Let’s Hear it for the Boy

Description

Let’s Hear it for the Boy is an album by the American R&B singer and songwriter Deniece Williams, released on Columbia Records in 1984. The album was produced by Deniece Williams (tracks A2, A3, and B2 to B5) and George Duke (tracks A1, A4, A5, and B1).

“Let’s Hear It for the Boy” also appeared on the soundtrack to the feature film Footloose. It became Williams’ second number one hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 on May 26, 1984, also topping the dance and R&B charts, and peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart as well.

Since AM radio loves relentless, Chinese water torture-like airplay, you may feel that one more chorus of «Let’s Hear It for the Boy» will force blood from your eardrums. Don’t let that rob you of savoring this classy pop/jazz entry from a tiny powerhouse of talent.

Deniece produced half the album, co- wrote five of the nine songs, and arranged one. However, unlike most other “Mother, please, I’d-rather-do-it-myself” stars, she knew where to call for help. Co-producer/keyboardist George Duke, guitarist Michael Sembello, and a host of veteran session men (Russell Ferrante, Ronnie Laws, Paulinho da Costa, others) create a sophisticated jazz ensemble that never loses sight of the pop audience.

Although Williams’ vocal range extends somewhere over the rainbow, she restrains it like a female Al Jarreau instead of screaming her way through the album like a vocal “fat mama.”

The pacing enhances the album. Effortlessly, we shift gears from the title cut (thankfully, at least it’s remixed), to a smoldering ember of a ballad («I Want You»), back to a generously synthesized pop beat («Picking Up the Pieces»), and on to a lush and dynamic ballad with a show-stopping, Grammy-quality arrangement («Black Butterfly»). This continues through the second side all the way to a stunning ending.

Through all of side one, the standard love-song lyrics never indicate that Deniece is a Christian. On side two we receive one glimmer of faith on the moving «Don’t Tell Me We Have Nothing», a song of unrequited love. After blistering through the catchy rocker «Wrapped Up», we find that Deniece has one more surprise up her choir robe sleeve.

A gospel organ eases in the back door. Otherwise unaccompanied, Deniece prayerfully begins the hymn «Whiter than Snow». It builds and builds until the Leslie sounds like it’s ripping and her voice belts hard enough to overdrive the mike. Blunt and convincing, the song packs the entire gospel into three and a half minutes of sheer emotion.

The effect is galvanizing. Some listeners will find it an inspiration. Others may find it a betrayal, getting hit suddenly and hard with the meaning of life after forty minutes of light entertainment. Either way, it’s a powerful message on a fine pop album. Let’s hear it for the girl! [Scott Pinzon, CCM, August 1984]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/lets-hear-it-for-the-boy-expanded-edition/1094926697)

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Let’s Hear It For The Boy” – 4:18
A2. “I Want You” – 2:50
A3. “Picking Up The Pieces” – 4:40
A4. “Black Butterfly” – 4:25
A5. “Next Love” – 4:23

Side Two
B1. “Haunting Me” – 4:57
B2. “Don’t Tell Me We Have Nothing” – 4:00
B3. “Blind Dating” – 3:39
B4. “Wrapped Up” – 4:37
B5. “Whiter Than Snow” – 3:45

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Columbia Records. Later re-issued on CD.

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