Feel No Fret
Average White Band · 1979
55 min · 13 tracks · blue-eyed soul
A smooth blend of blue-eyed soul and funk, rich with heartfelt melodies and polished instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
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When Will You Be Mine — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its infectious rhythm and catchy chorus, showcasing the band's ability to merge soulful melodies with danceable beats.
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Feel No Fret — The title track serves as a reflective centerpiece of the album, featuring lush instrumentals and heartfelt lyrics that encapsulate the band's emotional depth and musical versatility.
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Walk on By — Their cover of this classic showcases the band's skill in reinterpreting well-known songs while infusing them with their signature funk style, making it a standout track.
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Love Won't Get in the Way — This track exemplifies the lush harmonies and polished production typical of Average White Band’s work, offering an introspective take on love that resonates throughout the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases solid songwriting and polished production, but lacks standout tracks that define its era.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature prominent horn arrangements that drive the melodies, while the fourth track introduces a more laid-back groove.
- Several songs utilize call-and-response vocal techniques, enhancing the interaction between lead and backing vocals.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. 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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo groove exploration
- uplifting vibes for social gatherings
- melodic background for relaxed moments
- soulful vocals for emotional connection
- consistent flow through entire album
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy dance tracks
- prefer immediate, catchy singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Feel No Fret' was released in January 1979, Average White Band had already gained international recognition with their previous album, 'AWB', which featured the hit 'Pick Up the Pieces'. This fourth studio album marked a continuation of their evolving sound, showcasing their signature blend of soulful grooves and sophisticated arrangements as they sought to solidify their legacy in the genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Tower of Power· Earth, Wind & Fire· Chic
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 When Will You Be Mine 4:20
- 2 Please Don't Fall in Love 3:45
- 3 Walk on By 3:59
- 4 Feel No Fret 6:36
- 5 Stop the Rain 4:31
- 6 Atlantic Avenue 3:14
- 7 Ace of Hearts 3:53
- 8 Too Late to Cry 3:45
- 9 Fire Burning 3:17
- 10 Kiss Me 3:51
- 11 Love Won't Get in the Way 5:12
- 12 Love Gives, Love Takes Away 4:09
- 13 Growing Pains 4:30
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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