Sweeping Narratives
This re-release from the 1975 original is an expanded edition, and it is superb soul. Perry is completely knew to me, but this journeyman songwriter's solo album (first of two, I think) is regarded by those in the know as one of the greatest soul albums ever, and this could certainly rest comfortably with the host of others inevitably competing for such a title. He was a staff writer for labels Invictus and Hot Wax (Detroit), writing for Chairman of the Board and Freda Payne, and had he written for others - for example The Stylistics - one imagines his songs would have had a wider audience and become memorable. As a solo album it is excellent: the writing first and foremost, but the performaces and production are excellent - Perry's vocal quite cool enough if not distinctive as with other better-known artists. Songs like Variety is the Spice of Love (cited by many as one of his best) places his singing as a near falsetto holding its own among complexly patterned vocal accompanyments; I'll Be Comin' Back begins with clever echo/repeat effects and is a mix of truly sweet soul and some funk, and Will She Meet the Train in the Rain could have derailed in its playfulness with the title's rhyme, but it is a sweeping narrative of spoken word, some orchestral hints and a classic Motown-esque build into its 'I'm Coming Home...' storytelling. All the songs on the album evoke 70s soul at its best, and might have been more universally known as such had they had the exposure of those who did get the airplay.
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