Lionel Richie - Lionel Richie (9 tracks) +Album Reviews

Awesome solo debut!

07/09/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Lionel Richie had no problem switching from the mighty Commodores to being a solo artist. Here, he does an unbelievably remarkable job with such hits as "Truly", "My Love", and other tunes such as the eerie "Wandering Stranger" and the opening "Serves You Right". And "You Are" is a wonderful one, not really displayed on Richie's compilations very much. LIONEL RICHIE is probably, in my book, one of the best R&B albums of the 1980s, and I highly recommend it."

Fine solo debut

Brad | CT | 08/28/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"In Lionel Richie's first album since his departure from the Commodores, he showed why he had become the undisputed leader of that classic '70s group. While the "softer side" dominates this and all of his solo efforts, it is a high-quality softer side for sure.I am not overall a "dance music" person, but I can't help but tap my feet to such catchy numbers as "Serves You Right" and "Tell Me". Great uptempo stuff. "My Love" sounds very much like a vintage Commodores' ballad, and "Truly" is one of the beautiful love songs of its time. "Round And Round" is another fine song on this effort. But to me, the best song is the forgotten "You Are", which to this day is one of my very favorite Lionel hits. Pleasant mid-tempo track with beautiful lyrics.The album weakens just a bit with the last two ballad tracks, the last one ("Just Put Some Love In Your Heart") being less than 2 minutes long. Clearly, one more uptempo track would have helped at this point. Nonetheless, this album was just the beginning of about 5 hugely successful years in Lionel Richie's solo career. For sure, he got off to a very fine start here. And quite obviously, the Commodores were never the same without him."

An Album To Discover

Josephll | CET | 02/09/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Lionel Richie, singer and leader of The Commodores had penned great songs like "Three Times A Lady" and "Easy"(later cover by Faith No More) for his band and the US #1 duet "Endless Love" with Diana Ross & Kenny Rogers big hit "Lady". It was a natural step in a great artist career to go solo, and Lionel proved he was just as good as a solo singer then a member of the Commodores. With the release of his epnymous debut album he stays on fammiliar territory with mostly slow jams and midtempo R&B, simular to what he did with Commodores, but not too many funky energic uptempos, but this is what he's best at. Lionel was also involved in the writing of all songs and apart from some latter albums this feels very personal since all songs have great lyrics easy to relate too. Three quite big hits are included here, a wonderful ballad "Truly" (Us #1) and midtempo "You Are" and loveballad "My Love" the rest are songs to discover and actally most of them are great. "Serves You Right" a typical breezy 80's R&B song that sound like it could have been made for Michael Jackson. "Wandering Star", a love-ballad and definite highlight. "Tell Me", an other midtempo 80's style and last but not least the charming "Round and Round" which sound like it was from the 70's. The last two songs "You Mean More To Me" and "Just Put Some Love In Your Heart" are forgettable adult contemporary ballads that doesn't add much to the overall record, but out of 7 songs 9 are great. Unfortunately this album is a bit overlooked, and few reviews have been made to it neither. This album would launch his solo career and with the next album he would be a superstar. Even if this may be less commercial the the upcoming 2 grand slams he made, it's perhaps his finest work and defenitely recommended for people that apreciate good music."

Richie's Solo Debut Hits The Mark!

Irishgirl | Idaho | 01/12/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Who could forget the legendary lead singer of the 70's and early 80's funk group, The Commodores? After a successful run with his gang, Lionel Richie embarked on a solo career and his trademark soulfully smooth, yet somewhat gravelly voice won our hearts once again. With Richie's self-titled 1982 album, we hear him break from his funk roots and pursue a silky, pop-rock collage of love songs and danceable numbers.

"Serves You Right" - Very catchy beats and keyboard melodies. Lionel just flat out tells it like it is.

"Wandering Stranger" - One of my favorites. Smooth-flowing vocals and piano. This is a very emotional song. Richie challenges you to not shed a tear or two. His voice just soars.

"Tell Me" - Now we're back to the bouncy beat and demanding lyrics. And Richie brings back the horns like from his days with The Commodores.

"My Love" - For those who are familiar with Lionel's days with The Commodores, this song should song strikingly familiar. Remember their song, "Easy?" Well, this song is basically the flip-side of it. This smooth groove and soulful harmonic vocals will have you kicked back and relaxed in the arms of your significant other.

"Round And Round" - This unique song is probably my favorite from the album. I remember this song being on side B of my parents' 45 record of "Stuck On You." So I used to play this song on my record player a lot. With lightly swirling, atmospheric keyboards, groovy piano chords, an intense orchestral background and loud, demanding harmonies all amongst a catchy beat that you can rock to, this song is way cool!!

"Truly" - Lionel shifts the gears down a few notches to give us a wonderful, passionate, free-flowing love song. Richie as always, buts his heart into his song and demands you to believe in what he is singing.

"You Are" - I love this song. The harmonies are awesome, the melody is fantastic, the beat is incredibly catchy and the background horns are a wonderful touch as always.

"You Mean More To Me" - Another silky, soulful love song from Lionel. His voice soars softly and passionately amongst gorgeous piano work and strings. How can you not feel like slow dancing to this song?

"Just Put Some Love In Your Heart" - Lionel sends us an inspiring message in this short but sweet and smooth number. Listen to this song and perhaps many questions will be answered. It is a neat way to end this album. Richie is basically leaving us with some closing remarks to think about after his magnificent performance.

So if you want an album to put in your CD player to set off a romantic mood, if you want to kick back and relax, or if you feel like doing some soft groovin', than this is the album for you. You can't go wrong with one of the best vocalists of the 1980's. He will take you to a whole other dimension.

"

Very Good Album

mistermaxxx@yahoo.com | usa | 01/08/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Lionel Richie is One of the Greatest Musical Genius's to Ever create Music period. He showcases His Greatness on his solo Album the self title Album. "Truly", You Are" are still classic songs. Serves You right is tight cut. the Production is on point as is the Overall Musical Arrangements. Lionel Richie Is one of the Few Artists that has truly gotten what the concept of Words&Music truly means. he did a very Good Job here. Vocally he is on point as well. a very strong Debut. I have this on Record, Tape&Disc including the Re-mastered Bonus Disc. Props Always to Lionel Richie."

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