The Isley Brothers | ||
| Allmusic Biography : First formed in the early 50s, the Isley Brothers enjoyed one of the longest, most influential, and most diverse careers in the pantheon of popular music -- over the course of nearly a half-century of performing, the groups distinguished history spanned not only two generations of Isley siblings but also massive cultural shifts, which heralded their musics transformation from gritty R&B; to Motown soul to blistering funk. The first generation of Isley siblings was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, where they were encouraged to begin a singing career by their father, himself a professional vocalist, and their mother, a church pianist who provided musical accompaniment at their early performances. Initially a gospel quartet, the group was comprised of Ronald, Rudolph, OKelly, and Vernon Isley; after Vernons 1955 death in a bicycling accident, tenor Ronald was tapped as the remaining trios lead vocalist. In 1957, the brothers went to New York City to record a string of failed doo wop singles; while performing a spirited reading of the song "Lonely Teardrops" in Washington, D.C., two years later, they interjected the line "You know you make me want to shout," which inspired frenzied audience feedback. An RCA executive in the audience saw the concert, and when he signed the Isleys soon after, he instructed that their first single be constructed around their crowd-pleasing catch phrase; while the call-and-response classic "Shout" failed to reach the pop Top 40 on its initial release, it eventually became a frequently covered classic. Still, success eluded the Isleys, and only after they left RCA in 1962 did they again have another hit, this time with their seminal cover of the Top Notes "Twist and Shout." Like so many of the brothers early R&B; records, "Twist and Shout" earned greater commercial success when later rendered by a white group -- in this case, the Beatles; other acts who notched hits by closely following the Isleys blueprint were the Yardbirds ("Respectable," also covered by the Outsiders), the Human Beinz ("Nobody but Me"), and Lulu ("Shout"). During a 1964 tour, they recruited a young guitarist named Jimmy James to play in their backing band; James -- who later shot to fame under his given name, Jimi Hendrix -- made his first recordings with the Isleys, including the single "Testify," issued on the brothers own T-Neck label. They signed to the Motown subsidiary Tamla in 1965, where they joined forces with the famed Holland-Dozier-Holland writing and production team. Their first single, the shimmering "This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You)," was their finest moment yet, and barely missed the pop Top Ten. "This Old Heart of Mine" was their only hit on Motown, however, and when the song hit number three in Britain in 1967, the Isleys relocated to England in order to sustain their flagging career; after years of writing their own material, they felt straitjacketed by the Motown assembly-line production formula, and by the time they returned stateside in 1969, they had exited Tamla to resuscitate the T-Neck label. Their next release, the muscular and funky "Its Your Thing," hit number two on the U.S. charts in 1969, and became their most successful record. That year, the Isleys also welcomed a number of new members as younger brothers Ernie and Marvin, brother-in-law Chris Jasper, and family friend Everett Collins became the trios new backing unit. Spearheaded by Ernies hard-edged guitar leads, the group began incorporating more and more rock material into its repertoire as the 1970s dawned, and scored hits with covers of Stephen Stills "Love the One Youre With," Eric Burdon & Wars "Spill the Wine," and Bob Dylans "Lay Lady Lay." In 1973, the Isleys scored a massive hit with their rock-funk fusion cover of their own earlier single "Whos That Lady," retitled "That Lady, Pt. 1"; the album 3 + 3 also proved highly successful, as did 1975s The Heat Is On, which spawned the smash "Fight the Power, Pt. 1." As the decade wore on, the group again altered its sound to fit into the booming disco market; while their success on pop radio ran dry, they frequently topped the R&B; charts with singles like 1977s "The Pride," 1978s "Take Me to the Next Phase, Pt. 1," 1979s "I Wanna Be with You, Pt. 1," and 1980s "Dont Say Goodnight." While the Isleys popularity continued into the 1980s, Ernie and Marvin, along with Chris Jasper, defected in 1984 to form their own group, Isley Jasper Isley; a year later, they topped the R&B; charts with "Caravan of Love." On March 31, 1986, OKelly died of a heart attack; Rudolph soon left to join the ministry, but the group reunited in 1990. Although the individual members continued with solo work and side projects, and also experienced misfortune along the way, the Isley Brothers forged on in one form or another throughout the 90s and into the 21st century. In 1996, now consisting of Ronald, Marvin, and Ernie, they released the album Mission to Please; however, Marvin developed diabetes and left the band the following year -- the disease later necessitated the amputation of both his legs. Ronald and Ernie hooked up for the release of 2001s Eternal, a brand-new selection of R&B; cuts featuring collaborative efforts with Jill Scott, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, and Raphael Saadiq. On that particular release, Ronald also introduced the alter ego Mr. Biggs. Body Kiss was released in 2003, followed by Baby Makin Music in 2006, the year after Ronald was convicted of tax evasion charges. Experiencing his own set of serious health issues, Ronald was sentenced to prison and served the latter portion of his sentence at a halfway house in St. Louis, Missouri before being released in April 2010. On June 6 of that year, Marvin died of complications from diabetes at the age of 56. Other than reissues, the remaining Isleys didnt record together again until 2017 when they joined Carlos Santana and his wife, jazz drummer Cindy Blackman Santana in a Las Vegas studio. Two years earlier, Santana was touring with Rod Stewart, whose band included Kimberly Johnson-Breaux, Rons sister-in-law. When the singer popped into the bands show in St. Louis, he and Santana met for the first time. The guitarist invited Isley on-stage to sing "Its Your Thing" and "That Lady." In the aftermath, the pair began discussing a collaboration. First, Isley contributed vocals to Santana IV. Following it, the Isleys joined the Santanas in a Las Vegas studio without prep to record material for what would eventually become 2017s Power of Peace, a collection of classic soul, pop, and blues covers. The material included versions of songs by Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Burt Bacharach & Hal David, Willie Dixon, and Curtis Mayfield, among others. The 13-track album was released in July, a week after Santanas 70th birthday. | ||
 | Album: 1 of 42 Title: Twist & Shout Released: 1962 Tracks: 12 Duration: 32:42 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Twist and Shout (02:30) 2 I Say Love (02:08) 3 Right Now (03:20) 4 Hold on Baby (02:30) 5 Rubberleg Twist (02:04) 6 The Snake (02:12) 7 You Better Come Home (02:18) 8 Never Leave Me Baby (02:24) 9 Spanish Twist (02:31) 10 Time After Time (05:23) 11 Let’s Twist Again (02:10) 12 Don’t You Feel (03:11) |
 | Album: 2 of 42 Title: This Old Heart of Mine Released: 1966 Tracks: 12 Duration: 34:04 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Nowhere to Run (02:51) 2 Stop! In the Name of Love (02:59) 3 This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You) (02:54) 4 Take Some Time Out for Love (02:28) 5 I Guess I’ll Always Love You (02:50) 6 Baby Don’t Do It (02:33) 7 Who Could Ever Doubt My Love (02:36) 8 Put Yourself in My Place (02:41) 9 I Hear a Symphony (03:20) 10 Just Ain’t Enough Love (02:16) 11 There’s No Love Left (03:01) 12 Seek and You Shall Find (03:32) |
