The Reddings - The Awakening

    The Reddings – The Awakening

    20 Jun

    By

    Label: Believe In A Dream – JZ 36875
    Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
    Country: US
    Released: 1980
    Genre: Funk / Soul
    Style: Funk, Disco

    When Otis Redding sadly passed away 1967, his son Otis Redding III was only three years old. He would have hardly known his dad, who was nicknamed the ‘King of Soul’, however genetics have an extraordinary way of expressing what needs to be expressed. At 16 years of age, he teamed up with his brother Dexter (20) and cousin Mark Locket (23) and the talented young trio known as ‘The Reddings’ released their debut album ‘Awakenings’.

    This is a great funk album that contains ballads, solid dance tracks and even a fusion instrumental. The single “Remote Control,” is a vibrant piece of dance music with Otis Jr. ‘s steady rhythm guitar, catchy ensemble vocals and Mark’s smooth tenor gliding over a powerful rhythm track. It is the highlight of the album and is a truly great funk anthem, joyful, soulful and wanting to make you dance on the spot.

    It sets the tone for The Reddings’ other feel-good dance songs “Funkin’ On The One,” “It’s Friday Night,” and “Doin’ It.” On every one of these songs Dexter’s energetic lead bass lines and the trio’s graceful harmonies again and again show the Reddings’ great innate musical talent in action, reminding me occasionally of the Jackson Five.

    The ballads are just as impressive, especially “Come In Out The Rain,” a romantic love song that brings back memories of when Otis Senior was in his mid-20’s, singing love classics such as “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” and “My Lover’s Prayer.” This parallel is even stronger when Dexter’s low tenor voice fondles the lyric in a style close to his father’s. Dexter’s handling of “Lady Be My Love Song” is also quite moving, while Mark’s creamy tenor softly embraces a tale of unrequited love on “I Want It.”

    Both are examples of an emotional maturity that is infused throughout the fabric of this album. The real highlight for me is Dexter’s bass playing. Groooooovy! This is simply a fun album to listen to. If you like 80s funk you will probably enjoy this record. Man, that Redding gene pool is rich with musical flair!

    Track listing

    1. Remote Control
    2. Funkin’ On the One
    3. Come In Out the Rain
    4. It’s Friday Night
    5. The Awakening Pt. 1
    6. I Want It
    7. Doin’ It
    8. Lady Be My Lovesong
    9. The Awakening Pt. 2
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