Average White Band - When Will You Be Mine

Year Released: 1979
Genre: Soul / Funk / Blue-Eyed Soul

Description:

“When Will You Be Mine” by Average White Band is a soulful funk single released in 1979 on the RCA label (UK) and Atlantic Records (US). Issued as a 7″ vinyl, the track comes from the band’s Feel No Fret album, recorded during their late-1970s sessions at Compass Point Studios in the Bahamas — a period when AWB refined their signature blend of tight funk grooves and smooth soul melodies.

The single features the hallmark elements of the group’s sound: a deep, syncopated rhythm section led by Alan Gorrie and Onnie McIntyre, crisp interplay between drums and bass, and bright brass accents that punctuate the groove. Layered harmonies and melodic guitar phrasing create a polished, radio-friendly tone that bridges funk, R&B, and the smooth production aesthetics of the emerging disco era.

Typically paired with “Ace of Hearts” or another Feel No Fret cut on the B-side, this 7″ captures the band’s shift toward a more refined and contemporary soul production style, while maintaining the rhythmic precision and instrumental prowess that defined their earlier success.

Musically, “When Will You Be Mine” showcases AWB’s sophisticated musicianship — subtle yet danceable funk infused with heartfelt vocals, jazzy chord progressions, and tight horn arrangements. Though it didn’t achieve the same chart dominance as “Pick Up the Pieces” or “Cut the Cake,” it remains a highlight of their late-’70s catalog and an essential example of their evolution into a smoother soul-funk hybrid.

The song’s enduring influence reached a new generation when Mark Ronson sampled it for his track “She’s Got Me” (featuring Daniel Merriweather), using elements of AWB’s rhythmic and melodic structure to anchor his modern, horn-driven funk production. This connection further cemented “When Will You Be Mine” as part of the deep lineage of funk and soul recordings that continue to inspire contemporary producers and DJs.

“When Will You Be Mine” stands as a testament to Average White Band’s musicianship — an understated groove that bridges eras, resonating as both a classic of blue-eyed soul and a source of inspiration for modern funk revivalists.