LP Review: In Love
Released: 1979
LP Charts: #47 R&B, #167 pop
Released at the very end of 1979, this album bombed big time. In Love wasn’t a deserved flop, but that’s the way the world works. Not a single song here was a hit in any regard. If there’s any culprit it’s producer Barry Blue being unable to send out a song worthy of being a hit single.
There’s actually some real good stuff here, but nothing even I think is tailored made for blasting on the radio. Hard to sell a pop-soul album without any major pop or soul hits.
The Standard Fare
“Hide It Away” — peppy, hyperactive disco with Lynn using her vocals in a bizarre/unique percussive fashion. This isn’t a song for all seasons. You have to be in the mood for it, but when the mood strikes it is fine. When you’re not in the mood, it can be annoying.
“In Love” — kinda sleepy, but in the end a harmless ballad that adds diversity to the album.
The Misstep
“Feel It” — more hyperactive disco that’s dangerously close to repeating the failure of “Star Love”. At least it knew when to quit (5:09 vs. 7:24 for “Star Love”), which is its saving grace.
The Fire
“I’ve Got Faith In You” (#41 R&B) is a contribution from Bobby Caldwell with slap bass galore. It’s also a love song that is clearly about God/Jesus. Hooray for feel-good gospel-funk. I mean that. It’s a good song!
“Keep it Hot” (#12 disco) is a jam that gets better as it goes on. It varies up the groove giving all you dancers different flavors to pop along with.
“I’ve Got Just What You Need” is a fun pop-soul ditty. Who doesn’t like fun? And Lynn brings the goods vocally at about the 2:45 mark. Shame this wasn’t put out as a single.
“Love Bomb” is silly. But silly fun. Who doesn’t like silly fun? And the final minute pushes the song over the finish line into the firm territory of not merely silly fun, but good silly fun.
After the love bomb, the album’s best song arrives with “Chances”, which is a mid-tempo shuffler. The song was written by Lynn, too. “Don’t Let It Fade Away” follows in a similar vein, but isn’t quite as upbeat or as good. No shame there, though. It brings its own form of energy, which is a bit more melancholy, but still enjoyable.
ALBUM GRADE: C+
Doesn’t hit the individual highs of Cheryl Lynn, but there is a steadier quality here, especially over the final five songs.
Song Scores
I’ve Got Faith In You: 7.5/10
Hide It Away: 6/10
Feel It: 4/10
In Love: 6/10
Keep it Hot: 7/10
I’ve Got Just What You Need: 7.5/10
Love Bomb: 7/10
Chances: 7.5/10
Don’t Let It Fade Away: 7/10