Search - Emotions :: Rejoice

The "Magnum Opus" of Girl-group Soul

Karl Miller | Phoenixville, PA United States | 04/05/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Along with Love Unlimited, the Emotions defined girl-group soul harmonies in the 1970's. "Rejoice" is the Hutchinson Sisters pre-eminent work, with harmonies as relaxing and refreshing as a Key West sunset.
Teaming with Maurice White (Earth Wind and Fire) at his creative peak, the Emotions blend spirituality and romance in a way that puts Prince to shame. Whether uptempo (the classic "Best of My Love"), sultry ("Don't Ask My Neighbors", which should be required listening for any female R&B singer"), or from the choir to the masses ("Blessed", a beautiful appreciation of life's gifts), the Emotions were at the top of the game when this album was released in the mid-70's.
The fact that this album is available on CD speaks volumes for it's quality, and freshness, 25 years post-release. Much of the classic r&b of the 70s remains unreleased, or available as import only. Kudos to Kalimba/Columbia for seeing that new generations can hear the finest three voice harmonies of the 70s."

"Emotions breakout album"

M. Spencer | Stockbridge, GA by way of D.C. | 02/05/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In the summer of 1977 the Emotions came out with their second Maurice White produced album and from the start we get the r&b/dicso smash "Best Of My Love" which went number one r&b and pop. This song became their trademark song which is sung by lead singer Wanda Hitchinson and was played in disco's all across the country. This albums is flawless and you can let it play all through but my personal favorites are "Don't Ask My Neighbor","Blessed", and "Rejoice" which are all the last three songs on the album respectively. The second single "Don't Ask My Neighbor" with its laid back and sexy melody was also a big hit off this album, but the best song has go to be the inspirational "Blessed" with its its back and forth tempo and another stunning lead by Wanda showing off her great vocal range on the vamps. The production by Maurice(who also helped out on vocals) and co-producer Clarence McDonald is top notch and the song arrangements are all done by Tom Tom 84, with key members of Earth Wind & Fire(which include bassist Verdine White and drummer Fred White,and guitarist Al McKay) supplying their excellent musicianship along with other great studio musicians of the era. Some of these songs could have been done by EWF which is really not a bad thing considering the band was at a peak moment in their careers creative wise. One of many albums the Emotions collaberated on with Maurice White and their most popular, considering its the only one available on cd. A sure keeper and a must have along, but still waiting on the previous album Flowers to be release on cd which was also great."