Always classy and elegant,
Barbara Acklin
's debut album,
Love Makes a Woman
could survive on the reputation of the title track alone. One of the premier recordings of writer/producer
Carl Davis
,
"Love Makes a Woman"
features the bright horns and relaxed rhythms that are hallmarks of his productions for the
Brunswick
label. Coupled with
Acklin
's tense, confident delivery, the results are one of pop-soul's true shining moments. Well-written originals here, like
"Be By My Side"
and
"Come and See Me Baby,"
more than stand up to covers from the
Bacharach/David
canon, making this one of the most solid soul debuts ever released. ~ Wade Kergan