David Ruffin - Everythings Coming Up Love '1976 [2013]

Tracks list

As he had done on Who I Am (1975), David Ruffin (vocals) teamed up with the
multi-talented composer, arranger and producer Van McCoy for the follow-up
Everythings Coming Up Love (1976). While certainly not a landmark in terms of
Ruffins artistic progression, the eight cuts definitely sound in sync with the
concurrent plethora of danceable records spinning in the discotheques. McCoy
again called on the finest instrumental support that the Big Apple had to offer
with recording session stalwarts Richard Tee (keyboards), Eric Gale (guitar),
Hugh McCracken (guitar), Steve Gadd (drums), and Ralph McDonald (percussion).
Plus, Diane Destry (vocals), Brenda Hillard and Albert Bailey – better
known as Faith, Hope & Charity. It is their angelic intonations that listeners
are treated to during the opening of Discover Me. McCoys string and horn charts
are ostensibly influenced by the Philly soul stylings of Leon Huff and Kenny
Gamble. First Round Knock Out was a tune McCoy had initially written for
two-time heavyweight champion, Smokin Joe Frazier, which Motown put out in the
fall of 1975. Ruffins reading is clearly aimed for the dancefloor as the slinky,
pulsating rhythm drives solidly for nearly nine minutes. Faith, Hope & Charity
lend their breezy blend to the optimistic and reflective midtempo ballad Good,
Good Times. On and Off hearkens to the classic Motown sound with an easier,
slightly syncopated beat that isnt as heavy as the typical fare on this project.
Ready Willing and Able is a return to form for Ruffin as he unleashes his
world-weary and soul-stirring wailing. The title song Everythings Coming Up Love
is a rather blatant homage to Barry Whites Love Unlimited Orchestra bearing more
than a few similarities to the LUOs Loves Theme. Although there are no slow,
romantic numbers, the closer Until We Say Goodbye – one of two selections
to have been penned by someone other than McCoy – adopts a sweet
sentiment behind yet another disco-fied drone. The 45s On and Off b/w No Matter
Where and Everythings Coming Up Love b/w Statue of a Fool – were issued
as singles. Oddly, the flipsides came from earlier Ruffin LPs. In 2006 Hip-O
Select compiled Everythings Coming Up Love (1975), In My Stride (1977), and a
dozen-plus bonus tracks for the all-inclusive Motown Solo Albums, Vol. 2 (2006).
The double-CD might prove difficult to find or pricey as it is a limited
edition.

Tracks:

01. Discover Me 
02. First Round Knock-Out 
03. Good Good Times 
04. On And Off
05. Ready, Willing And Able 
06. Everythings Coming Up Love 
07. Lets Get Into Something 
08. Until We Said Goodbye

Related artists