Artist: Average White Band Album: Shine

Year: 1980
Duration: 0:0-1

A of Average White Band's Album Shine

Average White Band, also known as AWB, is a Scottish band from the soul and funk genre. They have been active since the 1970s, and their contributions to music are undeniable. Among all of their releases, Shine is one of their most celebrated albums. In this post, we'll take a critical look at this album. We'll also discuss the band's history, the album's genre, its best songs, and innovative parts. Moreover, we'll offer our take on the album's pros and cons. So, let's get started.
Average White Band initially started as a cover band, playing songs by James Brown, Otis Redding, and others. Eventually, they began performing their compositions and gained recognition in both the UK and the US. Their breakthrough album, AWB, was a chart success, which helped to establish their name in the music industry. Shine, released in 1980, came four years after AWB. This album also did quite well, thanks to the hits it produced, including Let's Go Round Again and For You, For Love.
The genre of Shine is unquestionably soul and funk. However, it is much more diverse than the band's previous works. The opening track, Our Time Has Come, starts with a Latin-infused groove, while Catch Me (Before I Have to Testify) features rock-influenced guitar riffs. The album's title track, Shine, is a pulsating disco track with a brass-heavy chorus. All of these elements work together harmoniously, making the album stand out amidst the band's discography.
Speaking of best songs, Shine has many. Apart from the title track, Let's Go Round Again is the most well-known song from the album. It's an R&B ballad with a reggae pulse. The lyrics of For You, For Love are infectious, and the bass groove is irresistibly fun. Into The Night is another groovy track that utilizes alternate time signatures. Also, Love's a Heartache flaunts a catchy chorus with whirling horns and snazzy drumwork.
Undoubtedly, the album's most innovative part is its production. The way the bass and guitar sound throughout the album is a pure delight. The tracks Let's Go Round Again, Shine, and Into The Night all feature bass lines that play a call and response with other instruments. Besides, the brass section sounds remarkably crisp and tight on the chorus of Shine. The drums sound organic and warm, too, adding depth to each song.
As much as we love Shine, we must admit that there are a few flaws. For instance, some tracks are somewhat generic and don't leave a lasting impression. Although Ace of Hearts and Love Won't Get in the Way are pretty good compositions, they fail to stand out amidst the album's other fantastic songs. Plus, the album's closing track, The Price of a Dream, feels monotonous, especially compared to the energy present in other tracks. However, none of these issues are too significant to detract from the album's overall enjoyment.
Looking back on the album Shine, we see that Average White Band deserves every bit of recognition they received from this masterpiece. It has a great genre range, excellent production, and many timeless compositions. Sure, there are a few slip-ups, but they pale in comparison to the album's grandeur. In the end, we highly recommend checking out Shine and witness for yourself how AWB truly shine as a band.