The Icon Is Love

Track Listings

1. Practice What You Preach

2. There It Is

3. I Only Want to Be With You

4. Time Is Right

5. Baby's Home

6. Come On

7. Love Is the Icon

8. Sexy Undercover

9. Don't You Want to Know

10. Whatever We Had, We Had

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential recording
Critics may contend that Barry White passed his hit-making peak in the late '70s, but the man with the righteously real, deep-down-in-the-vocal-basement tones shocked all the nonbelievers in 1994. Thanks to "Practice What You Preach," the major hit single from this collection, White proved that he was far from being down with the count. Written and produced by White with Gerald Levert and his musical partner Tony Nicholas, the song not only found favor with White's existing audience, it had enough contemporary appeal to win the pop and soul legend some new fans, giving White's recording career a much-needed jolt. White also used the services of other current musical hit makers for the project: Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis cowrote "I Only Want to Be with You" and "Come On," a pair of strong tunes for the album. However, White is at his bedroom best on "Baby's Home" and "Whatever We Had, We Had," most definitely a throwback to his earlier work as a '70s chartbuster. --David Nathan

The Icon Is Love,Barry White,A&M,Contemporary R&B,Pop,R&B,Smooth Soul,Soul,Soul/Reggae/Rhythm & Blues,Urban

The Icon Is Love

Tracks:

Practice What You Preach
There It Is
I Only Want To Be With You
The Time Is Right
Baby's Home
Come On
Love Is The Icon
Sexy Undercover
Don't You Want To Know?
Whatever We Had, We Had

Amazon.com essential recording

Critics may contend that Barry White passed his hit-making peak in the late '70s, but the man with the righteously real, deep-down-in-the-vocal-basement tones shocked all the nonbelievers in 1994. Thanks to "Practice What You Preach," the major hit single from this collection, White proved that he was far from being down with the count. Written and produced by White with Gerald Levert and his musical partner Tony Nicholas, the song not only found favor with White's existing audience, it had enough contemporary appeal to win the pop and soul legend some new fans, giving White's recording career a much-needed jolt. White also used the services of other current musical hit makers for the project: Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis cowrote "I Only Want to Be with You" and "Come On," a pair of strong tunes for the album. However, White is at his bedroom best on "Baby's Home" and "Whatever We Had, We Had," most definitely a throwback to his earlier work as a '70s chartbuster. --David Nathan

Customer Reviews:

The Icon Is, Was, and Forever Will Be Barry White.......2007-04-25

Anyone who personally knows me knows what Barry White will always mean to me. There was not one song on "The Icon Is Love" that didn't move me. Every single song on this album including his fast hits went beyond doing justice. "Sexy Undercover" will make any two romantics grind with each other on the dance floor, not in an explicit way, but in a sexy love-encouraging way. "Baby's Home" and "There It Is"...no explanation needed. To anyone who hates Barry White, it's your prerogative, your fault, and your loss! I said it, yes I did.

The best one of his '90s albums.......2005-10-28

Out of the few '90s albums that Barry White recorded, his The Icon Is Love from 1994 is his best. It recaptures the best of his '70s bedroom ballads with modern '90s sounds that fit with his voice. Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Gerald Levert and Edwin Nicholas, Chuckii Booker (who is related to Barry) provided some dynamite numbers on here. Even Barry and his longtime producer produced some songs here too, with the Barry stamp all on them. When Gerald Levert recalls his music to his future grandchildren, he'll definitely tell them about the time he produced the Maestro's Practice What You Preach. The Jam/Lewis numbers are superb, especially the trendy sounds of Come Over, Sexy Undercover and others. Sexy has shades of Janet Jackson-like dance grooves on it. One of my favorite songs is the gorgeous Baby's Home. And this 8:17 ballad even got nominated for a Grammy Award! Proof that the other songs off the album get more respect than the hit single! Another surprise is There it Is and its rollicking groove. I liked the slow closing song, Whatever We Had, We Had, too. Most of the album consists of ballads and lengthy 7-, 8-, and 10-minute songs but the handlers were smart enough to know that this is Barry's album, not theirs. This album's songs still hold up 11 years later, far more than his '80s albums and the next album he made alive, the more contemporary sounding Staying Power. It's best to be played going on a road cutting through the mountains. I did so with hearing this album on an interstate through the mountains of West Virginia in spring 1995. Barry made an album that rivals his best '70s efforts and continues his theme of love songs and his dominance in the bedroom. This is still a classic R&B album in the best sense.

The Icon is BACK!!.......2004-05-28

Well the strings, orchestra, riffs and overall sound he flexed in the 70s might be long gone, but this big 1994 hit comeback album for The Maestro proved that he still had his ear for nice melodies. Barry had comeback in 1987 so it took him quite a few years (and 3 albums) to finally get himself back in position at the top of the charts.

