Lionel Richie – Dancing On The Ceiling (Album Review)

By the time Lionel Richie released Dancing On The Ceiling in 1986, the '80s pop machine was in full swing, as was Richie’s solo career. Hot on the heels of the blockbuster Can’t Slow Down, this third solo outing didn’t quite replicate the chart-topping dominance of its predecessor. Still, it delivered a polished, versatile, and emotionally rich collection of songs that showcases Richie’s genre-blending skill, vocal charisma, and his uncanny ability to write songs that transcend time.

Crafted with care and delivered from the heart, Richie takes listeners on a musical journey with Dancing On The Ceiling. From the dancefloor to reflective ballads, to a touch of reggae and a dollop of R&B, there’s never a dull moment as Dancing On The Ceiling is one of the very best albums from the era. The only distracting element appears with the inclusion of Night Train (Smooth Alligator) on most releases. Initially, this atrocious bonus track was only available via the CD release; however, it has also been included on vinyl reissues in recent years. The problem is that it takes you out of the album experience and is completely foreign to the rest of the music found on the album. This is, therefore, one of the core reasons why I am smitten with digital/streaming options, as I can easily omit this bonus track, permanently, from my Apple Music/iTunes Music library.

Speaking of Apple Music and the Lossless Apple Digital Master, it’s absolutely stunning. The sound is warm, full-bodied, yet detailed. It has the vibe of the 80s, and whoever undertook the Apple Digital Master process to get this sonic presentation out of the record should be commended, for I doubt you’d find a better mastering of the album. Yes, dear reader, it really is that good. But don’t take my word for it, hit play and let’s take a look at the songs that make up this landmark release.

Dancing On The Ceiling is a pure joy to listen to as its synth-driven, uptempo rhythm is impossible to sit still to. Sure, the spoken-word introduction feels a little unnecessary, especially if listening to the song on repeat, but the song’s so irresistibly pleasing that that aspect quickly fades away as the dance floor awaits, and this song gets the party started.

Released as the first single from the album, Dancing On The Ceiling performed well in the charts, reaching the Top 10 in most regions. The music video is delivered in a classic cringeworthy 80s-style, but there’s something strangely compelling about it that makes you want to watch it over and over again.

Se La is steeped in swaying reggae rhythms. The production is light and clean, with layered musical elements and backing vocals that instantly remind me of Bob Marley & The Wailers. While there’s a natural correlation, that is as far as it extends, for Richie has recorded the tune in his style, thereby making it truly his own. Se La may not be the best-known song from the record, but it’s one of the most musically satisfying Richie has ever recorded.

Ballerina Girl is one of Richie’s most stunning songs. Penned by himself, for his adopted daughter Nicole, it’s Richie at his most heartfelt. As a ballad delivered via a delicate piano with tender vocal phrasing and a tad of 80s musical styling, this is one song that will likely pull at the heartstrings of even the most hardened individual. It also happens to be one song that I’d love to see Richie perform in front of a symphony orchestra, for I dare say it would be a stunning performance.

Don’t Stop has a great rhythm, once you get over the shock from the smooth and relaxing Ballerina Girl, of course. Seriously, it’s one of the worst cases of bad tracking I’ve ever come across. Especially considering it’s the last song on Side A of the vinyl release. All I can think is that the next song, Deep River Woman, would have been the perfect closer for the first side and would have flowed far better from Ballerina Girl than Don’t Stop does. Don’t Stop isn’t a bad tune, not by any means; it just doesn’t sit well within the album’s linear structure and, due to its extended length, overstays its welcome slightly. Don’t Stop would have, however, been an ideal B-side to one of the album’s singles, but at the same time, Dancing On The Ceiling wouldn’t be the same without it.

Deep River Woman is a gorgeous tune that strips everything back to its essentials: harmony, melody, and soul, thereby allowing Richie’s extraordinary vocal presentation to become the focal point. Featuring the country group Alabama on backing vocals, the song blends gospel, country, and southern soul, with their inclusion perfectly complementing Richie’s overall style. While the song failed to set the charts on fire, it’s a creative high point on the album. Richie would later re-record the song with Little Big Town on his reimagined country-styled compilation album Tuskegee, but nothing quite touches the magic of the original.

Love Will Conquer All is another gem and is mid-‘80s R&B at its finest. From the layered vocals in the chorus to the mellow yet propulsive beat, it’s an uplifting love song that’s easy to fall into. Marva King’s backing vocals add an extra layer of richness and emotional urgency, enhancing the song’s power and overall message.

Tonight Will Be Alright is the quintessential album-only tune that, despite not hitting the emotional highs of its predecessors, is a lovely song with a pleasant melody and breezy vibe. I could easily imagine someone like Neil Diamond, or Bruce Springsteen, giving it a grittier, more impassioned rock edge. Still, it’s thoroughly enjoyable and is a reason why Dancing On The Ceiling is a fulfilling album experience.

