Genesis We Can’t Dance released

We Can’t Dance Genesis

Released: October 28, 1991 Peak: 4 US, 12 UK, 5 CN, 8 AU Sales (in millions): 4.0 US, 1.5 UK, 17.3 world (includes US and UK) Genre: mainstream rock

Tracks: Song Title [time] (date of single release, chart peaks) Click for codes to singles charts. No Son of Mine [6:41] (10/21/91, 12 US, 6 CB, 6 RR, 8 AC, 3 AR, 6 UK, 1 CN, 29 AU) Jesus He Knows Me [4:23] (12/21/91, 23 US, 16 CB, 9 RR, 27 AC, 24 AR, 20 UK, 11 CN, 56 AU) Driving the Last Spike [10:10] (6/13/92, 25 AR) I Can’t Dance [4:04] (12/7/91, 7 US, 3 CB, 5 RR, 26 AC, 2 AR, 7 UK, 3 CN, 7 AU) Never a Time [3:52] (10/31/92, 21 US, 19 CB, 9 RR, 4 AC, 9 CN) Dreaming While You Sleep [7:21] Tell Me Why [5:00] (2/8/93, 40 UK) Living Forever [5:42] Hold on My Heart [4:40] (4/4/92, 12 US, 11 CB, 4 RR, 1 AC, 16 UK, 1 CN, 63 AU) Way of the World [5:50] Since I Lost You [4:10] Fading Lights [10:16] All songs written by Banks, Collins, and Rutherford. Total Running Time: 71:30 The Players: Tony Banks (keyboards) Phil Collins (vocals, drums, percussion) Mike Rutherford (guitar, bass)

Rating: 3.279 out of 5.00 (average of 25 ratings) Awards: (Click on award to learn more).

About the Album: Depending on the reviewer, We Can’t Dance is either “another set of crisply proficient, bummed-out pop songs” BL much like Genesis’ ‘80s fare, or “a return to earlier aesthetics for Genesis.” AMG All Music Guide reviewer Geoff Orens also says that We Can’t Dance is “edgier with more prominent guitars and live drums than on Invisible Touch” AMG and “the band’s strongest musical statement in over a decade. With Driving the Last Spike,” AMG which is a “10-minute suite about English railway workers,” BL “and the dark Dreaming While You Sleep the group revisited one of their forgotten strengths, telling extended stories.” AMG “That’s not to say the album is a return to The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway or Trick of the Tail. Indeed, while there are several extended pieces on the record, there is none of the eccentricities, odd meters, or extended virtuoso solos of the band’s progressive heyday. The album’s closer, Fading Lights, comes the closest, featuring an outstanding instrumental mid-section.” AMG Orens and Blender reviewer Jon Pareles agree on the quality of the ‘Spike’ song, but Pareeles calls it “a rare sign of initiative on an album that clearly boils down to singles-plus-filler” BL in which “the songs are neatly made, but even the better ones come across like reruns.” BL Orens would conceed that the record “contains some gutless ballads and peons for world understanding that sound miles away from any immediacy.” AMG A couple of those, Hold on My Heart and Never a Time, were hits that sounded like they came right off one of Phil Collins’ adult-contemporary-oriented solo albums. However, Orens says “the surprisingly gritty singles No Son of Mine, Jesus He Knows Me, and I Can’t Dance help make up for the album’s weaker moments.” AMG

Resources and Related Links: DMDB encyclopedia entry for Genesis AMG All Music Guide review by Geoff Orens BL Blender magazine. (10/07) review by Jon Pareles. Pages 118-9. WK Wikipedia Other Related DMDB Pages: First posted 3/18/2008; last updated 9/22/2021.

Fish released Internal Exile

Internal Exile Fish

Released: October 28, 1991 Peak: -- US, 21 UK Sales (in millions): -- Genre: neo-progressive rock

Tracks: Song Title (Writers) [time] (date of single release, chart peaks) Click for codes to singles charts. Shadowplay (Dick, Mickey Simmonds) [6:23] Credo (Dick, Simmonds, Robin Boult, Frank Usher) [6:40] (12/2/91, 38 UK) Just Good Friends (Close) (Dick, Usher, Boult, Simmonds) [6:00] (8/15/95, 63) Favourite Stranger (Dick, Usher) [6:58] Lucky (Dick, Boult, Simmonds) [4:50] Dear Friend (Dick, Boult, Simmonds) [4:08] Tongues (Dick, Simmonds, Usher, Boult) [6:22] Internal Exile (Dick, Boult, Simmonds) [4:45] (9/9/91, 37 UK) Something in the Air (Speedy Keen) [5:08] (6/22/92, 51) The Players: Derek W. Dick, aka “Fish” (vocals) Mickey Simmonds (keyboards) Robin Boult, Frank Usher (guitars) David Paton (bass) Ethan Johns, Ted McKenna (drums, percussion) David Paton, Mr. Crimson, Robin Boult, Maryen Cairns (backing vocals) Charlie McKerron (fiddle on “Internal Exile”) Marc Duff (whistles) Donald Shaw (box accordion)

Rating: 3.511 out of 5.00 (average of 20 ratings) Awards: (Click on award to learn more).

