Free and in Love
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I confess to finding it hard to be impartial when reviewing this lady as she is a big favourite of mine. This album contains only nine tracks, but on it she demonstrates her versatility by soulfully handling a wide range of material. Unquestionably my favourite is the poignant 'House for Sale' in which Millie cleverly interleaves a sales pitch with the reasons for her wanting to sell the house. Nothing to do with the property, just the fact it carries bad memories since her relationship split up. For me this is one of the great soul songs of all time. I was surprised when I found it had been picked up by the Northern fraternity because to me it is a classic ballad, much better for listening to than for dancing. Apart from 'House for Sale' the album contains several other wonderful tracks. 'I'm Free' is a powerfully delivered celebration to the end of a relationship. An unusual angle for a soul record as such events usually carry feelings of despondency. I confess to being only about 90% sure that she genuine however because it may be that she is trying to put a brave face on it. 'Shoot the Moon' is another moody offering, but it is more of strong allusions than specifics. It finds Millie in a mellow mood but we're never sure why. The fact that I don't understand what the phrase 'Tonight I'll shoot the Moon' means doesn't help. 'There You Are' is a wonderful rap which blends into a beautiful ballad. It finds a bored Millie Jackson hanging out at a party until a striking man walks in. For Millie it is love at first sight. The song examines ways she might approach him whilst still retaining her dignity and without appearing loose. The tracks above range from very good to truly excellent, but unfortunately the last five are much weaker. 'Do What Makes The World Go Round' is pure disco and another good example of a genuine soul artist having to compromise their talents for commercial considerations. It might be OK for bumping and grinding to on a dancefloor, but the continual chant of 'Get Down And Do What Makes The World Go Round' is lyrically rubbish, wholly irritating and a total waste of Millie Jackson's talents. 'Bad Risk' and 'I'm in Love Again' are ballads put to funky rhythms. The content are standard fair for soul music, a bad risk partner and the joys of new found love. 'Feel Like Makin' Love' is Millie trying to give a soulful feel to a rock standard, but she fails miserably. Unfortunately even she cannot make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. Of this last batch only 'Solitary Love Affair' has anything to commend it. The singing is good and the lyrics worth listening to, but it is very much in the modern soul idiom of looking forward to a night of unrestrained passion. It is typical Jackson material and typifies the reason why she has never become as popular as she might have been. Too many people are offended by her overtly sexual material and her risqué live acts. This is a great shame because she has more than enough talent to rise above such antics. With this album its a case of taking the rough with the smooth and in my opinion the two probably just about balance out. Even if all the other tracks were bad however I'd still have bought it just for the splendid 'House for Sale'. Track Listing:- A House For Sale I'm Free Shoot The Moon There You Are Do What Makes The World Go Round Bad Risk Feel Like Makin Love Solitary Affair I'm In Love Again
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Why Not visit the Authors other Website, 'The Alternative Blackpool Website' at http://www.localdial.com/users/jsyedu133/bpool This Site Last Updated 18/05/05
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