The 80s was a period in which the rock press would castigate soul, funk and R&B acts for being lyrically inept. To be fair they were usually correct with that statement. Hip Hop and Rap was generally the only black music genre outside Jazz and Blues that challenged their own grooves with cutting edge messages. One of 52nd Street's strengths was; their ability to lyrically capture the moment.
They had a way with dealing with melancholy. Charlemagne had a way of making you both laugh and cry within album tracks -like no one else since probably Gil Scott Heron.
'What Did I Do Wrong' visualises through the eyes of the child the father's struggle as a recurring single working parent.
Michael Brecker using an early in-development-stage EWI electronic wind-synth nails Diane's brilliantly executed delivery to the wall with the saddest of solos I've ever heard. Grab some tissues you'll need them.
If you have the chance, check out 52nd Street's 'Children of the Night', 'Look I've Heard it all before' and 'Something's Going On'.
18 фев 2008
