Carrie Lucas

A fine blend of sweet and simple ballads and softly textured dance grooves, Lucas' fifth set is her strongest collection. The oft-sampled, hard-to-resist groove of "Show Me You're Coming From" turned out to be one of her highest charting singles (R&B number 23); and it's a wonder that nothing else here had that sort of impact. "Rockin' for Your Love" layers midnight keyboard stylings and swell guitar riffs over a slightly abstract drum groove given royal treatment by Lucas' delayed attacks and soothing tone. Produced by Nicholas Caldwell of the Whispers, the tune carries the signature Solar sound while remaining clearly distinctive. Other highlights include the comforting slow jam "Sweet Love"; "Is It a Dream," a 1970s-inspired mid-tempo number benefiting from crystal-clear male background harmonies; and the kinetic funk number "Men." An essential for any Lucas fan or student of early-'80s R&B. ~ Justin M. Kantor, All Music Guide