Best Of Switch

Big things were expected when Grand Rapids natives Bobby and Tommy Debarge merged with Akronites Jody Sims, Gregory Williams, Eddie Fluellen and Philip Ingram to form Switch. Switch was Fluellen, Ingram, Williams and Sims' second shot at stardom; they had previously been part of White Heat, which recorded an album for RCA Records that Barry White produced. A beautiful trumpet, soaring three part harmonies, and romantic lyrics tenderly sung by Bobby Debarge and Philip Ingram help to make "I Wanna Be Closer" irresistible; the dazzling ballad was written and produced by Jermaine Jackson. The bubbling "There Never Be" was the opposite, fast and full of vocal gymnastics; the love vow became the first hit out the box for the young men. A pounding "Best Beat in Town" fit right in with the times, drummer Jody Sims co-wrote the mover with Bobby and Tommy, and can be heard adding percussions to the pounding beat. "I Call Your Name" commands attention every time it's played on "for lovers only" programs; Bobby Debarge's unique scat singing is featured along with his mercurial falsetto, on the flowing, airy number. Equally as compelling, is the slower "Love Over and Over," the moving "You And I," a good wedding song, and the thumping, emphatic "I Do Love You." Switch was bad, and that means good. It's about time Motown dropped a good 18-plus-song CD on Switch like they did with Debarge. ~ Andrew Hamilton