Jeffrey Osborne - From The Soul (2005)

Two years after the surprisingly modern-sounding Music Is Life, Jeffrey Osborne returned on From the Soul with a set of covers. His voice, understated but moving without exception, takes center stage throughout. The arrangements are straight-ahead, conservative, with no frills, and they all stream by at a leisurely pace. When backing most other voices, they'd run the risk of trying the patience of the average listener, but they're fine enough since they're supporting Osborne. The nicest touch of all is a sweet run through "All at Once," a song co-written by the singer that was made popular (roughly 20 years to the date) by Whitney Houston. Other highlights include Gamble/Huff's "Close the Door," Curtis Mayfield's "People Get Ready," and Barbara Mason's "Yes I'm Ready." © Andy Kellman /TiVo