bmc: :: ABC Records # AB-977

ABC records Soul & Funk Albums (Pt.28)
The '70s and '80s may be scattered with routine B.B. KING albums, but rumors to the contrary, this is not one of them. Despite the occasional pop string and/or brass backings and mostly relaxed vocal delivery by KING, the Memphis and L.A. studio bands kick hard -- aided and abetted by some conga players -- and the material is often superior. The record even hits a hot streak on side two with three excellent tracks in a row -- a very funky "Got My Mojo Workin'" with a bumpy clavinet going full-tilt underneath KING's easygoing vocal, "Walkin' in the Sun," with a nicely relaxed funky beat offsetting the strings, and "Mother Fuyer" may be the best one of all, with its humorous lyrics and driving beat. "Don't Lie to Me" opens the album on a nice, rolling groove that KING rides real easy, and the medley of "I Just Want to Make Love to You/Your Lovin' Turns Me On" has the smokin' guest R&B tenor of Jimmy FORREST juicing up the solo break. Not much guitar here, but KING does erupt now and then with some good signature breaks. ~ Richard Ginell, All Music Guide