The Whispers Albums (23)
'Live from Las Vegas'
Release Date 8/21/2007
Tracks 19
Label Satin Tie
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What The Critics Say
The bouncy, irresistible "Tonight" gets this reissue off and flying. Originally released in 1983, Love for Love dissects, analyzes, and emotes on relationships via a solid set of love songs. These nine meaty tunes include the spunky "Keep on Lovin' Me," a staple of their live show, and "Do They Turn You On," a scintillating ballad written by Caldwell. Here's a tip: Go straight to the songs penned by Caldwell on Whispers' albums, the guy writes gems; a Whispers album featuring Caldwell songs only is overdue. The title track, "Had It Not Been for You," and "Try It Again" are jazzy, piano-tinkling torchers that are even more enjoyable with your boo, a glass of wine, and soft lights. ~ Andrew Hamilton, All Music Guide
'Songbook, Vol. 1: The Songs of Babyface'
Release Date 11/25/1997
Tracks 11
Label Interscope
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What The Critics Say
The Whispers' latter-day recordings were uniformly solid, but it took an album like Songbook, Vol. 1: The Songs of Babyface to remind many listeners what a valuable soul institution they were. The idea behind any "songbook" collection is to showcase a particular songwriter, as well as the skills of the interpretive artist. Choosing the songs of Babyface, one of the most successful and respected composers of contemporary urban soul, was a savvy move for the Whispers, since it proves that the group is hip enough to know what's what in the urban universe and by focusing on Babyface's songs, the album assumes that he's one of the great soul songwriters of his time. Songbook, Vol. 1 doesn't necessarily prove that last point -- simply put, he's not as good as Stevie Wonder or Smokey Robinson -- but it remains a fine, fine record, featuring terrific versions of "You're Makin' Me High," "Two Occasions," "For the Cool In You," "Whip Appeal," "As Soon As I Get Home," "My, My, MY" and "Exhale (Shoop Shoop)." ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
'Somebody Loves You'
Release Date 4/6/1993
Tracks 10
Label Quicksilver
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What The Critics Say
The adage of never judging a book by its cover once again rings true with Dr. Love. In this case, the cover could easily be eyed with suspicion; modern-looking graphics suggest that this could be a new offering from a timeless band, overly chorused and polished to the finest degree that studio technology could afford. Nothing could be further from the truth. This actually collects cuts from the first phase of the Whispers' career in the mid- to late '60s, prior to their commercial success as one of disco-soul's most revered groups. The Whispers are influenced here by the Memphis and Detroit sounds, while adding a bit of hard-rocking guitar that neither city would raise in the music mix until much later. Dr. Love is not essential listening by any means, but those looking for a dose of wonderful soul would be well served by giving this a spin. ~ Rob Theakston, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Marvelous ballads and great contemporary dance hits. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
More of the Night was the Whispers' debut for Capitol Records after having a string of hits for Dick Griffey's Solar Records. Working with up-and-coming producers, several of the album's tracks are in the new jack swing vein. The Robert Brookins-produced "Innocent" went to number three one the R&B charts in the summer of 1990. Troop's Steve Russell helmed the mid-tempo cut "Misunderstanding." Still,it was the tracks that were more in line with the Whispers' classic sound that are the cornerstones of this album and gave the group two more Top Ten R&B hit singles. Produced by Gary Taylor, the smooth "My Heart Your Heart" is sprinkled with the group's doo wop harmonies. Tsuyoshi Takayanagi's Latin-tinged "I Wanna Make It Good to You" was given an extended remix, a name change ("Is It Good to You"), and received massive radio play. No doubt these two tracks pushed More of the Night to gold status. ~ Ed Hogan, All Music Guide
