Maurice White is the debut album by American singer and musician Maurice White released in September 1985 on Columbia Records. The album rose to number 12 upon the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart and No. 35 on the Dutch Album Top 100.

Overview

The self titled album was produced by Maurice White. Artists such as Gerald Albright, Jeff Lorber, Ricky Lawson of Yellowjackets, Paul Jackson Jr., Martin Page, Wayne Vaughn and Wanda Vaughn of The Emotions appeared on the record. The album was also reissued in 2001 with four bonus tracks entitled "Life" (Freedom mix), "Life", "Adventures of the Heart" and "Sam the Jam".

Singles

A cover of Ben E. King's "Stand by Me" got to No. 6 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart, No. 11 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Songs chart and No. 5 on the RPM Canadian Adult Contemporary Songs chart. Another single called "I Need You" rose to No. 20 upon the Billboard Adult Contemporary Songs chart and No. 30 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart.

Critical reception

Robin Denselow of The Guardian called the album a "lush collection of self produced dance tracks, and the occasional ballad, with synths and drum programming immaculately in place, and the vocals as classy as ever". With a four out of five star review Andrew Hamilton of Allmusic wrote "Maurice White gives an excellent account on his solo debut". David Okamoto of the Tampa Tribune proclaimed "White offers an impressive collection of solid-state R&B that doesn't let the intricate arrangements get in the way of his warm vocals". J.D. Considine of Musician said the "Given his status as Earth, Wind & Fire's Shining Star, it comes as no surprise that White's first solo project sounds a lot like classic EW&F: tight, focused and punchy. But while White remembers to sink a hook into every verse and chorus, the emphasis here is on subtlety and sophistication as he works his way from R&B basics..with a sense of craft that makes slickness irrelevant". Simon Warner of Popmatters described the LP as "something of a lost treasure" which "distils the fervent energy of his group but offers an appealing showcase for White's confident vocal manner." David Barton of the Sacramento Bee extolled "a fine return to form for Earth, Wind & Fire's mastermind. White's solo debut features upbeat, melodic dance cuts".

Track listing

Original release

2001 reissue

Personnel

Musicians

Miscellaneous Credits

Charts