Today in rock history: on this date in 2000, soul singer and songwriter D’Angelo released his highly anticipated sophomore album, Voodoo. After his stunning debut album Brown Sugar was released five years earlier, fans clamored for another album from the talented and gifted artist who’d marvelously bridged the gap between classic soul music and contemporary R&B like no one else before him had. The wait for Voodoo was long but it was certainly worth it. Unanimously reviewed positively and received warmly by fans, Voodoo entered the Billboard pop albums chart at No. 1 and wound up as the uncontested winner in most critic’s polls as the best album of the year as 2000 came to a close. Fueled by several hit singles, the album achieved platinum sales status in no time. The music video for the seductive “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” was met with controversy and intrigue as if featured the singer barely clothed while singing the powerful ballad. Guest artists on this fine album range from hip-hop luminaries Method Man and Redman to renowned jazz artists Roy Hargrove and Charlie Hunter. *Editor's Note: If I had to pick, Voodoo may be the most important album of my own music journey. Gabe, I love you for writing these posts every day, but I love you even more this morning. (Ray)
Today in rock history: on this date in 1978, legendary and highly influential post-punk band Joy Division made its live debut. Formerly calling itself Warsaw, the Manchester, England band decided upon a new moniker and made its first appearance under a new name on this date, 40 years ago. The performance took place at a local Manchester venue, Pip’s Disco, and, as legend has it, the event was riddled with problems. Lead singer Ian Curtis had a tough time getting past bouncers at the front of the club but eventually was let in. Not long after the band took the stage, a fight broke out among the crowd and bassist Peter Hook added to the chaos when he left the stage to get involved in the melee. The club’s owner was not amused and attempted to throw the band off the stage. Regardless of the band’s shaky beginning as a live act, Jow Division certainly went on to become one of the most important bands of its era. Sadly, compelling lead singer Ian Curtis committed suicide in 1980 and the remaining band members were once again tasked with reinventing themselves under a new guise which was when they became New Order.
Today in rock history: on this date in 1979, as more and more rock and pop artists were making the leap onto the disco music bandwagon, pop diva Cher followed suit and released her solo album, Take Me Home which was her first foray into the genre that was still ruling radio airwaves at the time. The singer who’d made her debut in music alongside her husband as Sonny and Cher had gone through a career slump and many of her mid-70s solo albums hadn’t attracted much attention despite her starring in her own popular weekly prime time television variety show. Things changed when Take Me Home was released, and the public took notice. The revealing mock Viking outfit she wore on the album’s front cover turned a lot of heads and shed light and attention on the singer. The album’s title track was a popular disco and dance floor song and was released as an extended version on a 12-inch disco single that sold well too. Cher had just signed to Casablanca Records, the label that featured disco heavyweights Donna Summer and Village People on its roster as well as popular, makeup wearing rock band KISS. Coincidentally, Cher was dating KISS bassist Gene Simmons at the time of this release, and Simmons is credited on the album for lending his backing vocals to the track "Git Down (Guitar Groupie)."
Today in rock history: on this date in 1985, Genesis drummer and singer Phil Collins released his third solo album, the enormously successful No Jacket Required. Far outselling his previous two solo outings, the singer and songwriter — who was also riding high as Genesis, too, was at its commercial peak — found himself with a monster album that went to No. 1 on album charts in dozens of countries around the world. The album held the top spot in America for seven straight weeks and spawned a slew of popular singles that were all massive hits in their own right. “Sussudio,” “One More Night,” “Don’t Lose My Number” and “Take Me Home” were all radio staples as well and entered heavy rotation on MTV thanks to the songs' popular accompanying music videos. Guest artists on the album include former band mate Peter Gabriel as well as Sting although Collins played most of the instruments on the album himself. The record has gone on to sell in excess of 25 million copies worldwide making it one of the best-selling pop albums of all time. It also was honored with three Grammy awards including the prestigious “Album of the Year” trophy.
This article appears in Jan 25 – Feb 1, 2018.