Commodores Album: “Midnight Magic”

"Midnight Magic" has enough Commodores funk and soul to compensate for the sappiness of "Still" - a number-one ballad that set the stage for Lionel Richie's solo career. The 1979 release is highlighted by the classic "Sail On," which can be heard in its original five-minute version (most greatest-hits packages feature the edited Top 10 single). Other gems include the R&B hit "Wonderland" and the hard-driving "Sexy Lady." Though no longer in print, "Midnight Magic" was the last Commodores album that really mattered.

I received this one today and based on what I got, if you get this CD fully expecting the authentic "Midnight Magic" album you're in for a disappointment. Although having all the originally listed songs, the edited (that's right, edited) cuts on this CD are the same length as the ones on the CD that has the albums "Midnight Magic" and "Natural High" together on one disc (of which is an edited version of the original). I don't know for sure but I suspect that this CD has been copied from the latter.

So, if you don't mind edits then this is for you but if, like me, you want your beloved old-school music in its original full length format... well, you've been warned.

Midnight Magic capped off the Commodores at the height of their career. With each of their previous albums, their sound was continually evolving, starting with Hot on the Tracks. So in this effort, it followed '78's Natural High smoothly. One of the things that has become common by this time is that the Commodores has a theme of finishing the first side of their albums with what has become their signature ballads, starting with the Movin' On album ("Sweet Love"). The trend continues with "Still" closing side one here. "Still" and "Sail On" lead the way in radio play when Midnight Magic was released, and said singles were penned by Lionel Richie. The title track was a an ok attempt at an uptempo jam, but far from noteworthy. One of the true standouts was the inviting and melodic "Wonderland", which should be featured in more greatest hits compilations, as well as "You're Special" and "Lovin You". Definitely a solid album throughout, this along with all the previous albums are a good listen. Heroes and In the Pocket would follow this, being the last two to feature Richie as a member.

Great album, remember it growing up in the late 70's. It has some great classics like "Still" and "Sail On". No problem with the service and shipping, CD arrived in the condition as described.