About the Album: “It’s a comparison that has dogged Fish throughout his professional career, but it’s hard to listen to his music – either his work with Marillion or his solo albums – and not be reminded of prime-period Genesis, when Peter Gabriel was fronting the band. It’s not only because his voice uncannily recalls Gabriel’s and that the musical approach is heavily influenced by Selling England by the Pound and The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, but it's also because Gabriel has stopped recording the kind of fruity, pompous prog-rock that dominates Fish’s second full-fledged solo album, Internal Exile. That might sound like a harsh criticism, but it’s meant as a compliment, simply because in 1991 – or for that matter, the ‘90s – nobody does classic British prog as well as Fish. True, Internal Exile relies a bit too much on contemporary studio techniques, resulting in a clean, almost sterile sound, but it’s appropriate for such precise, mannered music. At times, it’s a little too mannered, but much of the album delivers exactly what Fish and Marillion fans need – and what old-school Genesis fans have been waiting to hear.” STE Internal Exile “was inspired by the singer's past, his own personal problems and his troubled experiences with his previous record label EMI.” WK “The album’s music reflects Fish’s indulgence in the vast regions of music that he wanted to explore as a solo artist; most notably Celtic music and folk styles. This ultimately led to the music not having a strong direction that was so apparent on his previous album, Vigil in a Wilderness of Mirrors. Despite this, the album remains strong with the cracking opener Shadow Play followed by the rocking track Credo,” WK which deals with “with social problems and globalisation, echoing ‘State of Mind,’ his first solo single.” WK “The song Internal Exile speaks of his strong national pride and his desire for independence for Scotland.” WK “The album was produced by Chris Kimsey, and dedicated to Fish's daughter Tara.” WK Notes: A 1998 remastered edition added bonus tracks “Poet’s Moon” and “Carnival Man” plus another version of “Something in the Air.”

Resources and Related Links: DMDB encyclopedia entry for Marillion DMDB encyclopedia entry for Fish STE Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide WK Wikipedia Last updated 6/12/2021.

Boyz II Men “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday” hit #1 on R&B chart

It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday Boyz II Men

Writer(s): Freddie Perren, Christine Yarian (see lyrics here) Released: August 20, 1991 First Charted: August 17, 1991 Peak: 2 US, 12 CB, 6 GR, 11 RR, 11 RB, 36 CN, 100 AU, 3 DF (Click for codes to charts.) Sales (in millions): 0.5 US Airplay/Streaming (in millions): -- radio, 20.9 video, 16.58 streaming

Awards: Click on award for more details.

About the Song: Boyz II Men formed as an R&B vocal harmony quartet in Philadelphia in 1988. They signed to Motown Records and released their debut album, CooleyHighHarmony, in 1991. It was a success right out of the gate when the lead single, “Motownphilly,” was a platinum seller that reached the top 5 on the pop and R&B charts. The follow-up single, “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday,” was an even bigger chart success, going all the way to #1 on the R&B chart and spending four weeks at #2 on the pop chart behind Michael Jackson’s “Black or White.” It was not, however, the song’s first appearance on the charts. G.C. Cameron, another Motown artist who’d previously been with the Spinners, took the song to #38 on the R&B chart in 1975. It was featured in the movie Cooley High. Boyz II Men named their debut album after the film. WK In the context of the movie, the song was framed as a reflection of “the powerful emotions many students feel when high school eneds and they must move on.” SF However, the a cappella recording by Boyz II Men brought the song a new level of seriousness that made it popular for funerals. It is the second biggest a cappella song of all-time behind Bobby McFerrin’s “Don’t Worry Be Happy,” a #1 song from 1988. SF They had to push to get the single released because Motown didn’t think radio stations would play it. SF Boyz II Men went on to have some of the biggest hits in pop history. In 1992, they released the song “End of the Road” from the movie Boomerang and it spent thirteen weeks at #1, the biggest hit since Elvis Presley’s “Don’t Be Cruel” / “Hound Dog” double-A-sided single. They outdid themselves with “I’ll Make Love to You,” the lead single from their 1994 sophomore album, II. It spent fourteen weeks on top. Then they pulled off the feat again in 1995 when “One Sweet Day,” a pairing with Mariah Carey, spent sixteen weeks at #1. Resources: SF Songfacts WK Wikipedia Related Links: First posted 12/26/2022.

Tori Amos “Silent All These Years” released

Silent All These Years Tori Amos

Writer(s): Tori Amos (see lyrics here) Released: October 21, 1991 First Charted: November 23, 1991 Peak: 65 US, 26 A40, 27 AR, 26 UK, 1 DF (Click for codes to singles charts.) Sales (in millions): -- Airplay/Streaming (in millions): -- radio, 4.7 video, -- streaming

Awards: Click on award for more details.

