Uptown is an album by the American R&B group the Neville Brothers, released in 1987.[2][3] The album's title is an homage to the New Orleans neighborhood in which the Nevilles grew up.[4] The group supported the album by touring with Santana.[5]

The album peaked at No. 155 on the Billboard 200.[6]

Production

After four commercially unsuccessful albums, the Nevilles brought in outside writers, producers, and musicians, including Jerry Garcia, Branford Marsalis, and Clive Langer.[7] The album was overseen by Jim Gaines, then best known as Huey Lewis's producer, who agreed to executive produce only if he was allowed to make a "non-traditional" New Orleans album.[7] Uptown was recorded in Metairie, Louisiana.[8]

"Midnight Key" was cowritten by Jimmy Buffett.[9]

Critical reception

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[10]
Robert Christgau	B+[11]
The Encyclopedia of Popular Music	[12]
MusicHound R&B: The Essential Album Guide	[1]
The Rolling Stone Album Guide	[13]
Windsor Star	B+[9]

Spin wrote: "By stripping them of all but the most subtle New Orleansisms, the Nevilles sound like Journey. Or Rick Springfield. Or instant mashed potatoes."[4] Robert Christgau thought that "between adult themes, solidly insinuating tunes, uncommonly grizzled vocals, and faint indigenous lilt, what we have here is a pretty damn good [Contemporary Hit Radio] album."[11]

The Globe and Mail considered that "the long-term pleasures come from Art Neville's rock steady keyboards and growling voice."[14] USA Today thought that "the undistinquished playing offers little of the funky fire that has made the Nevilles New Orleans' top rhythm band."[15] The Star Tribune opined that "at best, this slick production evokes vintage Tower of Power with a Southern accent; at worst, it's as bland as the made-for-radio barroom-rock 'n' soul of Huey Lewis."[16]

AllMusic wrote that the album contains the group's "usual tight playing and exuberant collective vocals."[10] The Rolling Stone Album Guide panned the use of "sequencers and electronic percussion."[13]

Track listing

References