Patti Austin, though best-known for the quiet-storm duet "Baby Come to Me" with James Ingram, is one of those rare artists capable of working in a multitude of different genres. While this is a testament to her ability as ... more »a lyrical interpreter, it sometimes results in uneven albums. In and Out of Love just about avoids that trap, although there are a couple of moments when she seems to be trying too hard to show all that she can do in the course of one record. Case in point: a rock-like cover of Seals & Crofts's "Summer Breeze" that includes a brief rap that seems out of place and out of character for tasteful songstress Austin, who shines best on strong ballads like "I Offer You Love," the magnificently soulful "I Will Be There," and "I'll Never Get Over You." With production by Narada Michael Walden and Louis "Kingpin" Biancaniello, In and Out of Love will certainly satisfy the base of fans Austin has created through the years. There's no obvious out- and-out smash on the record--her first since leaving GRP Records in 1994--but then Austin is the kind of artist who has survived regardless of chart success. --David Nathan« less
Patti Austin, though best-known for the quiet-storm duet "Baby Come to Me" with James Ingram, is one of those rare artists capable of working in a multitude of different genres. While this is a testament to her ability as a lyrical interpreter, it sometimes results in uneven albums. In and Out of Love just about avoids that trap, although there are a couple of moments when she seems to be trying too hard to show all that she can do in the course of one record. Case in point: a rock-like cover of Seals & Crofts's "Summer Breeze" that includes a brief rap that seems out of place and out of character for tasteful songstress Austin, who shines best on strong ballads like "I Offer You Love," the magnificently soulful "I Will Be There," and "I'll Never Get Over You." With production by Narada Michael Walden and Louis "Kingpin" Biancaniello, In and Out of Love will certainly satisfy the base of fans Austin has created through the years. There's no obvious out- and-out smash on the record--her first since leaving GRP Records in 1994--but then Austin is the kind of artist who has survived regardless of chart success. --David Nathan
"Patti is one of our finest vocalists, and I always anxiously await new releases from her. This 1998 release is not one of her best, but it's mainly because of the material, rather than her impeccably good vocals. While there's nothing wrong with trying to appeal to the current musical audience, I am disappointed in her choice of songs. There are, however, some excellent tracks: "Summer Breeze," the remake of the 1970's song by Seals and Croft is a great update and fun to listen to; the ballads "I'll Never Get Over You" and "Once in a Lifetime" are treasures too. "If We're Not in Love" and "I Will Be There" are also above average. The rest is fair to middling. But hey, I'll stop being TOO critical. Patti Austin is one of the best, and any offering from her, is worth adding to your collection!"
The cream always rises to the top
Rudy Matthews | New jesey | 12/26/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Patti Austin is an unbelievable talent! Her tremendous vocals are in the class of Ella, Aretha and Barbara. Patti has mastered it all. . . from jazz to pop to soul to r&b to country. She cannot be catagorized into one genre of music. Her CD "In and Out of Love" is a sophisticated album about love situations. The title cut "In and out of love" is a smooth statement song. Her voice is beautiful on this cut and the production is excellent. Patti co-wrote the second tune "Don't go Away" with Narada Michael Walden which deals with the insecurity and regret of a lover who lied to her friend and wants him back. Her vocals on the tune is angelic and sweet. The psychology of love itself informs the whole album. From the dance/club worthy "Why you wanna be like that" to the sweet ballad "I'll never get over you" to the great duet "I offer you love" to the country/r&b "Do-Si-Doe-In" to the gospel flavored "I will be there" shows Patti has a lot to say. Patti's huge talent is really underappreciated or misunderstood by the record business because of her diversity but her fans stay extremely loyal. Patti's vocals, songwriting skills and vocal arrangements are of the highest degree! "In and out of love" is just another step in this gifted vocalist's career. I would love to see Patti continue to write and sing from the heart because with her outstanding talents the sky's the limit!"
Breezy, flowing jazz-pop stylings
Rudy Matthews | 10/05/1999
(3 out of 5 stars)
"patti austin has proven to be very patient with both the music industry and everchanging tastes of the public. True talent and guts usually prevails above all this.This album showcases the essence of austin's ability.I'm waiting for a album that features more of austin's songwriting ability.she has plenty to say. Austin has witnessed great vocalists come and go and she has still survived on her own terms with that infectious sense of humor.I love that aspect about her. I have had the pleasure of listening to patti explore country,classical,rap,dance,broadway tunes and of course jazz,pop and r&b tunes.plus she has best production skills:both background vocals and producing.I really hate to compare artists but I always thought patti possesses a wonderful blend of morgana king-nancy wilson-barbra streisand-aretha franklin-ella fitzgerald stylings. true fans of an artist's music can tell if a artist really worked on a album or not.Patti has always worked hard continuously,sometimes the public was distracted by videos or hype to truly appreciate true artistry.I'm always amazed but not surprised by austin's new releases.but like ella fitzgeralds'many recordings,patti austin still has so much to explore."
PATTI AUSTIN IS A RARE TALENT
Rudy Matthews | 05/08/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This album contains most of what was released as "Jukebox Dreams" in Japan two years ago. Several songs were dropped, several added. Patti Austin is, without a doubt, one of the most talented and underappreciated vocalists of our time. She sings everything well. I have bought the CD knowing it would be mostly rehashed material, but I would buy anything she sings. Her current Japan-only release, "Street of Dreams," has better and more consistent material than "In & Out Of Love." I would also highly recommend "Only You," a song she sings in English and Spanish on Arturo Sandoval's Grammy-winning release, "Hothouse." Her voice is breathtaking. I always look for her new releases, wherever they can be found."
Some don't, but some do!!!!!!
Rudy Matthews | 07/14/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The last CD I purchased by Ms Austin was ....well it was vinyl....called The Real Me. That became my favorite LP. B4 that, I had only bought a 12 single of "Gonna Be Special" (LOVE IT!!) This cd is jam packed with some great tunes but my favs are:1.In & Out of Love: Smooth and soulful!!! "...doin' it sooo good"2.Why you Wanna..: nice club/house song that has an essence of Diana Ross (vocally) Patti is singing in an upper register. It sounds so good!3.Summerbreeze: There is an electric guitar on this song that drives me wild!!!!!!Great cd by an underrated singer!!!!"