Rejoice is an album by American vocal group the Emotions, released in June 1977 on Columbia Records. The album peaked at No. 1 on the US Billboard Top R&B Albums chart and at No. 7 on the US Billboard 200 chart. Rejoice has also been certified Platinum in the US by the RIAA. The album is also the only album to feature all four Hutchinson sisters (Jeanette, Wanda, Sheila, and Pamela).
Contents
Overview
The album was produced by Earth, Wind & Fire leader Maurice White. When asked about his favorite non–Earth, Wind & Fire album, White replied: "The Emotions' Rejoice because it had a great vibe, a great ‘feel’. Yeah, I'm proud of that production." Rejoice spent seven weeks atop the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart.
Critical reception
Ace Adams of the New York Daily News stated that the album "displays the growing talent of these rising stars." People said: "This LP offers no messages, pretensions or sexual innuendos but simple romantic themes by four sisters, Wanda, Sheila, Pamela and Jeanette Hutchinson. Their tight harmonies and polished chords make them logical successors to the original Supremes. Producer Maurice White of Earth, Wind and Fire (with whom the girls have toured) provides lush arrangements and joins lead singer Wanda in a smoothly worked Key to My Heart." Larry Rohter of The Washington Post wrote: "As much because of their material as the(ir) vocal style, the Emotions have been able to inject some life and excitement into a soul format that badly needed it." Phyl Garland of Stereo Review proclaimed: "Though there is nothing here that is truly new in terms of musical format or content, "Rejoice" demonstrates what can be done within the limits of popular style when talent and imagination are applied." Garland described the girl group's performance as "thrice nice" and called Rejoice a "very good" album. Robert Hilburn of the Los Angeles Times commented: "Produced by Earth, Wind & Fire's Maurice White, the album has material that is ideal for the female vocal trio's mostly light, upbeat style. The arrangements, too, are skillfully tailored. Not much adventure here, but solid craftsmanship. That ought to count for something these days."
Craig Lytle of AllMusic found that "the radiance the Emotions impart is heartwarming and uplifting... Their gospel roots bring a welcome spiritual feel to this album, which is a superb effort."
Singles
The first single released, “Best of My Love,” reached number one on both the US Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Soul Songs charts. "Best of My Love" won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance By a Duo or Group with Vocals at the 20th Annual Grammy Awards and an American Music Award for Favorite Soul/R&B Single at the American Music Awards of 1978. "Best of My Love" was also certified Platinum in the US by the Recording Industry Association of America.
The second single "Don't Ask My Neighbors” reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart.
Personnel
The Emotions
Wanda Hutchinson – vocals
Sheila Hutchinson – vocals
Pamela Hutchinson – vocals
Jeanette Hutchinson – vocals
Musicians
Clarence McDonald – piano, clavinet
Marlo Henderson (tracks 2–3, 6, 9), Al McKay (1, 4–5, 7–8) – guitar
David Shields (tracks 2–3, 6, 9), Verdine White (1, 4–5, 7–8) – bass
James Gadson (tracks 2–3, 6, 9), Fred White (1, 4–5, 7–8) – drums
Paulinho DaCosta – percussion
Larry Dunn – synthesizer (tracks 1, 5)
Maurice White – drums (tracks 7–8), additional vocals (4)
Jerry Peters (track 8), Skip Scarborough (7) – electric piano
George Bohanon, Louis Satterfield, Lew McCreary, George Thatcher – trombones
Oscar Brashear, Steve Madaio, Chuck Findley – trumpets
Alan Robinson, Marilyn Robinson, Vincent DeRosa, Sidney Muldrow, Richard Perissi – French horns
Don Myrick – saxophones, flute
Charles Veal Jr. – concertmaster
Charts
Singles