You ever hear a song that just stops you in your tracks because it feels like someone bugged your living room during a breakup? That’s the vibe with Johnnie Taylor Everything’s Out in the Open. It isn’t just a track; it’s a masterclass in grown-folks music. Released in 1988 on the album In Control, it came at a time when the world was obsessed with synthesizers and hair metal. But Johnnie? He was busy keeping the soul flame alive at Malaco Records.
Most people know him for "Disco Lady" or "Who’s Making Love." Those were the massive, chart-topping hits that paid the bills. But if you want to know why he was called the "Philosopher of Soul," you have to look at the Malaco years. This was his "second act," and honestly, it’s where some of his most honest work lives.
What Makes Everything’s Out in the Open So Special?
The song kicks off with this spoken-word intro that only Johnnie Taylor could pull off. He has this raspy, confident "rap"—not the hip-hop kind, but the old-school soul man kind—where he basically sets the scene. "Once upon a time, we were a unit... looks like it's all over now, darlin'."
It's cold. It's real. It’s the sound of a man who has run out of excuses.
Musically, it’s a mid-tempo burner. You’ve got that classic Malaco production—clean guitars, a steady beat, and backing vocals that feel like they’re testifying in the background. It was written by the heavy hitters: Jerry Mannery, Tommy Tate, and Norman Williams. These guys knew how to write for Taylor’s specific "elastic" tenor.
- The Tempo: It sits right at about 76 BPM.
- The Key: C Major, though it feels a lot more "bluesy" than your average happy-go-lucky major key song.
- The Lyrics: It’s a "sad divorce song" (as one fan on Discogs perfectly put it).
The genius of Johnnie Taylor Everything’s Out in the Open is that it doesn’t try to be a pop song. It knows exactly who its audience is: people who have lived a little, lost a lot, and need a soundtrack for the drive home after the papers are signed.
The Malaco Era: A Refuge for Real Soul
By the mid-80s, the "Memphis Sound" of Stax was a memory, and the disco era of Columbia was long gone. Johnnie signed with Malaco Records in 1984. At the time, Malaco was basically the last bastion for Southern soul and blues. While the rest of the industry was chasing MTV trends, Malaco was doubling down on the "Chitlin' Circuit."
They didn't try to change Johnnie. They let him be the philosopher.
In Control, the album featuring Johnnie Taylor Everything’s Out in the Open, proved that Taylor could still sell records without a flashy gimmick. He wasn't trying to compete with Michael Jackson or Prince. He was competing with himself, and he was winning. The album also featured tracks like "Now That You've Cheated," which followed the same theme of domestic drama and hard truths.
Why Does This Song Still Matter?
Honestly, we live in a world where everything is "produced" to death. When you listen to Johnnie Taylor Everything’s Out in the Open, you’re hearing a guy who spent decades in the trenches. He started in doo-wop with the Five Echoes, moved to gospel with the Soul Stirrers (replacing Sam Cooke!), and survived the bankruptcy of Stax.
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When he sings about things being "out in the open," he’s not just talking about a relationship. He’s talking about a life lived without filters.
Experts like Rob Bowman, who literally wrote the book on Stax, often point to Taylor's versatility. He could do gospel, he could do funk, he could do disco, but his "bread and butter" was always this specific type of Southern Soul. It’s a genre that doesn’t get enough credit for its emotional complexity. It’s not just "I’m sad"; it’s "I’m sad, I’m grown, and I’m going to deal with it."
If You’re Just Discovering Him
If this is your first time diving into Johnnie’s catalog because you stumbled upon Johnnie Taylor Everything’s Out in the Open on a late-night YouTube rabbit hole, you’re in for a treat. Don’t just stop here. You need to check out:
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- Last Two Dollars: His 1996 hit that became a blues anthem.
- Jody's Got Your Girl and Gone: The definitive "outside man" song.
- Cheaper to Keep Her: A cynical, hilarious look at divorce.
Actionable Steps for the Soul Searcher
To truly appreciate the depth of Johnnie Taylor Everything’s Out in the Open, don't just stream it on crappy phone speakers.
- Find the Vinyl: There’s a 7" 45 RPM pressing from 1988 (Malaco 2145). It’s got "Got to Leave This Woman" on the B-side. Collectors usually find these for under ten bucks, and the analog warmth makes a world of difference.
- Listen to the Lyrics: Pay attention to that spoken intro. It sets the emotional stakes for the entire four minutes.
- Explore the Malaco Catalog: If you like this sound, look into Bobby "Blue" Bland or Z.Z. Hill. They were Taylor’s label mates and shared that same "no-nonsense" approach to the blues.
Johnnie Taylor passed away in 2000, but the "Philosophy of Soul" is very much alive. Tracks like this are the reason why. It’s honest, it’s gritty, and it’s finally all out in the open.