Blue Magic - Message

All Music Guide

Blue Magic's 1978 Atco/Atlantic LP Message was produced by Skip Scarborough (Earth Wind and Fire, LTD's "Love Ballad," Creative Source) and is a favorite of soft soul enthusiasts. Most of the LP's songs were co-written by the group. An album that's definitely on the mellow side, one reason for its lack of huge commercial success may have been that it was released at the height of disco. No matter, the LP brims with great make-out music: the majestic ballads "Still in Love With You," "Sweet Woman," the samba-flavored "Can't Get You off My Mind," and the glockenspiel clop, clop-laced slow jam "Lady in My World of Love." Blue Magic picks up the tempo a bit on the optimistic "Message." Those who loved the group's two gold singles, "Sideshow" and "Three Ring Circus," won't be disappointed. The slick and swift "I Waited" from the LP is included on the 1996 Rhino CD, Soulful Spell: The Best of Blue Magic.

- Ed Hogan, All Music Guide