartbreak, and redemption with a raw honesty that resonates deeply with listeners. Tracks like "If You Think You're Lonely Now" and "Love Has Finally Come at Last" are prime examples of Womack's ability to convey complex emotions through simple yet profound lyrics. The album's storytelling is rich and evocative, drawing listeners into Womack's world with every word. **Music:** Musically, "The Poet" is a masterclass in soul and R&B. Womack's velvety vocals soar over lush arrangements, consisting of smooth grooves, infectious rhythms, and soulful instrumentation. Tracks like "Secrets" and "So Many Sides of You" showcase Womack's versatility as a musician, seamlessly blending elements of funk, jazz, and blues to create a sound that is uniquely his own. The album's melodies are catchy and memorable, sticking with listeners long after the music stops. **Production:** The production on "The Poet" is top-notch, thanks in part to Womack's collaboration with renowned producer Wilton Felder. Together, they craft a sonic landscape that is rich, dynamic, and impeccably polished. Each instrument is given room to breathe, resulting in a sound that is both warm and expansive. The production enhances Womack's vocals, allowing them to take center stage while complementing them with lush harmonies and tasteful instrumentation. **Themes:** Thematically, "The Poet" explores the complexities of love and relationships with nuance and depth. Womack's lyrics touch on the highs and lows of romantic entanglements, from the ecstasy of newfound love to the agony of heartbreak. Throughout the album, Womack grapples with themes of longing, desire, and vulnerability, painting a vivid portrait of the human experience. His songs resonate with authenticity and sincerity, making them relatable to listeners of all backgrounds. **Influence:** "The Poet" has had a lasting influence on the world of soul and R&B music, inspiring countless artists with its timeless sound and heartfelt lyrics. Womack's soulful vocals and poetic songwriting have earned him a reputation as one of the genre's most iconic figures, influencing generations of musicians across musical boundaries. His impact can be heard in the work of artists such as D'Angelo, Maxwell, and Alicia Keys, who have cited Womack as a major influence on their own music. **Pros:** 1. **Lyrical Depth:** Womack's poignant lyrics resonate deeply with listeners, exploring themes of love, loss, and redemption with raw honesty and emotional sincerity. 2. **Musical Versatility:** The album's eclectic mix of soul, R&B, funk, and jazz showcases Womack's versatility as a musician, appealing to a wide range of tastes. 3. **Polished Production:** The album's polished production elevates Womack's soulful vocals, creating a rich and dynamic sonic landscape that is both immersive and captivating. 4. **Timeless Sound:** Despite being released in 1981, "The Poet" remains relevant today, thanks to its timeless sound and universal themes that continue to resonate with audiences around the world. **Cons:** 1. **Lack of Diversity:** Some critics may argue that the album lacks diversity in terms of musical styles, with many tracks following a similar soul/R&B formula. 2. **Occasional Clichés:** While Womack's lyrics are generally heartfelt and authentic, there are moments where they veer into cliché territory, lacking the originality and depth found in other tracks. 3. **Limited Innovation:** While "The Poet" is undeniably a solid entry in Womack's discography, some may argue that it doesn't push the boundaries of the genre or offer much in the way of innovation. In conclusion, "The Poet" stands as a testament to Bobby Womack's enduring talent and influence in the world of soul and R&B music. With its poignant lyrics, captivating melodies, and polished production, the album remains a timeless classic that continues to inspire listeners decades after its release. While it may have its flaws, such as occasional clichés and a lack of musical diversity, these are far outweighed by its many strengths, including Womack's soulful vocals, heartfelt songwriting, and lasting impact on the genre.

This was killer. Reminded me a lot of the Curtis Mayfield record I listened to from this list. So many stand outs. I’m gonna keep coming back.

I guess if you like R&B/soul this would be enjoyable?

Generally I enjoyed it.

I somehow understand the reason for that kind of music, it just does not resonate with me. Good production, all played on spot, I guess the singing and all are what it should be. It is all musical and does not sound generic shit. For what it is worth...

