| Action | |
| Type: | studio |
| Artist: | the Blackbyrds |
| Cover: | File:Album cover for "Action" by the Blackbyrds.png |
| Released: | September 1, 1977 |
| Recorded: | 1977 |
| Genre: |
|
| Length: | 33:45 |
| Label: | Fantasy |
| Producer: | Donald Byrd |
| Prev Title: | Unfinished Business |
| Prev Year: | 1976 |
| Next Title: | Better Days |
| Next Year: | 1980 |
Action is the fifth studio album by American R&B/jazz-fusion band the Blackbyrds. It was the band's fourth highest-charting album on both the Pop and R&B album charts at number 43[1] and number 8, respectively, and was their first album not to appear on the American Jazz album charts.[2] The album was certified gold by the RIAA.[3]
Ed Hogan reviewed the album for AllMusic in a somewhat positive light. He said, "If you had to own only one album by the Blackbyrds then Action should be it." He reasoned that "all the elements came together for the Donald Byrd protégés" and he singled out "Supernatural Feeling" for its wise lyrics as well as "Something Special" and "Dreaming About You" for their smooth jazz feel.[4]
Drummer Keith Killgo briefly referenced the album during a 2022 interview with East of the River News when recounting the band's history.
"I would have to say that 'Soft and Easy' is my favorite song out of all the Blackbyrds compositions. It is a ballad but then it is really not. I love 'Mysterious Vibes' too."[5]
The Blackbyrds
with:
| Chart (1977) | Peak position | |
|---|---|---|
| Billboard Top LPs | 43 | |
| Top Soul LPs | 8 |
| Year | Single | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | "Soft and Easy" | Hot Soul Singles | 30 |
| 1978 | "Supernatural Feeling" | Hot Soul Singles | 19 |