Roll With It

"Roll With It" is Steve Winwood's fifth solo studio album, released in 1988. This album is particularly notable as it catapulted Winwood back into the spotlight with significant commercial success. Here are some fascinating aspects about it:

1. Chart-Topping Success: "Roll With It" achieved remarkable success by reaching the number one spot on the Billboard 200 chart, where it stayed for four consecutive weeks. The title track, "Roll With It," also became Winwood's second number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

2. Roots in Soul: The album marked a return to Winwood's roots in blue-eyed soul and R&B. Many of the tracks feature a sound reminiscent of the Motown era, which contributed to its wide appeal. The track "Roll With It" was often compared to classic Motown due to its upbeat groove and powerful horn arrangements.

3. Grammy Nominations: It earned three Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. This recognition further solidified Winwood's place in the musical pantheon of the late '80s.

4. Influences and Contributions: The album's sound is heavily influenced by the soul and rhythm & blues of the 1960s. Notably, Winwood co-wrote these songs with Will Jennings, a frequent collaborator who has contributed to some of Winwood's most memorable hits.

5. Rhythm Section Excellence: He enlisted a top-tier rhythm section including session drummer James Hooker and bassist Pino Palladino, whose skills added to the rhythmic and sonic depth of the recording.

6. Legal Speculation: The song "Roll With It" had some controversies, as there were speculations regarding its resemblance to "Higher Ground" by Stevie Wonder. However, the matter was settled amicably, and both Wonder and Winwood have mutual respect for each other’s work.

7. Simultaneous Formats: Reflecting the late '80s shift in music consumption, "Roll With It" was simultaneously released on several formats, including LP, cassette, and compact disc, showcasing the transition period of the music industry's format dominance.

"Roll With It" remains an exemplar of Steve Winwood’s versatility as a musician and his ability to adapt the vintage sound into contemporary hits, reaffirming his status as a distinguished figure in rock and pop music.