"The Longer You Wait" by Gino Vannelli

Song#:  0936
Date:  03/06/1982
Debut:  90
Peak:  89
Weeks:  3
Genre:  Soft Rock



Pop Bits:  Vannelli's first album for the Arista label, "Nightwalker," did quite well thanks to his #6 hit "Living Inside Myself." Work commenced on his next album titled "Twisted Heart" and Vannelli decided to branch out his sound a bit. When the final product was presented to the ever-prickly Arista head Clive Davis, he wasn't buying it. The whole artist vs. label issue ensued with Davis shelving the album and Vannelli wanting out of his contract. Vannelli did get out of his contract, but it was a costly move that would keep him off the charts for three years. However, this one song from the album did get issued as a preliminary single. Coming out with little fanfare or label support, the single died after a few minor chart weeks.

ReduxReview:  I'm not sure about this one. The retro sounding tune mixed with modern pop/rock flare is certainly interesting, but I think it is the over-the-top vocals that are bothering me. Vannelli sounds like he is trying too hard to rock out, perhaps ala Freddie Mercury. Whatever his motivation, it comes off sounding over exaggerated and odd. So I guess it is appealingly irritating.

ReduxRating:  5/10

Trivia:  It has been written many times that Gino Vannelli was the first white artist to appear on the TV music show "Soul Train" in 1975. However, according to biographers of "Soul Train," Vannelli was actually the second. Session musician Dennis Coffey appeared on "Soul Train" in 1972. Having been a member of the famous Funk Brothers (the session group who backed many Motown hits in the 60s), Coffey also maintained a solo career with his Detroit Guitar Band which led to the 1971 release of his instrumental "Scorpio." The gold record hit #6 at pop/#9 at R&B and got him an appearance on "Soul Train." Vannelli appeared on the show a second time in 1978 singing "I Just Wanna Stop." That song ended up a #4 pop hit and was his best effort at R&B reaching #21.

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