About the Song: After the failure of 1988’s Y Kant Tori Read, Tori Amos did some self-reflection and wrote “Silent All These Years.” She told Rolling Stone she thought, “I’m only in my twenties and it’s over.” SF She was inspired by reading Hans Christian Andersen’s Little Mermaid to her niece, Cody. Amos said, “I realized that when she had no voice, that just completely took me to the place where I needed to go to reclaim it.” TA Before she’d reclaimed her music, she tried writing songs for others, including Cher and Tina Turner. TA According to VH1 Storytellers, she wrote “Years” with Al Stewart in mind. When Eric Rosse, her then-boyfriend who was producing her songs, heard it, he said, “You’re out of your mind. That’s your life story.” WK Amos said, “I think this song became my mantra. As a child…I had been silenced to my ambition to have a career beyond the bar rooms.” SF The song was first released as the B-side of “Me and a Gun,” but the decision was made to release it as a single on its own after it was named “Song of the Week” by BBC Radio One in the UK. It was released several times in different formats. Most notably, a UK cassette version saw the inclusion of her cover of Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” as a B-side. The video reflected themes from the song by literally putting Tori in a box and showing a little girl – likely a representation of Tori as a child – who runs free. It was shot over two days by Cindy Palmano, who was a first-time director who’d worked as a British stills photographer. SF Tori said, “Cindy helped me to put my vision out into the world and without her it would nave never been interpreted the way that it was. She has such a pure eye that she was able to…capture my soul on film.” TA Rolling Stone ranked it one of the top 100 videos of all time. Resources: SF Songfacts TA ToriAmos.Fandom.com WK Wikipedia Related Links: First posted 11/13/2021; last updated 7/16/2022.

Tori Amos “Me and a Gun” released

Me and a Gun Tori Amos

Writer(s): Tori Amos (see lyrics here) Released: October 21, 1991 First Charted: -- Peak: 1 DF Sales (in millions): -- Airplay/Streaming (in millions): -- radio, 0.64 video, -- streaming

Awards: Click on award for more details.

About the Song: Tori Amos’ first effort at an album was rejected by a label president unimpressed with “a female Elton John.” HL She relocated to London in 1991 and started over. That autumn, the record label hosted a lunch for British music journalists. An “inoffensive-looking girl sitting cross-legged on her piano stool” HL was the center of attention. She quickly caused “disquiet to the assembled critics” HL with a song in which she re-lived a rape. The stark and harrowing “Me and a Gun” was a powerful choice for winning over critics> it was an equally daring choice as the lead track of her debut EP. Singer/songwriter Billy Bragg said, “It’s a great song, and she delivers it perfectly…If you do it right you can silence an audience.” HL Of the a capella recording, Amos said, “When I started writing it…I knew exactly what I wanted to say…I was almost in a trance writing that song.” SF The rape she sings about in the song happened when she was 21 in the early 1980s and living in Los Angeles. After she finished a performance at a bar, one of the patrons asked her for a ride home. She said yes and he raped her. Years later, memories of the event were stirred up when she saw the film Thelma and Louise while in London. WK She addresses the myth that women somehow are responsible for rape if they wear revealing clothing. She discussed the attack in an interview in 1994, saying that the man raped her at knifepoint and not gunpoint. She said, however, that she did, as she says in the song, actually sing hymns during the incident because he told her to. She said the night was “about mutilation more than violation through sex…I was psychologically mutilated that night and…now I’m trying to put the pieces back together again.” WK Radio stations gravitated toward “Silent All These Years” instead of “Me and a Gun.” Both songs were on her debut solo album, Little Earthquakes, as well as that first single, which also included the non-album cuts “Upside Down” and “Thoughts.” Resources: HL Michael Heatley and Spencer Leigh (1998). Behind the Song: The Stories of 100 Great Pop & Rock Classics. Blandford Books: London, UK. Pages 78-9. SF Songfacts WK Wikipedia Related Links: First posted 12/29/2021; last updated 4/12/2023.

Atlantic Rhythm & Blues 1947-1974 box set released

First posted 11/11/2020; updated 11/16/2020.

Atlantic Rhythm & Blues 1947-1974 Various Artists

Released: October 15, 1991 Recorded: 1947 to 1974 Peak: -- US, -- UK, -- CN, -- AU Sales (in millions): -- US, -- UK, -- world (includes US and UK) Genre: R&B

