Uninspired disco improved by a few soul ballads

With Stax records failing in the mid-70s, Isaac Hayes created his own Hot Buttered Soul label with distribution through ABC. Across four albums he traded in his languorous soul sound for a funkier disco vibe and often focused more on instrumental dance grooves than his considerable talent as an interpretive vocalist. Fortunately, this 1976 release finds Hayes mixing up the disco jams with soul ballads and mid-tempo numbers that feature sharp arrangements. Unfortunately, Hayes earlier reconstructions of pop and soul hits supported their length with top-flight songwriting, and the originals he offers here simply aren’t as memorable. Worse, the disco flourishes have aged poorly. The crooning “Lady of the Night,” verges on overwrought, but still provides the album’s highlight; but even that wasn’t enough to garner chart interest. Those new to Hayes’ catalog should start with his Stax albums (especially Hot Buttered Soul), fans should check this one out for the ballads. [©2009 hyperbolium dot com]