Valerie Simpson

The second Motown album for the gloriously talented singer/songwriter Valerie Simpson is another understated soul classic well worth revisiting. Ten songs long, all Ashford & Simpson compositions, it’s a warm, glowing listen, intimate and involving, with Simpson’s gorgeous vocals unavoidably drawing you into every moment. Although extremely capable of soul-screaming and testifying with the best of them, Simpson also did a very nice line in vocal restraint too and there are moments of quiet intimacy here that are every bit as emotionally affecting as her more sanctified performances. It’s a neatly weighed balance of ballads, mid-tempo and gently funky jams with no weak songs or filler and something of a semi-lost Motown triumph.