Nancy Wilson - Son Of A Preacher Man (1969/2021)

It's unusual that one song can tell you everything you need to know about an album, but Son of a Preacher Man is precisely the soulful, sexy collection its titular cover rendition promises. While Nancy Wilson doesn't get quite as down and dirty as Dusty Springfield before her, the album's smooth, percolating grooves still capture the singer at her hippest. Arranged by committee -- Jimmy Jones, Phil Wright, and Joe Parnello all contribute -- the set is something less than the sum of its parts, but considered on a case-by-case basis, songs like "Almost Persuaded" and "By the Time I Get to Phoenix" boast an earthy appeal that contrasts sharply with Wilson's signature sophistication, pushing the singer in unexpected but fascinating directions.