About this album
Where they were
Released in 1980, 'Give Me the Night' marked George Benson's transition to a mainstream pop and R&B sound after his earlier jazz-focused albums. This album followed his commercial breakthrough with 'Breezin' in 1976, solidifying his status as a versatile artist capable of crossing genres and appealing to wider audiences.
Why it matters
The album achieved significant commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart and earning a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. Its title track became a staple in both dance clubs and radio playlists, influencing the smooth jazz movement that gained momentum in the early 1980s.
Essential tracks
- "Give Me the Night" — This title track showcases Benson's smooth vocal delivery and intricate guitar work, embodying the album's fusion of jazz and pop sensibilities.
- "Love × Love" — Opening the album with an infectious groove, this track highlights Benson's ability to blend rhythmic funk with melodic charm.
- "Moody’s Mood" — A reinterpretation of a classic standard, this track demonstrates Benson's improvisational skill and deep emotional connection to jazz traditions.
Release Date
January 1, 1980
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
- 1 Love × Love 4:43
- 2 Off Broadway 5:23
- 3 Moody’s Mood 3:24
- 4 Give Me the Night 4:58
- 5 What’s on Your Mind 4:02
- 6 Dinorah, Dinorah 3:39
- 7 Love Dance 3:18
- 8 Star of a Story (X) 4:40
- 9 Midnight Love Affair 3:31
- 10 Turn Out the Lamplight 4:43
