Soft soul and disco abyss

Perhaps “abyss” is too strong a word, since there are a few fine string-lined ballads and mid-tempo numbers to be found on this 1978 release, Joseph’s fifth for the Atlantic label group. Having worked with Arif Mardin on her earliest Atlantic albums, then with Motown legend Lamont Dozier on 1976’s Hear the Words, Feel the Feeling, Joseph hooked up with Motown writer/producer Johnny Bristol this time out and lost herself in his unmemorable songs and clichéd production. Joseph’s voice remains fetching, but the majority of the tracks pass by without leaving an impression, and the phased guitars, swooping strings and backing singers sound dated. Highlights include a passionate cover of Bristol’s 1976 original “You Turned Me on to Love,” and the faithful, romantic “Picture of a Clown.” Those who enjoy the soft soul sounds of mid-70s may very well enjoy this album, but fans of her Joseph’s early works on Stax, and her Mardin-produced albums for Atlantic (particularly 1973’s Margie Joseph and 1975’s Margie) won’t find the same funky spark here. [©2008 hyperbolium dot com]