The Awakening of The Soul

On Awakening, Narada Michael Walden placed aside the jazz fusion leanings of his early albums in favor of a more radio-friendly sound. The strategy worked, with Walden having his first Top Ten R&B single, "I Don't Want Nobody Else (To Dance With You)," which also charted number 47 on the pop charts in early 1979 and Awakening breaking into the R&B Top 15. The follow-up single, the mid-tempo groover "Give Your Love a Chance" featured grand arrangements by Patrick Adams. Walden displays his hyperkinetic drumming skills on "They Want the Feeling." Other standouts are "Love Me Only," the beautiful radio-aired album track "Listen to Me," and the tender "Will You Ever Know."