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Description
**Midnight Magic**, the seventh studio album from the Commodores, stands as a pivotal chapter in the group's evolution toward their signature smooth soul sound. Released in July 1979 at Motown Studios in Los Angeles and A&M in Hollywood, the album marks a deliberate departure from the funkier, more dance-oriented material of the early 1970s. Under the production umbrella of James Anthony Carmichael and the group itself, the record balances sophisticated R&B with quiet-storm sensibilities, showcasing the band's ability to craft "makeout" music with class and restraint.
Critical reception was warm, with *The New York Times* praising the Commodores for avoiding the more tired cliches of black vocal instrumental groups. The album was certified Gold in the UK and earned a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group. While some reviewers, like *Smash Hits*, found the melodies somewhat threadbare, the consensus was that the vocals were toneless but the rhythm section played with verve through unusual chordings. The tracklist features "Gettin' It," the title track "Midnight Magic," and "Still," which became the band's second U.S. No. 1 single.
The songwriting credits on *Midnight Magic* are particularly noteworthy, with Lionel Richie and Thomas McClary collaborating on "Midnight Magic" and "12:01 A.M. (Reprise)." The latter title track is a disco-inflected track, an attempt by the group to dab into the disco scene while maintaining their R&B sensibilities. Other songs, like "You're Special" by William King and Harold Hudson, demonstrate the band's ability to span a wide stylistic range and avoid some of the more tired cliches of black vocal instrumental groups.
In summary, *Midnight Magic* is a solid, professionally crafted R&B album that showcases the Commodores' musical versatility and lyrical finesse. It's an album that, while not revolutionary, is a testament to the band's ability to craft sophisticated soul music that resonated with audiences across the globe.
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