Vanessa Williams - Love Songs (1998)

Vanessa Williams' Love Songs collects 12 of her smooth love ballads from across her career. The set includes two songs from 1988's The Right Stuff, three songs from 1991's The Comfort Zone (including the number one hit "Save the Best for Last"), three songs from 1997's Next, and a raft of rarities. A velvety version of the '60s nugget "Alfie" is taken from a 1996 Japanese single as is a take on another Bacharach/David tune, "April Fools"; "Love Like This" is taken from the B-side of 1992's Just for Tonight single, and a remixed version of 1994's "The Way That You Love Me" featuring Roy Ayers on vibes rounds out the list of unique tracks. The disc is a solid sampler of the softer side of Williams and is a fine addition to her discography. It is unlikely that there are too many Williams collectors out there who will be dazzled by the availability of the rare tracks, but they do add a touch of class to a well-crafted compilation that fans of her and of smooth contemporary R&B ballads will find irresistible.