Recess

Description

The self-titled debut album by the American pop/rock/urban combo Recess was released on Reunion Records in 1989, distributed by Word. The album was produced and arranged by Morris “Butch” Stewart.

Released in 1989 on the Reunion record label, this is a curious release, now clouded in obscurity. Listening 20 years later, it sounds like an album put together by a bunch of American musos. Everything is nicely in place. Smooth funky pop rock style? Tick. Well constructed ’80s production with plenty of whistles and bells? Tick. Great musical and vocal performances? Tick. Spiritual lyrics? Tick. This should be a winner and as far as I know, this was the only release from the band. There are a couple of winners here. I particularly like the opening cut «Born Again (And I Love It)» and the slightly rocking «Dead Ain’t Always Six Feet Under» but then I’m a sucker for ’80s AOR nostalgia. There are smooth keyboards, sweet saxophone and girly vocals thrown into the mix here and there to ass a certain sweetening but overall, the whole project lacks any personality. It ends up sounding like Toto lite so perhaps it isn’t surprising that there wasn’t a follow up. [Mike Rimmer, Cross Rhythms, November 2010]

[Brian Quincy Newcomb, CCM, May 1989]

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Born Again (And I Love It)” – 5:14
A2. “Reckless” – 5:19
A3. “Time Out” – 4:12
A4. “Nothin’ I Wouldn’t Do” – 4:17
A5. “Search Me” – 4:32

Side Two
B1. “Dead Ain’t Always Six Feet Under” – 5:03
B2. “Choices” – 4:15
B3. “Back Off” – 3:20
B4. “Don’t Keep It Inside” – 4:02
B5. “Are We Wastin’ Time?” – 5:14

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette, 12-inch vinyl LP, and CD by Reunion Records.

---