Album Review: Anyway You Want It / Oasis Of Love by Enchantment
Wow, let me just say—this album hits different. Released way back in '79, Anyway You Want It / Oasis Of Love is one of those hidden gems that makes you wonder how something this funky and soulful ever slipped under the radar. Enchantment, with their smooth vibes and killer grooves, crafted something special here. It’s like they took all the best parts of funk, soul, and disco, threw them into a blender, and poured out pure magic.
First off, can we talk about "Oasis of Love"? Man, this track feels like stepping into a warm hug on a cold day. The arrangement by Johnny Allen? Flawless. Every instrument seems to have its own little story to tell, but together—it’s a party. The bassline alone could make your grandma get up and dance (no disrespect to grandmas). And then there’s the vocals. Smooth as butter, dripping with emotion. You can hear the passion behind every word. This isn’t just music; it’s an experience. When I listen to “Oasis of Love,” I don’t just hear it—I feel it. Like, really feel it. It reminds me of summer nights spent staring at the stars, wondering if life gets any better than this.
Then there’s “Anyway You Want It.” Oh man, this song is straight fire. If “Oasis of Love” is the chill evening breeze, this one’s the midday sun blazing down on you. It’s upbeat, infectious, and impossible not to move to. Producer Michael Stokes clearly knew what he was doing because this track doesn’t mess around. From the opening notes, it grabs hold of you and doesn’t let go. There’s something about the rhythm section that just locks into your brain and refuses to leave—and honestly? I’m not mad about it. It’s the kind of song that makes you wanna grab someone close and spin ‘em around until you’re both dizzy.
What strikes me most about these two tracks is how timeless they feel. Even though this album dropped over four decades ago, it still sounds fresh. Maybe it’s the raw energy or the fact that Enchantment poured so much heart into it. Whatever it is, it works. Listening to this record feels like finding an old photograph tucked away in a drawer—you didn’t know you needed it until you saw it again, and now you can’t imagine being without it.
Here’s the thing though: while everyone else was probably jamming to Donna Summer or Earth, Wind & Fire back in ’79 (and rightfully so), Enchantment quietly dropped this masterpiece and kinda faded into obscurity. How does that even happen? It’s like discovering a secret treasure chest buried in plain sight. Makes you wonder what other musical gold is out there waiting to be rediscovered.
So yeah, if you haven’t heard Anyway You Want It / Oasis Of Love, do yourself a favor and give it a spin. Trust me, your ears will thank you later. Just don’t blame me when you find yourself dancing awkwardly in your kitchen at 2 AM. Life’s too short for bad music—and this ain’t bad music. This is soul food for your ears.
Oh, and P.S.—if anyone knows where I can snag a vinyl copy for cheap, hit me up. My turntable misses records like this.
