LP Review: White Heat
Released: 1975
LP Charts: nada
The first album from the band that would eventually become Switch is weirdly delightful, if not the least bit groundbreaking.
At this point in time, White Heat featured (to my knowledge) four future Switch members: Bobby DeBarge, Gregory Williams, Jody Sims, and Phillip Ingram. The eight-member band was also under the tutelage of of Barry White for the moment. And this album shows that tutoring strongly. It’s an earthier, grittier take on White’s R&B style, which was typically overflowing with orchestrated trappings, but it’s definitely a take on White’s R&B style.
“Take A Look At Yourself (Before You Frown On Someone Else)” and “If That's The Way You Feel (Then Let's Fall In Love)” open the album with bloated titles, but funky stuff. Bobby DeBarge brings his falsetto to the forefront on a cover of Stevie Wonder’s “I Love Every Little Thing About You”. On that track you can tell the band still has some kinks to work out. Stevie’s original is damn-near perfect. Theirs is merely okay.
On the mostly instrumental “Talkin’”, White Heat turns in their best War imitation. It’s a pretty good War imitation.
The band then covers “What A Groove” by the Love Unlimited Orchestra. The original was already funky, but it was orchestral funk. Now it’s straight-up R&B band funk. The original is still better, but it’s nice to hear a different take on the track.
“I've Been So Lonely (Without You)”; “You Can Change My Life For Me”; and “Funk Freak” aren’t remarkable, but as a sucker for this era of R&B/funk music, I still have a fondness for them. Particularly “Funk Freak”.
ALBUM GRADE: C+
A uniformly solid album with lots to like, but little to love. Hardcore fans of ‘70s R&B and funk (LIKE ME!) will still get a good run out of this LP.
Song Scores
Take A Look At Yourself (Before You Frown On Someone Else): 7/10
If That's The Way You Feel (Then Let's Fall In Love): 7/10
I Love Every Little Thing About You: 5/10
Talkin’: 6.5/10
What A Groove: 6.5/10
I've Been So Lonely (Without You): 6/10
You Can Change My Life For Me: 6.5/10
Funk Freak: 6.5/10