Steve Arrington Albums (5)
'Dancin' in the Key of Life'
Release Date 1/1/1985
Tracks 8
Label Atlantic
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
On his second album with his Hall of Fame, Steve Arrington hewed to his love-man-with-the-funk stance, promising "15 rounds of lovin', kissin', and a-huggin'" as the second single, "15 Rounds," put it. The first single was called "Hump To The Bump." You get the idea. ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide
'Steve Arrington's Hall of Fame, Vol. 1'
Release Date 1/1/1983
Tracks 12
Label Atlantic
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
After recording many memorable R&B hits with Slave, Steve Arrington pursued a moderately successful solo career with his eight-member band, then abandoned secular music for a life of religion. Given his post-musical endeavors, one might expect more gospel in Arrington's R&B workouts, but aside from thanking God Almighty in the liner notes, there's far more Prince than Al Green on this release. Arrington is a confident, sensual vocalist, perfectly suited to cocky material like "You Meet My Approval." Despite the presence of so many musicians, the songs are often minimal funk and dance vamps driven by guitar and keyboard, with hooky choruses set up by suggestive titles like "Weak at the Knees," "Strange (Soft & Hard)," and "Speak With Your Body." On occasion the entire band is featured together, and the integration of flute and saxophone adds depth to the group's aggressive beat. The closest Arrington gets to spirituality is the opening guidance of "Nobody Can Be You," which reached the R&B Top 20. But the song that should've been a hit is the playfully sexy "Last Nite/Nite Before," a gem worthy of a Prince cover version. A few years later, Arrington's solo career would peak with Dancin' in the Key of Life, so Steve Arrington's Hall of Fame, Vol. 1 serves as a fairly entertaining bridge between the periods of success which highlighted his career. ~ Vince Ripol, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Former Slave drummer and vocalist Steve Arrington enjoyed some success in the 1980s with a group that mirrored the Slave style -- uptempo funk with a steady, driving backbeat and earnestly sung lead vocals. Arrington had pretty much exhausted his creativity by the time they issued Jam Packed; the arrangements sound stagnant and his vocals lack the energy and punch of earlier sessions. Only a couple of decent funk tracks keep this from being a total disaster. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