Tracks: Song Title by Act [time] (date of single release, chart peaks) Click for codes to singles charts. Tracks, Disc 1: Lowe Groovin' by Joe Morris That Old Black Magic by Tiny Grimes Annie Laurie by Tiny Grimes (11/20/1948, B-side of “Midnight Special”) Midnight Special by Tiny Grimes (11/20/1948, 12 RB) The Applejack by Joe Morris Cole Slaw by Frank Culley (5/14/1949, 11 RB) Drinkin' Wine Spo-Dee-O-Dee by Stick McGhee (4/2/1949, 26 US, 2 RB) So Long by Ruth Brown (9/17/1949, 4 RB) I'll Get Along Somehow (Parts 1 & 2) by Ruth Brown Hey Little Girl by Professor Longhair Mardi Gras in New Orleans by Professor Longhair Tee Nah Nah by Harry Van Walls Danny Boy by Al Hibbler (8/12/1950, 9 RB) * Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere by Joe Morris (10/7/1950, 1 RB) Teardrops from My Eyes by Ruth Brown (10/28/1950, 1 RB) One Monkey Don't Stop No Show by Stick McGhee Don't You Know I Love You by The Clovers (6/9/1951, 1 RB) Shouldn't I Know by The Cardinals (10/6/1951, 7 RB) Chill Is On by Big Joe Turner (12/15/1951, 3 RB) Chains of Love by Joe Turner (6/30/1951, 2 RB, sales: 1 million) Fool, Fool, Fool by The Clovers (9/29/1951, 1 RB) One Mint Julep by The Clovers (4/19/1952, 2 RB) Wheel of Fortune by The Cardinals (3/15/1952, 6 RB) Sweet Sixteen by Big Joe Turner (4/12/1952, 3 RB) 5-10-15 Hours by Ruth Brown (4/12/1952, 1 RB) Gator's Groove by Willis Jackson Tracks, Disc 2: Ting-a-ling—The Clovers by The Clovers (7/26/1952, 1 RB) Daddy Daddy by Ruth Brown (9/6/1952, 3 RB) The Midnight Hour by Ray Charles (9/11/1952) A Beggar for Your Kisses by Diamonds Mama, He Treats Your Daughter Mean by Ruth Brown (3/14/1953, 23 US, 1 RB, sales: 1 million) Good Lovin' by The Clovers (7/25/1953, 2 RB) Wild Wild Young Men by Ruth Brown (6/20/1953, 3 RB) Mess Around by Ray Charles (6/19/1953, 3 RB) Honey Hush by Joe Turner (9/19/1953, 53 US, 1 RB, sales: 1 million) Soul on Fire by LaVern Baker Money Honey by Clyde McPhatter & The Drifters (10/31/1953, 1 RB) Lovey Dovey by The Clovers (3/20/1954, 2 RB) Such a Night by Clyde McPhatter & The Drifters (3/13/1954, 2 RB) Tipitina by Professor Longhair White Christmas by Clyde McPhatter & The Drifters (12/18/1954, 6 US, 2 RB) Honey Love by Clyde McPhatter & The Drifters (9/11/1954, 21 US, 1 RB, sales: 1 million) Whatcha Gonna Do by Clyde McPhatter & The Drifters (3/26/1954, 2 RB) Shake, Rattle and Roll by Joe Turner (5/8/1954, 22 US, 1 RB) Sh-Boom by The Chords (7/3/1954, 5 US, 2 RB) Oh What a Dream by Ruth Brown (8/7/1954, 1 RB) * Jam Up by Tommy Ridgley After the Lights Go Down Low by Al Hibbler * Tomorrow Night by LaVern Baker (1/15/1955) Tweedle Dee by LaVern Baker (1/15/1955, 14 US, 4 RB, sales: 1 million) I Got a Woman by Ray Charles (1/22/1955, 79 US, 1 RB) Greenbacks by Ray Charles (10/29/1955, 5 RB) Tracks, Disc 3: Door Is Still Open by The Cardinals (4/2/1955, 4 RB) Flip, Flop and Fly by Joe Turner (3/19/1955, 2 RB) A Fool for You by Ray Charles (7/2/1955, 1 RB) This Little Girl of Mine by Ray Charles (7/9/1955, 9 RB) Play It Fair by LaVern Baker (10/22/1955, 2 RB) Adorable by The Drifters (11/5/1955, 1 RB) Smokey Joe's Cafe by The Robins (12/3/1955, 79 US, 10 RB) Ruby Baby by The Drifters (5/12/1956, 10 RB) In Paradise by The Cookies (3/31/1956, 9 RB) Chicken and the Hawk by Joe Turner (1/14/1956, 7 RB) Devil or Angel by The Clovers (12/31/1955, 6 US, 3 RB, airplay: 1 million) Drown in My Own Tears by Ray Charles (2/25/1956, 1 RB) Hallelujah, I Love Her So by Ray Charles (5/31/1956, 5 RB, airplay: 1 million) Jim Dandy by LaVern Baker (12/15/1956, 17 US, 1 RB, sales: 1 million) Down in Mexico by The Coasters (3/17/1956, 8 US, 8 RB) Corrine Corina by Joe Turner (4/21/1956, 2 RB, sales: 1 million) Treasure of Love by Clyde McPhatter (5/26/1956, 16 US, 1 RB, 27 UK) Love, Love, Love by The Clovers (6/23/1956, 30 US, 4 RB) It's Too Late by Chuck Willis (7/7/1956, 3 RB) Lonely Avenue by Ray Charles (10/20/1956, 6 RB) Since I Met You Baby by Ivory Joe Hunter (11/17/1956, 12 US, 1 RB, sales: 1 million, airplay: 1 million) Lucky Lips by Ruth Brow (2/9/1957, 25 US, 6 RB, sales: 1 million) Without Love (There Is Nothing) by Clyde McPhatter (1/12/1957, 4 RB) Fools Fall in Love by The Drifters (3/9/1957, 69 US, 10 RB) Midnight Special Train by Joe Turner Empty Arms by Ivory Joe Hunter (4/6/1957, 2 RB) C.C. Rider by Chuck Willis (4/20/1957, 1 RB) Searchin' by The Coasters (5/6/1957, 3 US, 1 RB, 30 UK, sales: 1 million) Tracks, Disc 4: Young Blood by The Coasters (5/6/1957, 8 US, 1 RB, sales: 1 million) Mr. Lee by The Bobbettes (8/3/1957, 6 US, 1 RB, 1 CN) Long Lonely Nights by Clyde McPhatter (8/5/1957, 49 US, 1 RB) * Betty and Dupree by Chuck Willis (2/3/1958, 15 RB) What Am I Livin' For