Harold Melvin

Even though Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes were an R&B group with much soul, the message in their music was truly profound, uplifting, thought-provoking, and full of love. This album featured only two singles. The title track is a plea to the world to come together and rid the society of all its ills. Written by the prolific writing team of McFadden/Whitehead/Carstarphen, it conveys a message in line with the ideology of the album's producers. The connection felt when listening to the song permeates the soul, leading one to think about making a change. This is a very moving song. It held on to the number one spot on the Billboard R&B charts for two consecutive weeks. The aggressive arrangement of "Tell the World How I Feel About 'Cha Baby" carried it to number seven on the charts. Other notables are "Keep on Lovin' You," "To Be Free to Be Who We Are," and "I'm Searching for a Love." Sharon Paige is featured on the balladic flow of the latter. "Don't Leave Me This Way" became a disco theme for Thelma Houston. This album was the final chapter of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes featuring Theodore Pendergrass, who released a solo album the following year. [The 2003 reissue of Wake Up Everybody features improved sound, new liner notes that include a chat with arranger Bobby Martin, and one bonus track: the quite wonderful extended disco mix of "Don't Leave Me This Way" by legendary disco remixer Tom Moulton.] ~ Craig Lytle, All Music Guide