Exile – Mixed Emotions

Exile – Mixed Emotions

A classic slice of late-1970s American soft rock, Exile – Mixed Emotions is the third studio album from the Kentucky band and the record that transformed them from a hardworking regional rock group into international pop stars. Originally released in 1978 on Warner Bros. and Curb Records, the album combines melodic pop-rock, soft rock and polished studio production, with producer Mike Chapman helping shape Exile's breakthrough sound.

At the heart of Mixed Emotions is “Kiss You All Over,” the sensual Mike Chapman and Nicky Chinn composition that became Exile's signature song. The single was a huge international success, reaching No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and No. 6 in the UK, while also topping the charts in several other countries. Its unmistakable combination of atmospheric keyboards, romantic vocals and a slow-burning groove remains one of the defining soft-rock hits of the 1970s.

The rest of the album demonstrates that Exile were far more than a one-hit wonder. “You Thrill Me” provided another charting single, while “Never Gonna Stop,” “There's Been A Change,” “You And Me” and “Stay With Me” showcase the band's knack for tightly arranged, highly melodic rock and pop songs. The album was recorded at Forum Studio in Covington, Kentucky between November 1977 and March 1978, with Chapman overseeing production.

Mixed Emotions also captures an important moment in Exile's history. The group would later reinvent themselves as a hugely successful country music act, but here they are firmly rooted in the late-'70s pop-rock and soft-rock world. The album itself reached No. 14 on the Billboard Top LPs & Tape chart, making it a key release in the band's original pop career.

For collectors of 1970s soft rock, classic pop-rock, AM radio favourites and vintage Warner Bros. releases, Mixed Emotions is an essential Exile album — particularly for anyone looking to own the original album featuring the iconic “Kiss You All Over.”

Tracklist

Side A

1. You Thrill Me – 3:51
2. Never Gonna Stop – 5:38
3. There's Been A Change – 3:02
4. You And Me – 5:28

Side B

1. Kiss You All Over – 4:54
2. Ain't Got No Time – 3:13
3. Don't Do It – 4:46
4. One Step At A Time – 3:11
5. Stay With Me – 2:57