René & Angela - Street Called Desire [... And More] (CD)

All Music Guide

René Angela were Marvin and Tammi with extra soul sauce. The picturesque twosome held nothing back in the studio. Their obvious enthusiasm and for-real emotions makes listening to them a pleasure. This CD doesn't chronicle RA's entire career; none of the songs from their three Capitol Records LPs are featured. Eight tracks are from the original Street Called Desire LP; "Set Me Free" was lifted from the Jumpin' Jack Flash soundtrack, and the other five selections are 12-inch versions of five of the original album sides. Essential for any soul music aficionado. The throbbing beat on "I'll Be Good" is mind locking, especially the 12 inch version. Foxy Brown hit 12 years later with "I'll Be" featuring Jay-Z, and that same insatiable beat mesmerized a new generation of fans. Bobby Watson (formerly of Rufus) co-produced the sides with Bruce Swedien. "Save Your Love for Number 1" and "Your Smile" both reached 1 RB; "You Don't Have to Cry" went to 2 RB, and "I'll Be Good" climbed to 4. Billbo...ard's pop chart proved a tougher nut for RA to scale, as a 47 ranking for "I'll Be Good" was their highest number. Due to personal problems and conflicts, René Angela called it quits and released no more LPs. - Andrew Hamilton, All Music Guide Read more Less