Dionne Warwicke - Then Came You (Japan, 2008)

After being a premier vocalist in the '60s, Warwick seemed to have hit a stylistic wall by the early '70s. By the time she signed with Warner Bros. in 1970, Warwick attempted many styles and producers. Then Came You, released in 1975, has her teaming with both Jerry Ragovoy and, for one track, Thom Bell. Jerry Ragovoy was a successful producer who had Garnet Mimms and Howard Tate among his credits. For this effort, Ragovoy assembled a strong New York session band, including John Tropea, Leon Pendarvis, and Bob Babbitt. The first track, "Take It From Me," has Warwick getting a more R&B styled production rather than MOR. That was perfect since her voice had matured, attaining an effortless warmth and ease. Here she wasn't so much an interpreter of "great material," her voice and charm were the primary draw. Ragovoy's track "Move Me No Mountain" has a Barry White-styled backing, and Warwick got a chance to be more sensual. "How Can I Tell Him," a skilled, song about exiting a relationship, written by Ragovoy and Jacob Brackman, incorporates a slick arrangement that perfectly matches the feeling of person exiting a relationship. Warwick perfectly sung the lyrics with a sense of cautiousness, but also a little bit of happiness to be leaving. The title track is the duet with the Spinners. The song, produced by Thom Bell, was a number one pop single and her biggest hit in close to four years. Then Came You is mostly an innovative effort of New York R&B/pop that should make anyone's short list of albums that truly capture the style.