Twenty Four Seven
No doubt emboldened by the unlikely late-career success of sister chanteuse/force-of-natureCher, R&B; legend Turner signed on with producers Brian Rawling and Mark Taylor (the team behind the former's worldwide smash "Believe"). Their contemporary production-touches seldom get in the way of Turner's soulful smolder and burn, especially on tracks like the gospel-steeped opener, "Whatever You Need," which stakes the team's intentions to bring the singer into the 21st century with her dignity intact. Wed to a strong melodic pop sensibility ("Absolutely Nothing's Changed," "Talk to My Heart," the smooth Philly soul of "Don't Leave Me This Way"), Turner's dramatic readings are often irresistible. Even on more commercial and dance-oriented tracks (the single "When the Heartache Is Over"; theBryan Adamsduet "Without You"), it's Turner who triumphs. But then, this is a woman who could breath sexual fire into a toothpaste jingle.--Jerry McCulley