Ohio Players – Honey

Ohio Players – Honey

Released in 1975 on Mercury Records, Honey is one of the defining albums of the Ohio Players' celebrated mid-1970s run, showcasing the Dayton, Ohio group's distinctive combination of deep funk, sophisticated soul, punchy horn arrangements and irresistible rhythmic grooves. Following the success of Skin Tight and Fire, the album continued the band's commercial momentum while demonstrating the musical versatility that set them apart from many of their contemporaries.

The Ohio Players had developed their sound over years of performing and recording, bringing together tight ensemble playing, inventive arrangements and a playful approach to funk and R&B. On Honey, the rhythm section's elastic basslines and crisp percussion provide the foundation for bright brass, expressive keyboards, layered vocals and Leroy "Sugarfoot" Bonner's unmistakable guitar work. The result is music that feels equally at home on the dancefloor and in a collection devoted to classic American soul and funk.

The title track, “Honey,” opens the album with a smoother, romantic soul sound, revealing the band's softer side without losing its rhythmic sophistication. “Fopp” shifts the mood with a harder-edged funk groove, driven by punchy instrumentation and a playful vocal delivery. Its enduring appeal has extended beyond the original recording, with the song later covered by alternative rock band Soundgarden, underlining the Ohio Players' influence beyond the funk and soul scenes.

“Let's Love” continues the album's melodic approach, while the brief instrumental “Ain't Givin' Up No Ground” offers a compact showcase for the band's arrangement skills and jazz-influenced musicianship. These contrasting tracks demonstrate how naturally the group moved between polished soul, rhythmic experimentation and more direct funk.

The second side contains two of the Ohio Players' best-known recordings. “Sweet Sticky Thing” is a richly arranged soul performance, combining a relaxed groove, expressive vocals and sophisticated instrumental detail. It became a major R&B hit and remains an excellent example of the band's ability to balance sensual atmosphere with intricate musicianship.

“Love Rollercoaster” is the album's explosive centrepiece: a tightly constructed funk workout with a prominent bassline, driving drums, sharp horn accents and a groove that builds irresistible momentum. The song became a major crossover hit, reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 in early 1976. Its enduring popularity has helped introduce the Ohio Players to successive generations of funk, soul and sample-oriented music fans. The closing track, “Alone,” provides a more reflective contrast, rounding out the record with a gentler mood.

The album is also remembered for its striking cover artwork, featuring a model photographed with honey. The provocative sleeve became part of the Ohio Players' visual identity during their Mercury Records period, complementing the sensuality, humour and confidence of the music itself.

For collectors and listeners exploring classic 1970s funk, Honey is a particularly rewarding entry in the Ohio Players catalogue. Its combination of dancefloor-ready rhythms, rich soul arrangements, memorable hooks and instrumental precision makes it an appealing choice for fans of vintage funk, deep soul, horn-driven R&B and the golden age of American groove music.

Tracklist

Side A
A1. Honey — 5:15
A2. Fopp — 3:45
A3. Let's Love — 5:15
A4. Ain't Givin' Up No Ground — 1:45

Side B
B1. Sweet Sticky Thing — 6:13
B2. Love Rollercoaster — 4:52
B3. Alone — 4:40