| This Old Heart of Mine : Allmusic album Review : A powerful set by the Isley Brothers, who tasted success with "Shout" and "Twist & Shout" before joining Motown. Brian Holland and Lamont Dozier produced the lions share of tracks, and wrote most of them with the aid of Eddie Holland. An infectious "This Old Heart of Mine" took off -- its throbbing beat, memorable melody, and inspired vocals are as irresistible now as they were in 1966. The urgent "Take Some Time Out for Love," with its wailing vocals, made a little R&B; noise; a creation of Robert Gordy and Thomas Kemp, its one of two tracks not handled by Holland-Dozier-Holland. The other is the insightful, biblically titled "Seek and You Shall Find," done magnificently by Ron Isley, who sings the positive lyrics with understated fire. "I Guess Ill Always Love You" is a midtempo gem sung by Ron in his natural register, as he does all these songs; the sweet falsetto he used almost exclusively in the 80s and 90s is nowhere to be found. Isley versions of "Nowhere to Run," "Stop in the Name of Love," "Baby Dont You Do It," and "I Hear a Symphony" are comparable to, if not better than, the originals. | ||
 | Album: 3 of 42 Title: The Brothers: Isley Released: 1969 Tracks: 9 Duration: 30:44 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 I Turned You On (02:38) 2 Vacuum Cleaner (02:56) 3 I Got to Get Myself Together (03:38) 4 Was It Good to You? (02:44) 5 The Blacker the Berry (a.k.a. Black Berries) (05:53) 6 My Little Girl (03:41) 7 Get Down Off of the Train (03:12) 8 Holding On (02:36) 9 Feels Like the World (03:26) |
| The Brothers: Isley : Allmusic album Review : The late 60s and early 70s remain a favorite period in the Isley Brothers evolution. Ronald sung hard, and brothers OKelly and Rudolph supplied church-inspired backing whoops to his lead. The tunes had catchy titles and creative, rhyming lyrics. This recording is loaded with that rocking, "Its Your Thing" style. "The Blacker the Berry the Sweeter Juice" isnt about fruit but speaks of the desirability of dark-complexioned women. "I Turned You On" has a grinding, churning rhythm; "sock it to me" was a catch phrase at the time and the Isleys included the popular phrase prominently in the song. "Feels Like the World" is a slow morbid statement about ones condition, while "Was It Good to You" is fast, fluid, and asks the universal lovers question. A good period for the trio, Ron sung close to his natural register, which will please those who dislike the softer falsetto voice he fell in love with later. | ||
 | Album: 4 of 42 Title: Doin’ Their Thing Released: 1969 Tracks: 12 Duration: 31:11 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 This Old Heart Of Mine (Is Weak For You) (02:51) 2 Who Could Ever Doubt My Love (02:26) 3 I Guess I’ll Always Love You (02:46) 4 Thats The Way Love Is (02:18) 5 One Too Many Heartaches (02:13) 6 Why When Love Is Gone (02:31) 7 Just Aint Enough Love (02:12) 8 Got To Have You Back (02:52) 9 Theres No Love Left (02:58) 10 I Hear A Symphony (02:59) 11 Take Me In Your Arms (Rock Me A Little While) (02:37) 12 Take Some Time Out For Love (02:28) |
 | Album: 5 of 42 Title: Its Our Thing Released: 1969 Tracks: 10 Duration: 26:37 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 I Know Who You Been Socking It To (02:42) 2 Somebody Been Messin (02:36) 3 Save Me (03:30) 4 I Must Be Losing My Touch (02:00) 5 Feel Like the World (03:25) 6 It’s Your Thing (02:47) 7 Give the Women What They Want (02:17) 8 Love Is What You Make It (02:37) 9 Dont Give It Away (02:43) 10 Hes Got Your Love (02:00) |
| It's Our Thing : Allmusic album Review : A very important album for the Isley Brothers, 1969s Its Our Thing found Ronald, OKelly and Rudolph Isley reviving their T-Neck label and marked the beginning of their association with Buddah (where they would remain until moving T-Neck to Epic/CBS in 1973). Creatively, this excellent LP put the siblings in the drivers seat -- they did all of the producing and songwriting themselves -- and they enjoyed the type of artistic freedom that they could only dream about when they were with Tamla/Motown from 1965-1968. At Tamla/Motown, Berry Gordys team of producers and songwriters called the shots, but at T-Neck/Buddah, the Isleys own vision was allowed to flourish. And that creative freedom made Its Our Thing a commercial triumph as well as an artistic one. The funky title track soared to number two on the R&B; charts, and equally invigorating gems like "Give the Women What They Want" and "I Know Who You Been Socking It To" also went down in history as soul classics. Nor are tough, gritty album tracks like "Hes Got Your Love" and "I Must Be Losing My Touch" anything to complain about. Its Our Thing made it clear that Tamla/Motowns loss was Buddahs gain. | ||
 | Album: 6 of 42 Title: Behind A Painted Smile Released: 1969 Tracks: 14 Duration: 36:07 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Behind A Painted Smile (02:50) 2 Got To Have You Back (02:57) 3 Take Me In Your Arms (02:39) 4 Catching Up On Time (02:20) 5 Save Me From This Misery (02:28) 6 Little Miss Sweetness (02:56) 7 Good Things (02:29) 8 All Because I Love You (02:33) 9 Thats The Way Love Is (02:19) 10 Tell Me Its Just A Rumor Baby (02:56) 11 Its Out Of The Question (02:45) 12 Why When Love Is Gone (02:33) 13 One Two Many Heataches (02:16) 14 Whispers (Gettin Louder) (02:02) |
 | Album: 7 of 42 Title: Get Into Something Released: 1969 Tracks: 10 Duration: 39:45 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Get Into Something (07:30) 2 Freedom (03:38) 3 Take Inventory (02:46) 4 Keep on Doin (04:01) 5 Girls Will Be Girls (02:51) 6 I Need You So (04:24) 7 If He Can You Can (03:45) 8 I Got to Find Me One (04:38) 9 Beautiful (03:06) 10 Bless Your Heart (03:02) |
| Get Into Something : Allmusic album Review : Another T-Neck release to receive reissue through Sonys Legacy division in the late 90s, Get Into Something boasts six Top 30 R&B; chart hits. The first side serves up horn-inflected party jams, including the rousing title track and "Freedom," the latter of which sums up the records overall uplifting theme of independence. The record isnt without its missteps -- the sexist lyrics of "Take Inventory" are highly questionable: "Dont be so loyal and dont be so true/ cause if you are boy, theyll run over you." "Bless" is an obvious re-write of "Its Your Thing"; the Isleys would have been better off leaving that classic alone. A trio of ballads are offered up on the flip, including "I Got to Find Me One." A song of devotion, it pleads for "one girl who believes in me and wants to marry me." Call me crazy, but wouldnt marriage render the taking of inventory an impossibility? Though not revolutionary or trailblazing, Get Into Something is every bit an excellent and vibrant funk/soul record. | ||
 | Album: 8 of 42 Title: Givin It Back Released: 1971 Tracks: 7 Duration: 41:53 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Ohio - Machine Gun (09:13) 2 Fire and Rain (05:29) 3 Lay Lady Lay (10:21) 4 Spill the Wine (06:31) 5 Nothing to Do But Today (03:39) 6 Cold Bologna (02:59) 7 Love the One Youre With (03:38) |
