Search - Switch :: Best of

There'll Never Be: A Tribute To Bobby DeBarge

David Wayne | Santee, CA United States | 07/11/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"With songs custom-made for those tender moments up at Inspiration Point ("There'll Never Be," "I Wanna Be Closer," "I Call Your Name," "Love Over And Over Again"), Switch was a hot Motown band who came on the scene at a time when that label really needed them. At the time of Switch's debut release in 1978, Motown had lost The Four Tops, The Temptations, Martha Reeves, The Marvelettes and Mary Wells, and had also been without The Jackson 5 for a couple of years. Of the star artists that remained, only Stevie Wonder still had mass appeal with the younger crowd. Switch and Rick James were Motown's (successful) effort at turning that trend. The creative mainstays of the band of multi-instrumentalists were Bobby DeBarge and Greg Williams, who wrote and produced the bulk of Switch's hits. (Bobby wrote some beautiful songs with his sister, Bunny, for some of the group's later albums.) Switch was obviously quite adept at churning out songs to get busy by, but they got down too, on cuts like "Best Beat In Town," "We Like To Party," "You Pulled A Switch," and "Go On Doin' What You Feel." I feel the inclusion of a few songs ("I Wanna Be With You," "Why'd You Let Love Fall," and "This Is My Dream") would have made this collection 5 stars. The group was outstanding in concert, and was a big hit with the ladies. Bobby DeBarge was an outstanding singer, as well as a crack writer and producer. But perhaps his greatest gift to popular music was the introduction of his brother, El. Bobby was a huge influence on his younger brother. El grew to have a singing style very similar to that of his mentor. He also became a reknowned writer and producer. Bobby DeBarge produced the first album on the family act (DeBarge) led by El. Switch's star seemed to fade just as that of DeBarge rose. After 5 lps for Motown, Bobby and brother Tommy left Switch, and the group left Motown for Total Experience Records, before fading from sight. When El and sister Bunny left DeBarge for the solo spotlight, Bobby took their place in a four-man version of DeBarge. The one album from that union, "Bad Boys," was a good effort produced by Bobby and brother James. Sadly, Bobby and his solo-star brother Chico were incarcerated on drug charges soon after that album. Bobby DeBarge contracted AIDS from drug use while behind bars. By the time he was released, he was in very ill health. But he released a solo album, "It's Not Over," before his tragic death. It had a very up-to-date sound and is worth looking for. Chico DeBarge served his time and has returned to the charts. He has insisted in interviews since his release, that he and Bobby were not involved in drug dealing and were made scapegoats. El has had tremendous highs in his career, but is a very religious man. He has kept a very low profile since his brother's death. This compilation of the best of Switch is the legacy of Bobby DeBarge. He should be remembered for being the gifted musician and unselfish brother he was."

A sorely overlooked, extremely talented sextet

Jazysol79 | Germantown, MD USA | 07/04/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This six-man ensemble were the precursor to the hit-making group DeBarge. Switch, who are best remembered for featuring the late Bobby DeBarge, were overshadowed by groups like the Commodores, but during their tenure at Motown (they recorded on the Gordy label), they made some enduring material. Their debut single "They'll Never Be" was obviously their career milestone, but many other songs, including "I Wanna Be Closer," "I Call Your Name," and "Love Over and Over Again" (co-written by Bunny DeBarge) have held up well over the years. Though the group has become somewhat buried in the Motown history books, they were one of the label's most talented acts. Since none of their original albums are in print, this is the best way to go (though it would not hurt to beat down some used record bins for "Switch" and "Switch II," both of which went platinum, and are representative of their work)."

Nothing like the actual albums.....

Lourdes Cotto-rivera | Willingboro, NJ United States | 03/24/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Switch was fantastic back then. I own all 5 albums in the original state and I would have never thought back then that those albums would be so valuable to me today. This compilation is great but does not measure up to all the other tunes. I would love to get an update on the remaining band members: greg williams, thomas debarge, eddie fluellen, jody sims, and phillip ingram. I would also love to see any archives of past performances, or perhaps past and present pictures. "There'll Never Be" another group like "SWITCH.""