Inner Life II

Inner Life’s 1982 third album is a collection of euphoric disco and boogie of the highest standard, the product of combining Jocelyn Brown’s sublime, untouchable voice, Leroy Burgess’ wonderfully uplifting songwriting and endlessly inventive chord progressions, up to the minute studio innovations like synths, sequencers and drum machines, and a set of serious session players. It’s a perfect combination of the raw, gutsy energy of soul/R’n’B and a more futurist, synthesiser/electronic aesthetic, and is arguably as strong as its highly rated predecessor. The songs, which range from smooth mid-tempo steppers to high energy 4/4 stormers, are all defined by classy, sophisticated arrangements, undeniable rhythm tracks, clever production touches, and occasional jazzy moments, without once ever losing any of the expression, authenticity and feeling of the soul music tradition they’re rooted in. Disco excellence.