| Givin' It Back : Allmusic album Review : Givin It Back is as much a time capsule as an album. Not that it cant be enjoyed on its own absolute musical terms by someone just off a boat who wasnt even around in 1971, but to really appreciate how daring it was and how delightful it is, that side of its history should be known. Those who are old enough should recall the time whence it came, an era in which hatred and disunity over the Vietnam War, civil rights, school desegregation, the environment, and a multitude of other issues were threatening what seemed, potentially, like the beginning of a new civil war, this one not between states but between factions and ethnic and racial groups in 1,000 individual neighborhoods. The opening cut of Givin It Back, "Ohio/Machine Gun," is a slap-in-your-face reminder of just how angry the times and the people were. The track evokes instant memories of the campus bloodshed of 1970, not just at Kent State but also the often-forgotten killings a few days later at Jackson State University in Mississippi, where the victims of a fusillade of sheriffs deputies bullets were black students. More than that, the track itself is also a reminder of the divisions that existed on the left; to listen to pundits on the right, the anti-war and civil rights movements, along with the counterculture, were all part of one vast, organized, calculated left-wing conspiracy. The truth is that there was nearly as big a split, culturally and politically, between young blacks and young whites on the left and on college campuses as there was anywhere else in the population. Blacks reacting to years of oppression had little use for mostly middle-class white college students, however sympathetic many of them purported to be to their situation, while well-meaning white students and activists couldnt begin to know what privation of the kind experienced by blacks and Hispanics in most American towns and cities was. In music, too, there was a lot of division; blacks usually didnt resonate to the top artists in the white world and, in particular, were oblivious to (and even resentful of) the adoration accorded Jimi Hendrix by the white community. So, when the Isley Brothers -- whose appeal among black audiences was unimpeachable -- opened Givin It Back with a conflation of Neil Youngs "Ohio" and Jimi Hendrixs "Machine Gun," they were speaking to anger and bloodshed in the streets, but they were also performing an act of outreach that was about as radical as any they could have committed on record in 1971. That they incorporated a prayer into their reformulation of the two songs, amid Ernie Isleys and Chester Woodards guitar pyrotechnics, turned it into one of the most powerful and personal musical statements of its era, and its worth the price of the album just for the one cut. Givin It Back is filled with virtues of that kind, however; it was the first Isley Brothers album to rely entirely on outside material, but the groups reworkings of songs by James Taylor ("Fire and Rain") and Stephen Stills ("Love the One Youre With") show no lack of originality. Theyre unafraid to take the song apart and rebuild it from the ground up, smoothing Bob Dylans "Lay Lady Lay" into a sensual soul ballad, turning the James Taylor number into a sweaty, earnest shouter, and transforming Wars "Spill the Wine" into an extended workout for voices, electric guitars (several layers deep), flute, and percussion. The album was also an early showcase for Bill Withers, whose funky blues "Cold Bologna" is covered by the group with the composer -- who was about to emerge as a major star in his own right -- on guitar. And the closer, "Love the One Youre With," is sent soaring to heights that the Stephen Stills original could only gaze up at. Givin It Back is often held at arms length by soul listeners, who dont regard it as central to what the Isley Brothers or their music are about; on the contrary, the group is so successful at remaking all of the songs here their own in style and approach and sending careful messages (alas, largely lost with the passage of time) in their selection as well as their content, that it really represents a lot of what the Isley Brothers and soul music were about in 1971, and its still great listening. Reissued in 1997 by Sony with new notes, and worth every cent of its list price. | ||
 | Album: 9 of 42 Title: Brother, Brother, Brother Released: 1972 Tracks: 8 Duration: 38:01 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Brother, Brother (03:17) 2 Put a Little Love in Your Heart (03:01) 3 Sweet Season / Keep On Walkin (05:13) 4 Work to Do (03:12) 5 Pop That Thang (02:53) 6 Lay Away (03:22) 7 Its Too Late (10:31) 8 Love Put Me on the Corner (06:29) |
| Brother, Brother, Brother : Allmusic album Review : With 1972s Brother, Brother, Brother, younger brothers Ernie and Marvin Isley, along with in-law relative Chris Jasper, began to play major roles in the Isley Brothers sound. This also marked their first attempt to "Isley-ize" classics made famous by others. Their rendition of Carole Kings "Its Too Late" rivals the original; Ron Isley sings the tender ballad in a softer voice then he used on previous recordings. An update of Jackie DeShannons "Put a Little Love in Your Heart" is an uplifter. They didnt completely alienate fans of their harsher sound, the rocking, humorous "Pop That Thang" and "Lay Away" are fine examples of R&B; and rock. "Pop That Thang" has a sloopy beat and biting lyrics, while "Lay Away" takes off on the popular buying option before the advent of the credit card. The Isley Brothers were big Carole King fans, in addition to "Its Too Late," they perform two other King songs, "Brother, Brother" and "Keep on Walkin"; the latter is coupled with "Sweet Season." Their own "Work to Do" is a stone rocker that has been recorded by many, including the Average White Band, who scored big with the cooker 3 years after its release, it remains one of the Isley Brothers most requested songs. | ||
 | Album: 10 of 42 Title: 3+3 Released: 1973 Tracks: 10 Duration: 42:40 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 That Lady, Parts 1 & 2 (05:35) 2 Dont Let Me Be Lonely Tonight (04:02) 3 If You Were There (03:23) 4 You Walk Your Way (03:05) 5 Listen to the Music (04:07) 6 What It Comes Down To (03:53) 7 Sunshine (Go Away Today) (04:22) 8 Summer Breeze (06:12) 9 The Highways of My Life (04:16) 10 That Lady (live) (03:42) |
| 3+3 : Allmusic album Review : Recorded in 1973, 3 + 3 was a major turning point for the Isley Brothers. With this album, the Isleys moved their T-Neck label from Buddah to Epic/CBS (which became Epic/Sony in the early 90s), and it was at Epic that they unveiled their new lineup. Lead singer Ronald Isley and his siblings OKelly and Rudolph remained, but the Isleys became a sextet instead of a trio when cousin Chris Jasper and younger brothers Ernie and Marvin were added. This new lineup was called 3 + 3, and the addition of Jasper on keyboards, Ernie on guitar, and Marvin on bass added exciting new elements to the Isleys sound. One of finest R&B bassists of the 1970s, the ever-so-funky Marvin is in a class with heavyweights like Larry Graham and Louis Johnson -- and Ernie is a stunning guitarist who is heavily influenced by Jimi Hendrix but has a distinctive style of his own. The Isleys had always been lovers of rock, but with the addition of Ernie, their sound became even more overtly rock-influenced. Nonetheless, the rock and pop elements didnt alienate R&B audiences, which ate this album up. The single "That Lady" (which is based on an Impressions-like gem they had recorded in 1964) was a major hit, and the Isleys are equally captivating on soul interpretations of Seals & Crofts "Summer Breeze," James Taylors "Dont Let Me Be Lonely Tonight," and the Doobie Brothers "Listen to the Music." With this superb album, the Isley Brothers sounded better than ever -- and they gained a lot of new fans without sacrificing the old ones. | ||
