VA - Smooth Sailing (2023)

A great twelve track compilation for lovers of 70s soul, "Smooth Sailing". The compilation takes it's name from a Norman Whitfield & Barrett Strong written song "Smooth Sailing" recorded by Three Shades Of Soul on Enjoy in 1972. The song was recorded by The Temptations a year earlier with Damon Harris on lead vocals after Eddie Kendricks' departure from the group.

Without checking them thoroughly, most appear to be 70s recordings, some released later e.g. "If We Don't" by 94 East feat. Prince was an unreleased 70s recording released by Charly on a 1995 compilation and reissued on 45 for the first time last year.

Many will be familiar with most of the tracks but for those not then you won't hear a finer Philly recording than Touch Of Class' "I Love You Pretty Baby". Other highlights include Mary Mundy's sublime 1980 two stepper "You Put A Hurtin’ On Me" and Gene Townsel's "I'm Walking Away", all of which have been previously featured here. A, perhaps, lesser know track is from actress Teresa Graves "Every Day's A New Day" from her 1970 self-titled (and only) album.

Another perhaps not that well known is Al Jarreau's cover of Al Green's "Look What You've Done For Me" from a 1979 album "Call Me" consisting of all Al Green cover songs.