Terry Huff and Special Delivery - The Lonely One (1976)

R&B groups from the D.C./Baltimore area were unique in that they would create elaborate vocal arrangements to complement the lead; they didn't just ooh and ah in the background. "I Destroyed Your Love (Parts 1 & 2)" is a prime example of the trend -- lead singer Terry Huff's shrill falsetto cries and whines as Reginald Ross, George Parker and Chester Fortune, singing in ringing three-part harmonies, add some sparkling choruses to the drama; a tenor emerges from the threesome and provides some needed relief from Huff's soprano high pleadings. Only Terry is pictured on the album's cover; Special Delivery was an ever-changing ensemble of singers. Andy Huff and Jimmy Huff (Terry's brothers) are the backing voices on "The Lonely One." A charmer from the first note, Terry sounds real hurt, the type of hurt that lasts for years. All of the songs centered on Terry's real-life problem: a knock-down, drag-out divorce. He missed the family pet so much he wrote a sentimental ballad about the mutt entitled "Poochie"; seems his ex got to keep the dog. This is not a happy album; the songs are some of the saddest imaginable, all filled with self-condemnation. These songs provided a needed release for Terry, who wrote everything except "When You're Lonely" -- another "I'm gonna jump" tune. I hate to think what Terry might have done if he had not found an outlet by writing and recording this album.

- AllMusic Review by Andrew Hamilton