Freddie Jackson

Freddie Jackson carved a niche in the mid-'80s as a purveyor of love via soul ballads and mid-tempo bump-and-grinds written by some of New York/Philly's best urban writers and accompanied by some of the Apple's most in-demand session players and vocalists. Jackson doesn't have a deep or gruff voice à la Teddy Pendergrass and it can't jump through hoops like Luther Vandross' amazing instrument, but he makes up for his limited but highly infective range with heart, sincerity, and the life experiences to sing these songs. Among the 18 tracks are his urban chart-busters, some not as familiar goodies, and his rendition of "Me and Mrs. Jones," a song he obviously likes. But his version pales in comparison to Billy Paul's original or the Dramatics' campy (but soulful) update of Cary Gilbert, Kenny Gamble, and Leon Huff's urban classic about infidelity. A solid overview of Jackson's best. ~ Andrew Hamilton, All Music Guide