“Quiet Storm” is one of Peabo Bryson's classiest efforts from the 1980s, and comes before his 90s output which saw a leaning too much towards the Disney soundtrack for my liking! LOL. Some have argued that this album was “too polished” – I totally refute that. Certain quarters seemed to attack anything adult or quality at this time and for my money helped dampen down and sweep aside a classy music scene and therefore promote a more brash, pimply and urban style that totally alienated a generation of listeners – me included. Take this set released in 1986. I fell in love with the sophistication, the quality and elegance of the production, the song writing, the musicianship and, of course, the unique vocal skill of Peabo Bryson who is for my money one of THE voices of our time. Take a listen and try to disagree with that! “Since I've Been In Love” is such a glory to behold. The easy pace, the spacey synth and rhythm guitar are absolutely the dog's dangly bits and Mr. Bryson's delivery is so passionate, clear and projects like nothing and no-one else. And he does this effortlessly! 'Wow!' is all I can say to this. This album saw the original version of “Somebody In Your Life” - a cut he re-recorded for his 1999 album, “Unconditional Love”. This version, I think, has the edge and is another cut on which the Man shows everyone who has the real talent. Fans of his sublime Capitol era would be totally in love with the beautifully written and produced “Good Combination”. This to me was the absolute pinnacle of Adult R&B and I wonder where it would have ended up had Teddy Riley and his New Jack clones not come along and wiped the board clean. Listen to this quality, quality song and compare it with what was to come. Simply no comparison is there? My fourth choice is the jaw-dropping ballad “After You” which always gets the shivers going down my spine. The lyrics are spellbinding and patterned around the Man's immeasurable skills. I miss albums like this, and backs up that warm, warm feeling I get sometimes when I dig out my 80s favourites. There is no-one like Peabo Bryson. He's unique and albums like this are a Godsend. Savour the flavour of the 80s at it's classiest.
Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe
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