Though journalist-turned-crooner-songwriter
Ronn Matlock is not known to many fans of '70s soul, his lone album is evidence of an overlooked talent. His husky, smooth, understated baritone and sensitive compositional skills merge to create an album free of the saturation of many of his contemporaries' efforts. It's the swooping ballads and swaying mid-tempos here, like the plush "Take Me to the Top (Of Your Mountain)" and the breezy "I Can't Forget About You," that truly show his essence.
Michael Stokes' organic production and arrangement expertise is a steady complement to
Matlock's unique stylings, whether it's on the low-key "Feeling Something" or the more agile "Back Street."
Love City may not be considered a timeless masterpiece à la material of
Barry White or
the Isley Brothers from the same time period, but it's as impressive a companion for any retro listening party -- or rainy afternoon. ~ Justin M. Kantor