Written by Kenneth Gamble & Leon Huff

“If You Don’t Know Me By Now” is a classic R&B slow jam co-written by noted songwriters and “Philly Sound” hit-makers  Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff. It seemed like the song was originally written for the powerful R&B trio, Labelle. Actually, it was eventually recorded by soul act Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes.

“If You Don’t Know Me By Now” was released in September 1972 and met immediate success in both sales and radio play. This ballad, with its gorgeous melody and beautiful lyrics was sung by the fabulous Teddy Pendergrass (1950-2010). The song went to #3 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and #1 on the R&B chart. Seventeen years later, in 1989, British pop-soul act Simply Red recorded a new version of “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” that gave this classic tune another impressive run of success. Simply Red’s cover, sung by the group’s leader Mick Hucknall, skyrocketed to #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and reached the top ten of the worldwide charts.

Among the more recent covers of “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” stands the one by UK superstar Seal who recorded it for his 2008 hit cd, Soul. Seal’s take of the Gamble & Huff masterpiece was produced by David Foster who was at the helm of the whole Soul project. Foster’s arrangement breathed new life into the trademark melody. Foster played some beautiful piano, thus perfectly supporting the singer’s noteworthy performance. Foster’s and Seal’s take on such a well-known composition was totally on target and would have made Teddy Pendergrass proud. In fact, this cover was a top ten Adult Contemporary hit. The song even brought the UK singing sensation a well-deserved Grammy nod as Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.

To end the review, David Foster kindly added some welcome notes about this production:

“We really took a chance with this song as it had been a hit twice already for Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes and Simply Red. I’ve always loved ‘If You Don’t Love Me By Now’ and it was a perfect song to show off Seal’s amazing vocal skills and some nice DF piano. To this day, I think it’s one of Seal’s best vocals ever. Also, it’s a fun and easy song to perform live with just piano and vocal.”

• Lead & Backing Vocals: Seal
• Acoustic Piano & Keyboards: David Foster
• Guitar: Michael Thompson
• Bass: Nathan East
• Organ & Drum Programming: Jochem van der Saag
• Produced & Arranged by David Foster
• Co-Produced by Jochem van der Saag

Lyrics

All the things
That we’ve been through
You should understand me
Like I understand you
Now girl I know the difference
Between right and wrong
I ain’t gonna do nothing
To break up our happy home
Don’t get so excited
When I come home
A little late at night
Cos we only act like children
When we argue fuss and fight

If you don’t know me by now
You will never never never know me

We’ve all got our
Own funny moods
I’ve got mine,
Woman you’ve got yours too
Just trust in me like I trust in you
As long as we’ve been together
It should be so easy to do
Just get yourself together
Or we might as well say goodbye
What good is a love affair
When you can’t see eye to eye

If you don’t know me by now
You will never
Never never know me

Written by Vinnie Barrett & Bobby Eli

“Love Won’t Let Me Wait” is a gorgeous soul ballad co-written in the first half of the seventies by female songwriter/musician Vinnie Barrett and noted songwriter/producer Bobbi Eli. Eli was a founding member of the popular Philly Soul combo, MFSB (Mother Father Sister Brother). “Love Won’t Let Me Wait” was originally sung by Major Harris (1947-2012), a former member of The Delfonics, on his 1974 debut solo album My Way.

“Love Won’t Let Me Wait” was the second single released from that vinyl. With its sensual melody and Harris’ silky voice, the song became a smash in 1975 reaching #5 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and touching the top of the R&B chart. This smooth ballad eventually reached evergreen status with several cover versions by soul stars including the phenomenal Luther Vandross (1951-2005) who sang it on his 1988 album, Any Love.

One of the recent takes on “Love Won’t Let Me Wait” was delivered by UK pop/soul superstar Seal on his 2011 Soul 2 cd. Partially produced by David Foster with additional studio work by another super-producer, Trevor Horn. This rendition of Harris’ hit would have made the late singer proud. Together with Vandross’ version, each rendition stands as one of the best ever made. On Seal’s interpretation, the production was flawless, featuring a gorgeous vocal performance by Seal on top of a sophisticated instrumental track that melts like butter with magnificent strings and horns courtesy of Foster and the legendary Jerry Hey. All the musicians gave great performances with a special mention for Dan Higgins and his beautiful sax solo.

Asked The Hitman to add a few thoughts about Seal and he kindly sent the following words:

   “Seal was truly one of the great studio experiences of my life. So gifted, unique, quirky and soulful. I really consider him a dear friend. His take on our “Soul” and “Soul 2” endeavors created magic on top of already magic songs. “Love Won’t Let Me Wait,”  originally by Major Harris, is just one of many great examples of his ability to make a song his own with that unique blend of r&b, pop and that wonderful “English” take that he puts on everything.”

