A Gene Chandler Album: A Funky Soul Journey That Still Hits Hard
If you’re into that raw, unfiltered funk and soul vibe from the late '60s, A Gene Chandler Album is one of those hidden gems you didn’t know you needed. Released in 1969 on Joy Records in the UK, this record feels like a warm hug wrapped in grit and groove. It’s not perfect—heck, it doesn’t even try to be—but that’s kinda what makes it special.
Let me start with “Duke Of Earl.” Yeah, yeah, I know—it’s probably his most famous track ever, but hearing it here again just slaps. There’s something about the way Gene belts out those lines, like he owns the room no matter where you are. You can almost picture him strutting around some smoky club, owning every single note. The harmonies? Ridiculous. And when the horns kick in halfway through? Forget it. This song isn’t just music; it’s an experience. Every time it comes on, I find myself air-conducting or mouthing the words like I’m starring in my own movie montage.
Then there’s “Kissin’ In The Kitchen,” which might sound silly at first glance, but man, does it work. It’s playful without being cheesy, smooth without trying too hard. The bassline alone could make anyone want to grab their partner and sway awkwardly across the floor (no judgment if you trip over your cat). What sticks with me is how effortlessly cool Gene sounds—he’s not showing off, just letting the groove do its thing. By the end of the track, you’ll either have a goofy grin on your face or feel inspired to whip up dinner while humming along. Or both. No rules here.
The rest of the album keeps the energy alive too. Tracks like “Turn On Your Love Light” bring that fiery gospel-inspired soul vibe, while slower numbers like “I Wake Up Cryin’” hit you right in the feels. Sure, a couple of songs blend together after a few listens, but honestly, that’s part of its charm. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel—it’s just reminding you why wheels exist in the first place.
What gets me thinking though is how timeless this stuff still feels. Like, here we are decades later, streaming playlists full of autotuned bangers, yet these simple, heartfelt tracks still pack more punch than half the stuff out today. Maybe it’s because Gene wasn’t chasing trends—he was making music for real people living real lives. And let’s be honest, don’t we all need a little more of that?
Oh, random thought: If someone told me Gene Chandler wrote these songs while wearing bell-bottoms and eating fish n’ chips, I wouldn’t doubt it for a second. Just saying.
