You Might Be Surprised

Roy Ayers

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You Might Be Surprised Review

by Alex Henderson

When You Might Be Surprised came out in 1985, Roy Ayers wasn't having as many hits as he had enjoyed in the late '70s. The R&B landscape had changed a lot since the days of Vibrations (1976) and You Send Me (1978). Ayers knew that if he didn't want to be accused of sounding dated, he needed to appeal to the urban contemporary tastes of 1985, so on this album he manages to update his approach without being untrue to himself. The production (some of it by James Mtume, some of it by Ayers himself) is high-tech and hip-hop-influenced -- synthesizers and drum machines are prominent, and there are few horns and no strings. But Ayers still sounds distinctive on material that ranges from the clever single "Programmed for Love," and the funky "Can I See You," to the playful title song (a duet with singer Jean Carn). The opener "Hot" has some Prince/Jesse Johnson/Morris Day influence, but without obscuring Ayers' own identity. This time, there are a few likable, if unremarkable, jazz/R&B/pop instrumentals, which include "Night Flyte" and "Virgo" (a tune that employs Branford Marsalis on tenor sax). You Might Be Surprised isn't among Ayers' essential albums, but all things considered, it was a respectable addition to his catalogue.

Track Listing

Title/Composer Performer Time Stream
1
Hot
Binky Brice / Philip Field / James Mtume
Roy Ayers 04:45 SpotifyAmazon
2
Programmed for Love
Douglas Frank / Dunn Pearson
Roy Ayers 05:42 SpotifyAmazon
3
Virgo
Roy Ayers
Roy Ayers 04:31 SpotifyAmazon
4
You Might Be Surprised
Ivy Ray
Roy Ayers 03:57 SpotifyAmazon
5
Night Flyte
Ed Moore / James Mtume
Roy Ayers 04:35 SpotifyAmazon
6
Can I See You
Roy Ayers / Dave Metcen / Dwayne Perdue
Roy Ayers 05:28 SpotifyAmazon
7
For You
Dave Robbins
Roy Ayers 04:06 SpotifyAmazon
8
Slip n' Slide
James Mtume
Roy Ayers 04:31 SpotifyAmazon
9
Programmed for Love [12" Extended Version]
Douglas Frank / Dunn Pearson
Roy Ayers 06:02 SpotifyAmazon
10
Programmed for Love [Edited Version]
Douglas Frank / Dunn Pearson
Roy Ayers 04:03 SpotifyAmazon
11
Programmed for Love
Douglas Frank / Dunn Pearson
Roy Ayers 05:58 SpotifyAmazon
12
Hot [12" Version]
Binky Brice / Philip Field / James Mtume
Roy Ayers 06:06 SpotifyAmazon
13
Hot [Dub Mix]
Binky Brice / Philip Field / James Mtume
Roy Ayers 06:03 SpotifyAmazon
14
Slip n' Slide [7" Version]
James Mtume
Roy Ayers 03:36 SpotifyAmazon
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You Might Be Surprised

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