 | Album: 11 of 42 Title: Shout Released: 1973 Tracks: 12 Duration: 27:32 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples AlbumCover | 1 Rock Around the Clock (02:14) 2 Im Gonna Knock on Your Door (01:53) 3 Respectable (02:10) 4 Open Up Your Heart (02:04) 5 Turn to Me (02:40) 6 Yes Indeed (02:01) 7 Shout - Part 1 (02:15) 8 St. Louis Blues (02:59) 9 Say You Love Me Too (02:05) 10 Tell Me Who (02:40) 11 Without a Song (01:58) 12 Gypsy Love Song (Slumber On, My Little Gypsy Sweetheart) (02:33) |
 | Album: 12 of 42 Title: Live It Up Released: 1974 Tracks: 8 Duration: 42:41 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Live It Up, Parts 1-2 (06:15) 2 Brown-Eyed Girl (04:07) 3 Need a Little Taste of Love (03:08) 4 Lovers Eve (04:40) 5 Midnight Sky, Parts 1-2 (06:56) 6 Hello Its Me (05:32) 7 Aint I Been Good to You, Parts 1-2 (08:32) 8 Live It Up (live on The Dinah Shore Show, 1974) (03:29) |
| Live It Up : Allmusic album Review : One of the many classic albums the Ohio natives recorded. This set features two up-tempo numbers: the title track "Live It Up" and "Midnight Sky." The former is a soulful funk track paced by a humpin bassline, robust background vocals, and Ernie Isleys electrifying guitar solos. It checked in at number four on the Billboard R&B; charts. The latter is a smoother dance number in which Ronald Isleys vocals go from a cool, calm delivery to a resolute clamor. It peaked at number eight. Both have lengthy vamps, ideal for parties. As for the romance, "Hello Its Me" and "Brown Eyed Girl" are two gems. "Hello Its Me" is the classic ballad. Ronalds melodic intro is mesmerizing as he finesses the lyric "hello," which sets the tone for this beautiful number. His artistic interpretation of the lyric is demonstrated without blemish. This song was formerly recorded by Todd Rundgren, who also wrote it. "Brown Eyed Girl" is a mid-tempo number thats seasoned with a folk-like guitar and the rich vocals of Ronald. Neither single was ever a release, but today both are radio regulars. | ||
 | Album: 13 of 42 Title: The Heat Is On Released: 1975 Tracks: 7 Duration: 41:04 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Fight the Power, Part 1 & 2 (05:19) 2 The Heat Is On, Part 1 & 2 (05:35) 3 Hope You Feel Better Love, Part 1 & 2 (06:04) 4 For the Love of You, Part 1 & 2 (05:38) 5 Sensuality, Part 1 & 2 (06:51) 6 Make Me Say It Again Girl, Part 1 & 2 (07:40) 7 Fight the Power (live) (03:55) |
| The Heat Is On : Allmusic album Review : 1975s The Heat Is On was the third album that the Isley Brothers recorded with their 3 + 3 lineup, and by that time, the lineup had really perfected its attractive soul/rock sound. The Isleys were providing great R&B; long before keyboardist Chris Jasper, bassist Marvin Isley, and the distinctive guitarist Ernie Isley came on board in 1973; nonetheless, the newcomers added a lot to the group and helped it provide some of its best recordings. Marvins basslines are as funky as it gets, and the Jimi Hendrix-influenced Ernie is a killer guitarist; he would have been perfect for Deep Purple, Blue Öyster Cult, or Judas Priest if the Isley Brothers hadnt kept him busy in the 1970s. One of the 3 + 3 gems that no Isleys fans should be without is The Heat Is On, which is best known for the sweaty funk classic "Fight the Power" and the sexy quiet storm slow jam "For the Love of You." Lead vocalist Ronald Isley is as convincing on the funk scorchers as he is on caressing ballads like "Make Me Say It Again Girl" and "Sensuality." Meanwhile, "Hope You Feel Better Love" is brilliant because it contrasts those two sides of the 3 + 3 lineup -- the verses are sweetly melodic, but the chorus is forceful and explosive. Superb from start to finish, The Heat Is On is among the Isleys most essential albums. | ||
 | Album: 14 of 42 Title: Harvest for the World Released: 1976 Tracks: 9 Duration: 45:37 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Harvest for the World (Prelude) (02:11) 2 Harvest for the World (03:54) 3 People of Today (04:42) 4 Who Loves You Better (05:31) 5 (At Your Best) You Are Love (05:24) 6 Let Me Down Easy (06:30) 7 So You Wanna Stay Down (03:51) 8 You Still Feel the Need (04:50) 9 Summer Breeze (live) (08:44) |
| Harvest for the World : Allmusic album Review : The Isley Brothers came with love, funk and the too seldom mentioned socially consicous songs; this album is titled after one of those social gems. However, "Who Loves You Better," with its disco flair, was the albums first release. Ronald Isleys aggressive delivery blends nicely with Ernie Isleys tantalizing guitar solos. It was a top three single on the Billboard R&B; charts. The title track is a tour de force. Preceded by a mellow intro in which Ronald Isleys earnest plea rings with urgency, the timeless lyric and festive rhythm make "Harvest for the World" a welcomed anthem for all the people of the world. It cracked the Billboard R&B; top ten at number nine. Ronald Isley changes his tone on some of these compositions by adding a roughness to his still smooth tenor, like on the relentless jams "People of Today" and "You Wanna Stay Down." Then there are those priceless ballads like "Let Me Know" and "Let Me Down Easy"; Ronald Isley sweetly caresses the lyric with compassion and agility. Neither of these two selections were releases but remain staples on R&B; radio. | ||
 | Album: 15 of 42 Title: Go for Your Guns Released: 1977 Tracks: 10 Duration: 47:17 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 The Pride, Parts 1 & 2 (05:34) 2 Footsteps in the Dark, Parts 1 & 2 (05:04) 3 Tell Me When You Need It Again, Parts 1 & 2 (05:02) 4 Climbin Up the Ladder, Parts 1 & 2 (06:39) 5 Voyage to Atlantis (04:32) 6 Livin in the Life (04:14) 7 Go for Your Guns (02:17) 8 Voyage to Atlantis (alternate version) (06:34) 9 The Pride, Part 1 (single version) (03:25) 10 Voyage to Atlantis (single version) (03:53) |
| Go for Your Guns : Allmusic album Review : Every ten years the Isley Brothers reinvented themselves and managed to snatch as many consumer dollars and generate enough chart action to remain contemporary. Go for Your Guns was a further attempt by the Isleys to broaden their fan base; earlier in the decade they redid many rock standards to expand from the R&B; base they were mired in. The Isleys shoot for the moon and never make it, but they always land among the stars. This seven-song set got played to death on urban radio. "Living in the Life" rocks so hard it makes cheap speakers pop; "Go for Your Guns" is an instrumental jam featuring the second generation Isley Brothers: Ernie, Marvin, and Chris Jasper (Rudolph Isleys brother-in-law). The lovely, mystical "Voyage to Atlantis" is a staple of their live concerts, its opening strains acknowledged by deafening, enthusiastic applause. Like many Isley tunes, the loping, mid-tempo love tale "Footsteps in the Dark" has been sampled silly; "Pride" is a steady beater with uplifting words for the downtrodden. Nothing dull, no filler. | ||
 | Album: 16 of 42 Title: Showdown Released: 1978 Tracks: 8 Duration: 42:22 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Showdown (05:30) 2 Groove With You (04:55) 3 Aint Givin Up No Love (04:47) 4 Rockin With Fire, Parts 1 & 2 (06:01) 5 Take Me to the Next Phase, Parts 1 & 2 (05:12) 6 Coolin Me Out, Parts 1 & 2 (06:08) 7 Fun and Games (04:44) 8 Love Fever, Parts 1 & 2 (05:05) |
