Released 1974 Length 30:56 | Recorded December 1973 Producer Bobby Martin Release date 1974 | |
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Similar Feelin' Good at the Cadillac, Ebony Woman, Got My Head on Straight, War of the Gods, When Love Is New | ||
Live in Europe is an album by soul singer Billy Paul. The album was produced by Bobby Martin and arranged by Billy Paul and Caldwell McMillan. It was recorded at Hammersmith Odeon, London and Central Hall, Chatham, England in December 1973. Released in 1974, this album reached #10 on the Billboard Soul Album chart and #187 on the Billboard Pop album chart.
Contents
Release and critical reception
Following his 1973 European tour, Billy Paul taped an episode of Soul Train on January 20, 1974. Stephen McMillian wrote: "During Billy's interview with Don [Cornelius], he mentioned that he had returned from a European tour with the O'Jays and The Intruders, stating that the response was great and very receptive. 'The most amazing thing is to see people who can’t understand your language but they enjoy your music and the sound,' Billy told Don. Several of the songs he performed on the London leg of the European tour were released on his wonderful live album entitled Billy Paul Live in Europe."
On its release in 1974, Billboard noted in its June 22 issue: "The five songs on the album average eight minutes in length, but the time is taken up by extended singing, concentrating on separate parts of the material, rather than a lot of empty rapping. The excitement at Paul's London debut is palpable. Best cut: 'Brown Baby.' Dealers: Can display in tandem with new O'Jay live LP cut at same hall."
AllMusic's Ron Wynn wrote: "Paul was not a great live vocalist either as a jazz or soul singer, something that was evident on this mid-'70s set. No matter how polished or well-rehearsed the backing band, Paul's flaws couldn't be covered as smoothly in a concert setting, and they're revealed along with his strengths -- timing, a good delivery, and decent range and interpretative skills."
Track listing
All tracks composed by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff; except where indicated
Side 1
- "War of the Gods Introduction-Brown Baby" – 9:11
- "Thanks for Saving My Life" – 4:19
Side 2
- "Me and Mrs. Jones" (Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, Cary Gilbert) – 8:48
- "Your Song" (Bernie Taupin, Elton John) – 8:41
Note: digital versions of the album divide the LP's first track: "War of the Gods Introduction" (2:00) and "Brown Baby" (7:09); the live version of "Me and Mrs. Jones" appears in a slightly longer form (9:04) as a bonus track on digital versions of the studio album 360 Degrees of Billy Paul (1972).