Gladys Knight - At Last (2001/2019)

Surprisingly, the great Knight doesn't essay the classic Etta James-associated pop tune that shares this album's title. What is here, though, is an honest attempt to count the blessings of a life that hasn't always been as glamorous as its trappings. Unfortunately, even though the star's eyes are wide open, the spirit is strong, and she's in good voice, the material often fails. This set of mostly love songs covers more than just the happy days of romance, but listless tempos and weak melodies ensure its failure to totally connect. Exceptions are, predictably, two revivals: Bill Withers's underrecognized spiritual paean to "Grandma's Hands" and the old Hank Locklin country hit "Please Help Me I'm Falling." --Rickey Wright