Randy Brown

Almost as compelling as his debut, Intimately continues the theme that Randy enjoys singing about -- love. Homer Banks co-wrote all the songs with Chuck Brooks, a change from the first album where he collaborated with Carl Hampton, but you really can't discern any differences in the writing style or skills. "I'm Here" has the same message as the Spinners' "I'll Be Around"; Randy sings the uptempo number with the enthusiasm of a kid. Ditto for the jubilant "I Was Blessed the Day I Found You"; he must have been smiling from ear to ear in the studio when he cut this infectious midtempo declaration of love. The killer here is the magnificent "I Thought of You Today," a heart-rending ballad featuring acrobatic falsetto slides; if you can't feel the pain in this number you have a hole in your soul. It's a shame that Randy emerged at a time when disco was the craze and deep soul was considered old-school. ~ Andrew Hamilton, Rovi