The only experience I had with Bobby Womack before today was his feature on Stylo from Plastic Beach. That’s a song I’ve loved for years, and his part is great, so the name was familiar to me. The truth is, this dude is a legend. I think he should definitely be regarded as an icon of 70s and 80s soul and funk music. But it seems like from a critic standpoint, he isn’t the most acclaimed artist. That’s a shame, since his music, and particularly this album, definitely has something going for it. If you like either of the two previously mentioned genres, you would be doing yourself a favor by giving this a chance. It has everything a good funk album should have. And even if it doesn’t exactly change the game in any particular category, it does a damn fine job. This album is entirely made up of love songs. It’s all about love. So maybe if you aren’t a fan of too many of those, skip this one. But I like the sort of “lover boy” character that Bobby portrays here. And he pulls it off. Some of these songs are sexy as fuck. And they would surely work on me if someone wanted to get me into a certain mood. Also, the bass lines on this album are super fat. There isn’t any famous or notable bassist on this album, but the ones they have are great, and are honestly the best part of the backing group. Bobby Womack just feels like he was born with soul in his blood. His personality, and especially his voice, were so adherent to the key aspects of the genre. So rest in peace to an underrated star. Rating: 7/10

I love Bobby Womack!

Sensational

Smooth funk I can get behind.

Not a fan of the genre. It’s just ok

Smooth and funky. Immaculate basslines; incredible voice.

Was not allowed to listen to the first 3 songs so I only heard 5 of the 8.

Liked it! Great vocals and overall catchy music!

I thought this would be more R&B. Too funk/disco for me.

Billboard Top Black Albums? Hot Black Singles? tf are those categories and how is that a thing. otherwise, a chill album, nothing special though

I don’t know who came first but I’d call this Barry White lite. I just like this type of music so I’m really not sure what it would take for me to be blown away. There are no songs to be skipped. There really isn’t any songs to get you moving, other than to have sex. It’s actually more of a warm up before you put Barry White on to “drive it home”. Choice cut: Where Do We Go from Here

That has to be one of the shortest albums on this list!

Mostly down-the-center songwriting, and nothing about the arrangements, the timeliness of the instrumentation, or artistic flair elevates it beyond that middling foundation. "Just My Imagination," "Stand Up," and "If You Think You're Lonely Now" nearly rescued this up to a four. Well delivered and I'm sure it was enjoyable in its time. In retrospect, aggressively mediocre.

Love this

4.3 - really enjoyed this, nice and groovy and great voice

Incredibly easy listening I thought. But not in a good way. It was a very generic blur in my ears. 2.7/5

A fun album, not my favorite in this vein but I really enjoyed his voice. I like the melodrama of spoken segments as in If You Think You’re Lonely Now.

It's OK - pretty smooth in a Silk Sonic way. Strange reference to KFC in one of the songs. Product placement?

This feels skilful and slightly unhinged. Secrets is what McGruff The Crime Dog lifted for their album for sure.

I'm feeling this. Some stereo mix. Some of it reminds me of the vibe of McGruff the crime dog's album. Secrets is amaizing I listened to Secrets at least 10 times today.

Oof, too cheesy for me. 2/5

That is a great voice. Combine that with funky guitar and lyrics about love and you get "James Brownesque" perfomance. 3.5/5.

# Playlist track - Just My Imagination # Notes - Great production. Sounds are rich, interesting and there are cool hooks throughout +2 - No bad songs +1 - Super corny, but like "cool 80s corny" +1 - Album lacks a killer track or unforgettable moment. Still super good!

mayb 6-7/10

Bobby Womack's voice is certainly one of a kind, but beyond that this is a very smooth, if rather shallow, soul record that sounds very commercial above anything else. "Stand Up" is definitely a jam though.

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.

taustasanantoistaoa kun samalla edessä huutaa... eivälttämättä sanantoistopoppia... tykkään wiboista tykään lyriikoista.. voisi nojata sinne bluessikitaran soittoon enemmän kun kerran pitää kuvassa sen rämpyttimen kanssa virnustella.. anna palaa vaan mutta ei... vähän alkoi kyllästyttämään tuo ainainen R&B temaattinen hiuhau härmäily... härski juttu 12... hehheh,,, games

Fire

borderline horrible. eugh.

he's cool, this not really my thing though 2.3

Most of the songs on here didn’t really stir me

Very nice and chill album, relaxing for background listening. Would recommend, although half of the album was unavailable for me for some reason.

Probably okay R&B/Soul. Just not my thing. But easy listening, not offensive.

This dudes personal life is better than the album.

Fine

Poetic