Brick - Stoneheart (1979)

Brick's first two albums, Good High in 1976 and Brick in 1977, were equally superb. So in 1979, one greeted the Atlanta funksters' third album, Stoneheart, with very high hopes. But unfortunately, this vinyl LP is a minor disappointment. Stoneheart isn't terrible; "Raise Your Hands" and "Magic Woman" are decent funk items, and "To Me" is a likable soul ballad. Meanwhile, "We'll Love" is a pleasant pop-jazz instrumental that quiet storm enthusiasts could get into. But none of the material is mind-blowing; nothing on this uneven record is in a class with "Dazz," "Music Matic," "Dusic," or "Ain't Gonna Hurt Nobody." Stoneheart is an LP that simmers, but unlike Good High and Brick, never burns and never explodes. This album is strictly for collectors and Brick's most hardcore fans.