Say You, Say Me is the song. It needs no introduction, and nothing really needs to be said about it other than it’s utterly perfect. The reimagined version, as found on Tuskegee, doesn’t have the vocal or musical prowess of the original, and while it’s good, the original is beyond reproach and ensures that Dancing On The Ceiling closes memorably, thereby encouraging you to play the album again.

Dancing On The Ceiling is, without a doubt, one of the greatest R&B/Soul albums of the 80s. Richie shows he can master the dancefloor, deliver tender lullabies, explore southern and reggae influences, and still deliver massive pop ballads that withstand the test of time. A true gem, in every sense of the word, that sounds just as good today as it did upon release.

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Lionel Richie – Can't Slow Down (Album Review)

A timeless and beloved masterpiece would likely be an appropriate description for Lionel Richie’s 1983 studio album, his second solo release, Can’t Slow Down. Blending soulful melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and an exquisite production, this record stands as a timeless classic over four decades later and is a significant milestone in not only Richie’s career but also within the annals of pop and R&B music history.

As incredible as the album is, however, one thing has always struck me as bizarre and that’s the album artwork. There’s nothing wrong with it, per se, it just isn’t overly appealing. It seems somewhat irrelevant to the music; not that the visual accompaniment needs to always match the audible intent. It’s just that many albums, particularly the successful ones, do have linkages between the music and the artwork design. It’s even stranger when contrasted against the dominating elements of the era as the primary music format in 1983 was the larger vinyl record. The visuals, at that time, were essential to an album’s success and perhaps I’m missing an element, but it’s a little sparse and cold. In a strange dichotomy, however, I’ve grown accustomed to it. That is to say that I can’t imagine a different album cover for the selection of songs, yet I still don’t consider it to be an exceptional piece of cover art. Thankfully, I have the complete opposite opinion of the music contained within.

As it pertains to the sonic quality of the album, there’s no doubt just how well this record was recorded and mixed, yet different masterings yield varied results and depending on your subjective preferences some editions may appeal to you more than others. For instance, I had been fortunate to have owned the High Fidelity Pure Audio (HFPA) Blu-Ray release but I always found it to be a little too clinical and fatiguing to listen to. However, if you’re interested in extracting every musical element from the recording, that particular edition will likely impress. I, on the other hand, tend to lean towards a more musical presentation. I want to groove and dance to the music, I want to feel it in my soul, and I don’t require every minutia of the recording to thoroughly enjoy this release.

Subsequently, I have found the Hi-Res Lossless Apple Music stream, an Apple Digital Master, to be exquisite. It has detail, but more importantly, for me at least, it has oomph. The roundness of the sonic signature, as featured on the stream, results in what I consider to be a far more pleasant presentation than any other I have heard thus far. It’s so good that I don’t feel the need to seek out a physical copy or return to the HFPA Blu-ray release.

The bottom line is that with the stream, I feel compelled to play the album on repeat, whereas that hadn’t always been the case in the past. I’d usually play the Blu-ray release once and then file it away as the fatigue began to set in by the time I got to the end of the album. Of course, your perspective may, and likely will, differ from mine. Let’s just say that when you have an album as incredible as Can’t Slow Down, there’s no wrong way to listen to it. With that in mind let’s explore the songs that make up this classic release.

Can't Slow Down launches the album with a mid to upbeat rhythmic tempo that sets the tone for the music that’s to follow. While there isn’t a bad song to be heard on the album, Can't Slow Down is one of those songs that I have a love/hate relationship with. Perhaps it’s just me, but I feel Richie’s vocal is too recessed in the mix. Granted, it’s a stylistic choice, but I can’t help but disagree with the mixing decision. That said, I couldn’t imagine any other song from the album that would have been a more fitting opener.

All Night Long (All Night) has an incredible Caribbean-inspired rhythm that immediately captures your soul. Add Richie’s smooth vocal style to the mix and you have a compelling and upbeat celebratory atmosphere that could be played on repeat all night long (pun most certainly intended). The bottom line is that the song's catchy chorus and vibrant instrumentation make this not only one of the most exciting songs from the album, but one of the very best Richie ever wrote and recorded.

Penny Lover shifts the tonality of the album with this beautiful romantic ballad. Richie's soulful vocals and the smooth melody are nothing short of exceptional and ensure that this is one song that truly defines the term timeless.

Stuck On You continues the ballad-styled approach that is, arguably, a signature cue for Richie, but it’s the musicality that makes Stuck On You so impressive. With a touch of country, Richie shows just how skilled and diverse he is as a vocalist and musician.

Love Will Find A Way picks up the tempo with a groove that will see you toe-tapping and head-bopping along to this stunning album-only tune. While Richie is exceptional throughout the entire song, it is the moment when the backing vocals enter the mix that cements it as a hidden gem that will touch your soul as only the best music in recorded music history can.

The Only One maintains the soulful and romantic atmosphere of Love Will Find A Way. Featuring a masterful blend of R&B and pop elements, The Only One, while never released as a single, is one of the standouts from the album and I dare say that had it been released as a single, it too would have topped the charts as the other five releases from Can’t Slow Down had.

