Pressure Sensitive
Ronnie Laws · 1975
35 min · 8 tracks · jazz
A vibrant blend of jazz, soul, and funk with lush instrumentation and smooth melodies that invite deep emotional connection.
Top tracks — play these first
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Always There — This track features a memorable melody and rich harmony that showcases Laws' smooth saxophone work while blending elements of jazz and soul.
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Tell Me Something Good — A standout track that combines catchy hooks with intricate arrangements, illustrating the crossover appeal of Laws’ sound and inviting listeners to engage more deeply.
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Never Be the Same — This song highlights Laws' ability to fuse lyrical poignancy with sophisticated instrumental sections, creating an emotional resonance that characterizes much of the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong instrumental writing with engaging grooves, though it remains somewhat conventional in its genre.
What we noticed
- The album features extended instrumental sections, allowing the saxophone to take center stage while the rhythm section provides a steady groove.
- Each track incorporates rich harmonies and layered instrumentation, often blending jazz with elements of funk and soul.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- 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
- smooth melodies for relaxed evenings
- inviting emotional connections throughout
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
- uplifting grooves for social gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy dance tracks
- prefer longer, sprawling compositions
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1975, Pressure Sensitive was Ronnie Laws' debut album after his stint with the group Earth, Wind & Fire. At this point in his career, Laws was transitioning into a solo artist, having gained acclaim for his saxophone work and contributions to jazz fusion. This album set the foundation for his future in the crossover jazz genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- George Benson· Bob James· David Sanborn
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Never Be the Same
The verse reflects on change and longing through vivid imagery of past moments, intensifying the emotional weight of the narrative.
The use of reflective imagery contrasts with upbeat instrumental sections, enhancing the song's emotional complexity and showcasing Laws’ lyrical depth.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Always There 4:54
- 2 Momma 4:24
- 3 Never Be the Same 4:25
- 4 Tell Me Something Good 4:52
- 5 Nothing to Lose 4:56
- 6 Tidal Wave 4:12
- 7 Why Do You Always Laugh at Me 4:00
- 8 Mis' Mary's Place 3:35
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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