Gwen McCrae – On My Way (Pink vinyl)

On My Way by Gwen McCrae, originally released in 1982, is a vibrant showcase of her powerful vocal delivery and the seamless fusion of soul, funk, and disco that defined her era. Across eight tracks, McCrae brings both emotional depth and rhythmic intensity, especially on highlights like “Keep the Fire Burning” and “Hang In.” With support from musicians like Leo Nocentelli of The Meters and Fred Wesley from James Brown’s band, the record maintains a tight groove throughout while giving McCrae space to shine vocally.

Far from being just a dancefloor record, On My Way captures Gwen McCrae at a creative high point, blending introspective ballads and energizing funk with a deep emotional core. The 2022 reissue by Wagram Music brought renewed attention to its quality, revealing how timeless and relevant her music remains. The record stands as a testament to McCrae’s versatility and presence in the soul and R&B landscape of the early '80s.

Reviews

“On eight tracks including ‘Hang In,’ ‘Keep The Fire Burning’ and ‘Be For Real,’ the singer works up some irresistible grooves with a little help from Meters guitarist Leo Nocentelli and James Brown’s go-to trombonist Fred Wesley.” – Rhino

“Gwen McCrae’s voice is full of fire, grit, and grace… this album reminds us why she became—and remains—one of the genre’s most revered figures.” – Jazz Chill

“At the heart of the album is the immortal ‘Keep the Fire Burning’—a dancefloor anthem that has inspired remixes, covers, and crate-digging devotion from DJs and collectors around the world.” – Jazz Chill

“Released in 1982, On My Way is a soulful showcase of Gwen McCrae’s powerhouse vocals and timeless grooves.” – Rough Trade

“This reissue brings back a classic that captures both the heat of the dancefloor and the heart of soul.” – SoulTracks

Genre: Soul & Funk