G.E. Smith - In the World (1981)

It's a shame more people haven't heard this smart, unappreciated album. G.E. can craft a sharp hook and he knows how to say what he has to in three or so minutes and wrap it up neatly -- no long fadeouts here. There is some seemingly autobiographical material, a smattering of social comment and a hard-rocking tribute to James Brown. Producer Bob Clearmountain doesn't forget Smith's guitar playing is his strength, which Saturday Night Live fans learned during Smith's 10-year tenure as music director. Paul Simon sings background, and that's just one of the reasons you must not hesitate if you see this album.~In the World Review by Mark Allan