Customer Reviews

Very Best Of Bloodstone, The

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Bloodstone (Willis Draffen Jr., Charles McCormick, Charles Love, and Harry Williams) combines all the elements required of ideal Soul Music: Heartfelt lyrics, sweet harmonies, smooth rhythms, and soaring lead vocals with super-human crescendo falsettos.

"Natural High" , from 1972, was penned by the talented McCormick (who also sings lead), and was the group's biggest hit. But here in the Bay Area, the deeper tunes like "Never Let You Go" and "Outside Woman" are still widely recognized some 30 years after their debut. And if you're new to Bloodstone, don't let sample clips of these two songs fool you--this is some serious Soul Music. On "Never Let You Go", lead singer Harry Williams starts out sweetly enough, but gradually builds to an extraordinarily powerful falsetto that will startle and transform the casual listener. There are times during this tune when that 70's over-instrumentation threatens to dominate, but Harry's incredible voice breaks right through to an emotionally climactic finish. Harry is arguably one of THE most powerful male voices to EVER record in the genre of Soul Music. More specifically, there are few shouters who could keep it up while singing in the higher registers. Harry is simply supurb.

This Rhino issue remains my favorite of the CD choices, primarily due to the inclusion of the aforementioned essentials together with "Little Linda", the sweet "Give Me Your Heart", and that retro vocal beauty "We Go A Long Way Back" (from 1982.) Sadly missing is the overlooked gem "Something's Missing" (from the 1974 LP "Riddle Of The Spinx"; and "Go On And Cry", a perennial favorite. Clearly, Bloodstone are masters at slow jams & ballads and I'd like to see a CD collection dedicated strictly to their slower grooves.

Meanwhile, sit down for a little soulful meditation with Bloodstone. Turn up the volume and enjoy. 100% pure. No additives or artificial stimulants. Truly a Natural High.

Harry Williams is the main reason why I would buy this cdover and over again. He is an awesom person and a fantastic performer. Outside Woman,Natural High and of course Long Way Back are the ultimate jamz.
(HI Harry!)

i got this disc a few years back.I liked some of the other tracks but it was mainly for "Natural High" that song just floats&Moves Me.this is a Very Underrated Group.they had some Jams but there Monster Jams Overshadow so much.

Natural High is one of the best soul songs ever recorded and this album is fantastic and well deserving of 5 stars

The album is a great album. Except for the last track that is in a 12 inch mix is We Go a Long Way Back that was recently played on radio in my hometown.

All the songs I wanted were on this cd. Unable to find them all together anywhere else. Love it, love it, love it! Classic Bloodstone!

Anyone who grew up listening to R&B station know more than the one pop crossover hit, Natural High. I recently saw Bloodstone perform in July '08 and even though they were opening for '70 Soul Greats, the Main Ingredient, Chi Lites and Stylistics these guys stole the show for me. Highlights on this CD include the classic, Natural High, Outside Women, Give Me Your Heart, We Go A Long Way Back, My Little Lady, That's Not How It Goes and Traffic Cop. This was a group with some of the most outstanding vocalist of the day and today who could sing just about anything and make it sound good. Don't pass up on this one.

Sorry ! That's what the album cover reminds me of . Cool album ...really takes you back, makes you feel REALLY old . "Natural High" is an uncredited 70's classic ... if you look on any album that's suppose to be the best of 70's soul, this song usually isn't listed . The rest is kinda filler but still good 70's soul .

Natural High is a slow sultry song about love and passion.