Released in 1982, New Directions is the eleventh studio album by the American R&B and funk band Tavares. While their legacy, by this stage, was well-cemented into the annals of music history, New Directions sees the band shift musical direction slightly as they transitioned from the core disco and soul sounds that characterised their earlier works, to a more contemporary and versatile style that lent more on the musical elements of funk, pop, and vocal ballads.
While the cover art of New Directions was, and still is, unappealing, the sonic quality of the lossless Apple Music stream is thoroughly enjoyable. In fact, New Directions wouldn’t even be available on CD until 2010 when Big Break Records, under license from Sony Music Entertainment UK, released a remaster of this album. Since that time, the only other edition to be reissued was a CD release, for the Japanese market in 2016. Naturally, those of you who only care about the music will ponder my direction here, but when you consider that the Compact Disc was first released in 1982, it’s incredible to think that a new release album was not considered for release on the new emerging format. Granted, widespread acceptance of the CD format took a few years, but one can only speculate as to the sales success of New Directions had it been released on the now humble Compact Disc.
While the aforementioned editions are now unfortunately out of print, we live in a wonderful era whereby for a small monthly fee we can have access to the same remaster and thereby be able to appreciate an album that otherwise would have been lost to history for many of us. Plus, if you’re still into buying digital downloads of the music you love, New Directions is available on both the iTunes Store and Qobuz. That said, all available editions include bonus tracks and longtime readers will note my distain regarding bonus material being tacked onto the end of an album. Subsequently, I have chosen to share with you a playlist that resembles the album’s original sequencing. However, if you want to listen to the bonus material, you can stream the complete bonus track version by clicking here.
A Penny For Your Thoughts opens the album with a smooth soul-based tune that is simply stunning. The song’s lyrics are delivered as impeccably as ever for the smoothness melds perfectly with the harmony to produce an engaging laid-back tune that is the ideal opener.
I Hope You'll Be Very Unhappy Without Me maintains the sonic smoothness while adding a touch of funk and pop styling. Its groovy beat and playful lyrics are compelling, ensuring that while this song was only ever going to be an album-only tune, it fits the overall flow and sequencing of the album perfectly.
Mystery Lady has a seductive quality that is musically engaging. It’s a simply beautiful song and while it isn’t the type of song that is most commonly associated with the Tavares, I do wish they had recorded more ballad-driven tunes for their smooth and sensual vocals are perfectly suited to that type of music.
Abra-Ca-Dabra Love You Too exudes a playful and lighthearted vibe that is cringeworthy but pure fun. Yes, as you listen to Abra-Ca-Dabra Love You Too, especially with regard to the chorus, you’ll wonder why anyone would want to record this song for it’s corny and cliché, yet, it puts a smile on my face every time it comes on.
Got To Find My Way Back To You picks up the tempo, adds an ample amount of funk with a touch of disco, and encourages you to get on your feet and dance around the room. Even if you’re sitting down, you’ll note that your body immediately connects with the rhythm as you’ll find yourself toe-tapping and head-bopping along, without intending to do so; a sign of music that’s good for the soul!
Maybe We'll Fall In Love Again pops from the very first moments of the song. While it suits the overall style of the album, Maybe We'll Fall In Love Again is one of those songs that I doubt anyone will seek out on its own, for it’s the very definition of a filler tune. Still, New Directions wouldn’t be the same without this song.
The Skin You're In is a masterpiece. That groove is sensational and the funky bass-driven rhythm is nothing short of addictive. Additionally, the vocal delivery is spot on and it makes me wonder why it was never released as a single for it’s one of the best songs the Tavares recorded throughout their entire career; yes, it’s that good!
Wanna Be Close To You closes the album perfectly with an 80s energy that’s nostalgic for many of us who either lived through the era or appreciate the 80s zeitgeist. Wanna Be Close To You is, ultimately, strong enough that it encourages me to spin the album again.
New Directions is a diverse and engaging album that showcases the Tavares' ability to adapt to different musical styles while maintaining their signature harmonies and soulful vocal performances. The album offers a mix of upbeat and mellow tracks, making it a well-rounded listening experience for fans of R&B and soul music and is one of the best albums released in 1982; despite its lacklustre chart success. New Directions is a perfect example of incredible music that was overlooked during its time.