How Many Times Can We Say Goodbye in Bloomington, MN

In the early '80
Warwick
experienced a career renaissance thanks to
"Deja Vu"
and her singing to
Arista
, a label seemed to be more sympathetic to her needs. This 1983 album pairs her with producer
Luther Vandross
.
Vandross
, who also produced
Aretha Franklin
's
Jump To It
in 1982, is a much better teaming of singer and producer. Although
"Got a Date"
and
"I Do It 'Cause I Like It"
are both disposable
pop
-based filler, this album has phenomenal versions of some of
' unsung gems. The poignant title track is a duet with
, and finds their voices blending extremely well. The gentle
"So Amazing"
and the gossamer and touching
"What Can a Miracle Do"
have
's all-encompassing and raspy vocals cohering in
' trademark lush surroundings. She also tackles
Michael McDonald
's grade A weeper
"I Can Let Go Now"
and brings a deeper sense of longing and hurt than the great original. In the same vein,
"Will You Love Me Tomorrow"
shows up as a reflective
ballad
featuring
the Shirelles
. This album features arguably
' best players, including
Nat Adderley, Jr.
on keyboards, drummer
Yogi Horton
, bassist
Marcus Miller
, and great emotive synth work by
Skip Anderson
. While a few tracks fall short of the mark, the best here makes
How Many Times Can We Say Goodbye
an absolute necessity for fans of
. ~ Jason Elias