L.T.D.

L.T.D.'s second album, Gittin' Down, was the calm before the storm. In 1976, the band exploded commercially with its third album, Love to the World, and the smash hit "Love Ballad." But when Jeffrey Osborne and friends recorded this LP in 1974, they were still struggling. Like L.T.D.'s first album, Love, Togetherness & Devotion, this sophomore release was a commercial flop. Nonetheless, A&M saw L.T.D.'s potential, and even though Gittin' Down isn't fantastic, it's generally decent (if uneven). In 1974, some of the pieces were in place for L.T.D. -- Osborne was an impressive lead singer (although he only handles about half of Gittin' Down's lead vocals), and the band is as comfortable with tough, gritty funk ("Eldorado Joe," "Don't Lose Your Cool") as it is with ballads ("Tryin' to Find a Way"). L.T.D. had an appealing, recognizable sound in 1974; what it needed was material that was excellent instead of merely decent -- and that didn't come until 1976. Gittin' Down isn't among L.T.D.'s essential releases; there is no reason why a casual listener would choose this album over classics like Love to the World, Something to Love, and Togetherness. Nonetheless, hardcore collectors and R&B historians will find the record interesting despite its imperfections. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide