Search - B.B. King :: To Know You Is to Love You

B.B. King Has SOUL!

Chuck Potocki | Highland, Indiana | 05/08/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"An album often overlooked in B.B. King's long and prolific recording career; he began moving in a more soulful direction with his 1970 album "Indianola Mississippi Seeds", and continued this trend with his next two releases, "Guess Who" (1972), and this one. While the musical approach on "To Know You Is To Love You" is more soulful, King doesn't stray very far from his blues roots, as evidenced on the tracks "I Can't Leave" and his own "Thank You For Loving The Blues". In many ways, this album and "Guess Who" are nearly identical; both bearing distinctive horn arrangements, courtesy of the Memphis Horns. King latched onto the then-popular brassy, soul sound of the early 70's and it worked for him. The title track was co-written by Stevie Wonder and Syreeta Wright, and Wonder makes a guest appearance on keyboards on most of the album. My favorite track here is "Respect Yourself", with it's funky, guitar and bass-driven groove and socially-conscious lyrics sung with authority by King.Even as King was entering his third decade as a performer when "To Know You Is To Love You" was released in 1973, he proved that he was as fresh and vibrant as ever, and was able to effortlessly change with the times. Unfortunately, this and many of his 70's albums are becoming harder to find. This is a wonderful album, one worth seeking out; I recommend it highly!"

A Great Addition for King Fans

Reginald D. Garrard | Camilla, GA USA | 04/29/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I had this one back in college and the stylus on my turntable got a lot of action. Less known today than many of his earlier and later releases, the disc features some interesting work from the blues master. Stevie Wonder-penned tunes highlight the disc and King's soothing vocal delivery is a treat.B.B.King, like his name says, reigns!"

BB King has never sounded more soulful than this.

Mr.B.Halliday (bruce@brucehalliday. | Newcastle England | 11/16/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This has never dated. BB King meets Memphis Horns.Probably his best vocal performance coupled with sublime blues licks. Backing vocalists also shine in what is a Great Blues/Soul crossover album."