LIVE IT UP was the followup to the Isley's breakthrough album 3+3. This time around, original songs bring the funk more to the forefront, while cover tunes are kept to a bare minimum. The title track and "Midnight Sky" were popular during the early years of disco, while the sole cover song, Todd Rundgren's "Hello It's Me" is still a staple on the Quiet Storm radio format. The bluesy "Ain't I Been Good To You" and the early-Doobie Brothers influenced "Need A Little Taste Of Love" tastefully highlight Ernie's wailing guitar solos, while "Brown Eyed Girl" and "Lover's Eve" display growth in their ability to write effective love ballads. Isley historians tend to overlook this album since it was released between two career-defining albums (1973's "3+3" and 1975's "The Heat Is On"). However, LIVE IT UP is still an important chapter in the musical evolution of the Isleys.

the Isley Bros. and this was the first album I bought by them, first on cassette, then the album (after wearing out the cassette) and I'm just beside myself now that it has been re-issued on CD. It is one of my favorites...during the '70's, nobody brought the FUNK AND ROCK harder then the Isley's ("Live It Up," "Midnight Sky," "Need A Little Taste of Love")...and nobody brought the love and sensitivity either. Their version of "Hello It's Me" is a classic. The other mid-tempo/slow jams on the CD are just as hypnotic: "Lover's Eve," "Ain't I Been Good to You" and my
absolute favorite, "Brown-eyed Girl." This was a worthy follow-up to the classic "3+3" and a continuation of what the Isley's were to bring to the '70's...hard driving funk, with a little rock influence and beautiful love songs that provide lasting memories for you and the one you love. ANOTHER CLASSIC!

This is in my humble opinion THE best of the 3+3 union (I know how can I say that about any Isley Brothers joint) That sound that they smoothly rode through the 70'S on is fully matured right here. It's just loaded with beautiful hits check out LOVERS EVE and BROWN-EYED GIRL then you'll see what I mean. The WHOLE joint is just TIGHT absolutly NO weak songs here. I don't know maybe it holds a sentimental value because of where I was in my life at that time but BUY IT and see for yourself how high it ranks on Isley Brothers scale.

All I can say is that this album is simply spectacular!!.The Isley Brothers has gotten me totally obsessed and in utter amazement with thier superb music over such a long period of time!.Every song here is an absolute gem!. "Live it up" is concious and uptempo, "brown eyed girl" is equally bouncy,oh my, here is the gloomy yet beautiful "lover's eve". "Midnight sky" is just so liveley, now to my very favourite here, the senuous and beconing "hello it's me", designed to melt the toughest heart!!.Closing the show is the quizzing "ain't I been good to you?" one song in two styles. Again, this masterpiece is a must have for any Isley fan, and anyone who loves fantastic music which is truly timeless. Before it gets rare, go get it!!!.

It was very clear that after the genius of 3+3, the Isley's had to come with it, and they did not disappoint with "Live It Up"! A powerhouse of an album, using the same elements from 3+3, but taking things a little further. I notice that the Isley's thrive on gaining momentum, knowing just what to give the audience at the right time. Feel the burn of "Live It Up and "Midnight Sky", and cool down with "Brown Eyed Girl" and " Hello It's Me". The cut that really takes things to another level, is the perfect closer, " Ain't I Been Good To You". It starts off blazin', then cools down to a slow funky and blusey crawl. Came out 1974, and it sounds like it never got old.