Universal Music Group releases a stunning vinyl upgrade to Lionel Richie’s Grammy-winning album.
Lionel Richie – Can’t Slow Down – Motown Records (1983)/Interscope-Capitol [Definitive Sound Series/One-Step Audiophile Limited Edition 180-gram LP} (2/20/2026) *****:
(Lionel Richie – keyboards, piano vocals; David Cochrane – guitars, synthesizer, vocals; Paul Leim – drums; Greg Phillinganes – synthesizers; Abraham Lobriel – bass; Darell Jones – guitars; Tim May – guitars; John Robinson – drums; Paulinho da Costa – percussion; Richard Marx – vocals; David Foster – keyboards; Jeff Porcaro – drums; Steve Lukather – guitar; Michael Boddicker – keyboards; plus many others)
In 1983, Lionel Richie released his second album as a solo artist, Can’t Slow Down. It produced five hit singles, including two number ones (“All Night Long”, “Hello”). Richie, who had fronted The Commodores earlier in his career, was moving towards a broader audience with different musical aesthetics. Can’t Slow Down garnered album of the year at the Grammys, and propelled the Alabama-born musician to the height of 1980’s popular music alongside Michael Jackson, Prince and Bruce Springsteen. He became a major asset to the relocated Motown Records. MTV increased his crossover appeal.
Interscope-Capitol has released a limited-edition audiophile vinyl of Can’t Slow Down. This is a notable upgrade, part of the Definitive Sound Series/One-Step process. A cadre of top-flight session musicians add to the sonic luster. Side One opens with the title cut. With smooth layered instrumentation and a funk-driven beat, Richie’s vocals are soulful and accessible. A certain highlight is “All Night Long”. Among the tight percussion, instrumentation (horns, synthesizers) and rhythm, Richie delivers an ebullient lead vocal. The musical tapestry exudes a Caribbean-infused vibe and there is a plethora of tracked background singing and chants that are magnetic. In a change of pace, “Penny Lover” injects balladry into the flowing instrumentals. There is a hypnotic call and response vocal coda. All of the song elements fit seamlessly. Another ballad, “Stuck On You” is amenable and intermingles country and pop influences.
Returning to r&b hook-driven grooves, “Love Will Find A Way” has a steady tempo that allows Richie to showcase emotional resonance. The steady bass and drums are countered by atmospheric keyboards and spacious back up vocals. Meticulous arrangements elevate these songs. “The Only One” sways with pop sensibility. The final chorus picks up some intensity. Returning to dance vibes, “Running With The Night” is hard-rocking soul music with a relentless beat and positive energy. Punctuated synth accents and an incendiary electric guitar solo (Steve Lukather) propel the number, framing Richie’s mellifluous singing. The finale (“Hello”) is sensitive pop balladry. It is stripped down with Richie’s most earnest vocal performance.
This album is a step forward in audiophile vinyl. The re-mastered sound (Chris Bellman/Bernie Grundman)) is sourced from the original analog master tapes (coincidentally by Grundman). It is dynamic and packs a real punch (especially on the lower end). Richie’s voice is centered and blends with the thick instrumentation. The Neotech VR900-D2 180-gram vinyl pressing (RTI) is pristine and captures the music in a quiet aural landscape. Superior packaging includes a tip-on jacket inside a slipcase.
Highest recommendation!
—Robbie Gerson
TrackList:
Side A: Can’t Slow Down; All Night Long (All Night); Penny Lover; Stuck On You
Side B: Love Will Find A Way; The Only One; Running With The Night; Hello
