Ray Parker Jr. - Woman Out Of Control (1983) Expanded Remastered 2012

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Ray Parker Jr. - Woman Out Of Control (1983) Expanded Remastered 2012

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With the proliferation of new music technology, Parker seizes the moment to incorporate some of it on selections like "Electronic Lover," "Invasion" and "N2U2." These are merely experimental endeavors. The highest-charted single on this album was the midtempo "I Still Can't Get Over Loving You," which peaked at #12 on the Billboard R&B charts following an 18-week run. It was succeeded by two lesser-achieving singles: "In the Heat of the Night," (#64, five weeks) and "Woman Out of Control." The latter is a frail, yet danceable effort; it still maneuvered its way onto the Billboard R&B charts for a brief visit at #71 for four weeks. The former allows Parker to artistically express his trademark moan-and-groan appeal. Selections like "I Don't Wanna Know" and "She Still Feels the Need" never made the charts, but are a good listen.

Review by Craig Lytle, Allmusic.com

'Woman Out Of Control' sees Ray adding a bit of electro-funk into his mix of song styles. A consistently good set, there is probably a song here for everyone. Those who liked 'The Other Woman' will enjoy the similarly rocky title track and 'I Still Can't Get Over Loving You', his 'Every Breath You Take' like atmospheric pop/rock U.S. hit ballad. Electro Funk fans meanwhile will find the funky Prince/A Cymone like guitar licked 'Electronic Lover' and long, unusual 'Invasion' of interest and Ray's long term fan base will really dig the Raydio like ballad 'She Still Feels The Need'.

'In The Heat Of The Night' has a certain cocktail bar sound about it. A smooth mover, it sits nicely here as part of the album without setting the world on fire and to my ears there seems to be some hiss on the track certainly at the beginning for some reason? 'I Don't Wanna Know' is another nod back to the rock style of 'The Other Woman' while 'N2U2' is the funkiest track here but is yet another re-hash of the 'For Those That Like To Groove' idea.

The bonus track 'Jack And Jill (Back Up The Hill)' is not a re-mix but a re-recording of the Raydio hit from around 1984. It originally appeared on the b side of the U.K. 12" of 'The Other Woman' and is a much longer, more percussive variation on the man's biggest hit. Its worth owning and a nice addition here but never really was essential.

Apart from the blip on 'In The Heat Of The Night' the remastered sound here is crystal clear if you like that kind of thing. Personally, I would have preferred a bit more inspiration, time and money to have gone into unearthing a few more inspired bonus tracks for long term fans but there you go - you pay's your money, you takes your choice!

Review by Antony May, Amazon.co.uk

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Ray Parker Jr. - Woman Out Of Control (1983) Expanded Remastered 2012

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Ray Parker Jr. - Woman Out Of Control (1983) Expanded Remastered 2012

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