| Showdown : Allmusic album Review : The Isley Brothers 3 + 3 lineup only lasted about ten years, which isnt that long when you consider that the group was formed in 1954 (19 years before the 3 + 3 lineup was unveiled) and was still touring in the late 90s. By 1980, you were hearing more and more complaints about how formulaic the 3 + 3 lineup had become, but when Showdown came out in 1978, the lineup hadnt lost any of its freshness. Showdown, in fact, is generally excellent. The Isleys bring a great deal of passion to funk/rock scorchers like "Rockin With Fire," "Love Fever," and the number one hit "Take Me to the Next Phase," and they are equally appealing on the smooth, caressing slow jam "Groove With You" (another major hit). Meanwhile, the slow-burning "Aint Givin Up No Love" is one of the most bluesy things that the 3 + 3 sextet recorded. 1977s Go for Your Guns, the album that preceded Showdown, was an incredibly tough act to follow. But even if Showdown isnt quite in a class with that treasure, it comes impressively close. | ||
 | Album: 17 of 42 Title: Winner Takes All Released: 1979 Tracks: 14 Duration: 1:12:41 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 I Wanna Be With You, Parts 1 & 2 (06:22) 2 Liquid Love (05:17) 3 Winner Takes All (04:18) 4 Life In The City (07:56) 5 It’s a Disco Night (Rock Don’t Stop), Parts 1 & 2 (05:16) 6 (Can’t You See) What You Do To Me (04:13) 7 Let’s Fall in Love, Parts 1 & 2 (04:43) 8 How Lucky I Am, Parts 1 & 2 (05:42) 9 You’re the Key to My Heart (03:22) 10 You’re Beside Me, Parts 1 & 2 (05:38) 11 Let Me in Your Life, Parts 1 & 2 (05:10) 12 Love Comes and Goes, Parts 1 & 2 (05:09) 13 Go for What You Know (03:27) 14 Mind Over Matter, Parts 1 & 2 (06:03) |
| Winner Takes All : Allmusic album Review : Winner Takes All was originally released as a two-album set, which reflected how popular the Isley Brothers were during this period of time. It features some rather lengthy but entertaining pieces. Ronald Isleys silky tenor remains untarnished throughout the album. "I Wanna Be with You" made its claim on the Billboard R&B; charts, peaking at number one. "Winner Takes All" and "Its a Disco Night" followed in that order and only managed to reach numbers 38 and 27, respectively. Decent songs they are, but not as explosive as some of the Isley Brothers previously released up-tempo numbers. And as danceable as they, they come closer to good-listening songs. However, there are three solid ballads: "Lets Fall in Love," "How Lucky I Am" and "Youre the Key to My Heart." Not one ever made a chart appearance, but all three remain popular to radio. | ||
 | Album: 18 of 42 Title: Go All the Way Released: 1980 Tracks: 6 Duration: 35:38 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Go All the Way (05:02) 2 Say You Will (05:26) 3 Pass It On (05:36) 4 Here We Go Again (07:35) 5 Dont Say Goodnight (Its Time for Love) (05:44) 6 The Belly Dancer (06:11) |
| Go All the Way : Allmusic album Review : Although regarded as the beginning of their decline, this 1980 album did get The Isley Brothers three more chart hits. But they were so locked into their uptempo dance/R&B;, ballad, rock guitar solo format that each LP became more and more predictable. The internal difficulties that finally tore the group apart were also surfacing with this album. | ||
 | Album: 19 of 42 Title: Inside You Released: 1981 Tracks: 7 Duration: 39:12 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Inside You, Parts I & II (09:08) 2 Baby Hold On (04:25) 3 Dont Hold Back Your Love, Parts I & II (06:24) 4 First Love (04:40) 5 Love Merry-Go-Round (05:08) 6 Welcome Into My Heart (05:03) 7 Love Zone (04:24) |
 | Album: 20 of 42 Title: Between the Sheets Released: 1983 Tracks: 15 Duration: 1:10:09 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Choosey Lover (04:42) 2 Touch Me (05:11) 3 I Need Your Body (04:40) 4 Between the Sheets (05:38) 5 Lets Make Love Tonight (04:52) 6 Ballad for the Fallen Soldier (05:19) 7 Slow Down Children (04:21) 8 Way Out Love (04:11) 9 Gettin Over (03:45) 10 Rock You Good (03:32) 11 Between the Sheets (instrumental version) (04:56) 12 Choosey Lover (instrumental version) (04:42) 13 I Need Your Body (instrumental version) (04:36) 14 Lets Make Love Tonight (instrumental version) (04:46) 15 Between the Sheets (single version) (04:54) |
| Between the Sheets : Allmusic album Review : Compared to their past material, Between the Sheets lacks a consistent mix of sultry ballads and funky dance numbers. There are really only two Isley Brothers classics on this project: "Choosey Lover" and the title song "Between the Sheets." The former has a romantic flow and the latter is just shy of mid-tempo but not a bona fide ballad. (When one thinks of a quiet thundering storm, this songs bassline comes to mind; as soothing as it is, it also has that trembling effect.) It fell short of number one, peaking at three on the Billboard R&B charts. It was becoming obvious that the groups continuity was fading -- not so much from dissension within the group, but more so from dwindling interest in the music industry among group members (it was the groups last album as 3 + 3). Marvin and Ernie Isley and their brother in-law Chris Jasper would release an album the following year as Isley Jasper Isley. | ||
 | Album: 21 of 42 Title: Greatest Hits, Volume 1 Released: 1984 Tracks: 8 Duration: 41:06 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 That Lady, Parts 1 & 2 (05:35) 2 Groove With You (04:49) 3 For the Love of You, Part 1 & 2 (05:38) 4 Footsteps in the Dark, Parts 1 & 2 (05:05) 5 Between the Sheets (05:38) 6 It’s Your Thing (02:47) 7 Fight the Power, Part 1 & 2 (05:19) 8 Live It Up (06:11) |
 | Album: 22 of 42 Title: Masterpiece Released: 1985 Tracks: 9 Duration: 48:17 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 May I (05:11) 2 My Best Was Good Enough (04:25) 3 If Leaving Me Is Easy (06:36) 4 You Never Know When Youre Gonna Fall in Love (04:23) 5 Stay Gold (04:14) 6 Colder Are My Nights (06:00) 7 Come to Me (04:57) 8 Release Your Love (05:33) 9 The Most Beautiful Girl (06:58) |
| Masterpiece : Allmusic album Review : From 1973-1983, the Isley Brothers had a ten-year stint with CBS resulting in an unparalleled string of success with albums like The Heat Is On and Grand Slam. After 1983s classic Between the Sheets, the group fractured right down the middle. The younger members, Marvin Isley, Ernie Isley, and brother-in-law Chris Jasper left to become Isley/Jasper/Isley. The vocal part of the group, the "originals," OKelly, Rudolph, and lead singer Ronald Isley stayed together and signed with Warner Bros. Masterpiece is their first effort for the label. With the three exited members taking their instruments with them, the Isley Brothers had to employ L.A. session players. Unlike other R&B; artists who did the same thing, the group served as producers here, which gave Masterpiece a singular, rich sound. If anything, the best tracks here are reminiscent of the groups more subdued work like "Welcome Into My Heart" and "Dont Hold Back Your Love." The first track "May I" juxtaposes skilled synthesizers to challenging melodies and warm musicianship. On the track "My Best Is Good Enough" like most of the songs on the album have lush string arrangements from Gene Page. What typified Masterpiece was a few choice ballads. "You Never Know When Youre Gonna Fall in Love" and the Stevie Wonder- and Carmine Coppola-written ballad "Stay Gold" both have poignant and reserved vocals from Ronald Isley. Often on the majority of their late-70s and early-80s efforts sometimes-fatuous premises obscured the vocal prowess the group. On Masterpiece, that aspect is front and center. On the albums best track, the powerful "Come to Me" has Isley again giving a passionate performance as his brothers supplied a beautiful harmony that takes the song to another level. Although some fans may miss the booming basslines and customary double entendres of some of the Isley Brothers work, Masterpiece took a more mature approach and it certainly paid off. | ||