by Chuck Willis (5/5/1958, 25 US, 1 RB, sales: 1 million) Hang Up My Rock and Roll Shoes by Chuck Willis (5/5/1958, 9 RB) Yakety Yak by The Coasters (5/31/1958, 1 US, 1 RB, 12 UK, sales: 1 million) Lover's Question by Clyde McPhatter (10/4/1958, 6 US, 1 RB, sales: 1 million, airplay: 2 million) I Cried a Tear by LaVern Baker (12/8/1958, 6 US, 2 RB, sales: 1 million) Night Time Is the Right Time by Ray Charles (1/5/1959, 95 US, 5 RB) Charlie Brown by The Coasters (2/2/1959, 2 US, 2 RB, 12 UK, 1 CN, sales: 1 million) What'd I Say (Parts 1 & 2) by Ray Charles (7/6/1959, 6 US, 1 RB, sales: 1 million) There Goes My Baby by The Drifters (6/1/1959, 2 US, 1 RB, sales: 1 million, airplay: 1 million) Along Came Jones by The Coasters (5/18/1959, 9 US, 14 RB) Let the Good Times Roll by Ray Charles (1/11/1960, 78 US) Poison Ivy by The Coasters (8/24/1959, 7 US, 1 RB, 15 UK, sales: 1 million) Dance with Me by The Drifters (10/12/1959, 15 US, 2 RB, 17 UK, sales: 1 million) Just for a Thrill by Ray Charles (5/23/1960, 16 RB) This Magic Moment by The Drifters (2/13/1960, 16 US, 4 RB, airplay: 3 million) Save the Last Dance for Me by The Drifters (9/5/1960, 1 US, 1 RB, 2 UK, 1 CN, 1 AU, sales: 1 million, airplay: 6 million) Shopping for Clothes by The Coasters (10/3/1960, 83 US) Spanish Harlem by Ben E. King (12/31/1960, 10 US, 15 RB, airplay: 3 million) Young Boy Blues by Ben E. King (10/14/1961, 66 US) Stand by Me by Ben E. King (5/8/1961, 4 US, 1 RB, 1 UK, 1 CN, airplay: 7 million) Gee Whiz Look at His Eyes by Carla Thomas (1/28/1961, 10 US, 5 RB) Saved by LaVern Baker (4/10/1961, 37 US, 17 RB) Just Out of Reach of My Two Empty Arms by Solomon Burke (9/4/1961, 24 US, 7 RB) Tracks, Disc 5: Little Egypt (Ying-Yang) by The Coasters (4/24/1961, 23 US, 16 RB) Amor by Ben E. King (7/29/1961, 18 US, 10 RB, 38 UK) Last Night by The Mar-Keys (7/1/1961, 3 US, 2 RB) I'm Blue (The Gong-Gong Song) by The Ikettes (1/13/1962, 19 US, 3 RB) You Don't Miss Your Water by William Bell (4/28/1962, 95 US) I Found a Love by The Falcons (3/31/1962, 75 US, 6 RB) Cry to Me by Solomon Burke (1/22/1962, 44 US, 5 RB) Don't Play That Song (You Lied) by Ben E. King (4/21/1962, 11 US, 2 RB) Green Onions by Booker T. & the MG's (8/11/1962, 3 US, 1 RB, 7 UK, sales: 1 million, airplay: 1 million) Up on the Roof by The Drifters (11/3/1962, 5 US, 4 RB, airplay: 5 million) See See Rider by LaVern Baker (12/1/1961, 34 US, 9 RB) I (Who Have Nothing) by Ben E. King (6/29/1963, 29 US, 16 RB) If You Need Me by Solomon Burke (4/20/1963, 37 US, 2 RB) These Arms of Mine by Otis Redding (3/23/1963, 83 US, 20 RB) Hello Stranger by Barbara Lewis (5/4/1963, 3 US, 1 RB) On Broadway by The Drifters (3/16/1963, 9 US, 7 RB, airplay: 6 million) Just One Look by Doris Troy (6/8/1963, 10 US, 3 RB, 1 CN) Do the Mashed Potatoes (Parts 1 & 2) by Nat Kendricks & The Swans (2/13/1960, 84 US, 8 RB) Land of 1000 Dances by Chris Kenner (6/29/1963, 77 US) Walkin' the Dog by Rufus Thomas (10/5/1963, 10 US, 4 RB, sales: 1 million) Release Me by Esther Phillips (10/27/1962, 8 US, 1 RB, airplay: 5 million) Mercy, Mercy by Don Covay (9/5/1964, 35 US, 1 RB) Under the Boardwalk by The Drifters (6/27/1964, 4 US, 4 RB, 45 UK, airplay: 3 million) And I Love Him by Esther Phillips (4/17/1965, 54 US, 11 RB) Hold What You've Got by Joe Tex (12/19/1964, 5 US, 1 RB) Mr. Pitiful by Otis Redding (2/6/1965, 41 US, 10 RB) Baby I'm Yours by Barbara Lewis (6/19/1965, 11 US, 5 RB, airplay: 2 million) Tracks, Disc 6: Teasin' You by Willie Tee (2/27/1965, 97 US, 12 RB) Got to Get You Off My Mind by Solomon Burke (3/6/1965, 22 US, 1 RB) * I Want to Do Everything for You by Joe Tex (8/28/1965, 23 US, 1 RB) * I've Been Loving You Too Long by Otis Redding (5/15/1965, 21 US, 2 RB) A Sweet Woman Like You by Joe Tex (12/4/1965, 29 US, 1 RB) * In the Midnight Hour by Wilson Pickett (6/26/1965, 21 US, 1 RB, 12 UK, sales: 1 million, airplay: 2 million) See-Saw by Don Covay (10/30/1965, 44 US, 5 RB) Respect by Otis Redding (9/4/1965, 35 US, 4 RB, airplay: 2 million) You Don't Know Like I Know by Sam & Dave (1/1/1966, 90 US, 7 RB) When a Man Loves a Woman by Percy Sledge (4/9/1966, 1 US, 1 RB, 2 UK, 1 CN, sales: 1 million, airplay: 7 million) 634-5789 (Soulsville, U.S.A.) by Wilson Pickett (2/12/1966, 13 US, 1 RB, 36 UK) * Hold on, I'm Comin’ by Sam & Dave (4/9/1966, 21 US, 1 RB, sales: 2 million, airplay: 1 million) Cool Jerk by The Capitols (4/9/1966, 7 US, 2 RB) Neighbor, Neighbor by Jimmy Hughes (5/28/1966, 65 US, 4 RB) Land of 1000 Dances by Wilson Pickett (7/30/1966, 6 US, 1 RB, 22 UK) Knock on Wood by Eddie Floyd (8/27/1966, 28 US, 1 RB, 19 UK, sales: 1 million, airplay: 1 million) Try a Little Tenderness by Otis Redding (12/3/1966, 25 US, 4 RB, 46 UK) Mustang Sally by Wilson Pickett (11/19/1966, 23 US, 6 RB, 28 UK, airplay: 1 million) When Something Is Wrong with My Baby by Sam & Dave (2/11/1967, 42 US, 2 RB) Sweet Soul Music by Arthur Conley (3/11/1967, 2 US, 2 RB, 7 UK, sales: 1 million, airplay: 1 million) I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You by Aretha Franklin (3/4/1967, 9 US, 1 RB, 5 CN, sales: 1 million) Do Right Woman-Do Right Man by Aretha Franklin (6/3/1967, 37 RB, sales: 1 million) Show Me by Joe Tex (3/4/1967, 35 US, 24 RB) Tramp by Otis & Carla (5/6/1967, 26 US, 2 RB, 18 UK) Funky Broadway by Wilson Pickett (8/5/1967, 8 US, 1 RB, 43 UK) Hip Hug-Her by Booker T (3/25/1967, 37 US, 6 RB) Soul Man by Same & Dave (9/9/1967, 2 US, 1 RB, 24 UK, sales: 2 million) Tracks, Disc 7: Respect by Aretha Franklin (4/10/1967, 1 US, 1 RB, 10 UK, 3 CN, 14 AU, sales: 1 million, airplay: 2 million) (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman by Aretha Franklin (9/30/1967, 8 US, 2 RB, 11 CN, 36 AU, airplay: 2 million) Soul Finger by The Bar-Kays (5/20/1967, 17 US, 3 RB, 33 UK, sales: 1 million) Baby I Love You by Aretha Franklin (7/1/1967, 4 US, 1 RB, 39 UK, 3 CN, 51 AU, sales: 1 million) Skinny Legs and All by Joe Tex (10/28/1967, 10 US, 2 RB, sales: 1 million) Chain of Fools by Aretha Franklin (11/30/1967, 2 US, 1 RB, 43 UK, 4 CN, 51 AU, sales: 1 million, airplay: 1 million) I'm in Love by Wilson Pickett (12/2/1967, 45 US, 4 RB) Memphis Soul Stew by King Curtis (9/16/1967, 6 RB) Sweet Sweet Baby, Since You've Been Gone by Aretha Franklin (3/2/1968, 5 US, 1 RB, 47 UK, 6 CN, 76 AU) * Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding (1/8/1968, 1 US, 1 RB, 3 UK, 7 CN, sales: 4 million, airplay: 7 million) Tighten Up by Archie Bell & the Drells (3/30/1968, 1 US, 1 RB, sales: 1 million, airplay: 1 million) Slip Away by Clarence Carter (7/6/1968, 6 US, 2 RB, sales: 1 million) Think by Aretha Franklin (5/2/1968, 7 US, 1 RB, 26 UK, 6 CN, 49 AU, sales: 1 million, airplay: 1 million) Too Weak to Fight by Clarence Carter (11/2/1968, 13 US, 3 RB, sales: 1 million) * Can I Change My Mind by Tyrone Davis (12/21/1968, 5 US, 1 RB, sales: 1 million) * First Time I Ever Saw Your Face by Roberta Flack (3/4/1972, 1 US, 4 RB, 14 UK, 1 CN, 1 AU, sales: 1 million, airplay: 3 million) Take a Letter, Maria by R.B. Greaves (10/18/1969, 2 US, 10 RB, sales: 1 million, airplay: 2 million) Rainy Night in Georgia by Brook Benton (1/3/1970, 4 US, 1 RB, sales: 1 million, airplay: 2 million) The Ghetto by Donny Hathaway (1/10/1970, 87 US, 23 RB) Turn Back the Hands of Time by Tyrone Davis (3/7/1970, 3 US, 1 RB, sales: 1 million) Compared to What by Eddie Harris & Les McCann (1/10/1970, 85 US, 35 RB) Call Me by Aretha Franklin (1/21/1970, 13 US, 1 RB, 11 CN) * Tracks, Disc 8: Don't Play That Song (You Lied) by Aretha Franklin (8/8/1970, 11 US, 1 RB, 13 UK, 13 CN, sales: 1 million) Precious Precious by Jackie Moore (12/5/1970, 30 US, 12 RB) * Groove Me by King Floyd III (10/10/1970, 6 US, 1 RB, sales: 1 million) Patches by Clarence Carter (7/18/1970, 4 US, 2 RB, 2 UK, sales: 1 million) Don't Knock My Love, Pt. 1 by Wilson Pickett (4/24/1971, 13 US, 1 RB, sales: 1 million) * Funky Nassau (Parts 1 & 2) by The Beginning of the End (5/1/1971, 15 US, 7 RB, 31 UK) Thin Line Between Love and Hate by The Persuaders (8/14/1971, 15 US, 1 RB, sales: 1 million) Rock Steady by Aretha Franklin (10/23/1971, 9 US, 2 RB, 12 CN, sales: 1 million) Day Dreaming by Aretha Franklin (3/11/1972, 5 US, 1 RB, 13 CN, sales: 1 million) * You've Got a Friend by Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway (6/12/1971, 29 US, 8 RB) Clean Up Woman by Betty Wright (11/20/1971, 6 US, 2 RB, sales: 1 million) Could It Be I'm Falling in Love? by The Spinners (12/30/1972, 4 US, 1 RB, 11 UK, sales: 1 million, airplay: 2 million) Killing Me Softly with His Song by Roberta Flack (1/20/1973, 1 US, 2 RB, 6 UK, 1 CN, 1 AU, sales: 1 million, sales: 5 million) Where Is the Love? by Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway (6/3/1972, 5 US, 1 RB, 1 UK, sales: 1 million) I'll Be Around by The Spinners (8/19/1972, 3 US, 1 RB, sales: 1 million, airplay: 2 million) Feel Like Makin' Love by Roberta Flack (6/15/1974, 1 US, 1 RB, 34 UK, 1 CN, sales: 1 million, airplay: 3 million) One of a Kind (Love Affair) by The Spinners (4/28/1973, 11 US, 1 RB, sales: 1 million, airplay: 1 million) * Sideshow by Blue Magic (4/20/1974, 8 US, 1 RB, sales: 1 million) * Mighty Love by The Spinners (1/19/1974, 20 US, 1 RB) Love Won't Let Me Wait by Major Harris (3/15/1975, 5 US, 1 RB, 37 UK, sales: 1 million, airplay: 1 million) * Songs added to the reissue. Total Running Time: 10:20:44

