Though purists may accuse this respected jazz guitarist of having sold out by scoring with a platinum album of mood music, none could deny that Breezin' contains superior mood music. Its six medium-length cuts are extended song arrangements which don't allow daring improvisation yet show off Benson's flawless technique. All sound pretty much the same -- vaguely wistful and vaguely Latin American -- due to the grafting of gossamer strings onto quietly cooking rhythm and instrumental tracks. But this homogenization is a big step up from "Theme from 'A Summer Place,'" the refrain of which is heard in Bobby Womack's title cut.

Original album ad art.
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- Stephen Holden, Rolling Stone, 11/4/76.

Bonus Reviews!

- Billboard, 1976.

Further reading on
Super Seventies RockSite!:

George Benson Lyrics

George Benson Videos

- Robert Christgau, Christgau's Record Guide, 1981.

This was the definitive Benson album commercially and also the best of the crossover batch from an artistic standpoint; counterpart to Wes Montgomery's pop works of the 60s. Platinum Album.

- Ron Wynn, The All-Music Guide to Rock, 1995.

Start your day in the right mood and breeze on through the afternoon with this mellow master's pop crossover, a pivotal album in mainstreaming jazz. Though people knew the man could play, most didn't know he could sing, but this disc convinced them. A showcase for Benson's singular guitar talent and flirtatious vocals, it combines quiet fire and smooth soul in one fabulous package of light hits. * * * *

- Zagat Survey Music Guide - 1,000 Top Albums of All Time, 2003.

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