 | Album: 23 of 42 Title: Greatest Motown Hits Released: 1986 Tracks: 20 Duration: 54:49 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You) (02:52) 2 Just Aint Enough Love (02:16) 3 Put Yourself in My Place (02:41) 4 I Guess Ill Always Love You (02:39) 5 Theres No Love Left (03:00) 6 Its Out of the Question (02:41) 7 Take Some Time Out for Love (02:29) 8 Whispers (Gettin Louder) (02:09) 9 Nowhere to Run (02:50) 10 Who Could Ever Doubt My Love (02:36) 11 Behind a Painted Smile (02:45) 12 Thats the Way Love Is (02:19) 13 Tell Me Its Just a Rumour Baby (03:23) 14 Take Me in Your Arms (Rock Me a Little While) (02:39) 15 Got to Have You Back (02:53) 16 Little Miss Sweetness (02:59) 17 My Love Is Your Love (Forever) (03:09) 18 Why When Love Is Gone (02:33) 19 All Because I Love You (02:36) 20 I Hear a Symphony (03:20) |
 | Album: 24 of 42 Title: Smooth Sailin Released: 1987-01-01 Tracks: 8 Duration: 43:12 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Everything Is Alright (04:58) 2 Dish It Out (04:56) 3 It Takes A Good Woman (05:06) 4 Send A Message (05:35) 5 Smooth Sailin Tonight (05:00) 6 Somebody I Used To Know (05:01) 7 Come My Way (05:50) 8 I Wish (06:46) |
| Smooth Sailin' : Allmusic album Review : This was the first album the Isley Brothers made after OKelly suffered a heart attack and died in 1986. Its both poignant and painful, because Ronnie demonstrates the vocal presence and soulful character that always made his ballads so vital. Angela Winbush, who later became Ronnie Isleys wife, served as background vocalist, co-composer, and producer. | ||
 | Album: 25 of 42 Title: Spend the Night Released: 1989 Tracks: 8 Duration: 42:34 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Spend the Night (Ce Soir) (06:08) 2 Youll Never Walk Alone (06:14) 3 One of a Kind (05:12) 4 Real Woman (04:40) 5 Come Together (06:47) 6 If You Ever Need Somebody (05:20) 7 Baby Come Back Home (06:54) 8 One of a Kind (reprise) (01:15) |
| Spend the Night : Allmusic album Review : They were down to a duo by the time this record was released. OKelly Isley had died of a heart attack a couple of years earlier. Ronnie Isley was the featured vocalist, and he still had a soaring, dynamic sound. Angela Winbush, whom he later married and who also served as manager, worked closely on the album, but the magic was clearly gone. At times, listening to this album was a chore for any longtime Isley Brothers follower. | ||
 | Album: 26 of 42 Title: Its Your Thing Released: 1991 Tracks: 10 Duration: 41:02 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 It’s Your Thing (02:47) 2 The Pride, Part 1 (03:21) 3 Voyage to Atlantis (04:32) 4 Footsteps in the Dark, Parts 1 & 2 (05:05) 5 Groove With You (04:03) 6 I Wanna Be With You, Part 1 (04:10) 7 Fight the Power, Part 2 (03:17) 8 Hurry Up and Wait (03:54) 9 Winner Takes All (04:16) 10 Hello Its Me (05:31) |
 | Album: 27 of 42 Title: 60s Greatest Hits and Rare Classics Released: 1991 Tracks: 22 Duration: 59:18 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Twist and Shout (02:30) 2 This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You) (02:47) 3 Theres No Love Left (02:38) 4 Take Some Time Out for Love (02:22) 5 Who Could Ever Doubt My Love (02:41) 6 I Guess Ill Always Love You (02:46) 7 I Hear a Symphony (03:13) 8 Nowhere to Run (02:49) 9 Just Aiint Enough Love (02:16) 10 Got to Have You Back (02:46) 11 Behind a Painted Smile (02:46) 12 Put Yourself in My Place (02:44) 13 Its Out of the Question (02:45) 14 Take Me in Your Arms (Rock Me a Little While) (02:38) 15 Why When Love Is Gone (02:33) 16 Little Miss Sweetness (02:56) 17 All Because I Love You (02:35) 18 Tell Me It’s Just a Rumor Baby (02:56) 19 My Love Is Your Love (Forever) (03:09) 20 Thats the Way Love Is (02:19) 21 One Two Many Heataches (02:16) 22 Its Your Thing (02:44) |
 | Album: 28 of 42 Title: The Isley Brothers Story, Volume 1: Rockin Soul (1959-68) Released: 1991-04-02 Tracks: 20 Duration: 57:49 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Shout, Parts 1 & 2 (04:39) 2 Respectable (02:11) 3 Rock Around the Clock (02:18) 4 Open Up Your Heart (02:10) 5 Your Old Lady (02:11) 6 Twist and Shout (02:30) 7 Twistin With Linda (02:41) 8 Nobody but Me (02:20) 9 Shes Gone (02:48) 10 Youll Never Leave Him (02:37) 11 Whos That Lady (02:49) 12 Testify, Parts 1 & 2 (05:59) 13 The Last Girl (02:53) 14 Move Over and Let Me Dance (02:46) 15 This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You) (02:57) 16 Take Some Time Out for Love (02:34) 17 I Guess Ill Always Love You (02:52) 18 Got to Have You Back (02:57) 19 Take Me in Your Arms (Rock Me a Little While) (02:42) 20 Behind a Painted Smile (02:47) |
 | Album: 29 of 42 Title: The World Of The Isley Brothers Twist And Shout Released: 1992 Tracks: 10 Duration: 24:04 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Twist And Shout (02:29) 2 Time After Time (02:35) 3 Twistin With Linda (02:38) 4 Right Now (03:17) 5 Never Leave Me Baby (02:19) 6 The Snake (02:08) 7 Nobody But Me (02:17) 8 Im Laughing To Keep From Crying (01:56) 9 You Better Come Home (02:15) 10 Lets Twist Again (02:06) |
 | Album: 30 of 42 Title: Legends Released: 1994 Tracks: 18 Duration: 00:00 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Twist And Shout (?) 2 Nobody But Me (?) 3 You Better Come Home (?) 4 I Say Love (?) 5 Rubberleg Twist (?) 6 Im Laughing To Keep From Crying (?) 7 Twistin With Linda (?) 8 Time After Time (?) 9 Right Now (?) 10 Never Leave Me Baby (?) 11 Dont You Feel (?) 12 Lets Twist Again (?) 13 The Snake (?) 14 Hold On Baby (?) 15 Spanish Twist (?) 16 Whatcha Gonna Do (?) 17 Lets Go Lets Go Lets Go (?) 18 Long Tall Sally (?) |
 | Album: 31 of 42 Title: For the Love of You Released: 1995 Tracks: 10 Duration: 38:01 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 For the Love of You, Parts 1 & 2 (04:46) 2 Fight the Power, Part 1 (03:21) 3 Live It Up, Part 1 (03:07) 4 Inside of You, Part 1 (04:23) 5 What It Comes Down To (03:53) 6 Its Your Thing (02:45) 7 Midnight Sky, Part 1 (03:37) 8 Summer Breeze, Part 1 (03:08) 9 Livin in the Life (04:11) 10 Groove With You (04:50) |
| For the Love of You : Allmusic album Review : For the Love of You is a strong budget-priced summation of the Isleys work in the 70s -- highlights include the smash "Its Your Thing" and "Fight the Power (Part 1)." | ||
 | Album: 32 of 42 Title: Funky Family Released: 1995-02-28 Tracks: 14 Duration: 1:16:18 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Showdown (05:25) 2 Liquid Love, Parts 1 & 2 (05:14) 3 I Wanna Be With You, Parts 1 & 2 (06:21) 4 Who Loves You Better, Parts 1 & 2 (05:32) 5 The Pride, Parts 1 & 2 (05:32) 6 Take Me to the Next Phase, Parts 1 & 2 (05:11) 7 Hope You Feel Better, Parts 1 & 2 (06:03) 8 The Heat Is On, Parts 1 & 2 (05:37) 9 Aint Givin Up No Love (04:42) 10 Tell Me When You Need It Again, Parts 1 & 2 (05:03) 11 Climbin Up the Ladder, Parts 1 & 2 (06:38) 12 Winner Takes All (04:15) 13 Coolin Me Out, Parts 1 & 2 (06:04) 14 Fun and Games (04:41) |
 | Album: 33 of 42 Title: Summer Breeze Released: 1995-04 Tracks: 10 Duration: 39:54 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Harvest for the World (Prelude) (02:11) 2 Harvest for the World (03:54) 3 Work to Do (03:12) 4 Summer Breeze (06:12) 5 Lay, Lady, Lay (04:54) 6 Pop That Thang (02:55) 7 That Lady, Parts 1 & 2 (05:35) 8 Dont Let Me Be Lonely Tonight (03:55) 9 Lay Away (03:24) 10 Love the One Youre With (03:38) |
| Summer Breeze : Allmusic album Review : The Isleys 70s-era stretch on their own T-Neck label is the subject of the budget-priced Summer Breeze collection, which includes such hits as "That Lady," "Love the One Youre With" and "Lay, Lady, Lay." | ||
