The Commodores' early years were spent on the Southern funk circuit, where their energetic, catchy tunes, and keyboard-oriented funk made them both a college and a radio staple. They scored seminal hits with "Brick House" and "Slippery When Wet," although it became apparent quite early that lead vocalist Lionel Richie also had a bright future as a solo balladeer, with such tunes as "Easy" signaling his future on adult contemporary and Quiet Storm/urban contemporary radio. This collection highlights early up-tempo and ballad hits. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
James Anthony Carmichael (Producer), Milan Williams (Keyboards), Milan Williams (Guitar (Electric)), Lionel Richie (Vocals), Thomas McClary (Guitar (Electric)), The Commodores (Group), Ronald LaPread (Bass (Electric)), William King (Trumpet), Walter Orange (Vocals), Thomas McClary (Vocals), The Commodores (Producer), Walter Orange (Drums)
Commodores is a self-titledalbum released in 1977 by the Commodores. The band employed a variety of musical stylings for the album, highlighted by the popular sex anthem "Brick House". With Walter Orange's squeaking/growling voice on the lead, and Ronald LaPread's roundtone bassline, this cut peaked on the U.S. Hot 100 at #5, and the U.S. R&B Chart at #4. As their second single, "Brick House" helped propel the Commodores into the spotlight as a premier R&B act.
In contrast to "Brick House", "Easy" is a pop-souls ballad featuring mellow vocals by Lionel Richie with a Southern country twist. A famous cover of "Easy" was done by the band Faith No More.
