Uni Records: Love Unlimited Twofer

Not generally considered a soul label, Uni Records signed a number of R&B artists including the trio: Love Unlimited, which had two Top 40 singles in the 1970s; however, only one was on the Uni label: “Walking in the Rain with the One I Love.” It’s one of our Tuesday Twofers for our fourth week label special.

“Walking in the Rain with the One I Love” was Love Unlimited’s highest mainstream hit charting at #14. This 1972 hit also placed at #6 on the R&B chart. The song was composed by Barry White and was produced by White and Gene Page. Yes, I believe that’s Barry White’s voice on the telephone.

Love Unlimited was a family group featuring sisters Glodean and Linda James and their cousin Diane Taylor. Glodean would later become the future Mrs. Barry White. In 1973, White moved Love Unlimited over to 20th Century Records where they would have the #1 R&B hit “I Belong to You.” The trio disbanded in 1975 following the death of Diane Taylor. The name, however, would be retained by Barry White for the incarnation of his Love Unlimited Orchestra.

For our second Uni Records/Love Unlimited Twofer, I present a single that perhaps you’ve never heard. “Another Chance,” written by Barry White and Tom Brocker, was the group’s third single for Uni. Unfortunately, it never charted. I really love this cut and its production – it’s so indicative of the Barry White sound – a recitation, lush strings, a harp, and a Coral electric sitar. It’s so 70s soul to a “T” that it’s almost campy in 2014. Good stuff – too bad it received virtually no airplay.