Gladys Knight – Gladys Knight (1979/2014) {Expanded Edition 2013} [Qobuz FLAC 24bit/96kHz]

Gladys Knight – Gladys Knight (1979/2014) {Expanded Edition 2013}
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/96 kHz | Time – 01:18:05 minutes | 1,66 GB | Genre: R&B
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download – Source: Qobuz | Front Cover | © Legacy Recordings

Some Gladys Knight fans think that she didn’t record as a solo artist until the early 1990s. But In fact, her first solo albums came in the late 1970s, when she provided 1978’s Miss Gladys Knight for Buddah and 1979’s Gladys Knight for Columbia. The singer’s second, and self-titled, solo album is a generally decent effort that ranges from R&B/adult contemporary ballads to up-tempo soul-disco offerings. Meanwhile, the vibrant, Earth, Wind & Fire-ish “It’s the Same Old Song” isn’t unlike something that EWF leader Maurice White would have produced for the Emotions in the late 1970s, and Knight’s version of Leiber & Stoller’s “I (Who Have Nothing)” recalls her dramatic 1964 hit “Giving Up”. This release is Expanded with 9 Bonus Tracks, five of which are Un-Released Tracks from this album’s recording sessions. A must have for all Gladys Knight fans.

Some Gladys Knight fans think that she didn’t record as a solo artist until the early 1990s. But in fact, her first solo albums came in the late 1970s, when she provided 1978’s Miss Gladys Knight for Buddah and 1979’s Gladys Knight for Columbia. Neither album was a huge seller; only her most diehard fans bought the LPs. The singer’s second, and self-titled, solo album isn’t remarkable, but is a generally decent effort that ranges from R&B/adult contemporary ballads (“You Loved Away the Pain,” “I Just Want to Be With You,” “My World”) to up-tempo soul-disco offerings like “You Bring Out the Best in Me” and “You Don’t Have to Say I Love You,” both of which would appeal to a Loleatta Holloway or Thelma Houston fan. Meanwhile, the vibrant, Earth, Wind & Fire-ish “It’s the Same Old Song” isn’t unlike something that EWF leader Maurice White would have produced for the Emotions in the late 1970s, and Knight’s version of Leiber & Stoller’s “I (Who Have Nothing)” recalls her dramatic 1964 hit “Giving Up.” This LP, which she produced with Jack Gold, isn’t recommended to casual listeners, who would be much better off with an anthology of her classic Motown and Buddah recordings with the Pips. But it’s a likable record that is worth hearing if you’re among Knight’s hardcore fans.

Tracklist:
01 – Am I Too Late
02 – You Bring Out the Best in Me
03 – I Just Want to Be with You
04 – If You Ever Need Somebody
05 – My World
06 – I (Who Have Nothing)
07 – You Don’t Have to Say I Love You
08 – The Best Thing We Can Do Is Say Goodbye
09 – It’s the Same Old Song
10 – You Loved Away the Pain
11 – Am I Too Late (Single Version)
12 – It’s the Same Old Song (Extended Single Mix)
13 – You Bring Out the Best in Me (Single Version)
14 – You Bring Out the Best in Me (12″ Version)
15 – It’s Me Again
16 – For All We Know
17 – Am I Losing You?
18 – Maybe, Maybe Baby (1979 Version)
19 – A Friend of Mine (Extended Mix) [with The Pips]