In Effect Mode
Artist: Al B. Sure!
Community Score: 10.00

Supple hip-hop soul crooning comes from this teen prodigy. "Nite and Day," a huge hit from the summer of 1988, is a must-own. ~ John Floyd, All Music Guide Read More

The Best of Luther Vandross: The Best of Love
Artist: Luther Vandross
Community Score: 6.50

By the time this way-overdue double-record hits collection came out, Vandross had done many more R&B singles than could fit on it, so The Best of Luther Vandross ... The Best of Love is inadequate to encompass him. It does, however, contain "Here and Now," which broke Vandross through to the pop Top Ten long after most people had given up hope... Read More

Any Love
Artist: Luther Vandross
Community Score: 8.50

There were some who felt that Vandross suffered a slight slump when this album only reached the platinum level after two consecutive double-platinum winners. But "Here And Now" was a huge smash, and by now the pop crowd was fully aware of Vandross' vocal charms and allure. "She Won't Talk To Me" was a bit on the posturing side, but still managed... Read More

Introducing...David Peaston
Artist: David Peaston
Community Score: 9.00

David Peaston was one of gospel's most demonstrative, majestic talents while working with his family, which included his mother, Martha Bass, and sister, Fontella Bass. He acquired a national television following by dominating the weekly contests on the syndicated Showtime At The Apollo and then in 1989 made a huge impression with his debut... Read More

My Gift to You
Artist: Alexander O'Neal
Community Score: 9.00

Holiday records were a staple of the Motown, Atlantic, and Stax release schedules during the golden age of soul music, but in the 1980s few R&B acts picked up the baton. Although it hasn't dated particularly well, My Gift to You nevertheless remains an admirable and energetic attempt to revive the Christmas album concept for a new generation,... Read More

Home
Artist: Stephanie Mills

Stephanie Mills majestic voice warrants quality material and production, and this album meets those terms. The first single, if not a ballad then a quiet storm regular, was "Something in the Way You Make Me Feel." While the single is funky and sleek, Mills sultry delivery gives the track that sexy appeal. It landed at the number one spot on the... Read More

Just Coolin'
Artist: LeVert
Community Score: 6.50

Levert scored with both uptempo and ballad cuts on their third Atlantic album. The single "Pull Over" clicked with dance audiences and was aided by a video that neatly played off the lyrical hook. The title track was also an urban contemporary radio hit and successful single, although the overall record didn't match the level of its predecessor,... Read More

Secrets of Flying
Artist: Johnny Kemp

Johnny Kemp got an even bigger hit on his second album, "Just Got Paid," which has been absorbed into the general vernacular. He scored a number one R&B hit with it, but unfortunately peaked as an artist once it faded. The rest of the album wasn't anywhere near that level, and Kemp has never come close to duplicating either the song or getting... Read More

Blind to Reason
Artist: Grayson Hugh
Miki Howard
Artist: Miki Howard

Since making her debut as a solo artists in 1986 with the smash single "Come Share My Love," Miki Howard no doubt had her eyes set on attaining that number one song. This album proves to be the facilitator of that quest. There were four featured singles on this set. The first release, the uptempo dance cut "Ain't Nuthin' in the World," grooved... Read More

Rich and Poor
Artist: Randy Crawford
The Collection
Artist: Natalie Cole

This contains the finest soul and sophisticated pre-rock/pop tracks from Natalie Cole's days at Capitol (1975-1981). Cole made some superb singles in her early days, especially "This Will Be" and "Inseparable." At the same time, she laid the foundation for the early-'90s change that would surprise those who slept on "Mr. Melody" or "I've Got... Read More

Stay with Me
Artist: Regina Belle
Community Score: 9.35

A romantic interlude of smooth soul numbers. ~ Bil Carpenter, All Music Guide Read More

Live at Wembley
Artist: Luther Vandross