Although husband-and-wife soul duo Ashford & Simpson had been liable for writing a number of memorable US No. 1 data – amongst them Ray Charles’ “Let’s Go Get Stoned” (1966), Marvin Gaye And Tammi Terrell’s “Ain’t Nothing Like The Real Thing” (1969) and Diana Ross’ “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” (1970) – the title monitor of their 1984 album, Strong, was the primary of their very own singles to succeed in pole place within the US R&B charts.
The resounding success of each the only and the album of the identical title was the fruits of just about 20 years’ value of onerous work that had seen the duo rise from being employees songwriters and producers at Berry Gordy’s Motown label within the late 60s to changing into a hit-making singer-songwriter duo at Warner Bros within the 70s and Capitol within the 80s. They’d racked up 27 charting singles within the States earlier than “Solid” got here alongside.
Take heed to Strong on Apple Music and Spotify.
Boasting a super-infectious refrain, “Solid” is an uplifting matrimonial anthem concerning the bonds of affection and togetherness over a chugging beat. Its message appeared to embody the intimate, rock-steady, symbiotic relationship of its two co-creators, Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson. The 2 had met in Valerie’s church in Harlem throughout 1964, struck up a friendship – which later blossomed into romance – and commenced writing songs collectively. In life and in music, they turned an inseparable couple, regardless that Motown briefly tried to launch Valerie – unsuccessfully, because it turned out – as a solo artist within the early 70s. Although “Solid” was an correct self-portrait of Ashford & Simpson’s personal relationship, maybe, its easy message and heartfelt sincerity struck a chord with individuals (and {couples}) across the globe, who acknowledged one thing of themselves and their very own lives within the tune’s lyrics.
Whereas the only, which had been launched on November 9, 1984, was flying excessive within the charts world wide (it soared to No. 3 within the UK), Strong the album got here in its wake. It was the duo’s third LP for Capitol, the twelfth of their profession, and, like their earlier work, was self-produced and featured all unique songs.
The duo’s 70s work had been natural and richly orchestrated, however Strong, in contrast, confirmed them embracing the artificial aesthetic that was starting to outline R&B music within the 80s – a musical panorama dominated by synthesizers, sequencers, and drum machines.
Although its title monitor was the undoubted sonic keystone of Strong, it didn’t dwarf the remainder of the album into insignificance. Ashford & Simpson confirmed a more durable edge on “Outta The World,” a pointy slice of minimalist, machine-tooled, funk about sexual attraction (it was the second single launched from the album, making No. 4 within the US R&B chart). Different highlights included the rock-inflected “Babies,” a cautionary story with a killer refrain concerning the penalties of teenage being pregnant (it was the third single lifted from the LP, reaching No. 29 within the R&B chart). A few tunes from the album additionally appeared on the soundtrack to the critically-panned and now forgotten 1984 breakdancing film Physique Rock: “The Jungle,” an astute commentary of the dog-eat-dog ethos of latest city life, and a propulsive electro-groove known as “The Closest To Love,” which was an Ashford & Simpson rarity in that it solely featured Valerie’s voice.
But it surely was on the set’s romantic ballads the place the duo performed their trump playing cards. “Honey I Love You” is a straightforward declaration of affection, whereas the dreamy, mid-tempo, saxophone-laced “Cherish Forever More” is a making-up-after-breaking-up plea for forgiveness and understanding.
Strong spent a month at No. 1 throughout its 43 weeks within the US R&B albums chart (it peaked at No. 29 within the pop counterpart) and represented the business peak for Ashford & Simpson, who solely made three extra albums collectively after that. Sadly, Nick Ashford died from most cancers in 2011, bringing the curtain down on the glittering profession of R&B’s most profitable couple. A long time on, Strong stays the undoubted jewel in Ashford & Simpson’s crown.
Strong could be purchased right here.
