The Natural Four - Natural Four (1974) [Reissue 1995]

The Natural Four's self-titled debut release on Curtom should have introduced the group's distinguishable sound to a vast R&B audience. The album features the vintage soul number "Can This Be Real," and the socially conscious "This Is What's Happening Now" and "Love That Really Counts." The latter is almost identical to "Can This Be Real," save the lyrical content. The entire LP is consistent with the sound of its day. For whatever reasons, the acclaim due to this quartet was undelivered. The serenely composed "Can This Be Real" did peak at number ten on the Billboard R&B charts after 18 active weeks, and remains a mainstay on quiet storm radio. If not for the scarce availability of this LP, a host of songs from this collection would receive airplay; "Can This Be Real" is only available through several compilation albums.