I realize more and more every day what a musical genius Roy Ayers is. The man's music radiates so much happiness and humanity, and "Everybody Loves The Sunshine" is just one of the more perfect songs around. Just listen, there's really no point in trying to write about it. The album is one of Ayers' more straight-ahead pop efforts, from the infectious disco stormer "Hey, Uh, What You Say Come On" to the fusionized funk of "You And Me My Love." The late '70s saw Roy moving away from the jazz fusion and funk of his earlier stuff. Like most of his albums of this period there's a few duds here, but also some overlooked tracks like the brilliant "The Third Eye." Check the vibes work on this one. The more Roy Ayers you're exposed to, the more you can appreciate the greatness of his entire body of work; and like any great artist, even some of his lesser efforts can yield unexpected pleasures. Ten tracks in all. Released by Polydor on lemonade color vinyl.

• 'lemonade' colored vinyl
• includes printed insert
• limited edition
• original release year: 1976
• music label: Polydor 2023

reviewed by Language 11/2005