When I Needed A Woman: Allan Scott’s Forgotten Funk & Soul Gem
Let me tell you something—Allan Scott's When I Needed A Woman isn’t just another dusty relic from the late '60s. Released in 1969 on Capitol Records and Tower, this sucker punches above its weight with a blend of funk, soul, pop, R&B, country, and vocal styles. It’s like someone threw all these genres into a blender and hit "puree." And honestly? That chaotic mix kinda works.
Now, let’s get real for a second. This album didn’t exactly set the world on fire back then, but damn if it doesn’t have some killer moments that stick to your ribs. Take the title track, “You Were A Girl When I Needed A Woman.” Holy crap, does this song slap. The groove is so smooth it feels illegal, and Scott’s voice drips with raw emotion. He’s not just singing here—he’s pleading, begging, maybe even losing his mind a little. You can feel the ache in every word, like he’s staring at you through time, daring you not to feel something. It’s messy, honest, and unforgettable.
Then there’s “To Love Somebody,” which yeah, sure, is a cover of the Bee Gees classic. But Scott makes it his own. His version strips away the glitz and leaves behind pure vulnerability. There’s no flashy production tricks or over-the-top drama—just a man pouring his heart out over bare-bones instrumentation. By the end, you’re either reaching for tissues or questioning every life choice that led you here. Either way, it hits hard.
But look, this album ain’t perfect. Some tracks feel dated (hello, “By The Time I Get To Phoenix”) and others are just… fine. They exist. Nothing wrong with them, but they won’t blow your socks off either. Still, when the highs hit, they hit. Like a punch to the gut or a shot of whiskey straight to the brain.
Here’s the kicker though: Why don’t more people talk about Allan Scott? Seriously. In a decade overflowing with musical legends, how did this guy slip through the cracks? Maybe it’s because he wasn’t flashy enough. Or maybe it’s because Canada and the US couldn’t figure out what box to put him in. Whatever the reason, When I Needed A Woman deserves better than being forgotten.
So go ahead. Give it a spin. Let those funky basslines and soulful vocals remind you why music mattered before algorithms took over. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself humming “You Were A Girl” for days. Trust me, it’ll haunt you—in the best possible way.
