G.Q.: Face to FaceSoul Express CD ReviewReviewed by Barry Towler on August 8, 2011 Music to groove to on a summer's day without a doubtG.Q.'s third album saw much less of a disco feeling than their previous sets, and to me makes it a lot more palatable. The rhythms are definitely there but far more in a funkier, early 80s kinda boogie groove.Rating: 7 out of 10
 Buy this album from our CD Shop
CD reissue by Funky Town Grooves (USA, 2011)The original album on Arista, 1981 Shake - You Put Some Love Into My Life - Shy Baby - Sad Girl - I Love (The Skin You're In) - Boogie Shoogie Feelin' - Dark Side Of The Sun - Face To Face - You've Got The Floor - Try Smurfin' (bonus track) G.Q.'s third album saw much less of a disco feeling than their previous sets, and to me makes it a lot more palatable. The rhythms are definitely there but far more in a funkier, early 80s kinda boogie groove, which suits me fine. Music to groove to on a summer's day without a doubt. "Shake" kicks off this album in a fine way - not the finest track on here, I'll grant you, but finer than any of today's drivel. The Harvey Scales co-written "You Put Some Love In My Life" hits us with a reggae groove and not exactly what we would expect from either G.Q. or Harvey Scales! I suggest that "Shy Girl" be your next port of call, so berth up to this song and enjoy the soulful vocal vibe a la Steve Arrington. The late Kenny Nolan song "I Love (The Skin You're In)" is also superb and the rhythm guitar simply oozes summer. This is what 1981 was all about. The ballad "Dark Side Of The Sun" has an early Solar sound to it - I can hear the Deele or similar approaching this song, and as such it does a lot to stand out. The strings really are sweet as are the harmonies. Emanuel Rahiem pens "Face To face" and offers us a great midtempo pacer with slap bass and great rhythm guitar and keys. A really nice little number, and very welcome on bonafide CD release too. Keeping the tempo up and cheerful is another Rahiem composition, "You've Got The Floor", not the same as Arthur Adams' hit of the same year but their own tune. The bonus track was a 7" and 12" release and nice to see it included for collectors. Thanks again to labels such as Funky Town Grooves for giving us back real music from the 80s! -Barry Towler The Vibe Scribe The Latest CD Reviews Albums of the Month in 2010 Albums of the Month in 2009 Albums of the Month in 2008 Albums of the Month in 2007 Albums of the Month in 2006 Albums of the Month in 2005 Albums of the Month in 2004 Albums of the Month in 2003 Albums of the Month in 2002 Albums of the Month in 2001 Albums of the Month in 2000 Albums of the Month in 1999 Albums of the Month in 1998 Albums of the Month in 1997 |
