What makes S.O.S. by The S.O.S. Band notable?

The album features the hit single 'Take Your Time (Do It Right)', which reached number one on the R&B charts, solidifying the band's place within the funk movement of the early '80s. Its success helped pave the way for future releases and influenced numerous artists within the genre. Released in 1980, S.O.S. marked The S.O.S. Band's debut album, establishing them as a prominent act in the funk and R&B scene. Following this release, they would go on to influence the genre with their signature sound characterized by catchy hooks and danceable rhythms.

How many songs are on S.O.S.?

S.O.S. has 8 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

S.O.S.

The S.O.S. Band · 1980

39 min · 8 tracks · funk

A vibrant fusion of funk and rhythm and blues that grooves with infectious energy and smooth melodies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Take Your Time (Do It Right) — This track became an anthem for the band, showcasing their ability to blend intricate arrangements with danceable grooves, highlighting their signature sound.
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S.O.S. (Dit Dit Dit Dat Dat Dat Dit Dit Dit) — The title track introduces listeners to the band's innovative approach to rhythm, with its memorable hook and engaging lyrical play setting the tone for the album.
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What's Wrong With Our Love Affair? — This song features poignant storytelling about relationship struggles, demonstrating the band's skill in weaving emotional depth into upbeat tracks.

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 showcases solid funk compositions with engaging grooves but lacks the depth for lasting impact.

What we noticed

Each track features prominent bass lines and layered vocal harmonies, characteristic of funk and R&B styles.
The final track is a reprise of the opening song, creating a circular structure that reinforces the album's themes.

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

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.

Tracklist

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

1 S.O.S. (Dit Dit Dit Dat Dat Dat Dit Dit Dit) 5:48
2 What's Wrong With Our Love Affair? 4:55
3 Open Letter 4:32
4 Love Won't Wait for Love 5:17
5 Take Your Time (Do It Right) 7:43
6 I'm in Love 3:35
7 Take Love Where You Find It 5:57
8 S.O.S. (reprise) 1:51

What to play next

Listen next

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1981

Full The S.O.S. Band discography Artists like The S.O.S. Band

funk

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata