damn... I love the song dancing on the ceiling.

funkpill said:

daPrettyman said:

EXACTLY! "Sail On," "Three Times A Lady," and "Oh No" are all "pop" ballads.

Hell, even Just To Be Close To You crossover

Sure did

The radio version was, but the full version wasn't at all. That's why Motown edited it (of course most songs (ballads and up-tempo numbers) at the time its length was dropped to satisfy radio listeners, not only R&B but pop audiences too. Pop audiences got used to the three-minute versions but R&B radio would go out of its way (oldies R&B radio still does it) to play the FULL version and that was far from being "pop". Sure there were pop songs that had lengthy time (rock radio would play all minutes of it just to compare but not AM pop). And AM pop picked up the edited version.

I just think what happened with the Commodores once they got successful they dropped the funk routine for glossier pop numbers that were a Motown specialty and then got upset when Berry and 'em put Lionel in front because he had the "it" factor due to vocals and songwriting ability. They knew he could do something the other Commodores, while very talented themselves, couldn't do. The Commodores after Lionel left tried to match whatever Lionel was doing only succeeding twice ("Nightshift" and "Going to the Bank", which I think Ray Parker, Jr. produced). After that, they were over.

So I think all members of the group lost their roots when they became "the black Beatles" as they wanted to be.

Oddly enough I had first heard this song on Monifah's album, then heard the original not too long after that. I prefer this lol

Timmy84 said:

funkpill said:

Hell, even Just To Be Close To You crossover

Sure did

The radio version was, but the full version wasn't at all. That's why Motown edited it (of course most songs (ballads and up-tempo numbers) at the time its length was dropped to satisfy radio listeners, not only R&B but pop audiences too. Pop audiences got used to the three-minute versions but R&B radio would go out of its way (oldies R&B radio still does it) to play the FULL version and that was far from being "pop". Sure there were pop songs that had lengthy time (rock radio would play all minutes of it just to compare but not AM pop). And AM pop picked up the edited version.

I just think what happened with the Commodores once they got successful they dropped the funk routine for glossier pop numbers that were a Motown specialty and then got upset when Berry and 'em put Lionel in front because he had the "it" factor due to vocals and songwriting ability. They knew he could do something the other Commodores, while very talented themselves, couldn't do. The Commodores after Lionel left tried to match whatever Lionel was doing only succeeding twice ("Nightshift" and "Going to the Bank", which I think Ray Parker, Jr. produced). After that, they were over.

So I think all members of the group lost their roots when they became "the black Beatles" as they wanted to be.

And there you have it

funkpill said:

TD3 said:

Nice try funkpill, Richie's whole damn solo career has been corny.

So Easy, Old Fashion Love, Sail On and even Jesus Is Love

would be considered pop tunes?

What have I been saying for the last upteem post, Richie's solo, NO! Stay out of this D'.

KCOOLMUZIQ said:

Gunsnhalen said:

Now....

I Will fully admit i have always liked Lionel Richie but only became a huge fan in the last year

But i got Lionel, Can't Slow Down & Dancing On The Ceiling

GREAT ALBUMS! I mean classic=]

besides the hits on the albums other song's i loved

Serves you right is a funky little gem, Just put some love in my heart is a gorgeous ballad

Can't Slow Down is a rocking slow song with fantastic vocals, Tonight will be alright with Eric Clapton is epic & Deep River Woman sound's like an awesome classic rock diddy & Night Train is one of my favorite Lionel track's just killer

I Picked up his new album for cheap and it was just............... BAD

There was not one song i thought was a standout his voice is still great but man...... the album was just bad

So after this i picked up coming home I Call It Love is a sweet little song i like it & What You Are was a great track besides that the rest was very mediocre

I Also listened to part of Renaissance and wasn't impressed...

I Love his trilogy of albums in the 80's there incredible work i love them! and Lionel i had such high hopes for the rest of his cd's but... i have just been dissapointed.

Are any of his other albums i haven't mentioned even worth it?

I ran into Lionel in this building in Hollywood where I go to the Doctor at about a year ago......I'm not going to say anything else about that.

But Lionel was the best balladeer in the eighties. He was basically pushed to the front of The Commodores. His ballads caught on. Some people are meant to be in the front & meant to be mega stars.....

[Edited 6/26/10 10:58am]

[Edited 6/26/10 11:22am]

So, why even mention it at all if you're not going to say anything about it?

funkpill said:

Reel said:

Are you serious?? Hello was a great song. I think folks are just still pissed that he left his r&b/ funk roots and went mainstream pop. Yeah under normal circumstances I'd be pissed too but he did some excellent songwriting after he left the group also. Hello was a beautiful song, and how could you not like that video of that blind lady with her white cane and Lionel yelling out to her "Helloooo...is it me you're looking forrrrr?". Yall some bitter Mickey Fickeys.

