This Funky Town Grooves release combines
Michael Wycoff’s first and third albums,
Come to My World (1980) and On the Line (1983), both of which were issued on RCA. The singer/keyboardist’s
Steve Tyrell-produced debut didn’t sell well, but “Feel My Love” and “One Alone” (a duet with
Merry Clayton) were minor hits on the R&B singles chart. The
Webster Lewis-produced On the Line followed 1982’s
Love Conquers All and, like that album, peaked at number 54 on the R&B albums chart. “Tell Me Love” was its big single -- the biggest of
Wycoff’s career, in fact, until
Zhane re-popularized “Looking Up to You” with “Hey Mr. DJ.” Neither album on this disc was a landmark release, but lovers of sophisticated early ‘80s R&B (
Luther Vandross,
Leon Ware,
Patrice Rushen,
Lewis’ own releases, etc.) will find plenty to like beyond the singles. ~ Andy Kellman