This 20-song compilation explores female singers from Britisher
Mica Paris to the jazzy
Maria Muldaur.
Shirley Brown's "Woman to Woman,"
Millie Jackson's heartfelt "(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don't Want to Be Right," and a stinging rendition of "I'd Rather Go Blind" by
Ruby Turner provide a good representation of Southern soul. Fallen Miss America
Vanessa Williams displays flexible and charismatic pipes on "Dreamin'," and Dionne Warwicke's "Walk On By" sounds as majestic as ever.
Mica Paris displays her undisputed talent on two selections: her hit "My One Temptation" and "Where Is the Love," a duet with
Will Downing.
Patti Labelle, Minnie Ripperton,
Aretha Franklin,
Randy Crawford, and
Dorothy Moore are also among the featured artists. The only prominent male voices are duet partners --
Peabo Bryson, Downing, and
James Ingram -- and the Pips crooning behind
Gladys Knight on "You're the Best Thing That Happened to Me." ~ Andrew Hamilton, All Music Guide