| Reaching for Tomorrow | |
| Type: | Studio |
| Artist: | Switch |
| Cover: | Reaching_For_Tomorrow.jpeg |
| Released: | March 1980 |
| Recorded: | 1979–1980 |
| Studio: | Jennifudy Studios, North Hollywood, California; Motown/Hitsville U.S.A. Studios, Hollywood, California; Caribou Ranch, Nederland, Colorado |
| Genre: | R&B |
| Label: | Gordy Records |
| Producer: | Bobby DeBarge, Gregory Williams, Tommy DeBarge, Jody Sims, Jermaine Jackson |
| Prev Title: | Switch II |
| Prev Year: | 1979 |
| Next Title: | This Is My Dream |
| Next Year: | 1980 |
Reaching for Tomorrow is the third album by R&B/funk band Switch, released in 1980 by Gordy Records.[1] The album reached No. 23 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart.
Reaching for Tomorrow was recorded at Jennifudy Recording Studio, Motown/Hitsville U.S.A studios, Caribou Ranch studios and Kendun Recording Studios.
During July 2019, an expanded edition of Reaching for Tomorrow was released digitally. Along with the album's reissue came a bonus track entitled "Tahiti Hut" featuring Jermaine Jackson. The song was produced by Jackson with Bobby DeBarge also singing falsetto on the track.[2] [3]
The album received positive reviews from music critics.[4] [5] [6]
Cashbox Magazine describes the album: "The band throws everything but the kitchen sink into this album – funky bass, rockin’ guitar, classical strings, Memphis Horns et al – and it is a must for R&B and pop programmers."[7]
Barry Lederer of Billboard writes "Switch has come full swing with a humdinger of an LP titled "Reaching For Tomorrow" which blends r &b /funk to perfection. From full arrangements, bright orchestrations and tight vocalizations, the group swings from one cut to another."[8]
Billboard features Reaching for Tomorrow on its Top Album Picks for 29 March 1980. The six -member group keeps the tempo danceable on its latest LP, sparking the tunes with sizzling rhythm, string and horn arrangements.[9]
Sal Caputo of the Courier-News writes: "Switch offers a pleasant mix of funk, pop, rock psychedelia and dance beat. It trades vocals with verve. Its arrangements change textures enough to undercut the weight of repetition."[10]
Paul Willistein Jr. of The Morning Call commended the “Super-fast rhythms, intricate guitar riffs and astonishing vocals” as setting Switch apart from most disco funk bands and said their reliance on R&B over disco is what makes Motown artists top charts. He noted the "amazing voices" on the title track and “impressive string arrangements”.[11]
| Chart (1980) | Peak position | |
|---|---|---|
| US Top LPs & Tape[12] | 57 | |
| US Top Soul LPs[13] | 23 |