Workin' It Back
Teddy Pendergrass · 1985
37 min · 8 tracks · funk
Smooth harmonies and infectious grooves blend seamlessly in a soulful exploration of love and longing.
Top tracks — play these first
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Love Emergency — This track stands out with its catchy chorus and upbeat rhythm, reflecting Pendergrass's ability to weave emotional depth into danceable tracks.
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One of Us Fell in Love — This song's poignant storytelling about heartbreak resonates deeply, showcasing Pendergrass’s vocal prowess and emotional delivery.
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Workin' It Back — The title track encapsulates the album’s themes of reconciliation and longing, featuring a captivating melody that highlights Pendergrass's smooth vocals.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends smooth grooves with soulful vocals, showcasing Pendergrass's style but lacks standout compositions.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks establish a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the subsequent tracks introduce varying tempos and emotional tones.
- Each song features layered vocal harmonies, with Pendergrass's lead vocals often accompanied by backing singers that enhance the soulful feel.
- Several tracks incorporate brass instrumentation, adding a lively texture that contrasts with the smoother elements of the production.
- 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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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- 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
- steady mid-tempo groove
- for romantic evenings
- smooth vocals for relaxed listening
- engaging sing-along moments
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced energy
- seek experimental soundscapes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in early 1985, Workin' It Back was Teddy Pendergrass's fifth studio album, coming after his commercial peak with the successful album TP. At this juncture, he was transitioning from a string of hits in the late 1970s and early 1980s to a more mature sound that reflected personal experiences and artistic growth.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Marvin Gaye· Al Green· Barry White
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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One of Us Fell in Love
The bridge introduces a moment of vulnerability as the narrative shifts to acknowledge regret and what could have been.
This shift adds emotional weight to the song, contrasting earlier confidence with a reflective tone that deepens its impact.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Love 4-2 6:23
- 2 One of Us Fell in Love 4:28
- 3 Never Felt Like Dancin' 4:10
- 4 Let Me Be Closer 4:38
- 5 Lonely Color Blue 5:30
- 6 Want You Back in My Life 4:40
- 7 Workin' It Back 2:47
- 8 Love Emergency 4:33
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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