Former member of the Zircons that had a minor hit in the 1950s called "No Twisting On Sunday". More biographical details coming.....

Album Discography

"Memories" (Ichiban 1997)

** 1/2 Retro-sounding Modern Soul album by this smooth warbler put Meadows on the map as a solo act with the hit "That's Still My Love". The "retro" is not 60s or 70s Southern Soul but contemporary soul of the 80s with mostly bland programmed Pop/R & B with New Jack Swing flourishes that reminds me of Gerald Levert. That said it does have it's share of catchy tracks, like "Just Can't Do Without You" and the sweet soul ballads "Just Like I Promised", "Where Will This Leave Me" and "I Promise" where his vibrato-propelled voice shines brightest.

"Dealing Real" (BGR 2000)

** Released on Bob Grady's label and written almost entirely by Meadows, this contemporary soul record is an improvement over his initial disc. "Something's Got To Give" is a slick, rolling number with tasty female backups. "POW" is even better with an irresistible refrain and grinding keyboard rhythm. A sweet acoustic guitar pops up on the pretty "Tell Me You Love Me" and "Stay" is a convincing soul ballad with synth strings and electric piano.

"Choices" (BGR 2002)

** 1/2 Meadows has improved and this #74 Billboard R & B Albums charter boasts a good share of catchy pop/soul dancers and feathery vocals. "Go On And Cry" has a scratchy guitar like Sam & Dave's "Soul Man" and "Keep It Alive" is one of his best written songs, which was also covered by Oscar Toney Jr. on his comeback record "Guilty Of Loving You". Meadows joined Toney for that. Wilson's biggest hit "That's Still My Love" is beefed up as "Still My Love-I Told You". His "Big Catch" is a bonafide Southern Soul song with some crisp production from Bob Grady.

"The Best Of" (BGR 2003)

**** With only three albums under his belt it might be a little soon for a "hits" collection but it's certainly a plus for those only casually interested in Wilson Meadows. Being that his albums are uneven, normally a mix of good tracks and equal part disposable filler, the "best of" format allows for a solid collection of the tightest material. Nearly all the choice songs from his first three discs are here ("Still My Love", "Pow", "Where Will This Leave Me", "Go On And Cry") plus there's a new cut "Don't Be Surprised" . This tale of turnabout is fair play was a moderate hit on Southern Soul charts.

"Back To Basics" (BGR 2004)

*** I'm not exactly sure why Meadows named this album "Back To Basics" because he never abandoned his basic style of slick pop/soul and Southern Soul dancers from day one. Whatever the reason this is his most consistent disc to date. The poppin' lead cut "Shake" borrows many of the lyrics from Sam Cooke's "Shake" but is a midtempo headbobber of it's own. He implores the fellas to shake like Marvin Gaye and the ladies like "Mary J, Beyonce, Ashanti" and other pop divas."When You Really Love Somebody" is a lovely slow jam with Wilson apologizing to his woman for clocking some guy that hit on her. He couldn't help it he really loves her. Yes, I remember those days (when I was high school). As was the case with "Shake", Wilson's "Finders Keepers" is dangerously similar to the Chairmen Of The Board hit of the same name but is a darn good cut anyway. Wilson is one of the few so-called "Southern Soul" artists that routinely make the Billboard album charts as "Back To Basics" snuck in at #94 R & B.

"Love Bomb" (BGR 2006) LISTEN

** 1/2  Meadows is one of few Southern Soul/R & B singers to routinely dent Billboard's national R & B Albums chart. Both of his last two outings ("Choices" #73 & "Back To Basics"#94) charted for a week apiece. These are not huge numbers but nevertheless impressive considering mainstream radio doesn't seem to know this music exists.

"Love Bomb" has the same pros and cons as Meadow's previous four discs for Bob Grady's label. That distinct, feathery voice made known by hits like "Keep It Alive" & "That's Still My Love" and the typical assortment of hit and miss songs. Meadows is not a great songwriter and clumsy R & B cuts like "Body Power" & "Step" are further proof but when he gets a good cut he can deliver it, such as on the silky ballad "Dedicated To The One", an old hit by The 5 Royals, Mamas & Papas (& others) written by Ralph Bass & Lowan Pauling. It's one of Wilson's best vocals to date. Nearly as good is his duet with Oscar Toney Jr. on Eddie Floyd's "California Girl". It's a rare blast of authentic Soul amidst the fairly routine machine production that dominates the album (the cut was previously featured on Toney's "Guilty Of Loving You" album, also on Bob Grady Records). The two best originals are the midtempo bumpers "I Got The Right One" and the title cut but it's still a strong cut or two short of satisfying. "Love Bomb" isn't a bust but it won't ignite Meadows career beyond the faithful.

  "Go On And Cry" (MSI Music 2007)

"Transformation"  (M & M 2008) LISTEN

*** The current radio single from Wilson Meadows' new CD, "It is What It Is", is a so-so hit for the man and I figured the rest of the LP must not be much better.  Well, it actually is considerably better.  I don't rank Meadows very highly as a songwriter and some of the songs here leave me with the usual "close-but-no-cigar" feeling I get with most of his cds.  But after repeated listens I really got into this one. He has a unique, lovely voice and could make a great record with the right material.

"I'm Missing" you is a decent ballad supported by a synth harmonica but some lame programmed drums. Light years from his superior "When You Really Love Someone" from the past. He slows it down again on the snail-paced "Hold On", "Don't Take It Away" and a cover of "Misty Blue". Like his likable take on the 5 Royales' "Dedicated To The One" on his last disc, "Misty Blue" is a keeper. The man needs to do an all-covers project of classic ballads. That would be the ticket.

"Transformation" has it's moments. The bump "I Wanna Get Wicha Baby" is a catchy ditty. Also, Meadows hasn't gone bluesy very often but his lightly funky blues on "Bad News" is a fresh side of him, built around a thick bassline and electric piano. "I Can't Understand It" has a nice loose, funky groove to it and "If You Can't Hold Your Love" (simply titled "Hold Your Love") is okay, though it's repeated here from an older set. So with an intro and this repeat track you only get eight new songs from Meadows this time out. Though not spectacular the variety here makes this one of the more interesting albums in his canon.