All I Got
Al Jarreau and producer Paul Brown continue their roll (kicked off withTomorrow Today) with this glistening mix of smooth jazz, adult contemporary pop, and urban funk. It didn't take much thought to have "Random Act of Love" open this 11-song set; cowritten by Michael Jackson's hit maker, Siedah Garrett, it is even catchier than "Just to Be Loved By You," the monster smash that poweredTomorrow Today. Garrett also contributed to "Feels Like Heaven to Me," which, like much of this album, leans more toward the pop arena than Jarreau's last record. Those tunes, like the title track and the ultraromantic "Secrets of Love" and "Never Too Late," are patiently layered with vocal choirs that complement Jarreau and add power to the tracks. The title track and "Life Is" are two examples of what can only be called "Jarreau funk"--danceable bouncers where the singer exhibits his simmering-at-the-lid brand of explosiveness that keeps heads nodding and feet tapping. The more adventurous numbers include the South African-inspired "Jacaranda Bougainvillea," an a cappella version of the standard "Route 66," and the unlikely pairing withJoe Cockeron "Lost and Found."--Mark Ruffin