Walter & Scotty - My Brother's Keeper (1993/2019)

As the lead singers of the Whispers, Walter and Wallace "Scotty" Scott have been two of the more talented singers in R&B. My Brother's Keeper sounds like a Whispers album and that's part of the appeal. By the late '70s, the Scott brothers always surrounded themselves with writers and producers who were tasteful and brought their voices to the fore. In 1993 the brothers decided to take a break from the Whispers to test the R&B waters on their own. On My Brother's Keeper, the Scotts work with a variety of production and writing teams and the results are skilled. Unlike many of their contemporaries, the Scotts convincingly did up-to date dance tracks. The first track, "Move Your Body," is a solid hip-hop/new jack mix produced by members of Portrait. "I Know You're My Baby," produced by Robert Brookins, is a smooth update of their Solar dance track style. "Sticks and Stones" boasts both a great hook and adroit synth textures. But by the late '80s, the Scotts were more proficient with ballad material, and My Brother's Keeper offers a few more tracks with their trademark sound. "My Love" and "Rest My Lips" continue their romantic and refined quiet storm style. Unlike many Whispers albums, My Brother's Keeper also features cover material. The best and most surprising is Sly & the Family Stone's "Thank You (Falletin Me Be Mice Elf Agin)," which gets a fun and playful recast. My Brother's Keeper is an extremely enjoyable effort in the Scott tradition, and a work of class and substance.