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Ray Parker's definitely a single man at this point in his career -- leaving behind his earlier role in the Raydio group, and working here as writer and producer on a string of 80s hits! The album follows strongly in the catchy, crossover mode of Parker's work from the middle part of the decade -- almost equally balanced between mainstream rock and soul styles of the time -- with lots of popping rhythms and plenty of Ray's guitar underneath his vocals. Titles include "I'm A Dog", "Sex & The Single Man", "I'm In Love", "Girls Are More Fun", "Good Time Baby", and "Everybody Wants Someone".

Solid funky work from Ray Parker Jr & Raydio -- a set that's lean and focused, and still very much in the earlier Raydio groove! Parker's still a bit away from the spotlight at this point -- leaving the band to have the strongest role in the record, which is a great thing, given how well they strike a soulful groove -- blending funkier rhythms with smoother soul production, all to set Ray up for lead vocals. Titles include "Two Places At The Same Time", "It's Time To Party Now", "Can't Keep From Cryin", "For Those Who Like To Groove", and "Tonight's The Night".

Plenty real soul here -- a killer collection of Columbia grooves by Cheryl Lynn -- a set that runs right from the clubby start to the more commercial finish of her time at the label! The package is a great illustration of Cheryl's ability to rise to the occasion in just about any setting -- and although work is handled by a variety of producers -- including Marty Paic, Ray Parker Jr, Barry Blue, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, and even Luther Vandross -- Cheryl always comes out on top in the end! Titles include her great vocals on "Georgy Porgy" by Toto, presented here in its disco version -- plus Lynn classics "Got To be Real", "Star Love (disco version)", "All My Lovin", "I've Got Just What You Need", "I've Got Faith In You", "Encore (single)", "If This World Were Mine", "It's Gonna Be Right", "Shake It Up Tonight", and "Day After Day".

Norman Connors has plenty of star power helping him out on this set -- but as always, the real leading light comes from his own marvelous talents! Norman's one of those guys who never seems to lose his cool -- never veers too far into too-smooth or too-commercial territory -- and always manages to stick in that sublime blend of soul, jazz, and righteous elements we first came to love in his music back in the 70s. The approach here is surprisingly close to the vibe that Connors gave us back during his legendary years at Buddah Records -- woven together wonderfully out of soulful rhythms, warm keyboards, jazzy instrumentation, and a tapestry of great vocals from a host of guest singers. The album features contributions from vocalists and instrumentalists who include Howard Hewett, Bobby Lyle, Christopher Williams, Antoinette, Ray Parker Jr, Peabo Bryson, Marion Meadows, Kirk Wilson, Norman Brown, and Michael Henderson -- and titles include "Rock With You", "Used To Be", "Where Do We Go From Here", "Star Power", "Reach For The Sky", "Adore", "Thinkin", "You Are My Starship", "You Take My Breath Away", and "The Sweetest Taboo".