Harvest For The World : Expanded Edition

Q - 4 out of 5 stars - "...Provided the group's signature tune...showing a new maturity in the songwriting of the younger 3 members..." Mojo - "...HARVEST is basically more of the same [ol'] half-funk/half-smooch, but no less great....a fine album..." Uncut - 4 stars out of 5 -- "Ronald Isley is in fine voice throughout, his sweet tenor at its most persuasive on the reserved balladry of 'Let Me Down Easy'."

The Isley Brothers came with love, funk and the too seldom mentioned socially consicous songs; this album is titled after one of those social gems. However, "Who Loves You Better," with its disco flair, was the album's first release. Ronald Isley's aggressive delivery blends nicely with Ernie Isley's tantalizing guitar solos. It was a top three single on the Billboard R&B charts. The title track is a tour de force. Preceded by a mellow intro in which Ronald Isley's earnest plea rings with urgency, the timeless lyric and festive rhythm make "Harvest for the World" a welcomed anthem for all the people of the world. It cracked the Billboard R&B top ten at number nine. Ronald Isley changes his tone on some of these compositions by adding a roughness to his still smooth tenor, like on the relentless jams "People of Today" and "You Wanna Stay Down." Then there are those priceless ballads like "Let Me Know" and "Let Me Down Easy"; Ronald Isley sweetly caresses the lyric with compassion and agility. Neither of these two selections were releases but remain staples on R&B radio. ~ Craig Lytle|