Pressin' On cover

Pressin' On

Billy Preston · 1982

37 min · 9 tracks · blues

A vibrant blend of gospel-infused funk and soulful rhythms that showcases Preston's virtuosic keyboard skills and uplifting spirit.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Pressin' On — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of perseverance and hope, driven by infectious grooves and powerful vocals that highlight Preston's dynamic range.
  • →
    I'd Like To Go Back Home Again — This track stands out for its reflective lyrics and soulful delivery, illustrating a longing for connection while showcasing Preston’s emotive piano work.
  • →
    I Love You So — With a lush arrangement and heartfelt performance, this song exemplifies Preston's ability to convey deep emotion through simplicity, making it a memorable highlight of the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album blends gospel and funk effectively, highlighted by strong performances but with some uneven pacing.

What we noticed

  • The tempo varies significantly across the album, with some tracks maintaining a steady groove while others shift to more upbeat rhythms.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

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 vibes for gatherings
  • feel-good energy for road trips
  • joyful sing-alongs with friends
  • short bursts of positivity
  • soulful rhythms for celebration

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer slow, introspective music
  • avoid upbeat, energetic tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in January 1982, Pressin' On marked Billy Preston's return to the music scene after a brief hiatus following his work with The Beatles. This album was significant as it represented his attempt to re-establish himself as a solo artist during a time when he had been primarily known for his collaborative efforts.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Pressin' On 5:11
  • 2 I'd Like To Go Back Home Again 5:03
  • 3 Loving You Is Easy 4:13
  • 4 Turn It Out 3:46
  • 5 I'm Never Gonna Say Goodbye 3:37
  • 6 Thanks But No Thanks 3:52
  • 7 Don't Try To Fight It 4:14
  • 8 I Love You So 4:09
  • 9 I Come To Rest In You 3:53

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata