Too easily dismissed as little more than a one-hit wonder,
Billy Paul was, in fact, one of the most gifted and affecting talents to grace the Philadelphia International stable -- the recipient of some of the
Gamble & Huff team's most lush and sophisticated productions. His deeply soulful voice bridged the gap between jazz and soul, textured in equal measure by street-smart swagger and touching vulnerability.
Me and Mrs. Jones: The Best of Billy Paul goes far beyond the classic title track in restoring the singer to prominence, showcasing his versatility via superb covers of pop favorites, including
Bob Dylan's "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right,"
Elton John's "Your Song," and
Paul McCartney's "Let 'Em In." With the inclusion of R&B chart hits like "Thanks for Saving My Life" and "Billy's Back Home," it all adds up to a definitive portrait of
Paul in his prime. ~ Jason Ankeny