Search - Gladys Knight, Pips :: Touch

They Were Thinking GK & TPs Had Nine Lives...

yygsgsdrassil | Crossroads America | 05/17/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"...during this Columbia Records phase of their careers. This is the second of two Columbia/Ashford and Simpson productions, circa 1980-81. The first, " 'Bout Love", boasted the megahit, "Landlord", and, one of my favorite Gladys and Pips songs of all time, "Still Such A Thing", and, "(Everybody Wants to Be) Bourgie, Bourgie" from a previous A & S instrumental (off the album "Send It")--I wish someone would remaster " 'Bout Love" for CD, being the more powerful of the two Columbia/A & S
products. This album, "Touch", however has strong performances of "I Will Fight" and "If That Will Make You Happy". The performance of "I Will Survive" is the only thing that is 'live' on this album, in spite of what the product header above tells ya. "I Will Survive", as rendered by Gladys, attempts to capitalize on the commercial success garnered from her version of "Memories/The Way We Were" and possibly gave birth to the idea of teaming up with Boys II Men on the "The End of the Road" duet. My advice, overall? Find, get and enjoy any of the fine CDs, singles or LPs mentioned here. You will be well pleased."

A 'Touch' That Lasts

J. Cobb | Birmingham, AL United States | 01/15/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Even though Gladys Knight and the Pips served a large sum of their success at Motown (Soul Records was their subsidary) and on the defunct Buddah label, Columbia signed them in the early 80s; hoping to regenerate some of their fame and fortune. Of course, much of the Columbia releases went silent with listeners and didn't get the exposure they should have. Big mistake for them...because "Touch" captured the same style and energy of Knight & Pips that her audiences have grown to appreciate from her outstanding hits such as "The Midnight Train To Georgia", "If I Were Your Woman" and "I've Got To Use My Imagination".Soulful tracks and vibrant singing pretty much sums up this offering - which predominately features songs written by the tag-team forces of Ashford & Simpson. You basically know why this album would be good - Ashford & Simpson's writing force helped invent the Motown sound we all know of today and that same stylish formula is offered here on cuts such as the jamming opener, "I Will Fight" and the smouldering "If That Will Make You Happy"; which fit Gladys' voice like a glove. Much of the albums's content surrounded the pop/disco sound that basically made up the Ashford & Simpson's infamous musical structure of the late 70s. It works well for Knight. "Baby, Baby Don't Waste My Time" also was a charging, dance tune.Around the second half of the album, you can actually sense their shift towards progressive, inspirational music. Songs like "God Is" and "Changed" showcase their drive to expose their gospel roots while "I Will Survive", a lovely live rendition of the Fekaris/Perren composition that made Gloria Gaynor a 'disco diva', closes out the album with a resounding "yes". If you missed purchasing this album back then, make it an effort to pick it up now."

Essential!

J. Cobb | 08/22/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"One of Gladys and the Pips most refreshing albums ever. From 1981, this set is a satisfying blend of groove and soulful balladry so definitive of the group. From the rousing intro "I Will Fight" to Gladys torchy rendition of "I Will Survive", this album will certainly touch most listeners in some way. An important part of any Gladys Knight and the Pips collection!"