Rating: 4.766 out of 5.00 (average of 10 ratings) Quotable: “Should be a part of any collection that presumes to take American music -- not just rock & roll or rhythm & blues – seriously” – Bruce Eder, All Music Guide Awards:

About the Album: “This eight-CD set should be a part of any collection that presumes to take American music -- not just rock & roll or rhythm & blues -- seriously. Atlantic Records was one of dozens of independent labels started up after the war by neophyte executives and producers, but it was different from most of the others in that the guys who ran it were honest and genuinely loved music. Coupled with a lot of luck and some good judgment, the results trace a good chunk of the history of American music and popular culture.” AMG Disc one opens with cuts which slot in somewhere midway between jazz, bop, and ‘race’ music (as the term was used then). Disc two is pure, distilled R&B, the stuff filling the airwaves of black radio and the jukeboxes in the "wrong" parts of town in 1952-54. Surprisingly, the material on Disc three, covering 1955-57, isn’t very different in content or character from Disc two, despite the fact that it covers the period when white teenagers were starting to listen to and buy these records in large numbers.” AMG Disc 2 captured some of the songs celebrated as quintessential to the birth of rock and roll, such as the Chords’ “Sh-Boom” and Big Joe Turner’s “Shake, Rattle and Roll” “It’s only with Disc four that one sees the consequences of the late ‘50s – Ray Charles in his final days with the label, juxtaposed with the Drifters in their post-1958 incarnation and the start of the company's relationship with Stax/Volt Records.” AMG Highlights include Ray Charles’ “What’d I Say” and Ben E. King’s “Stand by Me.” The latter was one of those rare songs to hit the charts in two separate runs – first hitting the top 10 pop charts in 1961 and again in 1986 as the title song from the movie of the same name. “Disc six (1965-67) is practically a mini-tribute to Stax/Volt, filled with the best-known sides of Eddie Floyd, Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, and Booker T. & the MG’s.” AMG The standout track is the iconic “When a Man Loves a Woman” by Percy Sledge. Redding’s original version of “Respect” is also featured, but it’s on the next disc that we get Aretha Franklin’s cover of the song, which she turned into a classic anthem for female empowerment. “Discs seven and eight run from the late '60s and the heyday of Aretha Franklin to some great early-‘70s soul, including Roberta Flack and the Spinners.” AMG Among the highlights from the two discs are Otis Redding’s “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay.” The booklet, with a full sessionography and biographical notes on each artist, would be worth 20 bucks on its own.” AMG Notes: The original box set was released in 1985. When it was rereleased in 1991, it was expanded to eight discs from seven. Songs in the track listing marked with an asterisk (*) are the ones which were added to the reissue.

