Barry White ‎– Barry White Sings For Someone You Love 1977 US Press

Barry White – Barry White Sings For Someone You Love

Originally released in 1977 on 20th Century Records, Barry White Sings For Someone You Love is one of the defining albums from the height of Barry White’s 1970s soul and disco period. White produced and arranged the album himself, surrounding his unmistakable deep baritone with lush orchestration, sophisticated grooves and the slow-burning romantic atmosphere that became his trademark. The original US LP was issued as 20th Century T-543.

The album opens with “Playing Your Game, Baby”, an extended seven-minute groove that immediately establishes the record’s luxurious, late-night character. It is followed by the hugely successful “It’s Ecstasy When You Lay Down Next To Me”, one of White’s best-known recordings. The album version runs for almost seven minutes, allowing the arrangement to develop at a relaxed pace rather than following the shorter format of the single.

The second side continues with the sumptuous soul ballads “I Never Thought I’d Fall In Love With You” and “You Turned My Whole World Around”, before moving into the more dance-oriented “Oh, What A Night For Dancing” and the romantic closing track “Of All The Guys In The World.” The album combines orchestral soul, funk, R&B and the emerging disco sound of the late 1970s, making it an essential listen for fans of Barry White, Love Unlimited, Curtis Mayfield, Isaac Hayes and sophisticated 1970s soul.

Commercially, the album reached No. 8 on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 on the US Soul Albums chart, with “It’s Ecstasy When You Lay Down Next To Me” reaching No. 1 on the R&B chart and No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100.

This 1977 US 20th Century Records LP is a classic example of Barry White at the peak of his romantic soul era: deep vocals, expansive arrangements, long-form grooves and an unmistakably sensual 1970s production style.

Side A

1. Playing Your Game, Baby – 7:12
2. It's Ecstasy When You Lay Down Next To Me – 7:00
3. You're So Good, You're Bad – 6:15

Side B

1. I Never Thought I'd Fall In Love With You – 4:48
2. You Turned My Whole World Around – 7:49
3. Oh, What A Night For Dancing – 3:48
4. Of All The Guys In The World – 3:50