Is Tell It Like It Is a good place to start with George Benson?

Yes, Tell It Like It Is is recommended as a starting point for new George Benson listeners. A vibrant blend of jazz, funk, and rhythm and blues that captivates with its soulful melodies and infectious grooves. In 1969, George Benson was transitioning from a respected session guitarist to a burgeoning solo artist. This album followed his debut 'The New Boss Guitar' and marked a significant step in his evolution, showcasing his vocal talents alongside his instrumental prowess.

Who is Tell It Like It Is for?

Tell It Like It Is works well if you're into short, engaging listening sessions, upbeat and lively vibes and dynamic emotional journeys.

How many songs are on Tell It Like It Is?

Tell It Like It Is has 11 tracks, running approximately 32 minutes.

Tell It Like It Is

George Benson · 1969

32 min · 11 tracks · funk

A vibrant blend of jazz, funk, and rhythm and blues that captivates with its soulful melodies and infectious grooves.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Tell It Like It Is — This title track stands out for its emotional depth, featuring Benson's smooth vocals which convey sincerity and longing, encapsulating the essence of the album.
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Soul Limbo Start here — With its catchy horns and upbeat rhythm, this track became an anthem for summer gatherings, showcasing Benson's knack for fusing catchy hooks with jazzy instrumentation.
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My Cherie Amour — This cover highlights Benson's ability to reinterpret classic songs, imbuing it with a fresh jazz-funk vibe while maintaining the heartfelt sentiment of the original.

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 showcases Benson's evolving artistry with strong grooves and engaging melodies, though it doesn't fully stand out in its genre.

What we noticed

The album opens with a strong, upbeat track that sets a lively tone, followed by several mid-tempo songs that maintain the groove.
The final track features a notable drop in tempo, providing a contrast to the preceding energetic pieces and allowing for a reflective conclusion.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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

short, engaging listening sessions
upbeat and lively vibes
dynamic emotional journeys
playful and cheerful tones

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Established Benson's reputation as a versatile performer, gaining wider recognition.
Themes: soulful storytelling· 1960s vocal transition· infectious grooves
Career context: In 1969, George Benson was transitioning from a respected session guitarist to a burgeoning solo artist. This album followed his debut 'The New Boss Guitar' and marked a significant step in his evolution, showcasing his vocal talents alongside his instrumental prowess.
Stylistic neighbors: Al Jarreau· Lee Ritenour· Pat Metheny