If, in 1979, anyone still had illusions about
Natalie Cole being a hardcore soul purist, they were shattered by
I Love You So. Although this is primarily an R&B effort,
Cole laces her R&B with a big dose of pop. And that isn't necessarily a bad thing, because most of the material is solid and enjoyable. Those who like
Cole as gritty, funky soul shouter should appreciate "You're So Good," but she also gets into everything from sleek disco ("I Love You So") and a
Fleetwood Mac cover ("Oh, Daddy") to a commercial R&B/adult contemporary blend ("Who Will Carry On"). Meanwhile, "Your Lonely Heart" (a
Cole original that also appeared on her
We're the Best of Friends album with
Peabo Bryson) is the sort of pop-country ballad that wouldn't be out of place at a
Dolly Parton or
Reba McEntire session.
I Love You So isn't among
Cole's essential releases, but it's a satisfying effort that underscores her ability to successfully tackle a variety of musical styles. ~ Alex Henderson