Narada Michael Walden Albums (8)
'The Nature of Things'
Release Date 1/1/1985
Tracks 8
Label Warner Bros.
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What The Critics Say
For The Nature of Things, Michigan native Narada Michael Walden went back to his musical roots when he lent a strong Motown vibe to "Gimme Gimme Gimme," his rousing duet with Patti Austin which recalls the romantic upbeat hits of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. It was a Top 40 R&B hit in the spring of 1985. That same year, the '60s Motown sound worked very well for producer Walden and singer Aretha Franklin on "Freeway of Love," a Top Three R&B/pop smash from Who's Zoomin' Who?. Other standouts are the airy "High Above the Clouds" and the hopeful, reggae-ish "Wear Your Love." Both "Gimme Gimme Gimme" and High Above the Clouds" appear on Rhino's Ecstasy's Dance: The Best of Narada Michael Walden. ~ Ed Hogan, All Music Guide
'Looking at You, Looking at Me'
Release Date 1/1/1983
Tracks 9
Label Atlantic
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What The Critics Say
Narada Michael Walden had seen the light, and it was a swirling disco ball. The multi-talented Michigan native saw that the way to the top of the charts was by way of the dancefloor. For The Dance of Life, the follow-up LP to his Awakening ("I Don't Want Nobody Else (To Dance With You)"), Walden square took aim at "dancing feet." The result was that the effervescent "I Shoulda Loved Ya" went to number four on the R&B charts and mid-charted pop in late 1979, while the album broke the R&B Top Ten. Its follow-up was the bright, brassy Top 40 R&B hit "Tonight I'm Alright." Other highlights are the acid rock-ish "You're Soo Good," "Crazy for Ya," "Carry On," and the wistful ballad "Why Did You Turn Me On." ~ Ed Hogan, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
On Awakening, Narada Michael Walden placed aside the jazz fusion leanings of his early albums in favor of a more radio-friendly sound. The strategy worked, with Walden having his first Top Ten R&B single, "I Don't Want Nobody Else (To Dance With You)," which also charted number 47 on the pop charts in early 1979 and Awakening breaking into the R&B Top 15. The follow-up single, the mid-tempo groover "Give Your Love a Chance" featured grand arrangements by Patrick Adams. Walden displays his hyperkinetic drumming skills on "They Want the Feeling." Other standouts are "Love Me Only," the beautiful radio-aired album track "Listen to Me," and the tender "Will You Ever Know." ~ Ed Hogan, All Music Guide
