Now naming an album Dick Smith - Initial Thrust ultimately is considered cheesy, corny, provocative, and sexually suggestive by today’s standards. The title “Dick Smith - Initial Thrust” sounds very much similar to a hot steamy pornographic film you would watch at an adult theatre or stream online through the internet. But the 1980s were a simpler time of innocence so to speak. Sexuality was not as heavily promoted back then as it is today but Dick Smith - Initial Thrust was released in 1983. Those who are insular to soul music might not understand why.
Although the title itself is rousing, Dick Smith - Initial Thrust is a funky modern sound album from the Zapp era that was one of the many side projects of Roger Troutman which is why the Zapp sound can be heard on this album. While not a theatrical release, this release has Roger Troutman’s signature production all over the place. You can feel his connection through any form through computer or stereo.
For some reason, 66% of this album is cover songs and remakes of older soul hits. 4 out of 6 songs on this album are cover songs. If you were looking for originality or original material from Dick Smith, you will surely but solely be disappointed. All the songs, however, have that Zapp sound and Roger Troutman sound in both production, musical style, percussion selection, and sound.
Warner Brothers, Epic, and Roger Troutman dropped the ball on promoting this album properly and one can see why. No one is going to buy an album filled with covers of rehashed soul songs from old soul hits of yesteryear. People want originality and flavor when they buy soul albums. Not just cover songs of other artists songs from yesteryear. One can see why this album did not gain any further promotion or limelight.
Roger Troutman produced to the kick drum sounds heard on Tobacco Road which is why you can hear his signature production sound on this Dick Smith song. Dick Smith’s Tobacco Road is a jazz remake of the blues song Tobacco Road by John D. Loudermilk. It was not a hit for either one of them though.
Sunny has that bouncy boom-clap sound you expect to hear from both Roger Troutman and Zapp. Sunny has that Zapp sound also. This is one of those tracks that will make you get up and want to dance to this funky song. The song Sunny is very similar to Funky Bounce by Zapp. As a matter of fact, Sunny is a highlight for Dick Smith’s solo album.
The Long And Winding Road is a tune of mournful sadness. The title alone gives away a mixture of feelings such as sadness and mournful. Despite the sadness in this song, the beats are really fast. Not surprising since Roger Troutman produced this song with his brother Larry Troutman at the time of recording Dick Smith’s first and only album to date. Larry Troutman had his hands on this song.
By The Time I Get To Phoenix has a smooth modern soul vibe laced on top of a smooth mellow R&B vibe comfortable to your ears.
I rate this album 3/5***.
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