Running With The Night is one of the greatest songs from the 80s. Yes, it has the 80s vibe to it, as does the entire album, yet it doesn’t sound dated. I’d argue that it remains sonically fresh after all these years and perhaps that is due to its rock-inspired atmosphere as you get the sense of the song continually building to Steve Lukather’s magnificent guitar solo that graces the song from the midway point. Richie may not be a rock and roller, but as with Stuck On You, his vocal prowess knows few bounds.

Hello is, arguably, Richie’s most iconic song and for good reason; it’s an exceptionally powerful ballad with exquisite music layering and a vocal performance that is amongst the greatest Richie has ever recorded. It is, for lack of a better term, timeless!

While Can’t Slow Down was a monumental success, its true triumph was not in the awards, critical acclaim, or sales it achieved, but in the album’s timeless quality, perfect sequencing, and song selection, as well as its emotive storytelling. Each song stands out on its own, but the culmination of chosen songs knows few peers. It truly is one of the greatest albums ever released and is one that will continue to captivate audiences and inspire artists for generations to come.

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Lionel Richie – Self-Titled (Album Review)

Released in 1982, Lionel Richie's self-titled album marked a pivotal moment in his career. Stepping away from his tenure with The Commodores this eponymous album saw Richie establish himself as a solo artist with a unique sound that would shape the R&B and pop landscape for decades to come. The album, often referred to simply as Lionel Richie, is an iconic piece of 1980s music history, combining smooth vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and memorable melodies.

Comprised of nine tracks, with each song showcasing Richie's exceptional songwriting and vocal talents, this self-titled release is a pleasure to listen to for the lossless Apple Music stream, an Apple Digital Master, is simply exquisite. It certainly helps that the album's production is top-notch for Richie worked with talented musicians and producers to create a sound that was fresh, innovative for its time, and remains timeless in retrospect. The arrangements are lush and well-crafted, with a perfect balance of instruments to complement Richie's vocals. The result is a memorable musical experience that is one of the greatest releases in all of recorded music history. 

Serves You Right kicks off the album with a lively, funky groove and infectious rhythm that makes it impossible to resist toe-tapping or dancing along to.

Wandering Stranger slows the tempo, allowing Richie to showcase his incredible vocal range and emotional depth. With a tender moving arrangement, featuring gentle piano notes and strings, Wandering Stranger becomes a melancholic beauty that is amongst Richie’s greatest recordings, for it’s nothing short of a masterpiece and Joe Walsh’s guitar solo ensures that Wandering Stranger is taken to the next level for what can only be described as being a perfect composition.

Tell Me is an up-tempo number that perfectly suits Richie’s vocal style. While it isn’t a standout, and you’re unlikely to seek it out on its own, as an album-only tune it holds the album together and Lionel Ritchie simply wouldn’t be the same record sans Tell Me. 

My Love is one of the album's standout tracks with a lush arrangement that showcases Richie's incredible vocal range, tender delivery, and ability to deliver heartfelt ballads that continue to touch the hearts of music lovers everywhere.

Round And Round is a pleasant and easygoing track with a touch of Motown influence, particularly in the song’s chorus. Richie's vocals are relaxed and smooth, but it is the catchy melody and the harmonious backing vocals that ultimately make Round And Round so enjoyable. While it may not be as prominent as other songs on the record, the success of an album is the sum of all its parts, rather than a couple of exceptional songs. Round And Round is, subsequently, a quintessential B-side.

Truly is, arguably, the most iconic song from the album. It’s a classic love ballad with a simple, yet unforgettable melody. Richie's vocal is at its most soulful throughout this song, and the lyrics express deep and genuine affection. The song's timeless quality has made it a staple at weddings and romantic occasions, and it remains one of Lionel Richie's signature tunes.

You Are oozes warmth and sincerity as Richie's vocals are filled with tenderness and love. It’s another of Ritchie’s timeless classics with a chorus that you simply can’t help but sing along to. Exceptional!

You Mean More To Me is a gentle, heartfelt ballad that perfectly suits Lionel Richie's signature style. The song's lyrics express deep affection and gratitude for a loved one, and Richie's vocals are so tender and sincere that you simply can’t help but be drawn into this song. The melody is simple and memorable, with a delicate arrangement composed with the use of soft piano keys and subtle orchestration, along with the entire band, resulting in a beautiful song that will captivate your soul. 

Just Put Some Love In Your Heart is a short, but ideal closing track as it leaves a lasting impression that will compel you to play the album again. 

Overall, Lionel Richie's 1982 self-titled album is a timeless classic that remains a pinnacle release from the 80s. With its unforgettable melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and Richie's exceptional vocal delivery, it continues to resonate with listeners across generations and is a testament to Lionel Richie's enduring talent and his ability to create music that speaks to music lovers everywhere. Whether you're a longtime fan, or discovering it for the first time, Lionel Richie is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates the beauty of love songs and the magic of a truly gifted artist.

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