What makes Boogie Down! by Eddie Kendricks notable?

Boogie Down! was notable for its commercial success, peaking at number 16 on the Billboard Soul Albums chart. The title track became a dance classic, heavily influencing the disco scene that emerged later in the decade, showcasing Kendricks' ability to adapt to changing musical trends while maintaining his soulful essence. Released in February 1974, Boogie Down! is Eddie Kendricks' fourth solo album, following his successful self-titled debut in 1973. At this point, he was transitioning from his roots in The Temptations and establishing a distinct identity within the soul genre, marked by his falsetto vocals and personal songwriting.

How many songs are on Boogie Down!?

Boogie Down! has 10 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

Boogie Down!

Eddie Kendricks · 1974

42 min · 10 tracks · soul

An infectious blend of smooth soul grooves with vibrant horns and uplifting melodies that invite listeners to dance.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Boogie Down — The title track encapsulates the album's joyful spirit with its upbeat rhythm and catchy hooks, cementing Kendricks' role in the burgeoning disco movement.
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Tell Her Love Has Felt the Need — This track showcases Kendricks' emotive vocal delivery and intricate arrangements, illustrating his ability to convey deep longing through lush instrumentation.
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You Are the Melody of My Life — A standout ballad that highlights Kendricks' signature falsetto, this song emphasizes personal reflection and romantic devotion, blending heartfelt lyrics with rich harmonies.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and vibrant arrangements, making it a notable entry in Kendricks' discography.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of vibrant horn sections that punctuate the grooves, particularly in tracks like 'Boogie Down' and 'Hooked on Your Love'.
The tempo remains upbeat throughout, with only slight variations, ensuring a danceable quality across all ten tracks.
Kendricks' vocal delivery often employs call-and-response techniques, inviting interaction and enhancing the communal feel of the music.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 The Thin Man 3:40
2 Tell Her Love Has Felt the Need 4:30
3 Son of Sagittarius 3:41
4 Boogie Down 7:07
5 Hooked on Your Love 3:30
6 Honey Brown 5:18
7 You Are the Melody of My Life 4:00
8 Trust Your Heart 4:13
9 Girl of My Dreams 3:28
10 Loving You the Second Time Around 3:12

What to play next

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For You

1974

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Eddie Kendricks

1973

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata