Artist: Average White Band Album: AWB

Year: 1974
Duration: 0:0-1

A of the Album: AWB by Average White Band

Average White Band (AWB) is a Scottish funk and R&B band that rose to fame in the 70s. Their self-titled album, AWB, released in 1974, marked their breakthrough and made them a sensation worldwide. The album features a distinctive sound of horns, funky grooves, and soulful vocals. In this review, we will dive deep into the album’s genre, history of the artist, best songs, the most innovative parts, and overall critique.

Genre and History:

The AWB album belongs to the funk and R&B genre. During the 70s, the music industry witnessed a wave of funk music emerging from diverse cultures. The band successfully blended their Scottish roots with Soul music to create a unique sound. Their influences include James Brown, Otis Redding, and Sam & Dave. With the AWB album, the band’s music entered the mainstream, and they became known for their high-energy performances and tight rhythm sections.

Best Songs:

The AWB album features some of their most recognizable songs, including “Pick Up The Pieces,” “Cut The Cake,” and “Person To Person.” These songs are timeless classics that still make it to funk music playlists and radio stations worldwide. “Pick Up The Pieces” opens the album with a catchy horn riff, followed by a funky bassline that hooks the listener immediately. “Cut The Cake” is another brilliant track that showcases the band's vocal harmonies and funky rhythms. “Person To Person” has a slower tempo but grooves just as hard with a bluesy horn section.

Innovative Parts:

The AWB album showcases the band’s instrumental prowess, particularly their brass section. The horns punch through the mix and add depth and richness to the tracks. Additionally, the band experimented with various instruments, such as a harmonica on “I’m The One” and a clavinet on “Cut The Cake.” The use of these instruments is innovative as they add extra layers to the already dense funky sound.

Critique:

While the AWB album is a funk classic, it falls short in terms of variety and pacing. The songs are all in the same tempo and groove, which can feel monotonous after a while. Additionally, the album is only 8 tracks long, which gives the impression that it was rushed to market. There are a few standout tracks, but overall, the album lacks the depth and complexity that we expect from a funk album.
In conclusion, the AWB album by Average White Band is a funk classic that helped shape the genre and cemented the band’s place in music history. The album features some of their most recognizable tracks and showcases their instrumental prowess. However, it falls short in terms of variety and pacing, leaving us wanting more. Despite its flaws, the AWB album remains a must-listen for funk enthusiasts and music lovers alike.