A cameo in the Simpsons not only lined his pockets but introduced him to a whole new generation. Plus with the 70s revival the time was right & everything came together for Barry. He hooked up with guys like Gerald Albright and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and put together 'The Icon Is Love', an album of fun good time jams and some slowed numbers. The singles 'Practice What You Preach' and 'Come On' are classic Barry, and the rest of the material has his distinctive style written all over it, booming bass vocals, cool monologues and wit, but now with updated bass & bump beneath it all. This was a cool comeback for Barry and the album while not as good as his 70s material is a nice effort.

Barry White will always be the icon.......2004-04-18

Only now am I able to once again listen to Barry White and celebrate his musical genius; in the months following his death, I could only mourn his passing. It is still hard to believe that the icon, and Barry White truly was the icon, is no longer with us, but he will live forever through his music. The Icon Is Love was released in 1994, and it offered incontrovertible proof that the man was still at the top of his game. These songs are generally a little slower in tempo than White's string of earlier hits, but there can be no doubt that this is vintage Barry White material. Austin Powers only wishes he had half of the mojo that Barry White possessed.

Practice What You Preach opens this album in grand style. This track begins with a sultry rap spoken to the accompaniment of a sensuous bass line, after which Barry launches right into lyrics of great energy and appeal. The chorus is fantastic, so catchy you will carry this tune around in your head for days at a time. Practice What You Preach spent 30 weeks on the Billboard R&B charts, three of them at number one, and helped reenergize White's career. Two other singles from this album, Come On and There It Is also made the charts. Come On oozes with sensual power, as White pleads with his partner to come on and play; satisfaction is guaranteed in this up-tempo track. There It Is, however, is much less entrancing; this is actually my least favorite song on the album. Two other tracks merit special mention: Baby's Home and Whatever We Had, We Had. These are vintage White classics that belong right alongside so many of his earlier standout recordings. Oozing with that unquantifiable magic White's voice conveys, the singer gives the words and music all the time and attention they deserve. Baby's Home runs over eight minutes, while What We Had, We Had runs for over ten and a half minutes - neither song is too long. The latter has to do with breaking up and remaining friends, while Baby's Home expresses all of the magic of a love still burning with passion.

Sexy Undercover picks up the tempo a little bit, as Barry tells his lady that he's shy on the outside but full of surprises behind closed doors; he's got the mojo working hard in this dance-worthy track. I Only Want To Be With You, in which Barry sings that love is so much more than a physical thing, lays down a smooth, toe-tapping groove with just a touch of good old-fashioned funk; I wish this song had been released as a single because I think it would have been a huge hit. Don't You Want to Know is slow and sensual, really a beautiful little song. Love Is the Icon and The Time Is Right are great tracks, as well.

With a nice mixture of up-tempo tracks and mesmerizing ballads, this 1994 album returned Barry White to the spotlight and, in so doing, gave the world ten more Barry White classics to enjoy forevermore. Barry White may have mellowed a little bit by 1994, but the magic was still there for all to hear and enjoy. He was and always will be the icon.

The ICON is White...Barry White!.......2003-07-14

Considered White's 90's "comeback", although the singer had continuously recorded and released albums since his 70's peak, "The Icon is Love" introduced a new generation to the baritone crooner.

White stalwart Jack Perry was joined in producing duties with the likes of Jam & Lewis ("I Only Want to Be With You", "Come On"), Chuckii Booker ("The Time is Right", "Sexy Undercover"), and Gerald Levert ("Practice What You Preach", "There It Is"), and the resulting collaborations provide White with a well-balanced offering featuring a little old with the new.

The last cut, "Whatever We Had, We Had" is a reflection on the end of his marriage to Glodean. White knew how to begin AND end a relationship.

With his recent passing, one can be grateful that his unique musical style will live on.

Cut listing and times:

1. Practice What You Preach 5:59
2. There it is 7:03
3. I Only Want to Be with You 5:01
4. The Time is Right 5:46
5. Baby's Home 8:17
6. Come On 5:50
7. Love is the Icon 4:38
8. Sexy Undercover 4:51
9. Don't You Want to Know? 6:51
10. Whatever We Had, We Had 10:41

Love Is On My Mind
Average customer rating:

Tim Dillinger

Dillinger's Debut Dazzles!!

A Breath Of Fresh Air!

A Definite MUST BUY--Timeless Classic

A new force in soul music...

Love Is On My Mind
Tim Dillinger
Manufacturer: Icon's Pen Media
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Muse

ASIN: B0002V3ZPO
Release Date: 2004-04-27

Tracks:

Interlude: You Know I Love You
The Day You Held Me
Can't Help But Say
The Way You Love Me f/Kyhil
Just Doesn't Matter
Dreams (Come Alive)
Promise to Stay
Suddenly (Love Is On My Mind)
Segue: Til The Six Is Nine: A Tone Poem
Til The Six Is Nine
You Take The Clouds Away
In Your Arms

Customer Reviews:

Tim Dillinger.......2007-06-12

I just found out about this artist on myspace, this cd is wonderful I was very pleased with my purchase, his voice is smooth and his sound is mellow.

