Bobby Womack - Understanding (1972)

As compelling as Bobby Womack's lacerating baritone may be, it still has that uncanny ability to be an engaging voice. This album has that timeliness appeal. It features the chart-buster in the mid-tempo number "Woman's Gotta Have It." It was a number one single on the Billboard R&B charts. In addition to the aforementioned song, Womack also features a host of other granite numbers like "Ruby Dean" and "I Can Understand It." The latter, penned by Womack, was also covered by New Birth. Both versions are excellent. However, Womack's version has a soothing effect as it employs a sensuous string arrangement while New Birth's rendition is rather funky, retaining a spirited horn arrangement. Womack's version was never a release. "Harry Hippie" is a narrative about his brother and former bandmate Harris Womack. It checked in at number eight. The Ohio native's unique trait to calm a song with his blistering baritone re-surfaces on "Sweet Caroline," the album's third and final release. For a song to be so sweet and gentle, Womack enhances the flavor of this sentimental number with a heartfelt, soulful approach. It slipped into the Top 20 at 16. By all standards, this album is stirring. (by Craig Lytle)




Personnel:
Tippy Armstrong (guitar)
Barry Beckett (keyboards, synthesizer)
Hayward Bishop (drums, percussion)
Harrison Calloway, Jr. (trumpet)
Ronnie Eade (saxophone)
Bobby Emmons (organ)
Pam Grier (background vocals)
Roger Hawkins (drums, percussion)
Patrice Holloway (background vocals)
David Hood (bass)
Jimmy Johnson (guitar)
Mike Leech (bass)
Dale Quillen (trombone)
Janice Singleton (background vocals)
Harvey Thompson (saxophone)
Bobby Womack (vocals)
Bobby Wood (piano)     
Reggie Young (guitar)

Tracklist:

01. I Can Understand It (B.Womack) 6.30
02. Woman's Gotta Have It (B.Womack/Carter/L.Womack) 3.30
03. And I Love Her (Lennon/McCartney) 2.40
04. Got To Get You Back (Lewis) 2.47
05. Simple Man (B.Womack/Hicks) 5.50
06. Ruby Dean
(B.Womack/Hicks) 3.22
07.
Thing Called Love (Wright/Hicks) 3.55
08. Sweet Caroline (Good Times Never Seemed So Good) (Diamond) 3.07
09. Harry Hippie (Ford) 3.50

ARMU 2307
ARMU 2307 (zippyshare)