Vinyl Collector's Guide: What You Won't Do For Love by Bobby Caldwell
💿 Vinyl Collector’s Guide: What You Won’t Do For Love by Bobby Caldwell (1978)
In honor of the legend’s passing, we’re taking it back to 1978 to highlight one of R&B’s greatest albums and one of our all time favorite records.
Bobby Caldwell really is that dude. There is a running joke to this day that no one can believe he’s not black, which to be fair is one of the best compliments you can receive as white man singing rhythm & blues.
Caldwell’s debut album What You Won’t Do for Love was released on TK Records in 1978 and has since solidified itself as a sleeper classic. One of those records you can always throw on at the end of a long day, pour up a glass and drift off into bliss.
One spin of the title track “What You Won’t Do for Love” and you’ll see exactly what we mean. With his smooth, buttery vocal tones and flawless mix of R&B and jazz signatures, it really doesn’t get much cleaner than this. Other standouts off the album include the breezy, post-breakup groover “My Flame” and the reminiscent “Down for the Third Time.”
Caldwell’s music has since been heavily sampled by countless greats, including Tupac (Do for Love), The Notorious B.I.G. (Sky is the Limit), Aaliyah (Age Ain’t Nothin but a Number), Common (The Light), Lil Nas X (Carry On), A$AP Rocky (Better Things) and so many more.
Add this to your collection now if you’re not already familiar. Smiles (and possible tears) included for free… we won’t judge.
đź’¸ Purchase the vinyl on Discogs
🎧 Listen on Spotify + Apple Music
- Written by Blake Nania