Al Wilson, Show and Tell | Throwback Vibez

In the 75th edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “Show and Tell” by Al Wilson.

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ️! Throwback Vibez ️ is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome. In the 75th edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “Show and Tell”, performed by Al Wilson.

“These are the eyes / That never knew how to smile / Till you came into my life.” Aww , those feels – those lovey dovey feels! Al Wilson sho nuff does show and tell about his feelings for her on “Show and Tell”.  While Wilson had other songs that charted on the Billboard Hot 100, his best-known song also ended up being a no. 1 hit.  After debuting in 1973, the highlight from his album, Show and Tell, ascended to its peak position in 1974.  So, who wrote this dedicated soul gem? That would be  Jerry Fuller, who also produces .  

“Show and Tell” doesn’t require extensive analysis.  The lyrics speak for themselves: “Whoa, and here is the man / Who needs to know where you stand / Don’t you know I’ve done all I can?” In the tuneful chorus, Wilson urges her to express her feelings and hopes she feels the same way as he does (“Girl, so show me and tell me / That you feel the same way too / Say you do, baby”). Wilson is on autopilot from a vocal perspective, making all who hear this song see just how gifted he was. Furthermore, the music is idiomatic of 1970s soul – lush, rousing, and sophisticated. So, rather than me write anymore about “Show and Tell”, listen to this beloved soul classic – it speaks for itself. 

via GIPHY

Al Wilson • Show and Tell: The Best of Al Wilson • Fuel 2000 • 2006 

Al Wilson, “Show and Tell”: Throwback Vibez ️ No. 75 (2023) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Fuel 2000; John Alan Sperry, PIRO via  Pixabay]