Although released in 1974, ‘Relating’, Bell’s final album for Stax, was actually recorded in 1972-’73. After his highly creative and social conscientious album ‘Phases of Reality’, Bell got down on the hardships, blood, sweat and tears of romantical relationships, creating another ‘concept LP’ in the process. The achingly beautiful, smooth, slow sailing “Lovin’ on Borrowed Time” – Bell’s penultimate hit for Stax – makes for a great opening. The production is sparse yet warm, featuring classy, jazz guitar licks and great male background vocals.
“All I Need Is Your Love” starts off gentle and blissfull, with Al Jackson – who also produced the LP – kicking in a tight, sturdy yet gentle groove, with simmering strings and a gently purring Hammond guiding Bell through another majestic vocal.
There’s a late night, easy goin’ vibe present on the sensual, mid-tempo “Such a Fever”, which climaxes in a thoroughly steamin’, horn filled finale, whereas “Nobody Walks Away From Love Unhurt” sports an irresistible Latin groove, with Al Jackson not only manning the drums, but also playing the congas. Amazing stuff.
Bell’s very last hit for Stax, “Gettin’ What You Want (Losin’ What You Got)”, treads the smooth soul territory more overtly, a slow burning, subdued but sternly delivered warning against the ultimate backfire that comes out of infidelity (Bell even quotes Johnnie Taylor’s “Love Bones” hit in mid-song) that dreamily flows along while soft, wailing horns glide in and out.
Some nice fills on acoustic guitar (courtesy of Bobby Manuel) give a delightful country-soul vibe to the remorseful, pensive “I’ve Got to Go on Without You”, but the absolute highlight of ‘Relating’ surely must be the lenghty, sad, introspective “Drinkin’ and Thinkin'”: Vibes, a touch of strings, gentle brass, a wicked sax solo and William delivering a terrific, sweet, sensitive vocal. The ultimate early morning ‘I got the Blues’ soundtrack for distraught lovers everywhere…
“You’ve Got the Kind of Love I Need” is less spectacular to me, borrowing a little too much of the Philly sound for my taste, but Bell’s vocal is top notch. Far grittier is the bass heavy ‘down in the dumps’ mid tempo ballad “You Don’t Want a Man”, which features a bridge that’s slightly reminiscent of Bell’s most loved composition “I Forgot to Be Your Lover”.
This luscious album ends on a more uplifting note as “Nobody But You” rides a gutbucket, rock solid groove while horns blare behind Bell and the back up singers. Stylish sax solo as well.
Give ‘Relating’ a spin on one of those lonely summer evenings, with a beverage of choice in your hand. Then let the music take your mind…