The mood on 1974's Rhapsody in White, reissued as part of Mercury's Funk Essentials series, is just what you'd expect. Its eight cuts alternate between honeymoon-suite stuff and what sounds like leftover score from Starsky... more » and Hutch--except, of course, for "Love's Theme," the number one pop hit that became a favorite of figure skaters everywhere. Barry White's album in all but name only, Rhapsody finds him taking up the primest real estate on the front cover, writing all but one of these instrumentals, coarranging (with Gene Page), conducting, and providing a handful of his trademark seduction raps. This is romance: "You know what I feel like doin' to you right now?" --Rickey Wright« less
The mood on 1974's Rhapsody in White, reissued as part of Mercury's Funk Essentials series, is just what you'd expect. Its eight cuts alternate between honeymoon-suite stuff and what sounds like leftover score from Starsky and Hutch--except, of course, for "Love's Theme," the number one pop hit that became a favorite of figure skaters everywhere. Barry White's album in all but name only, Rhapsody finds him taking up the primest real estate on the front cover, writing all but one of these instrumentals, coarranging (with Gene Page), conducting, and providing a handful of his trademark seduction raps. This is romance: "You know what I feel like doin' to you right now?" --Rickey Wright
CD Reviews
BEST, FULLEST AND GLORY
JOSE FLEITAS | MONTEVIDEO URUGUAY | 07/23/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"THE ALBUM RHAPSODY IN WHITE IS THE MOST WONDERFUL ALBUM EVER MADE. RHAPSODY IN WHITE SOUNDS LIKE THE MUSIC OF THE HEAVEN.
THE LOVE UNLIMITED ORCHESTRA KNOWS WHAT MUSIC MEANS. THE GLORY OF MUSIC WAS BORN THE DAY THAT RHAPSODY IN WHITE START TO SOUND.
"LOVE THEMES" ITS A BEAUTY AND "I FEEL LOVE COMING ON" ITS THE MUSIC ITSELF."
Barry Scores
Thomas Magnum | NJ, USA | 11/28/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The Love Unlimited Orchestra is Barry White's backing "band" and they laid down the swirling, lush orchestration behind all of his great hits. Although Rhapsody In White is credited to the LUO, it is basically a Barry White album. He does his usual duty of writing, arranging and producing. The album sounds like it could be the soundtrack to a lost 70's blaxplotation film and is buoyed by the massive number one single "Love's Theme" which also became Mr. White's signature number. Other standout cuts include the title track, "Midnight & You" & "Don't Take It Away From Me"."
The Love Unlimited Orchestra at its best
Kelli N. | Texas | 07/27/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Not only could Barry sing, but he could write, arrange, and conduct music just as beautifully. Just listen to this awesome CD. Each song is a brilliant masterpiece. My favorite has always been the title track, but I love all the others too. "Barry's Theme" starts the album off perfectly, while "Love's Theme" (Barry's first number one hit) closes it out. "Midnight and You" and "Baby Blues" absolutely ooze with sensuality and sex. These songs are both romantic and uplifting. You'll enjoy this CD alone in the dark, or driving on the highway. If you love good music, it's a must."
Beautiful Masterpiece
Shy Member | Pembroke Pines, FL USA | 09/25/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Most probably this is the best album ever recorder from Barry White. I do not have enough words to describe the magnitud of the talent of the "Maestro" Barry White to produce and record the music this album contain. Mr. White allow you to enjoy his music with out any vocal ingredient in order you can truly appreciate his genius. I had the opportunity to get this CD recently but I have been looking to get it for many years. I even bought the LP with the same tile and presentation 5 years ago at Sou Paulo Brasil. Now finally it is here for everybody to enjoy it. If you like soul Music and Barry White music this is truly en esencial CD."
Barry White
BOOK MAVEN | 08/29/2005
(3 out of 5 stars)
"What woman doesn't love this music. I've had my vinyl album since it came out but decided to replace it with a CD. It's old and mostly instrumental but still good. "Barry's Theme" is my favorite. Feeling nostalgic? Like Barry White? You'll enjoy the CD."
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1