Title:  Did You Ever Have That Feeling?
Company: Capitol
Catalog: ST-11688
Year: 1977
Country/State: Wallsey, Merseyside, UK
Grade (cover/record): VG / VG+
Comments: cutout hole top right corner; 'mort' written in magic marker on cover; original lyric inner sleeve

Produced by Bob Monaco, 1977's "Did You Ever Get That Feeling?" was the album record labels had been waiting for (though by the time it came out, most of Lomax's fan base had already given up). Featuring nine Lomax originals, the result was a likeable, if somewhat anonymous mixture of blue-eyed soul and adult contemporary pop numbers. For his part Lomax seemed to have finally realized there was some merit to not trying as hard ... perhaps credit the fact he'd relocated fulltime to Los Angeles. Mind you, the album was far from perfect. Lomax's breathless and labored voice remained an acquired taste (personally I continually find myself going from love to hate and back again), while the combination of horns and modest nods to disco ('One of a Kind') and adult contemporary moves ('Fine Lines'), may have been a major turnoff to some folks.

- One of his most commercial offerings, 'One of a Kind' found Lomax trying his hand at a light disco-flavored number. The bouncy melody, horns, and bleating female backing singers were momentarily disjointing, but the end result wasn't nearly as bad as you would have expected. If you could sit through a mid-1970s Boz Scaggs album, then this one wouldn't kill you/. rating: *** stars
- A nice, breezy slice of blue-eyed soul, 'Just a Little Bit-O-Your Love' was actually a far better song. The track would have been even better had Lomax opted to drop the blaring female backing singers and the intrusive horns. Always liked the treated guitar solo. rating: *** stars
- 'Soul Light' was a straight ahead soul number marred by some needless adult contemporary horn arrangements. One of Lomax's best vocals, but also another track that would have been way better without the blaring horns ... rating: *** stars
- 'Only Fools (Fools Paradise)' was a pretty, highly orchestrated ballad that served to underscore Lomax's knack for crafting interesting melodies; in this case a mildly-acid tinged feel. People use the term Beatlesque all the time, but this one really did have a Bealtes flavor to it, complete with George Harrison-styled slide guitar. The song also underscored how fragile and unique Lomax's voice was. rating: *** stars
- With a forgettable melody and a quivery lead vocal, 'Fine Lines' was a throwaway adult contemporary ballad. If you like cheesy '70s synthesizers, be sure to check this one out. rating: ** stars
- 'Part of My Life' opened side two with another adult contemporary ballad. The song was actually quite good, but the combination of Lomax's measured voice, heavy orchestration, and female backing vocals served to undermine it's potential. Giving credit where due, Ron Stockert turned in some nice keyboards. rating: ** stars
- Bathed in Gene Dinwiddle's flutes, 'Room To Move' offered up another slice of forgettable adult contemporary pop, rating: ** stars
- 'Floating' was a pretty ballad. I'm not sure it Lomax was trying to pen a number with a psychedelic feel, but the end result actually came off as having one of those irritating new age sheens ... rating: ** stars
- 'I Don'wanna Live without You' found Lomax trying to get down and funky. You weren't about to mistake this for an Ohio Players album, but with Lomax's limitations, this was as good as anything Robert Palmer ever did. rating: *** stars
 


inner sleeve photo

As mentioned, this one has plenty of flaws, but it's still worth tracking down and remains quite affordable. (Not that it mattered one way or the other, but in spite of what some references say, the album was released in the States.)

"Did You Ever Have That Feeling?" track listing:
(side 1)
1.) One of a Kind (Jackie Lomax) - 3:45
2.) Just a Little Bit-O-Your Love (Jackie Lomax) - 4:30
3.) Soul Light (Jackie Lomax) - 4:08
4.) Only Fools (Fools Paradise) (Jackie Lomax) - 2:43
5.) Fine Lines (Jackie Lomax) - 2:40

(side 2)
1.) Part of My Life (Jackie Lomax) - 3:56
2.) Room To Move (Jackie Lomax) - 3:56
3.) Floating (Jackie Lomax) - 4:04
4.) I Don'wanna Live without You (Jackie Lomax) - 5:24