Warmer Communications

Released in March 1978, Warmer Communications represents Average White Band at their most polished and commercially confident. Following the massive success of their earlier work, this album saw the band leaning further into the 'Warmer' aspect of their sound, utilizing the high-end studio technology of the late 70s to create a rich, analog tapestry. The title itself is a clever nod to their parent company, Warner Communications, signaling their status as a flagship act for Atlantic Records. Musically, the album is a masterclass in 'Blue-Eyed Soul,' a term the band essentially defined for the era. While many of their peers were moving toward the four-on-the-floor rigidity of disco, AWB maintained their syncopated, jazz-influenced roots, particularly on tracks like 'McEwan's Export.' The album is also notable for its inclusion of live material in later pressings, highlighting their reputation as one of the tightest live units in soul music. It stands as a bridge between the raw funk of the early 70s and the sophisticated R&B that would dominate the early 80s.