Judson Spence

Description

The self-titled debut album by the American singer and songwriter Judson Spence was released on Atlantic Records in 1988. The album was recorded by David Tickle and Marc DeSisto at A&M Studios in Hollywood, California; with Judson Spence, Monroe Jones and David Tickle producing. Mixed at various studios in California.

Although Spence had a top 40 hit with the album track “Yeah, Yeah, Yeah” in 1988 and also had a minor hit with “Drift Away” from The Wonder Years soundtrack, Spence was dropped from Atlantic before completing his second album in 1991.

Judging from any number of spins and dozens of trips to the dance floor, Judson Spence (who once toured backing Kim Boyce), may be the hot new prospect for this year’s “play that funky music white boy” contest. Walking that fine line between Robbie Neville and George Michael’s pop accessibility and the aggressive R&B sound of Prince, Spence plays music for the masses.

His lyrics speak of sobriety, love that leads to commitment, and a love to “take me high, high, higher.” With a scarcity of rock solid dance products for Christians to groove to, Spence’s reputation as a strong believer (witnessed by the “Jesus – I love you and give you all the glory” on the LP’s liner notes), and this debut’s appealing snap, crackle ‘n’ polish is bound to make Judson Spence the hit of mainline church dances and sock hops. He even hits home with the “Club MTV” dance circuit.

Spence is quick to acknowledge the sexual attraction that draws men and women together («Everything She Do», «Attitude» and «Yeah, Yeah, Yeah»), but consistently he refuses to stop at the physical. “I know this may sound crazy / There’s more to love than sex,” he notes in «Hot & Sweaty», which he says we don’t have to be to get to know each other. This is a positive twist, especially noting the artists to whom Spence’s style draws comparison. «If You Don’t Like It» espouses drug/alcohol-free partying.

Judson Spence is clearly a talented artist, even if he has yet to find his own handle on these all-too-common grooves. Backed by a bevy of the best Christian players (Alex Acuna, Dann Huff, George Cocchini, etc.), Spence offers real hope of Christians moving with integrity into the mainstream. [Brian Quincy Newcomb, CCM, February 1989]

We were convinced it was a spoof on Columbia and Terence Trent D’Arby. Here’s Atlantic telling us about this new sensation, a young, hot, poised, pop-soul singer who’s gonna take the world by storm. So what else is new? Then they tell us he’s from Pascagoula, Mississippi, he’s white, and he developed his knack for soul by singing in the black churches in his hometown. Sure. Next day a tape shows up. It’s cued to side two, so the first thing we hear is «Hot & Sweaty», and I’ll be Sam Shazammed if it isn’t one of the best dance tunes we’ve heard in months. Grooves kinda like Prince. Spudson whazziz name? Where is that cassette case? Most of the tracks that follow aren’t as outright funky, but they’re smooth and immaculately produced, with a rock-solid backbeat that coulda come from David Bowie’s Let’s Dance sessions or from some lost Robert Palmer record. On the flip, «Yeah, Yeah, Yeah» sports a spirited gospel backing chorus and some Hammond organ, and the uncannily D’Arby-like «Everything She Do» (found on Certain Damage Vol.11) which hooks us for good. Shortly thereafter, a popping bass intro leads into the rousing rocker «Attitude», a tune that could recharge any Power Station. And we’re told his band is killer live – we’ll all see for ourselves because Judson is gonna showcase at the CMJ Music Marathon. See you there. [CMJ New Music Report, October 1988]

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Yeah, Yeah, Yeah” – 4:36
A2. “If You Don’t Like It” – 5:03
A3. “Everything She Do” – 4:45
A4. “Love Dies In Slow Motion” – 5:39
A5. “Attitude” – 4:29

Side Two
B1. “Hot & Sweaty” – 4:49
B2. “Down In The Village” – 4:44
B3. “Dance With Me” – 4:04
B4. “Higher” – 4:27
B5. “Forever You, Forever Me” – 4:35

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette, 12-inch vinyl LP, and CD by Atlantic Records with the CD version featuring “Take Your Time” as a bonus track.