Lionel soared farther than he ever could had he kept doing the songs he was doing with the Commodores. Trust me I loved "Zoom" and "Father Help your Children" and the other good stuff like the rest of you...but still ...he can't be denied!

Corrections: Jesus Is Love

..He won't.. let'cha dow-ow-owwwwn

alexnvrmnd777 said:

KCOOLMUZIQ said:

[Edited 6/26/10 10:58am]

[Edited 6/26/10 11:22am]

So, why even mention it at all if you're not going to say anything about it?

Because I thought I mention I saw him since its a thread about him. But prefer not to elaborate on what he was doing. Since that is his private personal life.....Plus he seem like he didn't want to be seen....In fact he seemed very surprised that i recognized him... I guess from the way he was dressed..

TD3 said:

funkpill said:

So Easy, Old Fashion Love, Sail On and even Jesus Is Love

would be considered pop tunes?

What have I been saying for the last upteem post, Richie's solo, NO! Stay out of this D'.

Did someone put sour cream in your coffee?

[Edited 6/27/10 9:29am]

Timmy84 said:

Lionel sold his funky soul to the devil in 1978.

Amen

his ex-wife kicked him in the balls and bitch slapped his ass and his career never recovered!!

Timmy84 said:

TD3 said:

What have I been saying for the last upteem post, Richie's solo, NO! Stay out of this D'.

Did someone put sour cream in your coffee?

It ain't my fault, Richie's music got me in a bad mood. I'm so sorry I even opened this thread.

avasdad said:

his ex-wife kicked him in the balls and bitch slapped his ass and his career never recovered!!

Brenda punched him in the stomach too, that's what he told the police while he was on his knees holding his tummy. It's strange how that event appeared to sour his career.

[Edited 6/27/10 11:47am]

TD3 said:

Timmy84 said:

Did someone put sour cream in your coffee?

It ain't my fault, Richie's music got me in a bad mood. I'm so sorry I even opened this thread.

TD3 said:

avasdad said:

his ex-wife kicked him in the balls and bitch slapped his ass and his career never recovered!!

Brenda punched him in the stomach too, that's what he told the police while he was on his knees holding his tummy. It's strange how that event appeared to sour his career.

[Edited 6/27/10 11:47am]

When you're known as a love balladeer and a "ladies' man", that image of someone going through domestic problems hampers that image. That's why his career took the downturn that it did plus times were changing in the industry. So by the time he reemerged there was no market for a crossover black pop act like him that did music like that.

Timmy84 said:

TD3 said:

Brenda punched him in the stomach too, that's what he told the police while he was on his knees holding his tummy. It's strange how that event appeared to sour his career.

When you're known as a love balladeer and a "ladies' man", that image of someone going through domestic problems hampers that image. That's why his career took the downturn that it did plus times were changing in the industry. So by the time he reemerged there was no market for a crossover black pop act like him that did music like that.

TD3 said:

Timmy84 said:

When you're known as a love balladeer and a "ladies' man", that image of someone going through domestic problems hampers that image. That's why his career took the downturn that it did plus times were changing in the industry. So by the time he reemerged there was no market for a crossover black pop act like him that did music like that.

daPrettyman said:

laurarichardson said:

Dancing On The Ceiling is awful. You guys always talk about artist who should retire. Well Lionel is one of them. When you go back and listen to the stuff he did with the Commodores and you listen to the crossover crap it is just sad!!! He crossed over so far he could not manage to come back to any genre with decent music or lyrics.

[Edited 6/26/10 19:00pm]

Are u referring to the song or the album? The album is not awful, but it doesn't compare to "Can't Slow Down".

What I don't get is why people compare Lionel's solo work to his Commodores work. They are 2 different bodies of work. When Lionel was with the group, he was only a contributor, but when he went solo, he did HIS kind of music. Most of the songs on the Commodores albums are co-written by Lionel. We don't know if he wrote the lyrics or what.

I am the first to admit that some of Lionel's solo work is not that great (especially Rennaissance and Just For You), but he has done some really good pop albums. Maybe Lionel realized that he was a pop artist and not really an r&b artist?

I am sorry I was not clear the song "Dancing On the Ceilings' was awful the album is just okay.

I think Lionel as indicated that he was a principal song writer in the Commodores and the Commodores had ballads that were very popular on the pop charts however, they had balance they had great funk tunes mixed with crossover ballads. When Lionel went solo he had no balance and I do not think it was because he heart told him he was a pop artist.

He just wanted to sell more records and figured it would be easy with crossover ballads so he put his funk wand away.

