Sometimes described as the quintessential Chicago soul group, the Impressions’ would garner a place in R&B history for having been the starting point in the careers of soul legends Jerry Butler, Leroy Hutson and of course Curtis Mayfield if nothing else. They where also a huge influence on a lot of Jamaican acts of the 60's and early 70's with their strong association with the civil rights movement appealing to many along with their pitch perfect harmonies. Over the years, the likes of Junior Murvin, Prince Lincoln and the iconic Lee Perry have all testified to this at some point.
I believe this was one if not the last album they did with Mayfield, with the title hinting at something of a concept album, but alas not. What you do get is an excellent collection of predominantly love inspired songs with a couple of their renowned political / message songs thrown in. 'Choice of Colors' is probably the strongest of these as it takes an investigative look at black feelings about race. Perhaps a bit heavy in places as it asks the deep questions of “If you had a choice of colours, which one would you choose, my brothers? If there was no day or night, which would you prefer to be right?”. Closing number “Mighty Mighty (Spade & Whitey)” has more of a party, celebratory vibe going on calling on blacks and whites to join together, with this song also being funkier and their previous offerings and giving a glimpse of where Mayfield would soon be heading with his own solo work. The love songs are of more standard fare but with the musical arrangement work with the strings and horns by Johnny Pate and Donny Hathaway really drench this album with melodic class.
One of the songs from this batch that really jumps out at me is 'Seven Years'. It took me a couple of listens before I realised this joyous sounding love song was in fact about the heralding of the end of a worn out affair and the new lease of life that was felt by its demise.
'Wherever You Leadeth Me' has that nice slidy northern soul feel in the horns, while 'My Deceiving Heart' and 'Jealous Man' have subtle blusey, gospel feels to their heart felt emotion.
Worst of the bunch is 'The Girl I Find'. It comes over a bit cheesy with its dove cries but only someone like the Mayfield can get away with it and stop it becoming real gorgonzola!This is a classic album of short and sweet songs, with only 'Choice of Colors' coming in at over 3 minutes and a must for any aficionados of 60's soul
I believe this was one if not the last album they did with Mayfield, with the title hinting at something of a concept album, but alas not. What you do get is an excellent collection of predominantly love inspired songs with a couple of their renowned political / message songs thrown in. 'Choice of Colors' is probably the strongest of these as it takes an investigative look at black feelings about race. Perhaps a bit heavy in places as it asks the deep questions of “If you had a choice of colours, which one would you choose, my brothers? If there was no day or night, which would you prefer to be right?”. Closing number “Mighty Mighty (Spade & Whitey)” has more of a party, celebratory vibe going on calling on blacks and whites to join together, with this song also being funkier and their previous offerings and giving a glimpse of where Mayfield would soon be heading with his own solo work. The love songs are of more standard fare but with the musical arrangement work with the strings and horns by Johnny Pate and Donny Hathaway really drench this album with melodic class.
One of the songs from this batch that really jumps out at me is 'Seven Years'. It took me a couple of listens before I realised this joyous sounding love song was in fact about the heralding of the end of a worn out affair and the new lease of life that was felt by its demise.
'Wherever You Leadeth Me' has that nice slidy northern soul feel in the horns, while 'My Deceiving Heart' and 'Jealous Man' have subtle blusey, gospel feels to their heart felt emotion.
Worst of the bunch is 'The Girl I Find'. It comes over a bit cheesy with its dove cries but only someone like the Mayfield can get away with it and stop it becoming real gorgonzola!This is a classic album of short and sweet songs, with only 'Choice of Colors' coming in at over 3 minutes and a must for any aficionados of 60's soul
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