 | Album: 34 of 42 Title: "Mellow" Isleys - Free Soul Collection Released: 1995-05-01 Tracks: 14 Duration: 1:12:34 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Brother, Brother (03:16) 2 Brown Eyed Girl (04:06) 3 For the Love of You, Part 1 & 2 (05:38) 4 Hello Its Me (05:32) 5 Youre the Key to My Heart (03:22) 6 Youre Beside Me, Parts 1 & 2 (05:35) 7 Footsteps in the Dark, Parts 1 & 2 (05:05) 8 (At Your Best) You Are Love (05:23) 9 The Highways of My Life (04:16) 10 Let Me in Your Life, Parts 1 & 2 (05:08) 11 Once Had Your Love (And I Cant Let It Go) (04:42) 12 Between the Sheets (05:38) 13 Make Me Say It Again Girl, Parts 1 & 2 (07:38) 14 Lay Lady Lay (live) (07:15) |
 | Album: 35 of 42 Title: Star Box Released: 1995-08-29 Tracks: 14 Duration: 1:13:44 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 It’s Your Thing (02:47) 2 That Lady, Parts 1 & 2 (05:35) 3 Dont Let Me Be Lonely Tonight (04:02) 4 Summer Breeze (06:12) 5 Live It Up (06:11) 6 Fight the Power, Part 1 & 2 (05:19) 7 For the Love of You, Part 1 & 2 (05:38) 8 The Pride, Parts 1 & 2 (05:34) 9 Footsteps in the Dark (05:07) 10 Groove With You (04:48) 11 I Wanna Be With You (06:21) 12 Dont Say Goodnight (Its Time for Love), Parts 1 & 2 (05:45) 13 I Once Had Your Love (And I Cant Let Go) (04:44) 14 Between the Sheets (05:38) |
 | Album: 36 of 42 Title: Mission to Please Released: 1996-05-14 Tracks: 10 Duration: 48:11 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Floatin on Your Love (04:09) 2 Whenever Youre Ready (04:50) 3 Lets Lay Together (04:32) 4 Tears (04:45) 5 Can I Have a Kiss (for Old Times Sake)? (04:49) 6 Mission to Please You (04:23) 7 Holding Back the Years (05:29) 8 Make Your Body Sing (04:17) 9 Lets Get Intimate (05:59) 10 Slow Is the Way (04:54) |
| Mission to Please : Allmusic album Review : On their second album of the 90s, the Isley Brothers capitalize on the smooth love ballads epitomized by crooners like Babyface, Keith Sweat, and R. Kelly. Since all three of those artists were influenced by the Isleys classic 70s records, they were willing to come on board to produce and co-write Mission to Please. The new blood reinvigorates the Isleys, and the album is one of their strongest efforts of the latter part of their career. Mission to Please is devoted to the groups sensual side -- its all ballads, no funk. And thats not a bad thing at all. Ronald still has a smoldering, seductive voice and Ernie is such a gifted, sympathetic guitarist that he can pull magic out of pedestrian material. Thankfully, he doesnt need to prove the truth in that statement on Mission to Please. The majority of the songs on the album are first-rate 90s contemporary R&B;, and those that arent quite as strong make for pleasing filler. As a result, Mission to Please is a testament to the talents of not only the Isley Brothers, but also their far-reaching influence -- they are fortunate to have given inspiration to such gifted songwriters and musicians as the aforementioned Babyface, R. Kelly, and Keith Sweat. | ||
 | Album: 37 of 42 Title: The Universal Masters Collection Released: 2000-05-29 Tracks: 18 Duration: 48:41 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You) (02:51) 2 My Love Is Your Love (Forever) (03:09) 3 Stop! In the Name of Love (02:56) 4 Theres No Love Left (02:59) 5 Seek and You Shall Find (03:31) 6 Baby Dont You Do It (02:32) 7 I Guess Ill Always Love You (02:48) 8 Tell Me It’s Just a Rumor Baby (02:56) 9 Its Out of the Question (02:45) 10 One Too Many Heartaches (02:13) 11 Nevermore (02:03) 12 Good Things (02:38) 13 Behind a Painted Smile (02:44) 14 Save Me From This Misery (02:26) 15 Leaving Here (02:58) 16 Why When Love Is Gone (02:33) 17 Catching Up on Time (02:29) 18 Whispers (Gettin Louder) (02:09) |
 | Album: 38 of 42 Title: Eternal Released: 2001-08-13 Tracks: 14 Duration: 1:15:44 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Move Your Body (05:17) 2 Contagious (05:47) 3 Warm Summer Night (04:56) 4 You Deserve Better (04:26) 5 Just Like This (04:20) 6 Secret Lover (04:25) 7 Youre All I Need (04:50) 8 Settle Down (06:31) 9 Eternal (08:32) 10 If You Leave Me Now (07:04) 11 Said Enough (05:10) 12 You Didnt See Me (04:28) 13 Ernies Jam (04:51) 14 Think (05:00) |
| Eternal : Allmusic album Review : Within seconds of listening to "Move Your Body," the opener to Eternal, the latest by the Isley Brothers, audiences will easily agree -- the forefathers of boudoir faire still have it. Forty years in the business have not chiseled away at the talented brothers: Ronald Isleys falsetto is unwavering and remains inimitable in 2001, when the R&B; market is saturated. Ernie Isley soars on guitar -- "Ernies Jam" showcases the brother playing soulful and tasty solos, à la Jimi Hendrix -- adding further sexiness to this already sensual disc. Cheaters are blatantly busted on the slithering "Contagious," where the rogue-lover is caught in the act. The words coming from the jilted are so vivid and painful. Ronald specifically describes walking toward the bedroom, hearing his lover crying out someone elses name. Ouch. While its all about sex and pleasing a lover on the arousing "Just Like This," the disc is not just skin on skin. The album poignantly explores commitment on such romantic slow jams as "Youre All I Need," "Settle Down," and the title track. An impressive roster of collaborators -- writers, performers, and producers -- grace Eternal and they span old-school and modern R&B; players such as R. Kelly, Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, and Jill Scott. There is nothing groundbreaking on this recording, however, the longtime R&B; legends prove theyre still very much worth their salt and can keep up very well with the Joneses. Indeed, the Isley Brothers are eternal. | ||
 | Album: 39 of 42 Title: Body Kiss Released: 2003-05-06 Tracks: 12 Duration: 47:18 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Superstar (03:54) 2 Lucky Charm (04:31) 3 What Would You Do? (03:47) 4 Body Kiss (04:02) 5 Busted (03:58) 6 Showdown, Volume 1 (04:59) 7 Keep It Flowin (03:09) 8 Prize Possession (03:58) 9 Take a Ride (04:15) 10 I Want That (04:16) 11 I Like (03:03) 12 What Would You Do? Part 2 (03:20) |
| Body Kiss : Allmusic album Review : Body Kiss is one of those Isley Brothers recordings. Feeling more like a return to the T Neck years than anything else, Body Kiss is an album of the prime seductive variety harking back in terms of tempo, song structure, production, and pace to releases like The Heat Is On and Harvest for the World. Produced and almost completely written by R. Kelly, Body Kiss features Ron and Ernie Isley taking the soft soul approach to decidedly urban love songs. Kelly understands the dynamics inherent in the Brothers approach and has constructed a set of songs that plays to those strengths. While Rons voice has lost none of its deep emotional expressionism, Ernies guitar playing is more restrained here, though no less imaginative. Theres less Hendrix and more Isley. On the title track, his dovetailing lead lines tie off the ends of Rons sung lines and open up on to the next one. On "Superstar," his lilting tone is affected just enough to add to the rich textural palette of the vocal and basslines. "What Would You Do?" features his Stratocaster painting the vocal just enough. If seduction is the M.O. for these tunes, they flower not only in steamy eroticism, but also in honest and deeply moving romanticism. Isley makes even the most suggestive love song seem like a paean to commitment and endurance. Kellys particular ability to write for the strength of conviction in the grain of his voice also turns back the clock on urban soul tropes but simultaneously brings the Isleys signature sound into the 21st century. The shimmering, laid-back funk in "Prize Possession," with its tapered flute fills, is the kind of song Aaron Hall would have given his right arm to record. And in Ron Isleys silky tenor, every word is believable, no matter how macho. Body Kiss is a better Isleys record than listeners had any right to expect and it is a signature collaboration between the band and Kelly; given that this is a first outing for the team, one hopes that the creative field that exists between will be further explored. | ||
