Feature Photo: Vertigo Records (a division of Mercury Records)., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The Spencer Davis Group is a British rock band formed in Birmingham in 1963. The original lineup consisted of Spencer Davis (guitar, vocals), Steve Winwood (vocals, organ, guitar), Muff Winwood (bass), and Pete York (drums). The band achieved success in the mid-1960s with hits like “Keep On Running,” “Somebody Help Me,” “Gimme Some Lovin’,” and “I’m a Man.”
The band released eight studio albums: Their First LP (1965), The Second Album (1966), Autumn ’66 (1966), With Their New Face On (1968), Funky (1970), Gluggo (1973), Living in a Back Street (1974), and Vibrate (1986). They are known for their energetic performances, soulful sound, and significant contributions to the British Invasion era of the 1960s.
Despite lineup changes over the years, The Spencer Davis Group continued to tour and perform. They are remembered for their classic hits and their influence on the rock and blues genres. Spencer Davis, the band’s namesake, passed away in 2020, but the group’s music continues to be celebrated by fans worldwide.
SPENCER DAVIS GROUP STUDIO ALBUMS
Their First LP
Released July 1965
Their First LP is the debut studio album by The Spencer Davis Group, released in July 1965. The album features a mix of R&B, blues, and rock, showcasing the powerful vocals of Steve Winwood and the band’s energetic style. The album did not chart on the Billboard 200 but gained critical acclaim for its raw sound and musicality.
The album features Steve Winwood on vocals, organ, and guitar, Spencer Davis on guitar and vocals, Muff Winwood on bass, and Pete York on drums. It was produced by Chris Blackwell and recorded at Pye Studios in London, England, in 1965.
CD Track Listings:
- “My Babe” – 2:37
- “Dimples” – 2:21
- “Searchin'” – 2:40
- “Every Little Bit Hurts” – 3:27
- “I’m Blue (Gong Gong Song)” – 2:39
- “Sittin’ and Thinkin'” – 2:55
- “I Can’t Stand It” – 2:10
- “Here Right Now” – 2:29
- “Jump Back” – 1:45
- “It’s Gonna Work Out Fine” – 3:04
- “Midnight Train” – 2:40
- “It Hurts Me So” – 2:55
- “She Put the Hurt on Me” – 2:41
- “I’m Getting Better” – 2:11
The Second Album
Released January 1966
The Second Album is The Spencer Davis Group’s second studio album, released in January 1966. The album includes the hit singles “Keep On Running” and “Somebody Help Me,” both of which reached number one on the UK Singles Chart.
The album features Steve Winwood on vocals, organ, and guitar, Spencer Davis on guitar and vocals, Muff Winwood on bass, and Pete York on drums. It was produced by Chris Blackwell and recorded at Pye Studios in London, England, in 1965.
CD Track Listings:
- “Look Away” – 2:44
- “Keep On Running” – 2:44
- “This Hammer” – 2:19
- “Georgia on My Mind” – 4:41
- “Please Do Something” – 2:25
- “Let Me Down Easy” – 3:05
- “Strong Love” – 2:15
- “I Washed My Hands in Muddy Water” – 2:36
- “Since I Met You Baby” – 3:29
- “You Must Believe Me” – 2:45
- “Hey Darling” – 4:46
- “Watch Your Step” – 2:57
Autumn ’66
Released September 1966
Autumn ’66 is The Spencer Davis Group’s third studio album, released in September 1966. The album features a mix of original songs and covers, showcasing the band’s evolving sound and the powerful vocals of Steve Winwood.
The album features Steve Winwood on vocals, organ, and guitar, Spencer Davis on guitar and vocals, Muff Winwood on bass, and Pete York on drums. It was produced by Chris Blackwell and recorded at Pye Studios in London, England, in 1966.
CD Track Listings:
- “Together Till the End of Time” – 2:50
- “Take This Hurt Off Me” – 2:46
- “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out” – 3:53
- “Midnight Special” – 2:14
- “When a Man Loves a Woman” – 3:06
- “When I Come Home” – 1:56
- “Mean Woman Blues” – 3:14
- “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” – 3:27
- “Don’t Let Me Down” – 3:22
- “Watch Your Step” – 2:56
- “Neighbours” – 3:32
- “High Time Baby” – 2:45
With Their New Face On
Released April 1968
With Their New Face On is The Spencer Davis Group’s fourth studio album, released in April 1968. The album marked a new era for the band with the departure of Steve Winwood and the introduction of new members Eddie Hardin and Phil Sawyer.
