Wide Receiver
Michael Henderson · 1980
39 min · 9 tracks · funk
A vibrant fusion of funk, jazz, and R&B that grooves with a laid-back yet sophisticated energy.
Top tracks — play these first
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You're My Choice — This opening track exemplifies Henderson's signature blend of funk and soul, featuring catchy hooks and smooth vocals that set the tone for the album.
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Wide Receiver — The title track stands out with its extended jam that showcases Henderson's bass prowess while weaving intricate harmonies and rhythms.
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What I'm Feeling (For You) — This song combines heartfelt lyrics with a lush arrangement, highlighting Henderson's emotional delivery and songwriting depth.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends funk and jazz elements effectively but lacks standout compositions to elevate it further.
What we noticed
- The first four tracks maintain a steady groove with prominent bass lines and layered horns, creating a cohesive funk sound.
- The fifth track introduces a slower tempo with a focus on vocal harmonies, contrasting the preceding energy.
- Several tracks feature extended instrumental sections that allow for improvisation, particularly in the horn arrangements.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- laid-back grooves for relaxation
- for social gatherings
- catchy melodies for sing-alongs
- inviting rhythms for dancing
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek heavy introspective themes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1980, 'Wide Receiver' was Michael Henderson's fifth studio album, following his successful run with 'In the Night.' At this point in his career, Henderson had already established himself as a prominent figure in the jazz-funk scene, known for his work as a bassist with Miles Davis and his solo endeavors. This album reflects his continued evolution as an artist blending intricate musicianship with accessible melodies.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Herbie Hancock· George Duke· Chaka Khan
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 You're My Choice 3:04
- 2 Make Me Feel Like 4:27
- 3 Reach Out for Me 3:34
- 4 Wide Receiver 8:04
- 5 I Don't Need Nobody Else 4:01
- 6 What I'm Feeling (For You) 4:02
- 7 Ask the Lonely 3:10
- 8 There's No One Like You 4:20
- 9 Prove It 4:24
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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