written by Robert Benson
I was sent a copy to review and although I must admit to being just a casual fan, that soon changed as I sat down and listened to his seminal 1974 LP 'Can't Get Enough.'
This landmark album was recently reissued by our friends at AudioFidelity on February 18, 2014; in perfect form (180 Gram Pure Virgin Vinyl) and remastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio. It is the first time the lyrics to all the vocals on the record were included, listed on the inside of the attractive, glossy coated gatefold jacket. The album topped both the Billboard 200 and R & B charts in 1974. It is listed at number 281 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.
The album is bordered by "Mellow Mood (Pts. 1 & 2)," two short orchestral instrumentals that exemplify White's prowess for layered arrangements. But it is in between these two cuts, that make the LP shine, and side one starts with the classic #1 Billboard Hot 100 hit "You're My First, My Last, My Everything" - an anthem that appealed to White's pop audiences worldwide.
Listening to it brought me right back to the 70's, with bell bottom jeans, shag carpeting and a lovely lady beside me. When Barry spoke, people listened, but when he sang they heard him with their hearts and souls. It is one of those songs that immediately brings back good memories.
Side one ends with the ten-minute almost apologetic symphony of "I Can’t Believe You Love Me." White's immeasurable passion and indescribable power are on display on this music box thriller.
Side two starts with the iconic cut "Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe." It has that emotional connectiveness that can be deciphered in any language, and White's raw intensity leaves an overpowering impact upon the ears. The next two cuts "Oh Love, Well We Finally We Made It" and "I love You More Than Anything" are the perfect blend of orchestration and vocal interpretation from the soulful bedroom troubadour.
The two time Grammy winner has an intangible aura that appealed to lovers everywhere and it has been presumed that more children have been conceived to White's music than that of any other artist.
During the course of his career, White achieved 106 gold albums worldwide, 41 of which also reached platinum status. He had 20 gold and 10 platinum singles, with worldwide sales in excess of 100 million.
White's funky and seductive music was and still is irresistible to music lovers everywhere and gets a 5 star (out of 5) rating from the CVR blog!
***** 5 out of 5 stars
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