Patti Labelle
had been a fixture on the scene since her 1960s group,
the Bluebelles
. The early 1970s found her fronting the influential and futuristic R&B-pop trio
Labelle
. Her solo career couldn't seem to get traction despite quiet-storm staples like
"You Are My Friend"
and
"Little Girls."
In 1981
signed with
Philadelphia International
. At this time,
's hit-making roster was down to two artists,
The O'Jays
. The best songs here attain the label's classic mature and lush sound. The title track, written by
Bunny Sigler
James Sigler
, boasts a beautiful arrangement and emotive yet measured vocal from
. The other ballads here were also on that level. The bittersweet
"Love, Need and Want You"
has her vamps near the fade particularly appealing.
"If You Only Knew,"
written by
Cynthia Biggs
,
Kenny Gamble
, and
Dexter Wansel
has
subdued through most of the track until she could no longer contain herself. But as the slow songs ranked with the best of 1980s
, the dance tracks are what diminished this album. The derivative
"Body Language"
and the frenetic
"I'll Never Give Up"
display that even
at full throttle couldn't enliven the label's waning dance acumen. The country-tinged
"Love Bankrupt"
"When Am I Gonna Find True Love"
have her sounding too distracted to make more out of them.
I'm in Love Again
getting strong production and good songs, but too much filler prevented this from being better. [
was remastered and re-released with four bonus tracks in 2015.] ~ Jason Elias