Junior Walker Albums (13)
What The Critics Say
Junior Walker's signifying sax cries are showcased on eight explosive tracks. Walker's songs are usually about dancing or romance, but these deal with sex and lust. Titles like "Sexpot," "Ball Baby," and "In and Out" are self-explanatory. ~ Andrew Hamilton, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Junior's big tenor is as sassy and signifying as ever. His crying sax elevates Rose Royce's "Wishin' On a Star" to new heights. The title track, "Back Street Boogie," is a strutter, punctuated by slick, muted, well-spaced horn hits and Melvin "Wah Wah" Watson's whining axe. Junior blares the lyrics of "Girl I Wanna Marry You," sounding heart-attack serious about tying the knot. "Hole In the Wall" is an aggressive saga about an inner-city cheat spot where you drink, dance, play cards, and meet loose ladies named Bertha. ~ Andrew Hamilton, All Music Guide
'Whopper Bopper Show Stopper'
Release Date 1/1/1976
Tracks 9
Label Soul
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'Jr. Walker & the All Stars'
Release Date 1/1/1974
Tracks 18
Label Motown
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'Peace & Understanding Is Hard to Find'
Release Date 1/1/1973
Tracks 10
Label Soul
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What The Critics Say
This ranks as one of Junior Walker's poorest selling albums. "Gimme That Beat, " bubbly beat and all, only charted at #101 Pop and #50 R&B. However, it exceeded "I Don't Need No Reason, " and "Peace and Understanding" - both non charting singles. Motown wrings all it can from "I Don't Need No Reason, " done smooth and jazzy by Walker, it also reigns supreme on the Miracles underrated Renaissance album. "Peace and Understanding" has a weird off-the-beat bass drum hit that's up front in the mix. He does credible remakes of Carole King and Johnny Nash's "It's Too Late, " and "I Can See Clearly Now." The spirited "Soul Clappin'" appeared as the B-side on both "Peace and Understanding," and "I'm So Glad" from the Hot Shot album. ~ Andrew Hamilton, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
A less intense Junior Walker still makes splendid music on a collection of updates salted with some new sides. The sax man remakes "Way Back Home," originally done by the Crusaders; Gladys Knight and Johnny Bristol wrote lyrics for Wilton Felder's composition: Walker's version did a respectable number 24 R&B, and number 52 Pop. "Walk in the Night," with its stalking beat and diverse rhythms, scaled to number ten R&B and number 46 Pop, his last substantial release on Motown. The psychedelic influenced "Groove Thang" went to number 46 R&B, but missed the bus to the Pop chart, despite a tight groove, and tough, rough-neck runs from Junior over a def track. Walker's sax measures up to the vocals on the original versions of "I Don't Want to Do Wrong," popularized by Gladys Knight & the Pips, and the Jackson 5's "Never Can Say Goodbye." ~ Andrew Hamilton, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
"Take Me Girl I'm Ready" has Junior Walker singing more lyrics than he probably cared to remember, the midtempo jaunt didn't crack the Pop Top 40, but did scoot to number 18 on Billboard's R&B chart. A heavier, funkier groove rocks "Right on Brothers and Sisters" but Motown hid it on the back of "Take Me Girl," a waste of an obvious A-side. Walker sounds like a country preacher on the Crusaders' "Way Back Home" and does an adequate job delivering Johnny Bristol and Gladys Knight lyrics. "Psychedelic Shack" gets a blistering update, and he sounds sweet as sugar on a remake of the Velvelettes' "These Things Will Keep Me Loving You." A rare Walker LP in that he sings more than he plays. ~ Andrew Hamilton, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
There's nothing weak or mediocre about Junior Walker's albums -- all have a high standard and feature his winning gusto sax screams and sauced vocals. He cut some of the tightest tracks laid at Motown's Studio A -- aka the Snake Pit. The insidious "Do You See My Love for You Growing" explodes for more than three blasting minutes. His deep-fried update of Stevie Wonder's "I Was Made to Love Her" is off the hook and as gritty as sandpaper. He dusts off Johnny Bristol and Jackey Beavers' "Carry Your Own Load," outshining the duo's nondescript original. On Neil Diamond's "Holy, Holy," Walker's sax cries like a mourning dog. "Shut Up, Don't Interrupt Me" didn't endear Walker to women libbers, but "Groove and Move" elevated his funk/psychedelic stock. ~ Andrew Hamilton, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Solid, mostly uptempo album, featuring some of his biggest late-'60s hits: "What Does It Take (To Win Your Love)," "Come See About Me," and "Hip City." Among the other tracks, the bittersweet instrumental "Sweet Soul" is a highlight. As with many Motown albums, the most noteworthy tracks are featured on best-of compilations. ~ Richie Unterberger, All Music Guide
'Gotta Hold on to This Feeling'
Release Date 1/1/1969
Tracks 12
Label Soul
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Initially, Motown released this as What Does It Take to Win Your Love, then reissued it as Gotta Hold on to This Feeling when the lovestruck single of the same name started its chart ascension. "What Does It Take" originally appeared on the Home Cookin' album, but Motown stuck it here, along with other previously released tracks. "Gotta Hold on to This Feeling" features lovely, flowing backing voices, and a sincere vocal from Junior Walker. The only new songs are two remakes, the lovely "These Eyes," and "Proud Mary," and two in-house productions, "I Got to Find a Way to Win Maria Back" and "Clinging to the Thought That She's Coming Back." Vintage Walker "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)," "Cleo's Mood," "Hot Cha," and "Sweet Soul" spice up this potent collection. ~ Andrew Hamilton, All Music Guide
