LP Review: Switch II
Released: 1979
LP Charts: #8 R&B, #37 pop
On my review for their previous album, Switch, I hoped that Switch would take note that their midtempo ballad “There’ll Never Be” was a big hit and that they should do more songs in its style.
Well, they did! Perhaps a bit too much. This album is definitely more even than its predecessor, but it also doesn’t have any breakthroughs… with one major exception.
“You're The One For Me” sounds like a pleasant redo of “I Wanna Be With You” and “There’ll Never Be”. Shit, just look at the titles and you can see “You're The One For Me” is the obvious sequel track. Given that context, I’m not too upset about the situation. “Calling On All Girls” is the obligatory contribution from Jermaine Jackson. It’s a fine ballad.
Sandwiched in between the two ballads are two dance tracks. “Next to You” provides slightly above average disco. “Best Beat in Town” follows suit with a beat that is indeed good, but far from the best.
Side 2 opens with “Go On Doin' What You Feel”, another track co-written by our man Jermaine. It has this feelgood liquid flow that I can really get down with. “Fallin’” is perfectly solid upbeat R&B with unusually prominent group harmonies from Switch.
Anyhoo, the album ends with “I Call Your Name” (#8 R&B), which is basically just the band getting the hell out the way and letting Bobby sing his ass off for 7:35. Now don’t get me wrong, the music is gorgeous. The bass thumps just enough to let you know it’s there, but it’s not the least bit overbearing. The horns and strings sway and sweep, but ain’t a focal point. There are some twinkling keyboards. But all of that is in service of making sure Bobby DeBarge gets to let his voice soar.
And my God does it soar.
ALBUM GRADE: C+
That soaring finale sadly can’t overcome the general malaise the band is in on this album.
Song Scores
You're The One For Me: 6.5/10
Next To You: 6/10
Best Beat In Town: 6/10
Calling On All Girls: 6.5/10
Go On Doin' What You Feel: 7/10
Fallin’: 6/10
I Call Your Name: 8/10