Isley Brothers Featuring Ronald Isley
Tracks of Life (Warner) (STAR)(STAR)1/2
Ronald Isley (aided by producer Angela Winbush) writes, arranges and sings every song, while brothers Ernie (guitar) and Marvin (bass) seem relegated to hired-help status with only a guitar solo here and there and a few background shouts during the chorus to let you know they made the trip. The album is primarily devoted to showcasing Ronald Isley`s knack for crooning a pop ballad. On such tracks as ”Searching for a Miracle,” ”Sensitive Lover” and ”Brazillian Wedding Song” the payoffs are as achingly beautiful as anything the band recorded during its heyday in the late `70s. In fact, several references to Isley Brothers hits of the past are cleverly woven into the new material as a touchstone between then and now.
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Excellent (STAR)(STAR)(STAR)(STAR)
Good (STAR)(STAR)(STAR)
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Poor (STAR)
