 Barry White struck gold with his last single and album but he's set to surpass himself with his plans for next year
AFTER a rather dismal spell, Barry White is right back where he belongs — on top! His single of "It's Ecstasy When You Lay Down Beside Me" has surpassed the million mark in the States and looks like ending up as his best selling forty-five of all time.
And the album, "Barry White Sings For Someone You Love" has given the Maestro his first No. 1 album in the States for two years.
In all honesty, it's fair to say that both the single and the album are Barry White at his creative best and that's a little more than can be said for the past eighteen months musical output from this man.
"It's all an attitude of music," he freely admits. "Sure, there is a little difference in the style and the basic arrangement is a little different from my previous work. But it's still love — just a different approach and because it is different enough musically, too, the people have taken to it.
"I'd say that there is enough Barry White in there, though, to make it familiar. You could say I am happy with the new album.
"But, to be absolutely honest with you, I'm even more satisfied with the next album — which is being readied for a March release here in the States. It's going to be called "I love To Sing The Songs I Sing" and I would expect it to be even bigger than the one that's out now."
How does Barry view his musical future? "Well, that's a hard one because tastes change so quickly, don't they?," he muses. "I think personally that we are headed for a quieter sound.
"Even the discos are going for softer sounds right now and the trend seems to be more for a laid back approach. For me, that's good because that's the kind of thing I like doing best."
For the past four years, Barry has been running a love affair with Europe and he has made no secret of the fact that he cares almost as much for his British fans as his home grown ones.
"That's right," he immediately confirms. "That next album I was telling you about is more into the European sound. People there tend to show more appreciation of their music — not just my music but all kinds of music. They take it all more seriously.
"I've been very fortunate in that I have always sold records there and that's why I come over to appear as often as I possibly am able to. And each time, I seem to get a little more popular — though I would be satisfied to merely stay at the same level.
"But it makes me feel really good to be there — the people are so courteous and considerate. That's why I'll be back in April — and with the whole gang, the Orchestra and the girls (Love Unlimited). They are all looking forward to the trip."
Suffice to say that it's just good to have Barry back on top again — he's been sorely missed and I've a feeling that, judging from some of the unprinted plans he has for '78, it'll be a great year for him and the whole Unlimited Gold family.
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