Hard Core Poetry [Bonus Tracks]

Personnel: Dean Parks, Larry Carlton, Ben Benay (guitar); The Boogie Symphony (strings); Dennis Lambert, Michael Omartian (keyboards); Ed Greene (drums); Gary Coleman, Brian Potter (percussion).
Liner Note Author: Chris Rizik.
Recording information: Sound Labs, Los Angeles, CA.
Arranger: Michael Omartian.
Because Johnny Bristol served Tavares so well on its debut album, Check It Out, it was logical to assume that he would be producing the group's next project. Instead, Tavares switched producers on its second album, Hard Core Poetry, and joined forces with the Dennis Lambert/Brian Potter team. Having worked with the Four Tops and others, Lambert and Potter had an impressive track record when it came to Northern soul, and they do right by Tavares on this excellent sophomore effort. In addition to producing the LP, Lambert and Potter handle most of the writing. The only track they didn't write is a cover of Hall & Oates' "She's Gone," which became a number one R&B hit for Tavares. All of the other tracks are Lambert/Potter compositions, and their writing is excellent on material that ranges from the dramatic "Too Late" and the sentimental "Remember What I Told You to Forget" (a number four R&B hit) to the inspiring "Someone to Go Home To." Full of gems, Hard Core Poetry is among Tavares' most essential albums. ~ Alex Henderson