Soul Mama Gaynor

Gaynor's first post-Polydor effort is a vibrant mélange of early-'80s R&B mid-tempo grooves and pop-savvy dance tunes. Largely overseen by Ollie E. Brown, the tunes range in color from the jazzy quiet storm pleaser "Mack Side" to the patriotic "America." The standout number, however, is the unique cover of the Supremes' "Stop in the Name of Love." Aided by the affluent production of Amir Bayyan (aka Kool & the Gang founder Robert "Kool" Bell), Gaynor serves up an earnest, pleading vocal. The zesty new chorus is anthemic, and the background vocal arrangements are the kind that are both radio-friendly and dancefloor-riveting. But perhaps the most surprising entry is "Even a Fool Would Let Go," originally recorded by Dionne Warwick in 1980. A slightly country-oriented ballad, it shows a more subtly soulful and gospel-tinged side of Gaynor's abilities that brings to mind Thelma Houston. On the whole, this set is more consistent than much of the singer's Polydor catalog. Originally released on Atlantic, Hot Productions issued the album on CD in 1997 with the addition of an '80s re-recording of Gaynor's signature song, "I Will Survive." This version is notable for its understated arrangement and the melodic alterations made, though many fans of the song's powerful message will find it not nearly as inciting as the original. ~ Justin M. Kantor, Rovi