 | Album: 40 of 42 Title: Baby Makin Music Released: 2006 Tracks: 11 Duration: 46:11 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Youre My Star (04:35) 2 Blast Off (04:03) 3 Just Came Here to Chill (04:13) 4 Gotta Be With You (04:34) 5 Pretty Woman (04:31) 6 Forever Mackin (04:22) 7 Show Me (03:22) 8 Give It to You (04:27) 9 Beautiful (03:27) 10 Heaven Hooked Us Up (04:31) 11 You Help Me Write This Song (04:02) |
| Baby Makin' Music : Allmusic album Review : Ronald and Ernie Isley might be a little too old to make babies -- to be perfectly clear, father them -- but its evident theyre not too old to make baby-making music. Impressively enough, Baby Makin Music is their third strong album of the 2000s. A lot of younger artists in their prime cant claim such a thing. R. Kelly, who wrote and produced most of 2003s Body Kiss, is present on only one song here, but the Isleys dont miss a step when it comes to staying up with the times, tapping the likes of the rising Tim and Bob -- who contributed in a minor capacity to Body Kiss -- along with Jermaine Dupri, Troy Taylor, and Bryan-Michael Cox. Electric fireworks from Ernies guitar are more recurrent than they were on Body Kiss, but theyre often buried so deep in the mix and treated in a way that makes them sound like they were made by a computer program that generates facsimiles of his style. Otherwise, there are no problems. This is a remarkably tight album filled with songs that deliver on the promise of its title, and the songs that arent immediately memorable at least make for fitting mood music. To no surprise whatsoever, Ronald is equally seductive whether hes making amends, bragging about his exploits, or just being sweet. Hearing him sing over Gladys Knight & the Pips 30-year-old version of Curtis Mayfields "The Makings of You," as he does over the opening "Youre My Star," is kind of bizarre if you think about it, but its only another way of demonstrating the Isleys enduring vitality -- across 50-plus years now. The Isley Brothers name has been responsible for hours upon hours of quality music, so this album is destined to be lost in the shuffle of their 60s and 70s material. Groups young enough to be their grandchildren would be more than proud to call it their own. | ||
 | Album: 41 of 42 Title: Ill Be Home for Christmas Released: 2007-10-09 Tracks: 10 Duration: 40:51 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Winter Wonderland (02:40) 2 Ill Be Home for Christmas (03:04) 3 Im in Love (04:10) 4 Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (04:27) 5 Santa Claus Is Coming to Town (04:01) 6 Isley Christmas (medley) (05:51) 7 What Can I Buy You (04:26) 8 The Christmas Song (feat. Doc Powell) (04:27) 9 White Christmas (03:33) 10 Silent Night (04:12) |
| I'll Be Home for Christmas : Allmusic album Review : The Isley Brothers Ill Be Home for Christmas, like Patti LaBelles Miss Pattis Christmas, was released on Def Soul Classics and produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The two albums are both ten songs in length, feature many of the same musicians, and are based mostly on interpretations -- so they go hand-in-hand, whether the intention was there or not. Sleigh bells excepted, "Im in Love" could be mistaken for an Isley Brothers song on a normal studio album, and it sounds like it wants to break into "Harvest for the World." The other original, "What Can I Buy You," wont be threatening to replace regularly played Christmas classics anytime soon, but it doesnt seem to out of place next to the likes of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and "Winter Wonderland." Theres a good balance between secular and spiritual material, so the disc should appeal to just about any Isley Brothers fan who doesnt want to hear the same tired holiday music year in, year out. | ||
 | Album: 42 of 42 Title: Power of Peace Released: 2017-07-28 Tracks: 13 Duration: 1:06:01 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Are You Ready (03:26) 2 Total Destruction to Your Mind (04:23) 3 Higher Ground (05:13) 4 God Bless the Child (07:09) 5 I Remember (05:34) 6 Body Talk (05:22) 7 Gypsy Woman (07:03) 8 I Just Want to Make Love to You (04:04) 9 Love, Peace, Happiness (03:12) 10 What the World Needs Now Is Love Sweet Love (05:29) 11 Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology) (04:02) 12 Let the Rain Fall on Me (06:27) 13 Let There Be Peace on Earth (04:37) |
| Power of Peace : Allmusic album Review : Supergroup pairings rarely work. Either there are too many egos involved or the magic promised on paper doesn’t materialize because there are too many cooks in the kitchen, or record label and managerial bluster get in the way of actual spontaneity. Thats not the case with Power of Peace, delivered by the Santana and Isley families in a Las Vegas studio without prior rehearsal. The material on this 13-song set is comprised mostly of iconic soul, funk, blues, and R&B covers. Carlos Santana and Ron Isley are joined by drummer Cindy Blackman Santana and Ernie Isley, the Santana road band, and a backing chorus of Kandy and Tracy Isley as well as Kimberley Johnson and Eddie Levert. "Are You Ready," the first of two Chambers Brothers tunes, opens the set with a Karl Perazzo conga workout followed by a funky bassline and Ernie on manic wah-wah guitar. Cindys breaks and Carlos leads push Ron to overdriven rock intensity with the backing chorus supports. Its a hard groover that introduces a rocking soul rave-up on Swamp Doggs "Total Destruction to Your Mind." The pairing of Ron and Carlos here is fantastic. If it doesn’t get you on your feet, youre already dead. Things get more intense on Stevie Wonders "Higher Ground" with Ernie evoking Jimi Hendrixs spirit in his fills and solo, while Cindys drumming and Perazzos whomping congas push it into the red. Eddie Kendricks burner "Body Talk" gets the same treatment. There are some ballads here, too. Ron delivers a beautiful adaptation of Billie Holidays "God Bless the Child" with Cindy on backing vocals. Santanas melodic presentation is matched by Ernies tough blues phrasing. The lone original, "I Remember," is a gorgeous, bittersweet samba written and sung by Cindy; its the only tune here that retains its restraint throughout (though Carlos is tempted to shred near the end). On Curtis Mayfields "Gypsy Woman," Ron offers his sweetest falsetto amid a humid, atmospheric, Latin soul backdrop. Blues, hard rock, and funk collide in Willie Dixons "I Just Want to Make Love to You," with Ernie shining in a burning solo. Only the Bacharach-David standard "What the Worlds Needs Now" and Leon Thomas post-bop "Let the Rain Fall on Me" falter due to overly reverent presentations. That said, the gospelized Latin soul in Marvin Gayes "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)" is a monster. The set closes with a complete reinvention of "Let There Be Peace on Earth," offering a stellar portrait of what the Santana band does well (especially with an ace guitarist like Ernie aboard). Ron, whose voice is undiminished by time, soars above the band and chorus to end it all on a spiritual tip. Power of Peace is loose, but everybody brought their chops to the party. This is what happens when great musicians gather simply to see what happens and enjoy one anothers company. | ||