Night I Fell in Love
By now a seasoned master of late-night amour and heartbreak, Vandross upped the creative ante somewhat with this 1985 release. A concept about the rise and fall of a relationship,The Night I Fell in Loveis classic Luther, down to the homage to pop-soul's past (an aching cover of Stevie Wonder's "Creepin") and the endless promise of love's potential. Always one of the best and most understated male singers in black pop, Luther is possibly at his peak here.  It's impossible to keep the emotions in check on such odes to love as "If Only for One Night" or the finger-popping "My Baby Comes Home."--Amy Linden