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4.5
Ronnie Milsap's catalog is very diverse, but to an extent most people wouldn't expect. "Since I Don't Have You" was a Top 20 Pop hit for the Skyliners in th 1950s. There have since been many versions, but Milsap has the best; ironically, it didn't even make the Bubbling Under Hot 100, but went #6 on Billboard Country & #25 on Adult Contemporary (his last appearance on the latter). (It also appeared on 40 #1s, so it must've topped another trade chart.) The title track is a little autobiographical, as the lyrics describe bits of Milsap's life pretty well; he DID have a 'fascination for music' and 'listened to radio and records'. "Are You Lovin' Me Like I'm Lovin' You" (A-Side of last mentioned song, along with "All Is Fair In Love And War" also being it) & "Turn That Radio On" are of different styles, yet both made the country top 5. "When The Hurt Comes Down", the future flipside of "L.A. To The Moon" (not on here; Cory B. failed to mention it), is a standout here, as this has a bit of country. "Old Habits Are Hard To Break" was the flipside of "Turn That Radio On", but there was nothing 'country' about it, other than maybe a harmonica. Title proves a point. Cory B. mysteriously didn't talk about "I Ain't Gonna Cry No More", the flipside of "Since I Don't Have You". It was great too. Two songs are unusual, however. Milsap decided to duet with Patti LaBelle on "Love Certified", which was Contemporary R&B and Pop. Ronnie doesn't need to keep up with her, in fact he's far ahead; if anything, SHE is the one who has to catch up with him! Point is, though, Ronnie can duet with anyone regardless of genre or style. (If only he'll do an official duet with Dolly Parton; overdue!) "Spare The Rod" is, to date, the only New Jack Swing recording Milsap has ever done, and it also includes the Boys Choir of Harlem. Not his best, but proves he can do NJS better than Teddy Riley, Janet Jackson, or even her brother Michael on his Dangerous album! Ronnie's last significant hit, "All Is Fair In Love And War", is pretty nice as well. A must-buy for those who favor the R&B side of Ronnie! Also, this album should be reissued with "L.A. To The Moon" & "Quicksand" as a bonus track!
