“Face To Face” is a gospel set that was released on Light Records in 1984. To say I was shocked to see it reissued on CD in Japan back in 2003 (and still available on Amazon!) is an understatement. Scott Smith is a producer, arranger and writer in the Christian music arena and has been associated with too many artists to actually list here, but to my knowledge this is his one and only solo effort. The vocals are left up to a number of the most talented vocalist from the non-secular arena that you are likely to find: Michael Ruff, Vonda Sheppard, and The Winans. Musically this is a shining example of quality soulful inspirational music that 1984 delivered. If you love songs from that time such as ""Just To Keep You In My Life" by the Temptations, "Closer Than Close" by Ramsey Lewis / Daryl Coley, "Lonely Nights" by The Valentine Brothers, "Stay Awhile" by George Duke and "Love Is The Answer" by Rodney Franklin then you really ought to have this quality CD in your collection. My first choice is "You’re Too Late" which is simply fantastic and Michael Ruff’s blue-eyed soul voice will definitely appeal to those who are fans of Gavin Christopher, Carl Anderson and the like. This is followed by one of my all-time favourite 1980s recordings: "The Vision". This racy, synth based stepper is complete spine-chills time and describes ascendancy to the heavens. This is such a happy, rousing song that I forget what the material is about, being the non-religious sort I am. I could not tell you how many times I have played this song, both on original vinyl and now on CD. The song is a masterpiece of 80s soul / gospel and it topped off by a heavenly outro (no pun intended) that will leave goose-bumps on your skin. The Winans throw their weight behind "Set Free" and give us a superb performance that is more than reminiscent of James Ingram when the lead lets rip. I think that if you love the early 80s production sound of Jay Graydon is to your taste then this will definitely be to your liking. The final killer on this album belongs to Vonda Sheppard who warns us of "The Prince Of The Dark". I highly recommend this CD whether you follow a faith or not. The bottom line is it is great music with great singing. Enough said.
Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe
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