Smooth Sailin'

Artist: The Isley Brothers
Label: Warner Bros / Wea
Category: Music

Average customer rating:

Media: Audio Cassette

UPC: 075992558648
EAN: 0075992558648
ASIN: B000002LBU

Release Date: 1990-10-17

Smooth Sailin'

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| R&B | Styles | Music

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Tracks:

Everything Is Alright
Dish It Out
It Takes a Good Woman
Send a Message
Smooth Sailin' Tonight
Somebody I Used to Know
Come My Way
I Wish

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Spend the Night
Between the Sheets
Winner Takes All
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Customer Reviews:

Some nice ones, but they've done a little better.......2006-10-23

It's not the greatest album they ever made, but this one still manages to meet the basic standards necessary to craft a listenable Isleys album, not to mention the pressure that they were probably under following the death of O'Kelly Isley after the release of their last album to that point. The silky-smooth voice of Ronald Isley beautifies the sensuous title track, and the funky "Everything Is Alright" was one of the best uptempo numbers they'd had in years.

okay, but nothing special.......2006-05-29

The mid-1980s was a time of major changes for R&B dynasty The Isley Brothers. After nearly 30 years in the business, the twin calamities of the breakup of the powerful 3+3 collaboration between younger and older Isleys (the younger siblings went on to form Isley-Jasper-Isley) and the passing of original member O'Kelly Isley left the group in a tailspin.

Now down to a duo, brothers Ronald and Rudolph soldiered on under The Isley Brothers name with a new heavily-synthesized sound that was largely written and produced by Angela Winbush, who was starting her successful solo career after the breakup of René & Angela (and eventually would marry Ronald).

One of the first results of Winbush and the Isleys' labor was the album "Smooth Sailin'." Though it was warmly received and spawned the hit "Smooth Sailin' Tonight," the release could almost be considered a step back for the group due to a certain blandness that permeates the album.

Though Winbush and the Isleys are immensely talented as individuals, the album is filled with somewhat warmed-over tracks best suited for René & Angela B-sides. The first four tracks are almost laughable, as the duo tries to capture the essence of contemporary music but fails miserably. Overproduction by Winbush and phoned-in vocals by the Isleys didn't help things. Even the tribute to O'Kelly Isley, "Send a Message" seems a bit boring, honoring a dynamic singer with a more or less forgettable track.

The last half of the album fares a lot better, with "Smooth Sailin' Tonight," "Somebody I Used To Know," "Come My Way," and "I Wish " finally certifying this as a serious Isley Brothers release with their moody, chord-heavy Quiet Storm-ready romance. If you buy this album, it will be for these tracks.

I can't recommend "Smooth Sailin' " to anyone but hard-core Isley fans that want to complete their collection. If you like the general direction the group was taking in the `80s and `90s, choose "Spend the Night" or "Mission to Please" first, because they are far and away better albums.

Not typical Isley Brothers Style.......2003-10-14

The title song, Smooth Sailing is very reminiscent of 70s and 80s
groove songs. The music takes me back to the disco era; I would
recommend it if you are a true Isley Brother fan. The title song
is worth whatever you pay. It's still played on slow jam radio shows. Don't expect the overfunk; these guys have grown up.

pretty Good Set.......2003-03-20

being a Fan from back in the day the Overall Production&Vibe of this Set has Some really Good Moments but I Wouldn't put this on there Must have Sets though.I give them Props for doing there thing after losing there Oldest Brother O'Kelly.also Considering they lost Chris Jasper they truly had to re-group&I think they did a Pretty Good Job here.Together with Angelia Winbush they bring a Tight Slow-Jam with "Smooth Sailin".

A Truly Great Comeback.......2003-01-10

The Isley Brothers (O'Kelly, Rudolph & Ronald) had finally bounced back from the departure of the younger members of their band (Isley, Jasper, Isley). They signed with Warner Bros. and released a workmanlike (but unspectacular) album, Masterpiece, in 1986. The group's foundation was then rocked by the sudden death of oldest brother O'Kelly from a massive heart attack. But with each ending comes a new beginning. Angela Winbush (formerly of Rene and Angela) had seen her professional relationship with Rene Moore go by the wayside. She had some tracks left over that she felt would work well on The Isleys and, upon meeting Ronald, began a relationship that would culminate in marriage. Her vast skill as a songwriter and producer on this album brought The Isleys (carrying on as a duo) all the way back. The set kicks off with three uptempo numbers. "Everything Is Alright" was a perfect song for the occasion. Kelly wouldn't have wanted his death to be the end of the act that was his life's passion, and his brothers intended to carry on into a fourth decade of epic performances. Ronald gives a great performance on "Send A Message," a tribute to his late brother. Angela crafted the song perfectly to the Isley style. It fits Ronald like silk pajamas! The title cut, "Smooth Sailing Tonight," puts the brothers in familiar territory: the bedroom. And they stay there for the rest of the album. "Somebody I Used To Know" and "I Wish" are a couple of really nice ballads. "Come My Way" is a remake of a Rene and Angela song, that I think beats the original. Rene Moore wound up suing Angela Winbush, claiming co-authorship of songs on this album (I don't know how that one turned out). The last time I saw the Isleys in concert (around the time of "Mission To Please"), only Ronald and Ernie appeared. Rudolph had retired and Marvin had ceased performing due to his bout with diabetes. Angela Winbush made a cameo appearance as one of the background singers, and sang a verse from "Angel," her #1 R&B hit as a solo act.

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