The Persuasions - Comin' At Ya (1979/2021)

Most Persuasions albums tend to strike a balance between older doo-wop and soul tunes and newer material; this one, however, harkens primarily to the group's genre roots, with the notable exception of an authoritative take on Paul Simon's "Love Me Like a Rock." Highlights include a version of the Oriole's classic "Crying in the Chapel" that occasions some particularly seraphic high harmonies, a breezy up-tempo run through of the Drifters "Drip Drop," a hilariously hammy "Besame Mucho," and a version of the Clovers' "One Mint Julep" rendered with the just the right on-the-nod insouciance. Highly recommended, and not just to oldies fans.