Eddie Floyd loves R&B so

Reviewed December 2008

Soul veteran Eddie Floyd has become identified with his huge 1966 hit "Knock on Wood," which is unfortunate for those who are unaware of his other contributions to rhythm and blues music over the years. His new release, "Eddie Loves You So," is his first release in six years. It also marks his return to the Stax label, which released more than twenty of his singles and seven albums in the late '60s and early '70s and where he penned many memorable tunes for other well-known artists. The new disc features many of these gems, along with some newer material.

Floyd co-founded The Falcons, the group that scored the 1959 million-seller "You're So Fine," and that tune is covered here, with all of the other songs written or co-written by Floyd. "Since You’ve Been Gone," written in 1957 and a highlight here, is catchy, soulful and (like all the other cuts) features superb production by the "Tremelo Twins" – Michael Dinallo and Ducky Carlisle. Many of the other songs have a familiar feel to them. A spirited reading of "You Don’t Know What You Mean to Me," a Sam and Dave single, is done in the call-and-response gospel style of that duo. "I Will Always Have Faith in You," another Floyd-penned hit (for Carla Thomas), shows that at 71, Floyd’s voice is as powerful as ever, with amazing range – smooth and high on this song and "Consider Me," as well as a get-down style almost as nasty as Wilson Pickett's (a former Falcon with Floyd) on " 'Til My Back Ain't Got No Bone."

Soul ballads are Floyd's strength and they are in abundance, including "Close to You," a newer song. On "Head to Toe," he shows that he also can rock, with good session support from guitarist Dinallo.

It’s good to hear from Eddie Floyd, and this disc sounds both familiar and refreshing. After more than 50 years in the R&B business, "Eddie Loves You So" shows he hasn't lost the touch.

Review by Frank Kocher, a longtime San Diego resident, musician, music collector and frequent contributor to The San Diego Troubadour.