The S.O.S. Band - Too (1981)

The SOS Band is an American musical ensemble, founded in Atlanta, Georgia in 1977. Originally known as Santa Monica, the 'SOS' initialism in the band's name stands for Sounds of Success.
"Too" is the second studio album, released in 1981. The album spawned two R&B chart singles, "Do It Now (Part 1)", and "You". When a debut album is as promising as the S.O.S. Band's first album, one fears the possibility of a sophomore slump -- meaning that the second album won't live up to the promise of the first. Too, the S.O.S. Band's second album, does, in fact, find the Atlanta residents experiencing a bit of a sophomore slump. But "bit" is the operative word; Too is far from a disaster. While the S.O.S. Band's self-titled debut album of 1980 was superb, this 1981 follow-up is merely decent. And in that sense, the LP is somewhat of a disappointment -- but certainly not a major disappointment. "Do It Now," "It's a Long Way to the Top," and other up-tempo funk-dance singles are likable and catchy; they just aren't exceptional. If the S.O.S. Band's first album was the funk-dance equivalent of champagne, Too is more like a beer. And when you have come to expect champagne, beer is a letdown -- even if it is a beer of decent quality. But all was certainly not lost for the S.O.S. Band. A few years after Too, the Atlanta residents joined forces with the hit-producing songwriting team of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis -- and that alliance resulted in a creative and commercial revitalization for the S.O.S. Band. Again, Too isn't a bad album, but it isn't among the Atlantans' essential releases and is only recommended to collectors and hardcore fans.

Track List:
01. "It's a Long Way to the Top" (A. Carmichael) (4:12)
02. "Do It Now" (Mbaji, Rhonghea, Sigidi) (7:03)
03. "There Is No Limit" (J.Simpson, M.Davis, Rhonghea, Sigidi) (5:15)
04. "You" (A.Simpson, B.Speight, J.Simpson, Sigidi) (4:21)
05. "Stay" (L.Price, R.Burkholder, R. Williams (4:31)
06. "Are You Ready?" (J.Simpson, M.Davis, Sigidi) (5:01)
07. "Do You Know Where Your Children Are?" (B.Speight, John Simpson) (3:30)
08. "For the Brothers That Ain't Here" (B.Speight, John Simpson) (4:23)
09. "Unborn Child" (J.Seals, L.Bogan) (3:45)
10. "How Can We Ever Get Back Together" (Bonus Track) (5:42)
11. "Broken Promises (Bonus Track)" (5:02)
12. "Are You Ready (Bonus Track)" (4:55)

Released: 1981
Genre: Funk, soul
Length: 56:53
Label: Tabu
Produced By: Sigidi Abdullah
Mixed By: Steve Williams
Arranged By: Fred Wesley

Personnel:
Backing Vocals - Fredi Grace, Keith Rawls, Phyllis "Penny" Wanzo, Rhonghea Southern, Rosalyn Sweeper
Vocals - Mary Davis, Abdul Ra'oof, Billy Ellis, Bruno Speight, James Earl Jones, Jason Bryant, John Alexander Simpson, Willy Sonny Killebrew
Drums - James Earl Jones III
Flute - Willy Sonny Killebrew
Lead/Rhythm Guitar - Bruno Speight, Rhonghea Southern
Harp - Travis Biggs
Keyboards - Jason Bryant, Travis Biggs
Saxophone - Billy Ellis, Willy Sonny Killebrew
Trombone - Abdul Ra'oof, Fred Wesley
Trumpet - Abdul Ra'oof
Violin - Travis Biggs
Bass - John Alexander Simpson
Percussion - Mary Davis, Darryl "Munyungo" Jackson
Alto Saxophone - David Majal Ii