Bitter Sweet introduced new
Main Ingredient member Cuba Gooding with a bang. Gooding added power to Tony Silvester's and Luther Simmons' mellow vocal blends. "Everybody Plays the Fool" paid immediate dividends, going all the way to number three Pop. A flute plays a catchy intro, the lyrics are accessible to all and Gooding's dynamic lead keeps you glued. A stuttering beat makes "You've Got to Take It" interesting; it's reminiscent of "Everything's Gonna Be Alright" by the Magictones. Heavier-than-usual backing voices accent "No Tears," which finds Gooding as excitable as ever on a tune marred by over-orchestration. They do the pop favorite "Who Can I Turn To?" in traditional style, showcasing Gooding's powerful crooning. A good debut for Gooding, who surpassed late lead singer Don McPherson vocally but lacked his songwriting skills. ~ Andrew Hamilton