Original Perception/Today recordings
First released in the US in 1973 as the Vinyl LP "Born Again" on Perception PLP 39
8 page booklet with notes by John Ridley
ReviewOver the years J.J. Barnes has become somewhat of a cult Detroit-Soul hero due to his 1960s recordings on Ric-Tic, Motown, Groovesville, Revilot etc. but his 1970s output is generally overlooked. This CD reissue of his obscure 1973 LP "Born Again", recorded for New York based Perception/Today Records, was an attempt to rectify this.
Musically this is typical 1972/3 Soul fare, with sophisticated arrangements and attempts at social comment creeping in among the love songs. Some of the music will be familiar to fans of early 1970s Soul Music, notably "Time Is Love" which uses the same backing track as the version released by Black Ivory on Today 1516
Pick for me is the opener "Can't See Me Leaving You" and the epic semi-instrumental "You Owe It To Yourself". According to the notes by John Ridley the record company had high hopes for "You Are Just A Living Doll" but the single release of it on Perception 546 bombed.