Listen

• Lead Vocals: Seal
• Keyboards: David Foster
• Keyboards & Synth: Jamie Muhoberac
• Drums: Victor Indrizzo
• Bass & Guitar: Chris Bruce
• Saxophone Solo: Dan Higgins
• Synth, Programming & Sound Design: Jochem van der Saag

• Orchestra & Brass Arranged by David Foster & Jerry Hey
• Produced by David Foster & Trevor Horn
• Co-Produced by Jochem van der Saag

Lyrics

The time is right
You hold me tight
And love is got me high
Please tell me, yes
And don’t say no, honey not tonight
I need to have you next to me
In more ways than one
And I refuse to leave
‘Till I see the morning sun
Creep through your window pane
‘Cause love won’t let me wait
(Not one more minute, baby)
The time is right
Turned down the lights and take my hand
We will take a flight
And spend the night in a wonderland
Now move a little close to me
You owe it to yourself
And I will selfishly
Take a little for myself
And it’s because of you
That love won’t let me wait
(No, listen girl)
I need your love so desperately
And only you can set me free
When I make love to you
We will explode in ecstacy
And I won’t take the blame
‘Cause love won’t let me wait, no
Love won’t let me wait (my temperature’s rising)
Love won’t let me wait (cause your so tantalizing)
(Oh, listen girl)
Love won’t let me wait

“Free” was a soul/R&B evergreen originally included in Deniece Williams’ 1976 album, This Is Niecy. Ms. Williams co-wrote the song with fellow Stevie Wonder “Wonderlove” alumni Hank Redd, Nathan Watts and Susaye Green. This enchanting smooth jam was produced by two geniuses; the late Maurice White of Earth, Wind & Fire (1941-2016) and arranger extraordinaire Charles Stepney (1931-1976). Their unique musicality gave Ms. Williams the perfect landscape to let her four-octave voice shine and together they created a true work of art. Sadly, Stepney died just a few months before the release of This Is Niecy. “Free” was released as a single in March 1976, reached #2 on the US R&B chart and #25 on Billboard’s Hot 100. Almost two years later, “Free” went to #1 in the UK.

This sublime melody and infectious refrain attracted many famous singers like UK superstar Seal, who included it on his 2008 multi-million selling Soul cd. David Foster produced and arranged Soul. Foster helped the singer breathe new life into some of soul music’s most revered songs. The Foster/Seal rendition of “Free” was stylishly built with minimal keyboards, synth bass, programmed drums and classy guitar licks. The elegant arrangement paired with Seal’s smooth vocal performance was pure ear candy. The superstar’s rich and husky baritone really did justice to such a beautiful love song and the Foster upgrade would have made Maurice White proud. The whole Soul project was a stellar cd. Soul became a welcome opportunity for Foster fans to rediscover the Hitman’s R&B vein. Foster crafted so many gems for Earth, Wind & Fire, Average White Band, Deniece Williams, Michael Jackson, Chaka Khan, Al Jarreau and a score of others.

Listen

• Lead & Backing Vocals: Seal
• Keyboards & Bass: David Foster
• Guitar: Dean Parks
• Synthesizer, Drum Programming & Sound Design: Jochem van der Saag
• Produced & Arranged by David Foster
• Co-Produced by Jochem van der Saag

Lyrics

Whispering in her ear
My magic potion to love
Telling her, I’m sincere
And that there’s nothin’ too good for us

And I’ve just got to be me, me, me

Whispering in her ear
My magic potion to love
Telling her, I’m sincere
And that there’s nothin’ too good for us

But I want to be free, free, free
And I’ve just got to be me yeah, me, me

Teasing hands on her mind
Give our nights such mystery
Happiness all the time
Oh and how that woman pleases me

But I want to be free, free, free
And I’ve just got to be me, me, me

I’ve just got to be me

Feelin’ you close to me
Makes all my senses smile
Let’s not waste ecstasy
Cause I’ll only be here for a while

I’ve gotta be free, free, free, oh
And I’ve just got to be me yeah, yeah, me, me

Free, free, free to be me
(I’ve just gotta be me)
And I just wanna, I just wanna be me

I’ve just gotta be me, me

Oh free
(I’ve just gotta be me)
I swear to my, I’ve gotta be me

In the fall of 2009, UK superstar Seal released “I Am Your Man,” the new single from his “best of” collection aptly titled Hits. After the multi-platinum success of Soul in 2008, Seal again collaborated with David Foster on this new track that was one more cover of a soul tune from the sixties.

