DEEPER STILL - RICK JAMES
A little salsa with your funk. That’s one of the surprises on Rick James’ last studio album, recorded in the year before his fatal 2004 heart attack. Rather than rely on the tried-and-true formula that brought fame and misfortune, James channels an introspective muse while expanding his musical purview. An inventive infusion of Latin and African rhythms powers “Secrets” and the title track, a top 20 adult R&B hit. He pulls off a soulfully intriguing take on David Crosby’s “Guinnevere,” then candidly reflects on his sex, drug and legal problems (”Taste”) and ensuing self-realization (”Stroke”) after a two-year stretch in prison. James also conjures his signature carnal/romantic side on “Do You Wanna Play” and “Funk Wit Me.” Overall, the album reveals a still rich-voiced singer and talented songwriter who was determined to mount another comeback.(Stone City Records) Billboard