The album features Eddie Hardin on vocals and keyboards, Phil Sawyer on guitar, Ray Fenwick on guitar, Spencer Davis on guitar and vocals, and Pete York on drums. It was produced by Spencer Davis and recorded at Olympic Studios in London, England, in 1967 and 1968.
CD Track Listings:
- “With His New Face On” – 3:22
- “Mr. Second Class” – 3:13
- “Alec in Transit Land” – 6:51
- “Sanity Inspector” – 2:38
- “Feel Your Way” – 2:59
- “Morning Sun” – 3:19
- “Moonshine” – 2:36
- “Don’t Want You No More” – 4:35
- “Time Seller” – 2:54
- “Stop Me, I’m Falling” – 2:52
Funky
Released July 1970
Funky is The Spencer Davis Group’s fifth studio album, released in July 1970. The album features a mix of rock, blues, and funk, showcasing the band’s versatility and musicianship.
The album features Ray Fenwick on guitar and vocals, Eddie Hardin on keyboards and vocals, Charlie McCracken on bass, and Pete York on drums. It was produced by Ray Fenwick and Eddie Hardin and recorded at Olympic Studios in London, England, in 1969 and 1970.
CD Track Listings:
- “I Met a Woman” – 3:07
- “Letters from Edith” – 3:26
- “Raintree River” – 2:53
- “What a Way to Die” – 3:26
- “Funky” – 4:00
- “Magical Day” – 3:19
- “I Guess I’m Wasting My Time” – 3:55
- “Poor Misguided Woman” – 3:38
- “And the Gods Came Down” – 5:20
- “New Jersey Turnpike” – 4:06
Gluggo
Released February 1973
Gluggo is The Spencer Davis Group’s sixth studio album, released in February 1973. The album features a blend of rock, funk, and blues, highlighting the band’s dynamic sound and tight musicianship.
The album features Ray Fenwick on guitar and vocals, Eddie Hardin on keyboards and vocals, Charlie McCracken on bass, and Pete York on drums. It was produced by Spencer Davis and recorded at Olympic Studios in London, England, in 1972.
CD Track Listings:
- “Catch You on the Rebop” – 3:16
- “Don’t Want You No More” – 5:05
- “Living in a Back Street” – 3:26
- “Today Gluggo, Tomorrow the World” – 3:53
- “Feel Your Way” – 2:56
- “Hymn to Freedom” – 3:37
- “Come Back and Storm the Door” – 3:44
- “Firefly” – 3:02
- “The Edge” – 2:45
- “Tumble Down Tenement Row” – 3:52
Living in a Back Street
Released September 1974
Living in a Back Street is The Spencer Davis Group’s seventh studio album, released in September 1974. The album features a mix of rock and blues, with socially conscious lyrics and a gritty sound.
The album features Ray Fenwick on guitar and vocals, Eddie Hardin on keyboards and vocals, Charlie McCracken on bass, and Pete York on drums. It was produced by Spencer Davis and recorded at Olympic Studios in London, England, in 1973 and 1974.
CD Track Listings:
- “Living in a Back Street” – 3:21
- “One Night” – 3:28
- “Thinking of Her” – 3:31
- “Sure Need a Helping Hand” – 2:57
- “Ain’t Good for You” – 3:23
- “You’ll Make It Through” – 3:19
- “Let the Sunshine In” – 3:43
- “The River” – 3:26
- “Living in a Back Street (Part 2)” – 3:05
- “Come Back” – 3:44
Vibrate
Released 1986
Vibrate is The Spencer Davis Group’s eighth studio album, released in 1986. The album features a modern rock sound, blending elements of pop and rock with contemporary production techniques.
The album features Spencer Davis on guitar and vocals, Eddie Hardin on keyboards and vocals, and various session musicians. It was produced by Spencer Davis and recorded at various studios in London, England, in 1985 and 1986.
CD Track Listings:
- “Private Number” – 3:42
- “Blood Runs Hot” – 4:10
- “It’s Too Late” – 3:58
- “Love Is on a Roll” – 3:38
- “No Other Baby” – 3:52
- “You Must Believe Me” – 3:27
- “Every Little Bit Hurts” – 3:56
- “Satisfy You” – 3:47
- “I’m a Man” – 4:18
- “Gimme Some Lovin'” – 4:22
Read More: Top 10 Spencer Davis Group Songs
Complete List Of The Spencer Davis Group Albums And Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024