This time around they picked “I Am Your Man,” a 1968 minor hit by Canadian group Bobby Taylor & The Vancouvers. The song was co-written by the hit-making duo of the late Nickolas Ashford (1941-2011) and Valerie Simpson who, together, dominated the charts way back when with monster hits like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “You’re All I Need To Get By.” The original version by Bobby Taylor & The Vancouvers of “I Am Your Man” went to #85 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and #40 on the R&B charts. The song was also covered by the late Edwin Starr (1942-2003) and The Four Tops. Seal and Foster resurrected “I Am Your Man,” giving the tune a needed sonic update by balancing it with an exquisite retro-feel on the instrumental arrangement. Foster’s piano and superb strings and horns back up the fantastic vocal performance of the London-born superstar. Foster’s engineer, Jochem van der Saag, wrapped it all up with his exceptional work on drum programming, sound design and mixing the track.
Hits also had the classic Sly & The Family Stone hit “Thank You,” another big cover produced by Foster. Hits entered the charts all over Europe and Down Under with convincing sales and success. A previous review of Seal’s “Thank You” can be found in the archives section of the website.

Listen

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Seal-I-am-Your-Man.mp3|titles=I’am your man|artists=Seal]

Lead & Backing Vocals: Seal
Keyboards: David Foster
Organ, Drum Programming & Sound Design: Jochem van der Saag Horns: Stylus Horns
Produced & Arranged by David Foster Co-Produced by Jochem van der Saag

Lyrics

Rely on me to supply
Your needs from now on Shelter you and be
A pillow to lean on
For in your eyes, I see What I was born to be
And now, now my life can begin For I am your man
Oh, yes, I am, yes, I am I’m your man
Listen, darling
There’s no sacrifice great or small I wouldn’t do
My ambition is
Bringing happiness to you
And if troubles comes our way
I’m gonna promise to stay
Right by your side
‘Cause that’s where I wanna stay
For I am your man
Oh, yes, I am, little darling Little darling, I’m your man
My childish days are through
I wanna be someone you can look up to Someone who can protect, oh Someone who you can respect
I’m just trying to make myself worthy Of the precious, precious love
I know you’ve been giving me
I want nothing more for myself Your love is greatest wealth And when you take my hand And when you take my hand You will proudly say
Oh, this is my man
Oh, yes, I am, little darling Little darling, I’m your man
Oh, ooh, ooh, baby, baby Yeah, hoo, I’m your man Whoa, oh, oh, oh
Whoa, oh, oh, oh
Ooh, baby, baby

written by Seal & Gus Isidore

“I asked David [Foster] to produce Commitment because, quite simply, he’s the most incredible person I’ve worked with in the studio for a very long time. He’s one of a kind. I don’t think there’s an arranger and producer anywhere on the planet who can do what he does.”

International superstar Seal dedicated those heartfelt words to his good friend and producer who first helped him craft some truly impressive work for the Soul cd. It mined platinum certifications worldwide and was the springboard for the new Seal 6: Commitment. Even the most casual listener wouldn’t disagree with those words given the sumptuous arrangements and deluxe production found on Seal 6: Commitment. The UK singing star delivered a solid collection of songs right up his musical alley with a terrific mix of pop, soul and dance music. Lyrically, the album tells the story of Seal’s relationship with his then wife, supermodel Heidi Klum. Foster’s artistry raised the bar by surrounding Seal’s husky baritone with various smart orchestral scenarios. The singer, who already belonged on the list of pop music’s most personal voices, clearly benefited from Foster’s expert hand and delivered a string of ear-candies including “If I Could Ever Make You Love Me” from the Secret single and “I Know What You Did” from the album.

This time, the attention is on the closing track “Big Time,” a mid-tempo jam and the perfect meeting point between Seal’s anthemic dance material and Foster’s traditional pop sensibility. The powerful orchestra, keyboards and programmed drums support Seal to a great outcome. “Big Time” is a fantastic sonic experience thanks to the magnificent work of co-producer and engineer Jochem van der Saag. Seal 6: Commitment, with its fabulous music, stands out as one of Foster’s most interesting productions in the new millennium and gives his aficionados plenty of reasons to rediscover this fantastic cd.

Listen

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Seal-Big-Time.mp3|titles=Big Time|artists= Seal]

Lead Vocals: Seal
Guitar: Gus Isidore & Mark Summerlin
Bass, Keyboards, Organ & Piano: Marcus Brown
Drums: Steve Sidelnyk
Programming: Jochem van der Saag
Additional Background Vocals: Courtney Blooding

Orchestral Arrangement by Brad Dechter
Produced & Arranged by David Foster
Co-produced by Jochem van der Saag

Lyrics

Touch the silver screen
And the dreams come alive
Brought that limousine
To the other side

Oh, too many things
I’m amazed what you do
You say, “Honey, please
This is all for you”

Now you say
“Is everything right?”
I say
“Forget about tomorrow”

This is the big time
It’s the big time
It’s the big time
You’ll be just fine this time
This is the big time

Teacher said to me
You’re incredibly dumb
Alright, I could read
Just to prove you wrong

Now you say
“Is everything right?”
I smile
There was never doubt in my mind

‘Cause this is the big time
It’s the big time
It’s the big time
You’ll be just fine this time

This is the big time
It’s the big time
It’s the big time
You’ll be just fine this time
This is the big time

This is the big time
This is the big time
This is the big time