Listen to "Song for You" and taste the musical genius of the late
Donny Hathaway -- he delivers a strong, understated reading of
Leon Russell's song. He blends deliciously with
Roberta Flack on "Where Is the Love," and on a poignant rendition of "You've Got a Friend"; their chemistry is breathtaking. "Someday We'll Be Free" has an inspiring message that is bogged down by a meandering tempo -- the hook is compelling but isn't repeated enough.
Van McCoy's "Giving Up" is done in a torching style; the emotional ballad scored for
Gladys Knight & the Pips before their Motown days.
Hathaway's "This Christmas" has become as regular as "Jingle Bells" around the holiday season, with kettle drums adding spice to the memorable arrangement. "The Ghetto" wasn't
Hathaway's biggest hit sales-wise or chart-wise, but it's probably his most revered tune. A rolling piano, inspired backing voices, an incessant tambourine, a drummer, and bass that appeared to be joined at the hip, along with
Hathaway's caricature vocals, make "The Ghetto" a captivating piece of music. Later compilations have made
The Best of Donny Hathaway obsolete. ~ Andrew Hamilton