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Thursday, April 10, 2014

"Turn Your Love Around" by George Benson

Top 10 Alert!
Grammy Alert
Song#:  0791
Date:  10/24/1981
Debut:  86
Peak:  5
Weeks:  22
Genre:  R&B



Pop Bits:  After four consecutive gold, platinum, and multi-platinum albums, Benson (who had been recording albums since 1964) issued the best-of compilation "The George Benson Collection." In addition to his hits and other essential tracks, the double-LP included two new songs. This single was one of those new tunes and it turned into another major hit for him. It was his fourth pop Top 10 and his second R&B #1. In addition to winning a Grammy for Best R&B Song, it also got Benson a nod for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male.

ReduxReview:  I remember that the initial horn/flute lick at the beginning grabbing my attention right away. And then the smooth jam of this song kept going and just got better. During his pop/R&B phase, for me this was easily his best song. He is really a jazz musician at heart, but he perfectly channeled all that energy down to this radio-friendly hit. It's easily one of the best singles put forth by a jazz/pop crossover artist.

ReduxRating:  9/10

Trivia:  Back when Benson's focus was mainly jazz, he did a full album of Beatles tunes. All songs were pulled from their 1969 album "Abbey Road" with Benson titling his disc "The Other Side of Abbey Road." Recorded the same year that "Abbey Road" was issued, Benson's LP came out the following year to great reviews. It reached #18 on the jazz chart and became his second to cross over onto the pop album chart at #125.

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