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Shirley Brown
The Soul Of A Woman
(Malaco)
Funky grooves slathered in soul kick off vocalist Shirley Brown’s latest release. From the catwalk slink of the opening song “Why You Want To Love Me Like That” to the gospel breakouts that pepper the disc, being done wrong never sounded so right. Shirley’s deep, creamy voice cuts to the bone and takes flight, soaring through a multitude of sins to deliver the good word with a from-the-hip sass that goes right for the soul. The lowdown and dirty never sounded so heavenly. Shirley takes a melody and cradles it in her arms, cooing smoothly then raising the roof, exhorting the spirit to greater heights as she shakes her finger at neglected lovers and wandering hearts. The subject never wanders far from sex and sin, with titles like “I Caught You With Your Pants Down” and “Who Is Betty.” But don’t expect Jerry Springer any time soon; Shirley takes the raw side of life and gives it a velvet sheen of classy R&B. She could turn an owner’s manual into a revival meeting, and in between prepare a cozy dinner for two. Straight from the heart of Mississippi, Malaco Records has an impressive roster of artists, but Shirley must be the jewel in their crown. The Soul Of A Woman is bold and brassy, yet genuine and real.
John Noyd |
