This album was the final set that Harry Ray recorded prior to his untimely passing in 1991. His voice was unique and angelic and can be heard in all his glory on this excellent album, released on LP and CD on EMI-Manhattan close to Christmas 1988. The set introduced a new talent to us too – that being Greg Willis who adds his ample vocal skills on a number of songs. Greg went on to record the superb “Give Her What She Wants” 12” single for Warlock Records in 1990, and then went through a name change to Willis Dempo to record two further sets in the 90s – the highlight of both being “What’s Your name”. Greg’s assistance on the bright and breezy title track song is excellent. The guys add some superb backing vocals and production was from the late, great Gene McFadden. As I have said before, Garry Glenn is one of my all-time favourite writers / singers, and prior to his untimely passing in 1991 of liver failure wrote the excellent dancer, “Electrified” for the album. Although Billy Brown sings lead on this track I can really hear Garry himself singing this. This would not have been out of place on his “Feels Good To Feel Good” set for Motown the previous year.Harry Ray duets with Labelle’s Sarah Dash on the superb ballad “Don’t Make Me Wait” – an essential cut that was also included on her own album released on Emi-Manhattan earlier the same year. My favourite cut of all is the opening song, “Where Did You Get That Body…Baby?” This song features lead vocals by Greg Willis and the arrangement and production courtesy of James McKenny and William Rhinehart is simply awesome. Ray, Goodman & Brown adopt a higher register for backing vocals and sound excellent. My final choice on here is the jaw-dropping “Next Time I’ll Know” on which Harry Ray delivers a magnificent vocal performance. What a crying shame to have lost this great man so early. This album is a perfectly crafted example of classy, adult R&B at a time when new styles were emerging, soon to swamp and force out quality acts in favour of youthful, sample-driven material. If you don’t own this, please remedy it by securing a copy ASAP. You will not regret it.
Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe
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