Review by 萌 名雪
Album Review: At Work by Walter Bouligny (1978)
Walter Bouligny’s At Work isn’t just an album—it’s a vibe. Released in ‘78 on Roi Records Inc., this funk and soul gem from the US feels like a warm hug wrapped in polyester and bell-bottoms. It’s raw, real, and unapologetically groovy. Let’s dive into it, shall we?
The track that really sticks with me is “Shacking Is The Thing Today.” Man, oh man, this one hits different. It’s got this laid-back groove that sneaks up on you—like when your buddy convinces you to stay out just one more hour, and suddenly it’s sunrise. The bassline is smooth as butter, and Bouligny’s vocals have this effortless charm. You can almost picture yourself cruising down some sun-drenched California highway, windows down, feeling like life might actually work out. I swear, every time this song comes on, I forget whatever stress I’ve been carrying.
Then there’s “You’re Amazing.” This tune? Pure magic. It’s one of those tracks where you don’t know whether to dance or cry—or maybe both at the same time. The way Bouligny sings about love is so genuine, it feels like he’s spilling his soul right into your ears. There’s no overthinking here—just heartfelt lyrics backed by lush instrumentation that wraps around you like a cozy blanket. Honestly, if I had to pick a soundtrack for falling head-over-heels, this would be it.
But let’s not sleep on the rest of the album. Tracks like “I’ve Been Here Before” and “One Time Is Not Enough” keep the energy alive, while deeper cuts like “Thought I’d Never Find Love” remind you how versatile Bouligny’s voice truly is. And hey, who doesn’t love a country twist thrown into the mix with “I’ll Go My Way (Country)”? It’s quirky but works somehow—kinda like pineapple on pizza.
What makes At Work stand out isn’t just its genre-blending brilliance; it’s the fact that it feels personal. Like, you get the sense Walter poured everything he had into these songs. They’re not perfect, but they’re honest—and sometimes, that’s all you need.
Reflecting on this record, I realized something kinda funny: music back then wasn’t trying to be cool—it just was. No algorithms telling artists what to make, no TikTok trends dictating hits. Just good ol’ vibes straight from the heart. So next time you’re feeling nostalgic or just wanna escape reality for 40 minutes, give At Work a spin. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find yourself smiling without even knowing why.
Oh, and P.S.—if anyone ever tells you soul music is dead, hand them this album. Watch their face change. Trust me, it’s worth it.
