Artist: Ann Peebles Album: The Handwriting Is on the Wall

Year: 1977
Duration: 0:0-1

Finding the Soulful Groove: A of Ann Peebles' The Handwriting Is on the Wall

Ann Peebles' The Handwriting Is on the Wall is a quintessential soul album that showcases the Memphis-born artist's distinctive voice and songwriting skills. The album, released in 1978, is a blend of soul, funk, and blues, creating a sound that is reflective of the time period while also being timeless. Peebles' experience as a woman in the music industry shines through her powerful lyrics and her ability to convey emotions through her voice.
Brief History of Ann Peebles: Ann Peebles was born in St. Louis, Missouri, but moved to Memphis with her family as a child. During her high school years, Peebles began singing in local clubs in Memphis, and that's where she caught the attention of the Hi Records owner, Willie Mitchell. Mitchell produced Peebles' first album, This is Ann Peebles, in 1969, and from there, she gained prominence in the soul and funk scenes. Peebles' music was often political and socially conscious, with songs like I Can't Stand the Rain and Old Man with Young Ideas showcasing her unique perspective on societal issues.
Music Genre of the Album: The Handwriting Is on the Wall is a perfect example of the soul genre, but it also blends funk and blues into its sound. Peebles' voice is the centerpiece of the album, but the instrumentation is expertly crafted to showcase her voice. The bass lines and guitar riffs on tracks like Bip Bam Thank You Mam and Feels Like I'm Gonna Cry provide a perfect foundation for Peebles' powerful vocals.
Best Songs of the Album: The album's title track, The Handwriting Is on the Wall, is one of Peebles' most haunting songs. The slow and steady groove paired with her emotional delivery creates a sense of urgency and foreboding. Come to Mama is a seductive track, with Peebles' voice showcasing its range and power. The funky Bip Bam Thank You Mam and the ballad Tear Your Playhouse Down are also standout tracks.
The Most Innovative Parts: The album's opening track, The Handwriting Is on the Wall, sets the tone for the rest of the album with its eerie keyboard and Peebles' deep, soulful voice. However, it's the use of the synthesizer on tracks like Come to Mama and Tear Your Playhouse Down that make this album stand out. The synthesizer was still a relatively new instrument in the late '70s, and Peebles' producers and musicians used it expertly to create a modern sound.
A Critic of the Album: While The Handwriting Is on the Wall is a strong album, some of the tracks blend together too much. The middle of the album, from Love Played a Game to Breaking Up Somebody's Home, lacks the standout tracks that the beginning and end of the album have. Additionally, Peebles' lyrics can come across as repetitive, with many of the tracks being about failed relationships.
Overall, The Handwriting Is on the Wall is a must-listen for fans of soul and funk music. Peebles' powerful voice and politically charged lyrics make this a timeless album. While the album may have some weaknesses in the middle, the standout tracks and innovative use of instrumentation make it an essential listen for any music lover.