I'm a big fan of Washington, but even I will admit this isn't his best release. I want the smooth stuff and this album is heavy into production gimmicks, world music influences, and weak material. All influenced by bassist/writer/producer Gary "Headman" Hasse who was probably brought in to update a sound that didn't need updating. When his label came out with a greatest hits compilation a few years later (Prime Cuts: The Columbia Years 1987-1999), only one track from this album was selected for inclusion, and even then it was a previously unreleased remix version of Soulful Strut.
Album chart peaks:
- US Billboard Top 200: #187
- Billboard Contemporary Jazz: # 3
- Billboard R&B: #45
Tracks: The best track is easily the title cut, a tasty take on one of the best summer songs ever written. Also good are Bordertown, I Can Count The Times, and Mystical Force. The single released was a cover of Can You Stop The Rain, which was a #1 R&B song for Peabo Bryson in 1991. Sadly, this version simply plods along despite the urgency in Washington's performance. Then there's the rest.
Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None
Previously revisited for the blog:
Prime Cuts: The Columbia Years 1987-1999 (1999)
All My Tomorrows (1994)
Time Out of Mind (1989)
Anthology of Grover Washington, Jr. (1985)
The Best Is Yet To Come (1982)
Come Morning (1981)
Winelight (1980)
Skylarkin' (1980)
Mister Magic (1975)
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