Customer Reviews

Nightbirds

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That review makes me wonder if that critic ever actually listened to the album. Nightbirds is a standout because of Nona Hendryx's writing, not in spite of it. While you can certainly accuse Hendryx of not writing bubblegum drek or utilizing threadbare cliches, saying her songs lack melody is just crazy. Two of Nona's most beautiful ballads are here--the title track and "You Turn Me On." Those two songs alone are worth the price of admission, folks! If you are looking for "Funky Town" or "Shake Your Groove Thing," look elsewhere. But if you want some of the most inventive, powerful soul/rock fusion ever made, put this CD in your shopping cart.

Hey
I listened to this cd on my Launchcast radio and had heard almost all of the songs when i decided to buy it. My favortie songs are: LADY MARMALADE (classic) SOMBODY SOMWHERE (Funky man funky) WHAT CAN I DO FOR YOU (Disco beats) NIGHTBIRDS (slow jam) YOU TURN ME ON (the line "I come like a pouring rain, each time you call my name" always makes me smile)
They were the HOTTEST group in the 70s and I wish i could have seen them perform. I hear their stage shows were fascinating! I'm glad i have the cd to live back in the 70s everytime i hear it. So if you like funk/soul/disco all roled into one then buy this cd you won't be sorry.

On 1974's 'Nightbirds' Patti,Nona and Sarah all make it clear that when it comes to stanky,sweaty New Orleans R&B and funk they will be the undisputed female champians!"Lady Marmalade" was of course Labelle's big breakthrough single and likely what they'll always be remembered for but the trio also deliver several other funky tunes in a similar vein such as the title track,"Don't Bring me Down","All Girl Band" and "Somebody Somewhere" and these gals truely give the music their all.Patti Labelle and Nona Hendryx never have belted out stronger then they do here and Alen Toussaint's organ and horn heavy arrangements give every song here,even the two ballads a big,punchy sound.But it's not a disco thing-it's all about that hefty rhythm and alot of funkiness.A superb place to introduce yourself to Labelle if you already haven't and just a damn great CD to have!

One of the best albums of the 70s, there's no doubt. The vocal harmonies, the arrangements, and Toussaint's production are superfluous. Possibly Patti's best vocal performance ever. Sarah and Nona also shine. The harmonies that these women created have never been duplicated. The tension in their voices, each unique and powerful in their own right, are stupendous. Highly recommended for people who want a true taste of 70s soul at it's absolute best.

This must be the hottest female vocal trio I've ever heard in my life.I never liked "sweet" girl group sound of Labelle of 1960's,and I dont think that her solo work ever measures what was achieved here:sophistication of lyrics (wonderful Nona Hendryx) matched with absolute madness of vocal passion,three exctatic female voices singing unison like sirens,absolutely brilliant!Famous "Lady Marmelade" is actually maybe the weakest song here,I usualy skip it because I can't wait to hear songs that were better constructed and more intriguing.The reason why "Lady" overshadowed the rest of the album was simply that this song was the simplest and most memorable,so it find its way to charts,while the rest of the album needs fine attuned ears to pick up great arrangements and brethtaking interpretation/lyrics. Unfortunately my CD copy dont have any information of musicians or songs,so I just have to assume that Nona wrotte most of them. Their manager at the time (Vicki Wickham) was largely responsible to turn them in this funk-soul-rock supergroup and I can't stop wondering why did girls went solo,since neither of them achieved anything spectacular as single acts.

Labelle's NIGHTBIRDS is an enduring classic album, and captures the trio at it's peak creatively, musically & commercially. Patti, Sarah & Nona gained worldwide success, a Top 10 album and the #1 smash hit LADY MARMALADE after a decade of dues paying hard work. This album illustrates all their influences, with a mix of R&B, rock, gospel, soul and the amazing production by Allen Toussaint. Labelle got the right sound & songs that has made this album timeless.

The songs are amazing, both the original material written by Nona Hendryx and the outside material. It all comes together on this brilliant visionary album . LADY MARMALADE is just the beginning of this fantastic album. Labelle rings out loud & clear on socially concious songs like the astounding WHAT CAN I DO FOR YOU - a loud, brash & bold song that represents their hybrid sound at it's best. SOMEBODY SOMEWHERE, ARE YOU LONELY, SPACE CHILDREN and YOU TURN ME ON are some of Nona's best, most concise, tight songs. DON'T BRING ME DOWN is funky as hell, and would have made a great single. The use of horns & brass on the album sounds as triumphant as this album actually is.

It was on Rolling Stone's list of Top 50 Albums by Female Artists, went gold & has been in print since it's release. Labelle broke new ground & hit it big with NIGHTBIRDS, and it's awesome music to hear. Like a wake-up call that the time was here for a new sound of exciting music , Labelle is much needed to hear today for their sheer power, talent & boldness in making great music.

This is the quintessential Labelle album. I also love their farewell album, Chameleon but Nightbirds is the album that solidified their success. Who can forget Lady Marmalade? Although that is their most commercially successful hit, there are so many other classics on this album. The whole album is good, from start to finish. If you wanna dance, listen to Somebody Somewhere, Don't Bring Me Down, What Can I Do For You and Spacechildren. If you want to hear Nona's introspective lyrics about what was going on society at that time, listen to Are You Lonely. The more passionate (and slightly erotic) side of Labelle is evident in You Turn Me On. Other hits include It Took A Long Time, the title track and All Girl Band. This is true soul music...pick it up, you won't be disappointed.

Never mind this being my favorite Patti LaBelle album (which it is), it's my all-time favorite album, period. Of course, the infectious "Lady Marmalade" has a lot to do with it. It reminds me of the times it used to play on the radio back in '75. As a 3-year-old then, the only thing I can remember liking about the song was the part after Patti says,"...silky smooth". The "Ahhhhh!" afterwards always intrigued me. Now, as an adult, I can listen to the whole song(and album) and appreciate it for it's musical creativity. The album as a whole is an eclectic musical journey... from soul to gospel, from funk to pop and from ballad to straight-up disco. The best 36 minutes you'll ever spend! These girls rock!!!

This CD epitomizes 'glitter disco' in its finest form! But the REAL difference is that this 'disco' has deep lyrics, emotion, meaning, & a relentless dance beat! And there are glittering moments of balladry at its finest written by the incomparable Nona Hendryx such as 'Nightbird', 'You Turn Me On' (incredibly erotic), & 'It Took a Long Time'. But if you want to DANCE in a sparkling cosmic galaxy to some of the FINEST dance classics of ALL TIME - zap your CD player with 'Somebody Somewhere', 'Don't Bring Me Down', 'What Can I Do for You', 'Space Children', & OF COURSE the classic-of-all-dance-classics 'Lady Marmalade'! NO WONDER that stars such as Prince, Ashford & Simpson, & Patti Labelle continue to collaborate with the intensely talented singer/songwriter Nona Hendryx to this day! She, along with Patti & Nona, began their 'cosmic magic' with this CD - which should be in EVERY music lovers' collection! ...

Having seen Labelle in concert a few times and owning most of these titles on LP AND CD. I can tell you ,they were a musical force to be reckoned with. To this day, I have yet to find a "soul" female vocal trio that can stand up to these powerhouse ladies.
Nightbirds has the signature tune "Lady Marmalade",but also offers up many more outright soul-satisfying funk tunes such as "What Can I Do For You?"( a personal favorite),"Are you lonely" and "Somebody Somewhere"
Labelle also backs up Laura Nyro on "Gonna Take a Miracle " - check it out !