Released from their self titled album from 73, "So Very Hard To Go" is one of the most heartfelt sung songs EVER. Everything about this cut is hittin'. The music, the melody and the lyrics:

"I could never make you unhappy. No, I could never do that, girl."

Just that first line to the chorus alone, does it if for me. Not much else to say about this except for it was a big hit for Tower of Power. Also from this album was "What Is Hip?" which was another monster. Anyway, who else digs "So Very Hard To Go"?

Some good soul singing....

blackguitaristz said:

"Does it if"? What was that? Is that even English? Ya'll know what I mean.

funkpill said:

Yes. Especially towards the end.

Good pick, B. This is a jammin song. T.O.P is one of Prince's favorite bands. Rocco is a killin' bassist fo' sho'.

Damn boy! that's what I'm talkin about this a classic cut you can feel my man emotions though the speakers so heartfelt. And you right that line get's me everytime.

lovedad43 said:

I can dig it!

Great song. TOP had alot of first class jamZ.

SPYZFAN1 said:

Yep.

Tower Of Power...



...is just an overall solid album.

So Very Hard to Go is a great tune in true R&B fashion. What Is Hip? has become a funk standard.
Back in the day, if you had a horn band and you couldn't play this tune you might as well close up shop.

Will I Ever Find Love? and Just Another Day are great ballads.

However lately, i've found myself gravitating towards Soul Vaccination.
The Emilio Castillo/Steve Kupka horn arrangement
Especially from the section that starts during the 2nd half of the sax solo.
And the lines they play on the ride out, after the guitar/percussion break, are some of the most devastating in Funk.

For a self-contained group, one of my all time Funk/R&B horn/rhythm sections.
And the good part of the story is that they're still out there doin' it!

tA

Tribal Disorder

http://www.soundclick.com...rmusic.htm

T.O.P too funky!


That stuff had to be good to brutha Lenny!

Lenny:I knew the time would come
I'd have to pay for my mistakes
I can't blame you for what you're doin' to me girl
Even tho' my heart aches
Your dreams have all come true
Just the way you planned them
So I'll just step aside
I'm gonna step aside and lend a helping hand then

Great Tune from T.O.P.!! Man, I wish Lenny Williams hadn't left the group when he did. Even now, they're getting back to their original 70's sound, but it just ain't the same without Lenny! His voice was Dangerous! and I like some of Lenny's solo stuff, but, it ain't like when he had that horn section behind him...those two forces really need to reunite!!





...

paligap said:

Nah, it isn't the same. That's why I just listen to the o.g. lineups of ALL bands.

theAudience said:

Yep.

blackguitaristz said:

Brilliant song. I especially love that part. His vocals and the build up with that horn section is awesome.

RipHer2Shreds said:

Man, I'm telling u, that part is KILLING! Even just reading that line, u can hear him singing it. The phrasing of that line is coldblooded. In a way, it sounds like it's off, but it isn't. Like it's kinda going against the music. That's what makes it work like it does.