This was Carrack's first all-covers album as a solo artist -- he had previously helped create a hard rock covers album as the front man of the ad hoc 1993 quasi-supergroup Spin 1ne 2wo.
Groovin' has a different feel from that project, as this album features a selection of Carrack's favourite Motown, R&B and pop songs of the 1960s and early 70s.
Carrack produced the album himself, and played virtually all of the instruments.
Carrack has selected 13 songs. You’ve heard all the tunes before, but you could not say who sung the original. That may be because Carrack’s voice is so familiar on all the songs. He has a perfect voice for singing. The album surprisingly permits a reference to a certain drummer who used to be the singer for a very big band. More on that later.
Paul does without computer-generated effects, which gives his album a well-grounded natural feeling. This flair makes the album also quite old at times. Groovin’ nevertheless is pumping with energy and a youthful relaxed openness. It’s a summer album, but it’s winter, isn’t it? Well, Paul himself explains in the booklet that he had the idea for this record in June when he was merrily singing at the window. So there.
The CD begins with a kind of spring hit. Harvest For The World is an unspectactular but catchy number. The instrumentation reminds one of Did You See Me Coming from the latest Mechanics album. Paul links all the songs on the record by the selection of instruments. Except for the odd brass group here and there the basic instruments remain the same. Sunny – this song has been made a live classic by jazz-meister and comedian Helge Schneider. Paul’s version is, of course, very different, no jazz but solid pop-rock. But Paul sure knows how to play the jazz. Take, for example, Anyday Now, a song that really brings out the best in Carrack’s voice. It is quite possible that avid Collins fans will be reminded of a certain melody: Too Busy Thinkin’ Bout My Baby -
Sounds familiar? Phil covered it in 80’s style with a band called Manhattan Transfer. Paul’s version goes back beyond that and still sounds modern, perhaps a bit like Travis or Starsailor. This may be because many new bands abjure the clinical sound of the 80’s and avoid electronic escapades of the 90’s. The songs are becoming more musical again – which will certainly please Paul Carrack! In the middle of the album the music slows down a bit (e.g. on Cover Me and What Does It Take) which enhances the jazz feeling. For the finale, the record goes back to full power. Ain’t No Sunshine is a major gem on this album, and Groovin is a real summer morning hit. The last song offers a positive message that is probably more suited for winter: You’ve Got A Friend.
When you listen to the album you get the impression that Paul Carrack simply cannot release a bad record. Just like Satisfy My Soul, however, it lacks a smash hit. But then the album is a unity and Paul himself may see it as something relaxing between his other musical works. There are more difficult things to come, e.g. the new Mechanics release without Paul Young. Many songs will keep to hide their original performer – listing the composer does not do much in that way. It should also be mentioned that Paul Carrack recorded and produced the whole album himself. A tour through Germany would be the right thing to do. But we all know that Paul hardly leaves the isle so that there’s just one thing left to do: Groovin!
There are two versions of the CD currently available. A Special Edition features five Bonus Tracks.
Track listing
1. "Harvest for the World" (The Isley Brothers, Chris Jasper) - 3:12
2. "Sunny" (Bobby Hebb) - 3:19
3. "Too Busy Thinking About My Baby" (Norman Whitfield, Barrett Strong, Janie Bradford) - 3:17
4. "Crazy Love" (Van Morrison) - 2:44
5. "Baby I Need Your Loving" (Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, Edward Holland, Jr.) - 2:51
6. "Walk On By" (Burt Bacharach, Hal David) - 2:49
7. "What Does It Take" (Harvey Fuqua, Johnny Bristol, Vernon Bullock) - 2:52
8. "Any Day Now" (Bacharach, Bob Hilliard) - 3:40
9. "Cover Me" (Eddie Hinton, Marlin Greene) - 2:56
10. "With You In Mind" (Allen Toussaint) - 3:31
11. "Ain't No Sunshine" (Bill Withers) - 2:29
12. "Groovin'" (Felix Cavaliere, Eddie Brigati) - 2:44
13. "You've Got A Friend" (Carole King) - 3:21
Bonus tracks on Still Groovin' (2002 re-release)
14. "Into The Mystic" (Morrison) - 3:35
15. "People Get Ready" (Curtis Mayfield) - 2:35
16. "Warm And Tender Love" (Bobby Robinson, Ida Berger) - 3:17
17. "It's Growing" (Smokey Robinson, Warren Moore) - 2:49
18. "I Wish It Would Rain" (Whitfield, Strong, Rodger Penzabene) - 2:51
Credits
- Executive Producer – Peter Van Hooke
- Mastered By – Nigel Bates
- Mixed By – Nigel Bates
- Producer – Paul Carrack
- Saxophone – Steve Beighton
Notes
Released: 2001
Genre: Pop, Blue Eyed Soul
Length: 55:51
Label - Carrack-UK
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