Introduction
"Change" is the fourteenth studio album by the legendary soul vocalist, songwriter, and manufacturer Barry White. Launched in 1982, this album marked a vital turning point for Barry White, as it was available in the wake of a troubled series of events in his individual and expert life. The resulting work is a powerful collection of tunes that showcase White's enduring artistry and display a brand-new level of maturity in his music.
Background and Production
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Barry White's profession faced a tough duration. As the disco period concerned an end, his popularity waned and his style was perceived by some as obsolete. In addition, he dealt with a series of legal problems, such as disagreements with his record label and a long-standing conflict with the IRS. The combination of these factors had a profound influence on his imaginative procedure, which is shown in the "Change" album.
In spite of the odds, White was determined to keep making music. He parted ways with his longtime record label 20th Century Fox Records and signed with CBS/Columbia. "Change" was the first album released under this new collaboration, and it was tape-recorded at numerous studios, consisting of Rusk Sound Studios and Ray Parker Jr.'s Ameraycan Studios, both situated in Los Angeles.
Barry White took a hands-on approach to the entire production process for "Change", acting as the manufacturer, composer, and arranger for the majority of the tracks on the album. In addition, he played numerous instruments on the record, including keyboards and his famous bass voice. The album includes contributions from a variety of gifted artists, such as Ollie Brown on drums, Ray Parker Jr. on guitar, and Paulinho Da Costa on percussion.
Design and Themes
"Change" showcases Barry White further exploring his artistry and explore various musical designs, consisting of funk, R&B, ballads, and pop. The album is instilled with strong feelings, reflecting White's individual battles and journey toward recovery and rejuvenation.
One of the crucial themes on "Change" is the power of love - a subject that would be consistently present throughout Barry White's profession. In tracks like "I Like Your Music", White's smooth, sensuous voice expresses his love for music itself and the emotional connections it can produce. Meanwhile, the ballad "Turnin' On, Tunin' In (To Your Love)" sees him dive deep into the principle of romantic love, with his distinct bass voice making a sincere confession.
Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, "Change" received mixed reviews from critics. Some admired White's efforts to adjust to the altering musical landscape, while others felt that the album was somewhat unequal and did not have the trigger of his earlier work. Regardless of the mixed reception, the album peaked at number 62 on the Billboard 200 chart and number 28 on the Top R&B/ Hip-Hop Albums chart, exposing the enduring appeal of Barry White's music.
In retrospection, "Change" can be viewed as a strong and transformative work that showed Barry White's resilience and flexibility, qualities that would continue to serve him well throughout his profession. Although it did not achieve the extensive commercial success of his earlier albums, "Change" is an essential testimony to his creative depth and personal growth.
In conclusion, the 1982 album "Change" stands as a fascinating and considerable turning point in the acclaimed career of Barry White. Although it might not have actually been one of his most commercially successful releases, the album's diversity in style, psychological depth, and heartfelt themes stand as a testimony to White's ever-evolving artistry and enduring appeal. Through "Change", Barry White proved he was not scared to adjust to changing times and check out new musical directions, in spite of facing individual and professional obstacles.
Artist: Barry White
Barry White, legendary singer and songwriter, renowned for his deep voice and romantic ballads, including global hits and Grammy Awards.
More about Barry White