Marvin, he was a friend of mine

And he could sing a song

His heart in every line

Marvin sang of the joy and pain

He opened up our minds

And I still can hear him say

Aw talk to me so you can see

What's going on

Say you will sing your songs Forevermore (evermore)….

Famous words from the song Nightshift.

Nightshift is a 1985 hit song by the Commodores from the album of the same name. The song, written by then lead singer Walter Orange in collaboration with Dennis Lambert and Franne Golde, was a tribute to soul/R&B singers Jackie Wison and mainly Marvin Gaye, who died in 1984.Marvin was fatally shot by his father, Marvin Gay Sr. on 1^st April 1, 1984, (a day before his birthday) at their house in the West Adams district of Los Angeles, California.  Gaye was shot twice following an altercation with his father after he intervened in an argument between his parents. The Commodores tribute is classic. They don't make songs like this no more.  The album though not a big hitter was tops more for this timeless track.

This is the first album by the band when lead singer Lionel Richie left the group (for a solo career) after 1982’s ‘In the Pocket’ album. The Commodores were given up for dead by much of the music world. Happily, in 1985, those critics were silenced when the group, with new singer J.D. Nicholas in tow, recorded Nightshift. The song was a deserving smash, spending 4 weeks at the top of the charts and winning for the group a Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance.

This particular album also has some good songs like Animal Instinct, Janet and The Woman in My Life which are the main reason why you would tune in. The other songs are ok. Not quite impressive, but a good album to add to my collection and one thing I admit is I love the vocals by new member J.D. Nicholas on Nightshift that give you the chills.

Sales from this single / album went to benefit the ending of hunger, illness and lack of clothing and education in Africa. The Commodores disbanded not too long after this release.

Label: Motown

Release date: 1985

Genre: Funk / Soul

Rating: *****

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira