Album Info
| Artist: | Boz Scaggs |
| Album: | Middle Man |
| Released: | Europe, 2024 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | Jojo | 5:51 |
| Backing Vocals [Backup Vocals By] - Charlotte Crossley, David Lasley, Sharon Redd | ||
| Bass - John Pierce | ||
| Saxophone [Sax Solo], Soloist [Sax Solo] - Adrian Tapia | ||
| Written By - B. Scaggs - D. Foster - D. Lasley | ||
| Written-By - B. Scaggs, D. Foster, D. Lasley | ||
| A2 | Breakdown Dead Ahead | 4:34 |
| Backing Vocals [Backup Vocals By] - Bili Thedford, Paulette Brown, Venetta Fields | ||
| Drums - Rick Marotta | ||
| Electric Piano - Don Grolnick | ||
| Guitar [Additional Guitars And Solo], Soloist [Solo] - Steve Lukather | ||
| Written By - B. Scaggs - D. Foster | ||
| Written-By - B. Scaggs, D. Foster | ||
| A3 | Simone | 5:08 |
| Backing Vocals [Backup Vocals By] - Bili Thedford, Paulette Brown, Venetta Fields | ||
| Synthesizer [Additional Synthesizer] - David Paich | ||
| Written By - B. Scaggs - D. Foster | ||
| Written-By - B. Scaggs, D. Foster | ||
| A4 | You Can Have Me Anytime | 4:56 |
| Guitar [Guitar Solo], Soloist [Guitar Solo] - Carlos Santana | ||
| Written By - B. Scaggs - D. Foster | ||
| Written-By - B. Scaggs, D. Foster | ||
| B1 | Middle Man | 4:52 |
| Backing Vocals [Backup Vocals By] - Julia Tillman Waters, Oren Waters, Paulette Brown, Venetta Fields | ||
| Written By - B. Scaggs - D. Foster | ||
| Written-By - B. Scaggs, D. Foster | ||
| B2 | Do Like You Do In New York | 3:44 |
| Backing Vocals [Backup Vocals By] - Bill Champlin, Charles Irwin, David Lasley | ||
| Bass - Ray Parker, Jr. | ||
| Clavinet - James Newton-Howard | ||
| Drums - Joe Vitale | ||
| Organ [Organs], Synthesizer [Synthesizers] - David Paich | ||
| Written-By - B. Scaggs | ||
| B3 | Angel You | 3:37 |
| Backing Vocals [Backup Vocals By] - Rosemary Butler | ||
| Guitar [Guitar Solo], Soloist [Guitar Solo] - Steve Lukather | ||
| Written By - B. Scaggs - D. Foster | ||
| Written-By - B. Scaggs, D. Foster | ||
| B4 | Isn't It Time | 4:52 |
| Backing Vocals [Backup Vocals By] - Bili Thedford, Paulette Brown, Rosemary Butler, Venetta Fields | ||
| Drums - Rick Marotta | ||
| Guitar [Guitar Solo], Soloist [Guitar Solo] - Steve Lukather | ||
| Piano [Acoustic Piano] - Don Grolnick | ||
| Written-By - B. Scaggs | ||
| B5 | You Got Some Imagination | 3:56 |
| Backing Vocals [Backup Vocals By] - Julia Tillman Waters, Oren Waters, Paulette Brown, Venetta Fields | ||
| Guitar [All Guitars] - Steve Lukather | ||
| Written By - B. Scaggs - S. Lukather - B. Schnee | ||
| Written-By - B. Schnee, B. Scaggs, S. Lukather |
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Description
Boz Scaggs' "Middle Man," released in 1980, is a quintessential album that captures the essence of the late 70s and early 80s rock and pop sound. Known for his smooth voice and sophisticated style, Scaggs delivers an album that is both polished and engaging, showcasing his ability to blend rock, pop, and soul influences seamlessly.
"Middle Man" was released at a time when Scaggs was already an established artist, having achieved significant success with his 1976 album "Silk Degrees," which included hits like "Lowdown" and "Lido Shuffle." With "Middle Man," Scaggs continued to build on his reputation for crafting catchy, well-produced songs. The album was produced by Bill Schnee, who had worked with Scaggs on "Silk Degrees," and features a host of talented musicians, including Toto members Jeff Porcaro, David Hungate, and Steve Lukather, as well as session legends like Ray Parker Jr. and Michael McDonald.
The album opens with "Jojo," a track that exemplifies Scaggs' knack for storytelling and his ability to create a mood with his music. The song's smooth groove and catchy chorus make it a standout track, and it became one of the album's singles. Another highlight is "Breakdown Dead Ahead," which features a driving beat and showcases Scaggs' vocal range and emotive delivery. This track also enjoyed commercial success, reaching the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
"Middle Man" is notable for its blend of rock and R&B influences, a hallmark of Scaggs' style. Tracks like "Simone" and "You Can Have Me Anytime" highlight his ability to infuse soulful melodies with rock sensibilities, creating a sound that is both accessible and sophisticated. The album's production is slick and polished, characteristic of the era, yet it retains a warmth and depth that keeps it engaging.
Critically, "Middle Man" was well-received, with reviewers praising Scaggs' vocal performance and the album's production quality. While it did not achieve the same level of commercial success as "Silk Degrees," it solidified Scaggs' position as a respected artist in the rock and pop genres. The album's sound and style have been noted for their influence on the yacht rock genre, a smooth, soft rock style that became popular in the late 70s and early 80s.
In terms of cultural significance, "Middle Man" represents a period in music where artists were experimenting with blending different genres to create a more polished and radio-friendly sound. Scaggs' ability to navigate these musical landscapes with ease is a testament to his talent and versatility as an artist. The album's themes of love, longing, and introspection resonate with listeners, making it a timeless piece in Scaggs' discography.
Overall, "Middle Man" is a testament to Boz Scaggs' artistry and his ability to craft songs that are both musically and lyrically compelling. The album's standout tracks, such as "Jojo" and "Breakdown Dead Ahead," continue to be celebrated for their catchy hooks and smooth production. While it may not have reached the iconic status of "Silk Degrees," "Middle Man" remains an important work in Scaggs' career, showcasing his evolution as an artist and his contribution to the rock and pop music landscape of the time.
