Customer Reviews

We Came to Play

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4 star:		(1)
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If you had to pick one "desert island" Persuasions album, this would be the one. They were never in finer form, and never chose a collection of tunes better suited for their strengths. These were the songs that they sang on the road for many years, and this was their debut album for Capitol. From Sam Cooke's "Chain Gang" to Curtis Mayfield's "Man Oh Man," this is classic Persuasions material. Bass Jimmy Hayes' turn on "The Sun" still makes my speakers rattle. It's almost below the range of normal human hearing! The vitality, the joyousness, the virutosic singing, and yes, Jerry Lawson's tremendous phrasing---certainly one of the signature voices of the last fifty years---make this album nothing short of sensational.

When Frank Zappa signed the Persuasions to their first recording contract, based on an audition done over the phone, he probably had no idea that he was about to launch a true American treasure. In the 40 years since the release of We Came To Play, their debut effort, the Persuasions have continued to dazzle audiences with their a cappella genius, joy, and willingness to try anything. Who but the Persuasions can claim tributes to Zappa, the Beatles, nursery rhymes, and U2 - among others?

The Persuasions offer listeners so much to enjoy. First is their astonishing technical skill - all that music - produced by the human voice alone. Next is a kind of precision and discipline almost unknown in popular music. Most, Persuasions music just feels good; it gets inside you and won't let go.

For maximum hits at the minimum price, you should probably go for Street Corner Symphony, their second recording, really an amazing effort. But why stop at one? This is a fantastic CD. Walk On The Wild Side alone is worth the price of admission, and Don't It Make You Want To Go Home, Chain Gang, and Another Night With The Boys are not far behind. There simply is no other a cappella group playing in the same league as these guys.

I fell in love with the Persuasions 31yrs ago and it's been nothing but musical bliss since.These guys can sing ANYTHING good.This album is one to set standards by.It's time America finally recognized these men for what they are:a national treasure of musical.If possible,make the musical pilgrimage to see them:there is nothing like them,I guarantee you.

I have listened to three(3) of The Persuasions' albums, and no matter what they are singing, they put a sound into the song that makes it their own. Although they do mainly cover songs, I like their versions of these songs as much, if not better than the originals. Jerry Lawson, the lead singer, puts so much feeling into his singing, you would tend to think that he had written the songs himself. The guys also offer renditions of classic religious hymns, which, not being religious myself, are enjoyable just as beautiful songs. If you are curious to try a new and different style of music, let me suggest a cappella, and in particular, let me suggest the Godfathers of A Cappella, The Persuasions!

The real deal in street corner harmony. A powerful mixture of classics, gospel-style R&B, and down-home, foot patting, invigorating songs. It's one of the albums I've most loved for nearly 40 years

This CD is a must-have addition for the serious R&B collector!

These guys are the masters and this is a Cd that proves it. They really know how to put a song togather and deliver the goods. My only grip with this Cd is that it is very short. It is really the only Persuasions Cd where I truly love every song. This is pure doo wop soul. I hope that the Persuasions keep pumping out the Cd's and keep picking new and interesting material to Doo-wop accappella-ize as they so magically do. One can't help but love the Persuasions music and soulful street harmaony sound. These guys are proof that Humans can do more than blow things up. SO let's just say that I'm throwing this one in the Bomb shelter safer.

The best of the best a capella sound. What great harmony to come from individuals who came from places scattered across the country and who met on a basketball court. Mmmmmmm!

The Persuasions' "We Came To Play" is one of those albums where after you hear it, you wonder "Why don't these guys own the world?" These performers, their incredible talent, the song choices, the production, all come together and inspire the listener to ask "Why isn't this considered one of the most important recordings of its time? Why aren't words like "classic" and "essential" used in connection with these artists? WHY HASN'T THIS MUSIC BEEN EXHAUSTED FOR MOVIES AND COMMERCIALS BY NOW?"

The Persuasions are essential. This album is a classic. Listen and be persuaded.

The delicious debate among Persuasions fans is if which of We Came to Play or Chirpin' is their best recording. Tough choice. I couldn't do without either; they are a vital part of my vinyl collection. After listening awhile, the beauty of the arrangements will start coming through and you cannot believe the small treasures these recording are. The guys are getting old but still perform. I think they will not be fully appreciated until after we don't have them anymore.

My parents listened to this album (yes, it was an album then) all the time, so it reminds me of my childhood, and it's also just great music. The Persuasions give all of their songs passion and atmosphere. My favorites are "The Sun" and "Gypsy Woman." I particularly like to listen to this on long drives, because it's great to sing along with and it helps calm any road rage tendencies.