Save the Children cover

Save the Children

Bobby Womack · 1989

48 min · 10 tracks · rhythm and blues

Soulful melodies intertwine with socially conscious lyrics, reflecting a mature artist grappling with personal and societal themes.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Save the Children Start here — The title track tackles themes of hope and social responsibility, serving as a rallying cry for unity and change during a turbulent time.
  • →
    Baby I'm Back — This track highlights Womack's signature blend of vulnerability and confidence, showcasing his vocal prowess and emotional depth.
  • →
    Freelove — With its smooth groove and reflective lyrics, this song captures the essence of romantic longing while addressing broader themes of freedom and choice.

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 blends soulful melodies with socially conscious themes, showcasing Womack's mature artistry.

What we noticed

  • The title track opens the album with a slow tempo and builds in intensity through layered instrumentation and vocal harmonies.
  • Several tracks feature call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the communal feel of the messages being conveyed.
  • Lyrically, the songs address personal struggles alongside broader social issues, creating a narrative that weaves through the entire record.
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
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

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

  • steady emotional exploration throughout
  • soulful reflections on love
  • gentle pacing for introspection
  • for evening relaxation

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy tracks
  • prefer short, standalone songs

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Marks a notable return and addresses social issues, showcasing Womack's continued relevance.
Themes
social responsibility· romantic longing
Career context
By 1989, Bobby Womack was experiencing a resurgence in his career after years of fluctuating popularity. 'Save the Children' marked his return to recording after a five-year hiatus following the release of 'The Poet II' in 1984, showcasing his enduring relevance in the evolving R&B landscape.
Stylistic neighbors
Al Green· Marvin Gaye· Otis Redding

Tracklist

  • 1 Save the Children Start here 6:30
  • 2 Priorities 5:23
  • 3 Too Close for Comfort 4:49
  • 4 Baby I'm Back 4:35
  • 5 She's My Girl 3:56
  • 6 Freelove 6:01
  • 7 How Can It Be 4:38
  • 8 Tough Job 4:16
  • 9 Now We're Together 3:47
  • 10 Better Love (Everybody's Looking for a Better Love) 4:40

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata