Raydio - Raydio 1978/Rock On 1979 (2010)

This Edsel release combines Ray Parker, Jr.'s first two Raydio albums, 1977’s Raydio and 1978’s Rock On. Both Arista releases peaked in the Top Ten of Billboard’s R&B Albums chart, catapulted respectively by “Jack and Jill” and “You Can’t Change That” -- two of the catchiest late-‘70s R&B singles with genuine pop appeal. Between the albums, three additional singles from them -- “Is This a Love Thing,” “Honey I’m Rich,” and “More Than One Way to Love a Woman” -- were moderately successful, and a handful of album cuts rise above filler level. At the time, Parker was just about living in recording studios, pulling session and songwriting work for dozens of artists, so it’s remarkable that he had this much left in him. Casual fans can stick to hits collections. Those who always have time for light, melodic funk with clever songwriting will find much to enjoy. The disc will come as a relief to those who missed out on the early-'90s reissues and the limited 2008 LP-replica remasters that appeared in Japan. ~ Andy Kellman, All Music Guide


Tracks:

01. Is This a Love Thing (6:16)
02. You Need This (To Satisfy That) (4:37)
03. Betcha Can't Love Me Just Once (3:52)
04. Honey I'm Rich [Johnson, Parker] (3:13)
05. Jack and Jill (4:34)
06. Me (4:59)
07. Let's Go All the Way (3:29)
08. Get Down (4:26)
09. What You Waitin' For (4:12)
10. Hot Stuff (5:16)
11. You Can't Change That (3:24)
12. Rock On (5:07)
13. More Than One Way to Love a Woman (5:46)
14. When You're in Need of Love [Fearing] (6:16)
15. Goin' Thru School and Love (4:18)
16. Honey I'm a Star (3:41)

Personnel:

Ray Parker, Jr. Producer, Arranger, Guitar, Vocals, Group Member, Engineer, Mixing
Charles Fearing Guitar, Group Member
Jerry Knight Bass, Vocals, Group Member
Vincent Bonham Vocals, Group Member
Larry Tolbert Drums, Percussion, Group Member
Arnell Carmichael Vocals, Group Member
Ken Peterson Trumpet, Vocals (Background)
Melvin Ragin Guitar, Voice Bag
Sylvester Rivers Piano
Horatio Gordon Saxophone
Ollie E. Brown Drums, Percussion
Valorie Jones Vocals (Background)
Darren Carmichael Vocals (Background)
Jack Ashford Tambourine
Francie Pearlman Vocals (Background)
Rochelle Runnels Vocals (Background)
Janice Williams Vocals (Background)
Sylvia Ducksworth Vocals (Background)
Cheryl Brown Vocals (Background)

All songs wriiten, composed and arranged by Ray Parker Jr. unless otherwise indicat