Minnie Riperton

The U.K. label Stateside should be commended for putting Minnie Riperton's second through fifth solo albums back into circulation. Despite a number of representative compilations, Riperton's full-length studio recordings should not be forgotten. This 2004 release pairs 1974's Perfect Angel with the following year's Adventures in Paradise -- two albums that brought the singer her most popular success. Perfect Angel, featuring assistance from Stevie Wonder, stands with Come to My Garden as one of the best moments of her career, though it wasn't without a price; "Lovin' You" became so popular that it overshadowed her accomplishments leading up to and after its release. Adventures in Paradise isn't quite as across-the-board hot, but songs like the irresistibly seductive "Inside My Love" -- written with husband Richard Rudolph and Leon Ware -- make for another engaging listen. These albums deserve to stand alone and not fall victim to the ugly packaging that comes with most two-in-one releases. ~ Andy Kellman, All Music Guide