In January it will be 5 years since the release of Diana Ross' most recent album of new material [[for her). I Love You. I pulled it out tonight when I got home and played it for the first time in several years.
I've a mixed opinion of it. The album theme is rather banal and unoriginal. But it's one Ross seems to connect with. There are some interesting and adventurous song choices such as Remember, What About Love [[from The Color Purple), To Be Loved, and I Will, not one of The Beatles most widely known songs.
Ross is in uneven voice--she sounds good on Remember, What About Love, I Love You and Lovely Day. But quite raspy on others. That raspy sound works on To Be Loved, but she misses the high note at the end of I Will. I don't understand why the producers didn't go for another take.
The production and arrangements are so-so. I think some of the songs could have stood a more lush yet organic sound, especially in the strings..at times the string like sounds have a very tinny, synthesized feel to it.
Overall, I think I Love You is a mixed bag. It has its moments, but will not rank among Ross' best albums.
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