Monday 1 August 2016

Keep On Pushing – THE IMPRESSIONS****

Chicago based R & B vocal group The Impressions achieved their only US top twenty album success with Keep On Pushing. The title song made No. 10 in the singles chart. Between 1963 and 1967 the group had eight US top twenty hit singles. (US:8)

"The Impressions defined the Chicago sound of soul - smooth, cleverly arranged vocals, light dramatic orchestrations and subtle but compelling rhythms."

"Keep On Pushing is a stunning song. It combines the intensity and vision of early gospel music with the new assertiveness of civil rights and it went on to become one of the movement's greatest slogans."

"If the only cuts here were the ones we've all heard before, it would, of course, be a must have. But, just for a moment, forget about those classics, and realize you're getting stuff here you are probably going to be hearing for the first time. And let me say, you'll be in heaven."

"If only there were someone around these days who could make music one one-hundredth this enjoyable. The lyrics are timeless, yes. And the music is, without a shadow of a doubt, smooth and penetrating."

"The Curtis Mayfield led Impressions were the greatest band of the 60s and one of the most influential and innovative groups of all time. They mastered three chord vocal harmonies that introduced a distinct gospel feel to their music."

"Their music was deep, rich and full of spiritual meaning. They were charting hit songs at a time when the music industry seemed mostly enthralled with artists who were either a part of Motown's hit making machine or the newly found British invasion."

"The Impressions were able to carve out their own identity and give the world some of the most masterful expressions of music ever recorded. The song list for this album is truly the type of music that began to redefine what was considered 'mainstream' and influenced artists as far as Jamaica and Europe."

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