On the Rise


On the Rise is the fourth album by the R&B band the S.O.S. Band, released by Tabu Records on July 1, 1983.

Critical reception

Marcia Smith of the Boston Globe claimed, "Smooth production, dynamic vocals and strong dance rhythms characterize this album...All in all, good danceable rhythm blues."
Amy Hanson of Allmusic with praise wrote, "Hip, slick, and full of dance tricks, the band infused On the Rise with enough '80s synth sounds to break through in the clubs, while keeping their funk roots intact. Energized throughout, the set hardly slows down for a moment...On the Rise is the sound of a band finding their feet again -- and knowing what to do with them once they'd found them."

History

The album peaked at #7 on the R&B albums chart. It also reached #47 on the Billboard 200. The album yielded two Billboard R&B Top Ten singles, "Just Be Good to Me" and "Tell Me If You Still Care", each peaking at #2 and #5. Both singles also charted on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching #55 and #65. "Just Be Good to Me" also peaked at #3 on the Hot Dance Club Play chart and #13 on the UK Singles Chart. The third single, "For Your Love", also charted on the R&B chart, reaching #34. The album also includes a cover of Johnnie Taylor's 1968 hit song, "Who's Making Love".
On the Rise was produced by Gene Dozier, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.The album was digitally remastered and reissued on CD with bonus tracks in 2013 by Demon Music Group.

Personnel

The S.O.S. Band
  • Jason Bryant - keyboards, vocals
  • Mary Davis - lead vocals
  • Billy Ellis - saxophone
  • Willie "Sonny" Killebrew - saxophone, flute
  • Abdul Ra'oof - trumpet, flugelhorn, percussion, lead vocals
  • John A. Simpson III - bass
  • Bruno Speight - guitar
  • Jerome "J.T." Thomas - drums, percussion

Production

Charts

;Singles