Ronald Isley | Mr. I

Ronald Isley | Mr. I
by Peggy Oliver

When I was asked to review Mr. I from Ron Isley, how could I pass up an opportunity to spend a few minutes talking about an already soulful legend in many people’s minds. I also happened to witness Mr. Ronald Isley being serenaded at the 2010 Soul Train Music Awards for his contributions to the urban music community. The host of adult contemporary R&B stars on that stage in Atlanta: Freddie Jackson, El DeBarge, Eric Benet and several others did the latest inductee proud before he was officially handed the Soul Train Legends Award. Though the rewards have been many, Ronald Isley has weathered many storms through his almost seventy years, including suffering a stroke and other health issues. But this ageless Isley Brother finds ways to dust himself off and still be relevant in a predominately hip-hop saturated R&B generation without having to sacrifice his roots that go way back to the days of “Shout” and “Twist & Shout.”

For an ever so brief retrospective of Isley Brothers (Ernie, Marvin, O’Kelly, Rudolph, in-law Chris Jasper & Ronald) history, the ball started rolling with their monster hit in the late fifties, “Shout”; a series of recordings for RCA, Atlantic and Wand; a short stint with Motown; the 25-year plus phenomena from 1969-1985 with their record company, T-Neck (including singles “It’s Your Turn” “Who’s That Lady,” “Fight the Power” and “Between the Sheets,” to name a few), the trio of Isley-Jasper-Isley; and the post T-Neck era, featuring a number one song in 1994 with R. Kelly, “Down Low (Nobody Has to Know).” And though Ronald’s sleek pipes are the vocal heartbeat (along with Rudolph) of various Isley recordings for over fifty years, Mr. I finally launches his first official solo go-round.

Despite no other Isleys by his side, Ronald Isley still carries their torch while bridging several generational gaps with the best of old-school romantic R&B balladry and modern production edges, along with a special bonus of a first time duet with the Queen of Soul on a easy listening pop classic. “Take It How You Want It” provides a proper re-introduction to Mr. I: “The sounds of the Isley Brothers are back”; while sneaking in a quick run through of the group’s history. The first single, “No More,” is a quiet storm yet soulful piece about gratefulness towards a strong woman, and “If I Love My Woman” ponders life without that strong woman by his side. Then comes the lavish material fulfillment to keep the ladies satisfied (“Supposed to Do”). “Dance with Me” heads into the unabashed “in the sheets’ territory, while “You Had Me at Hello” draws upon the ‘love at first sight’ storyline. Ronald’s honey-dripped tenor and a falsetto that simply kills makes those moments even more irresistible listening. But the biggest highlight on Mr. I has earned my award for Doing Cover Versions in Style: Ronald and Aretha Franklin feasting on “You’ve Got a Friend,” singer/songwriter Carole King’s signature piece. Considering these lifelong friends from the Isley’s early days have never shared the same microphone, the overall results from these Rock & Roll Hall of Fame recipient tickled my ears, especially when they broke into their free styling sequence.

While Mr. I does capture the meat of the Isley Brothers caressing soulful side, there is one major bump in the road in “Put Your Money on Me,” which drowns from a weak vocal chorus and an ordinary rap by T.I. Despite the slight oversight, Ron Isley, AKA Mr. I, is a more than fair representation of The Isley’s T-Neck years and beyond. And kudos to the Soul Train committee for honoring a life tested talent in Mr. Ronald Isley.

Peggy Oliver
The Urban Music Scene