For You

by Jason Elias This album was released in late 1974 and was the follow up to Kendricks' successful album Boogie Down. Even as talented as Kendricks could be, the line between him being inspiring and boring was remarkably fine. For You often finds him doing a batch of songs that simply paled in comparison to some of his stronger early-'70s work. Many songs here have good ideas but are barren lyrically speaking and often Kendricks sounds like he's on automatic pilot. The rich, musical backing of "One Tear" can't withstand the odd premise of Kendricks getting worked up over one non-falling metaphoric tear. "Shoeshine Boy" with its juvenile arrangement has Kendricks being the kid's biggest fan. As Kendricks piles on the platitudes he finally sings "Shoeshine boy/Working so hard in the noonday sun/Teasing the girls and having lots of fun." It's beyond silly. Kendricks did do good work here. "Deep and Quiet Love" is an ethereal ballad with unbelievable changes, heartfelt lyrics, and flawless and rich vocal. On that song in particular, Kendricks hit all of his spots and seemed to love the song himself. The song's repeated phrase "for you" is where this album got its title. No doubt For You producers Frank Wilson and Leonard Caston could come up with a few more ballad gems, but for some reason cover material was included here. "If" and "Time in a Bottle" were both songs that were pretty much summed up by the original artists and Kendricks sounded uncomfortable doing both of them. For You is one of Kendricks' lost album efforts and the good moments make this well worth seeking out.