The Controllers - 1977 - In Control
Posted by nikos1109
The Controllers were among the most underrated and overlooked ’70s soul groups. They didn’t generate nearly as much publicity or have as much crossover success as fellow Alabama performers the Commodores, but their slow songs were far more earthy and explosive. Their reflective “Somebody’s Gotta Win” eloquently and passionately delivered by lead singer Reginald McArthur, stands tall amongst the set’s more Southern-flavored offerings. This album was a solid hit with R&B and Southern soul audiences, and still retains plenty of power. Collectables later reissued this album as part of their Golden Classics series.
This is a @320 vinyl rip of the original Juanna Records LP, including covers. You can buy a vinyl copy here or a cd copy here.
Tracks:
A1 People Want Music 5:01
A2 Heaven Is One Step Away 7:13
A3 This Train 3:56
B1 You Ain’t Fooling Me 3:19
B2 Somebody’s Gotta Win 8:00
B3 The Reaper 4:16
B4 Sho Nuff A Blessin 4:20
Credits:
Arranged By [Horns And Strings] - Wardell Quezergue
Horns - Muscle Shoals Horns
Producer - Frederick Knight
Alabama soul belters the Controllers began as the Epics in 1965. They became the Soul Controllers in 1970, and finally the Controllers. Reginald and Larry McArthur, Lenard Brown, and Ricky Lewis formed the lineup, and were especially effective on heartache ballads, though they also did competent up-tempo dance numbers. They relocated to Miami in the late ’70s and began recording for Juana. Frederick Knight produced some of their material, including the 1977 debut LP Somebody’s Gotta Win, Somebody’s Gotta Lose. They enjoyed moderate success with other Juana singles and LPs, though both “Heaven Is Only One Step Away” and “We Don’t” were outstanding performances. They moved to MCA in 1984. Stevie Wonder made a guest appearance on harmonica for their first MCA single, “Crushed,” which reached number 30 on the R&B charts. Their biggest MCA hit was “Stay,” which peaked at number 12 in 1986. They moved to Capitol in 1988, issuing Just in Time that year.
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People’s Reviews
1
“Heaven Is Only One Step Away” has got to be one of the most breathtaking , soulstirring ballads of our time ,why it never made it into the worldwide mainstream is beyond me but that just makes it all that more beautiful when one finds a gem of a song like this and then later on down another fabulous gem of a song “Somebody’s gotta win,somebody’s gotta lose” these guys should have been just as famous as the four tops, the temptations, the spinners, the isley brothers,on n’ on plus they should be playing on everybody’s stereo ,keep the soul baby!!!!
2
Now I don’t have this on disc at this time, but I will be purchasing it without a doubt. These guys made some bad bad slow jams. In fact when I start a Slow Jam Hall Of Fame they’ll be in it. They sing from the heart, emotive, deep soul. I remember when I bought their first album back in 77, “Somebody’s Gotta Win” was the lead off tear jeaker, with “Heaven Is Only One Step Away” following hot on it’s heels. In fact, a good friend of mine, at the time, got married to that very song, that’s how bad Heaven was, and still is actually. If you get a chance and can find The Controllers “The Timeless Collection” jump on it. Serious singing going on!
Listen up the awesome ballad “Heaven Is Only One Step Away”
You can also enjoy producer’s Frederick Knight’s “Ive Been Lonely For So Long” album here
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August 29th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Fantastic outfit - and definitely one of their best albums. ‘People want music’ was quite popular in the clubs, but the big track was ‘Somebodys gotta win’. For me, I will always have a very soft spot for ‘Heaven is only’ and its outro - ballads don’t get much dreamier than this. Fabulous post Nikos.
August 29th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
i am amazed by this “Heaven is only one step away” song. Indeed awesome, nikos. Thanks for posting.
August 29th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
amazing, thank you very much
August 29th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
How did you know I was looking for this?
August 29th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
Great selection! Never realized Frederick Knight produced Controllers - Thanks Nikos - BTW - I’m hunting down some 70’s Ike & Tina albums, Do you have anything you could re-up or send links to?
August 29th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
Thx for this great LP!
August 29th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
many thanks nokos for this awesome album!
APPRECIATED M8!
August 29th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
Unnerholm, i’ve got a few Ike & Tina albums, their two best albums “river deep mountain high” and “working together” among them. i am thinking of posting them soon . when i rip them i will send you the links.
August 29th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
Much Appreciated Brother Nikos!! Beautiful Album!
August 29th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
Thanks so Much, Nikos.
August 29th, 2008 at 11:34 pm
thanks!
August 29th, 2008 at 11:46 pm
That’s an amazing post! thanx!
August 30th, 2008 at 2:02 am
mmmm oh boy, so good. so, so, so, so gooood!
August 30th, 2008 at 9:13 am
Where do You find all this great stuff? Keep on dancin’ all night! Great era.
August 30th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
LuckyPhilly, i collect records from late 70’s from all genres but the last few years i buy soul and funk through internet since i live far away from America. I am glad you like it cause it’s a very good album.
August 30th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
What a fantastic single! Can’t wait to hear the album! Thanks!
August 30th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
Many thanks Nikos - lovely LP
August 30th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
hi nikos, thx for this one..i got it only in 128 bitrate…i ll download yours, i like a2 & b2 , very smooth n got good sweet strings! peace
August 31st, 2008 at 5:32 am
I’ve never heard of these gentlemen…..thanks Nikos! When you get time drop by my blog….i just posted a album up…..Peace
Messiah
August 31st, 2008 at 11:44 am
Looks dope, look forward to listen to this LP. Thanks!!
August 31st, 2008 at 12:14 pm
MagicSoul, yes, those two songs are great but i think the whole album is better than anyone expected.
August 31st, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Man you got so many gems. i download every single one of these great albums and never disappointed. This looks very interesting. gotta give it a listen. thanks
August 31st, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Sweet! Thank you
August 31st, 2008 at 9:13 pm
I enjoy every single tune of this wonderful album.
September 1st, 2008 at 12:41 am
I’m diggin’ this one!! love as always.
September 1st, 2008 at 3:53 am
Got to enjoy the sweet soul… thanks again for another incredible share, and thank you VERY much for the rips you emailed. I listened to them all and WOW!!! I’ll drop you an email later on this week.
Peace and blessings.
September 1st, 2008 at 7:45 am
Big Thanx Soul Bro! Great music as always!
September 1st, 2008 at 9:46 am
Keep on Funkin’!!! Love the site and your work.
September 1st, 2008 at 10:02 am
Fantastic! Can’t say I’ve heard this album before - but it looks great! Thanks!
September 1st, 2008 at 10:35 am
Thanks Nikos! Keep posting these gems!
September 1st, 2008 at 4:14 pm
So sweet. Thanks a ton!
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:43 am
Wonderful Stuff.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:40 pm
Never seen it before. A plesant surpise.
September 2nd, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Nikos , this one looks real cool, I recognize the group name , but I don’t think that I have ever heard this entire record , can’t wait many thx in advance , you always come through bruddah!!!!!!!
September 4th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
Lovely post once again! Thanks a bunch!
October 17th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
Thank you for a wonderful post.
October 20th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
Thanks Nikos for this one.
January 3rd, 2009 at 2:46 pm
hi, do you have any of there other albums? in particualr 1979 Next In Line, that was a great album also,
April 13th, 2009 at 4:45 am
nice!
May 22nd, 2009 at 9:22 pm
love the controllers somebody got to win is the best song recorded. love to you