Search - Tower of Power :: Very Best of Tower of Power: The Warner Years

The best of the best!

ctrx | 'bout to show you how the EAST COAST rocks... | 07/09/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This 2001 Tower of Power anthology spans the period between 1972 and 1976, during which they were signed to Warner Records. The albums represented include 1972's Bump City, 1973's Tower of Power, 1974's Back to Oakland, and 1975's In the Slot and Urban Renewal. These albums are widely considered the best TOP ever recorded, and this collection is a well-selected compilation of the best of these fine albums. During this period, Oakland's Tower of Power set themselves apart from the budding west coast music scene with their brand of soulful funk (or funky soul, whichever you prefer). Most famous was their incredibly tight horn section, which had as many as six players and full instrumentation. Besides being a vastly talented section, these players play so well together and their chemistry makes them a joy to listen to. The rhythm and percussion section is also very talented, so musically Tower of Power is just awesome on this disc. During this period, Tower of Power had two lead vocalists. On the earlier albums, the competent Rick Stevens was the singer, before being replaced by the wonderful Lenny Williams in 1973. Williams is very entertaining. Besides being a really gifted vocalist, he is so much fun because of his yelling and performance, you can tell he's having fun too. His voice has great range and versatility, and he brings a lot of soul and even gospel influence to the group. The tracklist is very well selected, and it is done in chronological order, so you can watch the band's progression. There's a nice balance of pure upbeat funk tracks and their signature slow jams. Tower of Power songs are all so well written and produced, and this record is a perfect example. I highly recommend "The Very Best of Tower of Power: The Warner Years" to all.



The compilation kicks off with a bang, the blasting "You Got to Funkafize," showcasing the awesomely powerful horn section. "What Happened to the World That Day?" is a heartfelt love song, Rick Stevens' influence is pretty clear on these earlier tracks. "Down to the Nightclub" was their first big hit, a swinging party song. "You're Still a Young Man" is another solid early-70s slow jam. "What Is Hip?" is their best known song, musically incredible, with a gorgeous arrangement for the funk guitar and horns. Lenny Williams also lends one of his finest performances ever on this song. "So Very Hard to Go" is among my favorites, an inspired love song, and "This Time It's Real" is also very appealing, a happy and hopeful ode. The slow "Will I Ever Find a Love?" precedes the awesome "Soul Vaccination," a fast and funky cut from the same mold as "What Is Hip?," but maybe even better. "Time Will Tell" and "Below Us All the City Lights" are both fine examples of TOP's range and versatility, and "Don't Change Horses (In the Middle of a Stream)" is a pumped up, swinging number. The slow, well-produced songs "Willing to Learn" and "I Won't Leave Unless You Want Me To" are split by the unforgettable "Only So Much Oil in the Ground," with the soaring horn cadence and Williams' wild vocals. The collection closes with the inspired "You're So Wonderful, So Marvelous."



One thing I love about Tower of Power's 1970s discography is that unlike so much music from that era, it really doesn't sound dated at all even today. Their music is so unique, well-produced, and exhibiting talent that the sound is timeless. For anyone who's a new listener or was a fan back in the day, "The Very Best of Tower of Power: The Warner Years" is a must have in the collection."

Real Music

Jacqueline Mahan | New York | 09/13/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Simply excellent! For those who remember and love TOP, it should be part of your collection. For those a bit younger, it should be part of your collection. The real music is still out there, it's just that you have go and find it. Good stuff!"

LIve in Atlantic City House of Blues

Gene J. Concordia | N J | 10/18/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Just saw these guys in AC House House Of Blues. Band sounded great and front man was outstanding touring with AWB. What a show the best of CD will give you a flavor but make sure you see them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"