I just think a real artist will keep it diverse it would not have hurt to put one solid RnB cut on those post Commondore records.

laurarichardson said:

daPrettyman said:

Are u referring to the song or the album? The album is not awful, but it doesn't compare to "Can't Slow Down".

What I don't get is why people compare Lionel's solo work to his Commodores work. They are 2 different bodies of work. When Lionel was with the group, he was only a contributor, but when he went solo, he did HIS kind of music. Most of the songs on the Commodores albums are co-written by Lionel. We don't know if he wrote the lyrics or what.

I am the first to admit that some of Lionel's solo work is not that great (especially Rennaissance and Just For You), but he has done some really good pop albums. Maybe Lionel realized that he was a pop artist and not really an r&b artist?

I am sorry I was not clear the song "Dancing On the Ceilings' was awful the album is just okay.

I think Lionel as indicated that he was a principal song writer in the Commodores and the Commodores had ballads that were very popular on the pop charts however, they had balance they had great funk tunes mixed with crossover ballads. When Lionel went solo he had no balance and I do not think it was because he heart told him he was a pop artist.

He just wanted to sell more records and figured it would be easy with crossover ballads so he put his funk wand away.

I just think a real artist will keep it diverse it would not have hurt to put one solid RnB cut on those post Commondore records.

It wouldn't surprise me if Berry Gordy hadn't convinced him to do that. Berry tried to make Diana a black Barbara Streisand (not sure if it worked or not), and I think he tried to do the same with Lionel.

Shit Lionel wanted MONEY! Fuck heart. He don't give a fuck.

Don't blame him

Each time his songs are played on the elevators....CHA-CHING!!!!

Damn about keeping it real

funkpill said:

Don't blame him

Each time his songs are played on the elevators....CHA-CHING!!!!

Damn about keeping it real

Don't forget

Sheet Music sales

karaoke cd sales

etc.

I can't fatham how much he's made off of "Three Times A Lady" alone.

TD3's gonna bash y'all brains in.

SoulAlive said:

I recall a 1986 article in Black Beat magazine,where the writer complained that Lione was quickly becoming "the black Barry Manilow"

Shit i remember Al Sharpton threatening to have people boycott his tour because he

didn't have any black promoters back in the 80's. I didn't mind some of Lionel's solo

material but he pissed me off with that excuse that he wanted to show that blacks can

write songs like Say You Say Me and Truly and everything black didn't have to be funky.

That was cool but damn you couldn't write anything soulful anymore like Just To Be Close

To You.

phunkdaddy said:

SoulAlive said:

I recall a 1986 article in Black Beat magazine,where the writer complained that Lione was quickly becoming "the black Barry Manilow"

Shit i remember Al Sharpton threatening to have people boycott his tour because he

didn't have any black promoters back in the 80's. I didn't mind some of Lionel's solo

material but he pissed me off with that excuse that he wanted to show that blacks can

write songs like Say You Say Me and Truly and everything black didn't have to be funky.

That was cool but damn you couldn't write anything soulful anymore like Just To Be Close

To You.

Al Sharpton is an attention-seeking bitch but anyway Lionel know he could've written a soulful joint if he wanted to. HE KNOWS THAT!

phunkdaddy said:

SoulAlive said:

I recall a 1986 article in Black Beat magazine,where the writer complained that Lione was quickly becoming "the black Barry Manilow"

Shit i remember Al Sharpton threatening to have people boycott his tour because he

didn't have any black promoters back in the 80's. I didn't mind some of Lionel's solo

material but he pissed me off with that excuse that he wanted to show that blacks can

write songs like Say You Say Me and Truly and everything black didn't have to be funky.

That was cool but damn you couldn't write anything soulful anymore like Just To Be Close

To You.

This is why I prefer the Commodores albums.Lionel was able to do his whole "pop" thing,but the other members came up with funky grooves to balance it all out.'Natural High' contains the sappiest Lionel Richie song of all ("Three Times A Lady") but that same album also contains R&B jams like "X-rated Movie","I Like What You Do" and slow jams like "Say Yeah".

I have no problems with the first two Lionel solo albums.These albums are undeniably 'pop' but there was still some solid R&B on these albums ("You Are","Love Will Find A Way").

Timmy84 said:

TD3's gonna bash y'all brains in.

that's right!

I don't care about how much "Chi-Chang" Richie's is recieving, solo Richie hasn't gotten any of my Chang. Come on, who's buying his sheet music? Nobody.

Seriously, I pulled out my Commodores albums this weekend, I hadn't listened to them in awhile what a joy.

Timmy84 said:

Lionel sold his funky soul to the devil in 1978.

if i had said this NO one would have agreed

What's everyones favorite Commodores album?