Dillinger's Debut Dazzles!!.......2006-03-05

From the opening interlude "You Know I Love You", where he and what you think are other background vocalists take you to church (it's actually Dillinger himself), to the quiet storm romanticism of "In Your Arms", Tim Dillinger reminds you of what good old fashioned soul is supposed to sound like.

I love this record because you feel like Tim is having a converstaion with you on some tracks and the songs are delivered with the kind of straightforwardness and honesty that seem to be sorely missing from some of today's current r&b male vocalists.

If you were given this cd to listen to without the cover photo, you wouldn't/couldn't be blamed for thinking that Tim was black. His smooth falsetto and soulful runs are tempered with the kind of vocal control that exemplifies years of rich influences and lots of rehearsals. Just listen to tracks like "Can't Help But Say", Promise To Stay" and the album closer "In Your Arms" and you'll begin to get the picture.

My favorite standout tracks are "Til The Six Is Nine", a slow burner that chugs with a lover's rock groove that will prompt you to either make passionate love or get your slow grind on; also, the mid tempo slow stepper cut "You Take The Clouds Away". This song, for me, is Tim at his most honest, and harmonious. That sweet falsetto he pipes in with throughout the track is like honey for the bees. You're immediately transported to a sunny summer day on the beach or in the park, holding hands with the one you love. Sweet, dreamy and divine. (Check the sly reference to gospel group The Clark Sisters nugget "You Brought The Sunshine"! I was not prepared for that, but it fits lovely.

All in all, a very solid and oustanding debut for an artist who, in my opinion, has only given us a glimpse into his soulful musical tapestry. A must have indeed!

A Breath Of Fresh Air!.......2006-02-01

With all the garbage labeled as music in the industry today, it's refreshing to hear an artist like Tim Dillinger. This cd is great for long drives, reflecting on life, or chilling w a glass of good wine and good company, sometimes, the cd is all you need. This is a must buy for anyone who likes REAL smooth, soulful music!

A Definite MUST BUY--Timeless Classic.......2006-01-05

This CD has been in my CD changer ever since it came out of the wrapper! Wonderful voice, wonderful talent, wonderful soul--it can't get any better than that! Every time I listen to this cd I am awed and amazed at the timeless sounds and the depth in which Tim Dillinger sings--it's as if I have stepped back into the time when SOUL music was RAMPANT on the airwaves. From track #1 on thru #12, it holds my complete attention! It's as if the past masters of soul music have channeled their energy through to this awesome singer--the tunes can NEVER grow old and fit in within ANY era--which to me makes it a certified and timeless classic! What an awesome talent and gift this man has. I am definitely looking forward to hearing more from him in the future and wish him continued success!

A new force in soul music..........2005-12-07

Right from the front cover of Tim Dillinger's album, Love Is on My Mind, with its old-school cover showing a suit-clad Dillinger bathed in warm light, you know that this is going to be a special album.

And what an album it is!

Over the course of 12 great tracks, Dillinger (along with executive producer Dale Babb) takes us on a journey through his musical history, from the joyous gospel of "You Know I Love You," the modern R&B of "The Day You Held Me" laden with funky breakbeats, the stripped-down soul of "Just Doesn't Matter," the spoken word and contemporary R&B of "'Til the Six is Nine," and the 70s-style soul (perhaps a musical homage to Barry White's, "It's Ecstasy...") of "You Take the Clouds Away."

Dillinger has great control of his voice, truly using it as an instrument to express his emotions, and without succumbing to the melismatic histrionics that often pass for music these days. His high notes, clear and pristine, are hallmarks of someone who knows how to really sing. And the background vocals, which Dillinger did himself, are fabulous.

Personally, I'm not a big fan of rap sections in the middle of songs-many rappers fail to remember that they are there to enhance the song by providing a change of pace, not to use it as a vehicle to talk about something completely unrelated. However, guest rappers Kyhil (appearing on "The Way You Love Me") and Just One (on "Suddenly") have a strong flow, staying on point and on topic with their rhymes.

The instrumentation and arrangements on Dillinger's album are top notch. His songs are personal and spiritual, and he is able to testify his feelings without coming off as preachy. These days, a lot of contemporary R&B and soul tends to be sappy and maudlin, but Dillinger is romantic without being either of those-something many songwriters today aren't able to accomplish. They should turn to Dillinger as a model on how to do it right.

This is what neo-soul is really about. The music is new but also comfortably familiar-the music production takes the best elements of R&B and soul from the 70s through today, forging not only a new path for neo-soul, but a path that connects it with the road that brought it to where it is today.

Tim Dillinger is and will be a force to be reckoned with in soul music for years to come. This album is a must-have.

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