Reaching for Tomorrow | ||||
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Studio album by | ||||
Released | March 1980 | |||
Recorded | 1979-1980 | |||
Studio | Jennifudy Recording Studio, North Hollywood, California; Motown/Hitsville U.S.A. Studios, Hollywood, California; Caribou Ranch, Nederland, Colorado | |||
Genre | R&B | |||
Label | Gordy Records | |||
Producer | Bobby DeBarge, Gregory Williams, Tommy DeBarge, Jody Sims, Jermaine Jackson | |||
Switch chronology | ||||
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Review scores | |
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Source | Rating |
AllMusic | [1] |
Reaching for Tomorrow is the third album by R&B/funk band Switch, released in 1980 by Gordy Records.[2] The album reached No. 23 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart.[3]
Reaching for Tomorrow was recorded at Jennifudy Recording Studio, Motown/Hitsville U.S.A studios, Caribou Ranch studios and Kendun Recording Studios.[2][4]
During July 2019, an expanded edition of Reaching for Tomorrow was released digitally. Along with the album's reissue came a bonus track entitled "Tahiti Hut" featuring Jermaine Jackson. The song was produced by Jackson with Bobby DeBarge also singing falsetto on the track.[4][5]
Cashbox Magazine describes the album: "The band throws everything but the kitchen sink into this album – funky bass, rockin’ guitar, classical strings, Memphis Horns et al – and it is a must for R&B and pop programmers."[6]
Barry Lederer of Billboard writes "Switch has come full swing with a humdinger of an LP titled "Reaching For Tomorrow" which blends r &b /funk to perfection. From full arrangements, bright orchestrations and tight vocalizations, the group swings from one cut to another."[7]
Billboard features Reaching for Tomorrow on its Top Album Picks for 29 March 1980. The six -member group keeps the tempo danceable on its latest LP, sparking the tunes with sizzling rhythm, string and horn arrangements.[8]
Sal Caputo of the Courier-News writes: "Switch offers a pleasant mix of funk, pop, rock psychedelia and dance beat. It trades vocals with verve. Its arrangements change textures enough to undercut the weight of repetition."[9]
Paul Willistein Jr. of The Morning Call commended the “Super-fast rhythms, intricate guitar riffs and astonishing vocals” as setting Switch apart from most disco funk bands and said their reliance on R&B over disco is what makes Motown artists top charts. He noted the "amazing voices" on the title track and “impressive string arrangements”.[10]
Chart (1980) | Peak position |
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US Top LPs & Tape[11] | 57 |
US Top Soul LPs[3] | 23 |