This album launched the soul duo Ashford & Simpson on a run of successful Warner Bros. albums. The title track and several other singles utilized the patented formula of gospel-tinged vocals; slick, polished backing; and alternately sentimental or earnest lyrics.
One of our favorite albums from this legendary duo -- Nick Ashford & Valerie Simpson's first album for Warner Brothers, and compared to the numbers moved by biggest hits, you could call this one a hidden gem -- filled with near perfect mellow soul jams and more sweetly soaring groovers alike! There are moments that steer it into more of a rootsy style, kind of an intimate take on the LA soul sound with easy going, elegant backings and production that's nicely tailored to voices, particular Valerie's lovely vocals -- but those lead to bigger emotional payoff that hit you deep! This is an underappreciated early effort from the duo as a headlining act, and finds them setting up to change the sound of R&B to come! Titles include "Can You Make It Brother", "Bend Me", "Gimme Something Real", "I'm Determined", "I Need Your Light", "Anywhere", and "Have You Ever Tried It".
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