What makes Late at Night by Billy Preston notable?

'Late at Night' is notable for its commercial success, reaching No. 25 on the Billboard 200 chart and solidifying Preston's status as a leading figure in funk music. The single 'With You I'm Born Again', featuring Syreeta Wright, became a significant hit, further showcasing his ability to blend soulful melodies with contemporary pop elements. Released on October 22, 1979, 'Late at Night' marked Billy Preston's return to the music scene after a five-year hiatus following the mixed reception of his previous album, 'Music Is My Life'. This album came during a time when Preston was working to redefine his style and reclaim his place within the funk genre after a series of collaborations with major artists like The Beatles and Sly & The Family Stone.

Who is Late at Night for?

Late at Night works well if you're into uplifting late-night gatherings, soulful reflections with friends and playful rhythms for dancing.

How many songs are on Late at Night?

Late at Night has 9 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Released 47 years ago this October

Late at Night

Billy Preston · 1979

39 min · 9 tracks · blues

A vibrant fusion of funk and soul, underscored by gospel influences and Preston's signature keyboard work.

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Top tracks — play these first

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With You I’m Born Again — This track features heartfelt vocals paired with lush arrangements, highlighting Preston's skill in merging soul and pop sensibilities seamlessly.
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Late at Night — The title track encapsulates the album's essence with its smooth groove and lyrical themes of love and longing, making it a standout piece.
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Give It Up, Hot — Opening the album with infectious energy, this track showcases Preston's dynamic keyboard work and sets a vibrant tone for the entire record.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album blends funk and soul with gospel influences, showcasing Preston's keyboard skills while maintaining a solid groove.

What we noticed

Several tracks feature prominent keyboard solos that showcase Preston's virtuosic playing, particularly on 'Give It Up, Hot' and 'Sock-It Rocket'.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

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

uplifting late-night gatherings
soulful reflections with friends
playful rhythms for dancing
warm soundscapes for relaxation

Maybe skip if you

seeking intense, fast-paced action
prefer standalone singles over cohesion

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on October 22, 1979, 'Late at Night' marked Billy Preston's return to the music scene after a five-year hiatus following the mixed reception of his previous album, 'Music Is My Life'. This album came during a time when Preston was working to redefine his style and reclaim his place within the funk genre after a series of collaborations with major artists like The Beatles and Sly & The Family Stone.
Stylistic neighbors: Stevie Wonder· Ray Charles· Sly and the Family Stone

Tracklist

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

1 Give It Up, Hot 5:59
2 Late at Night 4:49
3 All I Wanted Was You 4:43
4 You 4:25
5 I Come to Rest in You 3:52
6 It Will Come in Time 4:57
7 Lovely Lady 3:52
8 With You I’m Born Again 3:38
9 Sock-It Rocket 3:10

What to play next

Listen next

Universal Love

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Go back to

Behold!

1978

Full Billy Preston discography Artists like Billy Preston

funk

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata