A A Woman Needs Love [Bonus Tracks Edition] in Bloomington, MN

A Woman Needs Love
followed
Two Places at the Same Time
as the second of two albums credited to
Ray Parker Jr. & Raydio
. It was the first time
Parker
got the front sleeve to himself -- a signal that he had become the focal point, even though
Raydio
was his baby from the beginning. While
Arnell Carmichael
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
Billboard
'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
Cheryl Lynn
, and the wistful "That Old Song," where
Gene Page
-arranged strings play as much of a role as
and
Carmichael
-- didn't fare nearly as well. Other notables include the very
Heatwave
/
Rob Temperton
-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,
RPJ
's likable, sly, and affable nature makes the lesser material go down easy. [
Funky Town Grooves
' 2012 reissue adds three bonus mixes from the album's 7" and 12" releases.] ~ Andy Kellman