Review: Originally released in 1982 and now reissued by RHINO, this collection from Florida-born Gwen McCrae captures the tension between silky r&b and the tougher end of early 80s boogie. Her voiceiraspy, agile, unmistakably Southernidelivers every line with a kind of electrified conviction, whether she's yearning ('I Need To Be With You'), standing her ground ('I Didn't Take Your World'), or commanding the floor on 'Keep The Fire Burning'. That track alone has become a staple across dance, soul and disco scenes, but deeper cuts like 'Doin' It' and 'Make Believe' show her range in full colour. It's an archival release that still hums with present-tense urgencyisleek, groove-led and proudly unpolished. A welcome reissue that highlights McCrae's enduring place in the post-disco lineage.
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