Originally released on Warners Brothers to scant acclaim in 1978, this Jerry Wexler-produced masterpiece finds
James in astounding voice with a batch of great material to apply her massive interpretive powers to. The band, including the cream of the late-'70s Los Angeles session hot-shots (
Cornell Dupree,
Jeff Porcaro,
Chuck Rainey,
Plas Johnson,
Jim Horn), lays it down soulful and simple and the result is a modern-day R&B classic. Highlights abound throughout, but special attention must be turned to
James' takes on "Only Women Bleed" and
the Eagles' "Take It to the Limit." ~ Cub Koda