A A Woman Needs Love [Bonus Tracks Edition]

followed as the second of two albums credited to . It was the first time got the front sleeve to himself -- a signal that he had become the focal point, even though was his baby from the beginning. While continued to provide some lead and background vocals, stepped up -- making the most out of his limited range -- and performed the entirety of the lead on the album's first single. "A Woman Needs Love (Just Like You Do)," a clever and efficient slice of adult contemporary bubblegum R&B, addressed men, appealed to women, and threw in a shrewd reference to "Jack and Jill." It topped 's Soul chart and came three spots short of topping the Hot 100. The album's other two charting singles -- "It's Your Night," a soft funk number featuring , and the wistful "That Old Song," where -arranged strings play as much of a role as and -- didn't fare nearly as well. Other notables include the very / -like "All in the Way You Get Down," as well as "Still in the Groove," a sequel to the previous year's instrumental funk hit "For Those Who Like to Groove." As usual, 's likable, sly, and affable nature makes the lesser material go down easy. [ ' 2012 reissue adds three bonus mixes from the album's 7" and 12" releases.] ~ Andy Kellman