Soaring soul from Marlena Shaw – her last recording for Blue Note, and a set that points the way towards her bigger fame to come at Columbia Records! Like some
of her previous sets, there's definitely still some jazzy elements in the mix – yet the overall sound is much more fully soulful, thanks to arrangements and production from Bert DeCoteaux and Tony Silvester, who both bring in a rich sound that's similar to some
of the indie dancefloor soul coming out
of Philly and New York at the time – with backings that are a great blend
of funk and strings, perfect for Shaw's unique blend
of the sophisticated and soulful. Marlena handles this mode better than anyone else, and we think this set's easily one
of her strongest records ever – even more so than some
of her later dates too. Titles include the wonderful "Think About Me", a solid stepping seventies soul track that is (or should have been) an instant classic – plus "This Time I'll Be Sweeter", "Take My
Body", "No Hiding Place", "Love Has Gone Away", "You & Me", "It's Better Than Walkin Out", and "Be For Real".
(Soul, Vocalists)