Resources and Related Links: AMG All Music Guide by Bruce Eder

The Williams Brothers charted with “Can’t Cry Hard Enough”

Can’t Cry Hard Enough The Williams Brothers

Writer(s): David Williams, Marvin Etzioni (see lyrics here) First Charted: October 3, 1991 Peak: 42 US, 29 CB, 24 RR, 11 AC, 43 CN, 1 DF (Click for codes to singles charts.) Sales (in millions): -- Airplay/Streaming (in millions): -- radio, 0.68 video, 5.29 streaming

Awards: Click on award for more details.

About the Song: In the early ‘90s, I had a go-to, independently-run CD store which I hit on a weekly basis. They not only knew me by name, but had my tastes down. I’d walk in the store and they’d load up a recommended CD. They made a lot of money off me. Of the many purchases I made, however, the one that stood out was the The Williams Brothers. I knew nothing of these twin brothers who were nephews of singer Andy Williams. I found out they recorded a pair of albums as teen idols in the early ‘70s as Andy and David Williams and appeared on The Partridge Family. They re-emerged in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s recording more adult-alternative, folk-oriented fare. This was one of those rare albums where every cut grew on me. Even so, one song towered above the rest – “Can’t Cry Hard Enough.” While the song is about “missing someone who has passed away and the helplessness that comes from never being able to see that person again,” SF I connected with it differently. I’ll always think of it in the context of driving home one night from my former college town. I’d visited the great unrequited love of my life and left with the dejected realization that it was never going to happen. David Williams wrote the song with Marvin Etzioni of Lone Justice. He told Songfacts.com that “writing the song was like a magical moment.” SF He’d been writing with David and Andrew. David had an idea and played some piano chords and Marvin added lyrics inspired by the recent loss of his grandmother. As Marvin said, “it just kind of fell into the room.” SF David and Andrew recorded the song for their self-titled 1991 release and Marvin recorded it in 1992 for his album The Mandolin Man. However, the first recording was by David and Andrew’s sister Victoria for her 1990 album Swing the Statue! It was also recorded later by Susan Ashton, Beelfire, Tom Freund, Rachelle Ann Go, Jed Madela, Sam Milby, Julie Miller, the Robertson Brothers, and Smokie. It has been featured in the TV shows One Tree Hill and Beverly Hills, 90210. WK Resources: DMDB encyclopedia entry for the Williams Brothers SF Songfacts WK Wikipedia Related Links: First posted 7/13/2021; last updated 10/31/2022.