The Run That Back series is a deep dive into some of music’s most popular or underrated projects. Whether it’s been 5 years or 50, there’s never a wrong time to ‘run that back.’
Luther Vandross' "Never Too Much" is one of his greatest singles to date. However, on the 40th anniversary of his debut album, Never Too Much, we're getting into his official introduction and how it laid the foundation for his career.
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Vandross kicked off his career as a songwriter and in-demand background vocalist for Judy Collins, Bette Midler, Chaka Khan, David Bowie, Donna Summer and more. He went on to lead the group, Change, before kicking off his solo career in 1981 with Never Too Much. The 7-track LP features singles like its titular track and "A House Is Not A Home."
The album is certified double platinum and is full of uptempo grooves and a timeless ballad. Thanks to Vandross' connections, the album was full of R&B's finest. Nat Adderly Jr. who worked with Vandross on every album and tour until the crooner’s passing in 2003, was a descendent of the Adderley jazz dynasty, and served as the primary keyboardist/musical arranger on Never Too Much.
Vandross also enlisted Motown alumnus and orchestral arranger Paul Riser. Riser blended his classical soul arrangements with Vandross’ flawless vocals to propel the album. Not to mention, vocal heavyweights like Cissy Houston and fellow seasoned singers provided the background vocals.
"Never Too Much" can be listened back as an instrumental or as the full track, full of Vandross' playful rifts and smooth tone. It is easily one of the greatest R&B singles of all time. With its popularity, it's been sampled by countless modern acts from DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince to Queen Latifah to Wu-Tang Clan to Fat Joe and Amorphous.
The most underrated "quiet storm" treat is "Don't You Know That?" The album in its entirety set the standard for classic R&B in the '80s. It also layered Pop with Soul in a masterful way. It may not be as regarded as other works of his, but Never Too Much deserves its flowers.
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