Con Funk Shun, Love’s Train | Throwback Vibez

In the 126^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “Love’s Train” by Con Funk Shun.   

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 126^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “Love’s Train”, performed by Con Funk Shun.

“If you are that special lover / And love keeps you tied to another / That’s the way it goes on love’s train.” Among the most beloved, popular songs by R&B/funk collective Con Funk Shun is “Love’s Train”.  The memorable chorus continues, “Sometimes, heart strings can be broken / But you just have to keep on goin’ / That’s the way it goes on love’s train.” “Love’s Train” graces the band’s 1982 album, To The Max. To The Max didn’t earn the success of a quartet of albums by Con Funk Shun between 1977 and 1980 that were all certified gold. Also, amazingly,  “Love’s Train,” arguably the group’s ace in the hole, wasn’t released as a single .  Regardless, the excellence of this love triangle oriented joint makes it a surefire gem.

The gist is, he, Michael Cooper (lead vocals), wants to be with her.  She also wants to be with him, but, there’s another in the picture:

“She said ‘Sugar, Honey, Darlin’

I really wanna see ya, too

It’s just that someone’s over, and baby

I really wanna be with you.’”

Oh, the plight of love, in all of its unfairness! More unfair is that this great R&B record didn’t receive the fanfare it deserved.  The production is warm, idiomatic of the smooth, quiet storm brand of R&B popular in the 80s: keys, rhythm guitar, prominent bass line, and a hi-hat heavy drum groove. “Love’s Train” feels and sounds natural, never hurried, and taking its time. Besides the love-driven lyrics, Cooper’s vocals are buttery and silky smooth.  His pipes ooze with romance and sexiness, even if another person involved throws a wrench in the plans. Furthermore, “Love’s Train” features incredibly tuneful melodies.  Among the most tuneful section that is not named the chorus is the pre-chorus, where Cooper ascends into his powerful upper register. While Con Funk Shun didn’t receive the attention they should’ve for “Love’s Train”, it truly is a bop. Silk Sonic – Anderson .Paak and Bruno Mars – must’ve thought so considering they covered it on their album, An Evening With Silk Sonic.

Con Funk Shun • To The Max • Mercury • 1982

Con Funk Shun, Love’s Train: Throwback Vibez No. 126 (2023) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Mercury; John Alan Sperry, PIRO via  Pixabay]