Some albums, more than others, grow on you if you give them a chance. Willie Remembers, Rare Earth’s fifth studio album, is one such release. As to why that is the case, I truly can’t say, as this Funk-infused record, replete with R&B and Soul, is one of the greatest records to come out of the early-‘70s.
What I know for sure, however, is that it took a half dozen listens for the album’s music to infuse itself with my soul. Perhaps it was the diverse musical styling of Rare Earth that I found equally compelling and musically challenging. It could have even been the unique artwork that carried a similar tone to the music; compelling, but different enough to challenge one’s mind. Regardless, Willie Remembers reminds us that you can’t judge a record by its cover, or even upon first listen, but if you give it a chance, it can become one of your most treasured albums, one that will continue to capture your attention and unravel itself further upon each subsequent listen.
Released in 1972, Willie Remembers joins a collection of highly respected and memorable releases from the same year, but is arguably a standout due to the album’s aforementioned unique, yet somewhat disturbing, album artwork. As was the case during that era, the visual accompaniment was often seen as just as important as the music itself. One can only imagine entering their local record store and seeing that cover art on display. Of course, given the artwork’s controversial nature and the sensitivities of the era, this is one record that may have remained somewhat hidden among the record shelves. Still, upon seeing it, it would have drawn you in, just as it does in the modern era, as we’re still talking about it all these years later.
While I most certainly would have picked it up, based on the artwork alone, had I been alive at the time of release, the music is the most important aspect, and in that regard, Willie Remembers is second-to-none for it’s an extremely underrated release and has been recorded and mixed incredibly well. You’ll get a rawness, not unlike that of The Rolling Stones, but you’ll also hear high production values that link back to The Beatles, the Eagles, and Cymande.
While somewhat of a cult-status release, in the modern era, it’s a difficult album to come by. Other than digital download/streaming options, there have been two official re-issues on CD in the last decade. No vinyl re-issue and, perhaps most interestingly, Willie Remembers didn’t see a CD release at the height of the format’s reign. As such, it would be pure conjecture on my part to suggest which mastering was used, but as it pertains to the CD-quality Apple Music Lossless stream, it’s a thoroughly pleasing facsimile and is on par with what one may expect from a CD release.
If there are any sonic flaws to note, it’s fair to suggest that they’re intentional and part of the album’s recording and mixing style, rather than the mastering itself. Nevertheless, I have a feeling that most fans will find the digital offerings to be noteworthy.
Would a vinyl release better serve the album?
In this case, I don’t think so. While it doesn’t possess the vinyl warmth per se, it isn’t brittle and shrill, meaning that you’ll find yourself content to listen to the album on repeat for hours on end with no listening fatigue to be heard. Of course, don’t take my word for it; give it a listen for yourself and join me as I dive into the songs that make up this intriguing release.
Good Time Sally kicks off the album with an upbeat funk-rock number, immediately showing off the groove-based styling of Rare Earth. While the musical aspects of the song are irresistibly catchy, it’s Pete Hoorelbeke’s vocal delivery that captures not only the carefree spirit implied by the song’s title, but the playful and energetic nature that makes this tune a standout.
Every Now And Then We Get To Go On Down To Miami continues the feel-good funk-style groove. Capturing a sense of escape and celebration, while being further rooted in the band’s Soul and R&B origins, it delivers the easygoing charm of early-‘70s rock and is so highly compelling that one can only wonder why Willie Remembers wasn’t more successful, as it failed to achieve the commercial heights of Rare Earth’s earlier releases.
Think Of The Children is the first significant shift in tempo and tone, but this slower and more contemplative number is thoroughly pleasing with a beautiful arrangement and multi-layered mix that’s simply divine, for every musician is represented thoroughly, thereby showcasing the musical cohesion of Rare Earth.
Gotta Get Myself Back Home is perfectly suited to the era, as is much of Willie Remembers, but the raw rock-driven approach, with a tight groove, energetic guitar work, and a rock and roll narrative style, makes it more aligned to the era’s notable rock counterparts.
Come With Your Lady is a sonic masterpiece and a true hidden gem. Built on a relaxed, almost hypnotic groove, combining soulful vocals with layered instrumentation, “Come With Your Lady” is amongst the finest recordings Rare Earth ever made. The slow-burning introduction is an idealistic opening element that then explodes into a killer rock and roller that will not only compel the senses but will leave a lasting impression.
Would You Like To Come Along flows so seamlessly from “Come With Your Lady” that you’d swear it was merely a continuation of the previous song. Still, this tight upbeat burst of soulful rock, with catchy hooks and a lively rhythm section, is perfectly aligned to the radio-friendly numbers of the early-‘70s; yet it was never released as a single. Was it a missed opportunity? Absolutely, but success on the charts is rarely an indication of greatness, and in that context, “Would You Like To Come Along” is one of the most underrated and overlooked tunes from the era.
We're Gonna Have A Good Time is exactly representative of the song’s title, for it doubles down on the album’s celebratory mood, complete with infectious grooves and funky bass lines.
I Couldn't Believe What Happened Last Night is one of the album’s most ambitious songs, but it resembles a jam session full of improvisation that allows Rare Earth the space to explore their broad musical styling, whilst leaning into Soul, R&B, Funk, and Rock in this sprawling 12-minute epic. It isn’t, however, dull as there isn’t a lull to be heard throughout, and it’s the perfect closing number that allows for contemplation and will see you compelled to listen to the album, or this song, again.
Willie Remembers is one of those albums that I find myself returning to time and time again, for I find greater appreciation for the record upon each subsequent listen. There's little doubt that the band’s diverse musical styling, from the very first note to the last, is a drawcard, but as you listen to the album, it will command your attention, and if you allow it, it will meld with your soul in a manner that words can’t adequately describe.