It’s a given fact that Bill Champlin’s first solo album “Single” was one of David Foster’s first superior performances as a producer and arranger. Although not a commercial success, “Single” was rumored to be the album that got Maurice White of Earth, Wind & Fire fame interested in this young and gifted keyboard player even before hearing the irresistible melody of “After The Love Is Gone.”

The 1978 album included incredible material that was a powerful mix of pop, soul and rock and performed by the hottest session names of that era including the whole Toto crew.

A couple of years after his work on “Single,” Foster resurrected two of the stronger tracks for Tavares’ “Supercharged” album – the funky jam “I Don’t Want You Anymore” and the gorgeous ballad “We Both Tried.” Under Foster’s production, the veteran r&b/soul vocal group did quite good at handling the material even though Champlin’s gritty and soulful performance on the original production was a personal favorite. The high-level of those two compositions also attracted r&b vocal quartet Revelation.

Originally from New York, Revelation was a talented vocal group active from the mid-seventies that included legendary session singer Arnold McCuller of James Taylor’s band fame. At the end of the 70s, Revelation’s was comprised of original members Benny Diggs and Phillip Ballou plus the recent addition of Kevin Owens and Morris Gray. Produced by Jimmy Simpson and recorded in the Big Apple, the group’s 1980 self-titled album presented a solid soul/light funk collection. Among its best moments were renditions of “We Both Tried” and “I Don’t Want You Anymore.” “Revelation” noteworthy vocal performances were backed up by legendary names including Chic’s main man Nile Rodgers on guitars with Michael and Randy Brecker on sax and trumpet. The arrangements were fresh and refined. “We Both Tried” followed the footsteps of Champlin’s intense original version with some impressive work on harmonies by the group. The killer groove of “I Don’t Want You Anymore” had some interesting changes, a fine horn arrangement and amazing guitar work by Rodgers towards the end. If you like the soul/disco genre of that era, the entire album is really worth a listen and the two Foster/Champlin goodies are nicely covered.

Listen

Vocals: Benny Diggs, Phillip Ballou, Kevin Owens & Morris Gray
Guitar: Nile Rodgers
Horns: Michael & Randy Brecker

Strings & Horns Arranged by Ray Chew
Produced by Jimmy Simpson

Lyrics

I don’t want you anymore

I’m afraid you’re gonna

treat me like before
I don’t want you anymore
cause you’re always walkin’
in and out the door
I don’t want you anymore
with all the games you play
you never let me score
I don’t want you anymore
cause you never say
just what you’re livin’ for

You hurt me
desert me
and loneliness is all I have
to keep me compnay
you hurt me
desert me
if freedom comes from happiness
it’s time to say goodbye

I don’t want you anymore
cause you never tell me why
i still don’t know
I don’t want you anymore
baby, when the well runs dry
there ain’t no place to go
I don’t want you anymore
baby, I’m wonderin’ what
this whole thing’s been for
I don’t want you anymore
mama, it’s high time I was
walkin’ out the door

You hurt me
desert me
and loneliness is all I have
to keep me compnay
you hurt me
desert me
if freedom comes from happiness
it’s time to say goodbye

I don’t want you anymore
I’m afraid you’re gonna
treat me like before
I don’t want you anymore

I don’t want you anymore
I don’t want you anymore
Mama, it’s high time
You were walking out the door