Search - Ashford & Simpson :: Musical Affair

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disco75 | State College, PA United States | 07/25/2001

(3 out of 5 stars)

"A Musical Affair strikes me as A&S's weakest Warner record. It followed the highly successful Is It Still Good To Ya and Stay Free. The duo seemed taxed by the prolific producing of other artists like Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight, and Ullanda McCullough. They also seemed to be striving uncharacteristically for a dance floor hit, which had in the past come to them effortlessly. In interviews at the time of this release, A&S indicated that they were seeing their best material going to other artists, like Diana Ross, and they intended henceforth to concentrate on their own albums. They kept this promise with the stronger Street Opera lp and the subsequent, stellar High Rise. The songs on A Musical Affair were often arranged like show tunes, with more bombastic productions and vocal stylings. Also, there was a sentimentality that didn't characterize their earlier, more candid and honest efforts. Songs like "We'll Meet Again," "Make It To The Sky" and "You Never Left Me Alone" show this side. I have to say also that I was jarred by "Love Don't Always Make It Right" because it contrasted the message of other A&S songs whereby effort, communication, and understanding cemented their relationship. "I Ain't Asking For Your Love" is probably the stand out track here."

One Of The Best

Kathy | Pennsauken, New Jersey United States | 07/07/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is one of Ashford and Simpson's best albums. It has everything; great music, meaningful lyrics, music with a beat, and ballads. "Make It To The Sky" is one of my favorites. It sometimes brought tears to my eyes, describing so well how I felt. Every song on this album is great, and no Ashford and Simpson fan should be without it."