Theodis Ealey "I'm The Man You Need" (Ifgam)
"Stand Up In It" energized the Southern Soul market. That colossal smash was a much needed commercial breakthrough for the genre (#1 on Billboard's R & B Singles Sales Chart) and has become no little source of inspiration for the countless answer songs that have followed. The Stand Up In It man is now back to set the record straight on the monumental issue- the universal question- the unparalleled mystery- the sacred secret (okay, too far)- of what women really want in the sack.
On the cheeky opener "Sumpin' Sumpin'" he explains that he was only the messenger delivering a message the "little old lady" had given him. The cut's an inevitable concession to the endless parade of risqué sex songs popular on the circuit. He even nicks the bridge from a classic ("Candy Licker") by the godfather of sex songs Marvin Sease. I can't wait to hear the next chapter in the saga. Whatever the case, it's an upbeat ditty as is track 2, "Pop That Middle", one of those catchy keyboard-driven dancers Theodis and co-producer Bruce Billups are now known for (think "Francine", "Move With the Motion", Willie Hill's "Man On A Mission", Lebrado's "I'm Missin' U Babe"). This gives way to the first single, a sugary sweet Tyrone Davis-inspired Soul pleader called "Please Let Me In", which cleverly inverts the hook on Davis' own "Let Me Back In". Hitsville. The next couple tracks are a surprise but for different reasons. Those who've followed Ealey's career from the beginning know "Stand Up In It" was based on the music of an earlier song of his, "I'm The Man You Need". Well, now "Man You Need" is back in a newly recorded version (thus, the title track of this record) while it's cousin "Stand Up In It" returns as a remix without that same backing music! Call it a Hip Hop version. Another surprise is Ealey doing Marvin Gaye. Gaye's own "Let's Get It On" is perfect. The aching voice, the backing, the arrangement- perfect. You simply can't improve upon it so why is Ealey covering this song? Because he can and because it's been a concert staple of his for years. Besides, "Let's Get It On (Medley)" is quite good in it's own right. Ealey intersplices it with Freddie Jackson's "Rock Me Tonight" and a little of Gaye's "Sexual Healing".
While "I'm The Man You Need" is mostly Soul/R & B, Ealey hasn't abandoned the Blues as he lays down a definitive version of his slow Blues "Looking Up At The Bottom" and includes an instrumental "Theo's Groove" (from the album "It's A Real Good Thang"). As a bonus there's a stripped-down holiday song, a duet with Lebrado, called "The Reason For The Season". And there you have it- a blockbuster sequel.
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