Product Review

Digitally remastered two-fer containing a pair of albums from the Soul great: 1979's She's Killing Me and 1980's A New Way Both albums featured production by both Brad Shapiro (known for his stellar work with Millie Jackson, Wilson Pickett and many others) and the late Don Davis (who masterminded Taylor's recordings from 1968 on), Davis cutting tracks in Detroit and Shapiro in Muscle Shoals. Johnnie himself co-produced one cut, 'I Can't Leave Your Love Alone' with Frank Johnson on She's Killing Me. While neither album achieved notable chart or sales impact at the time of release, a retrospective review of the music reveals that it is in keeping with Taylor's smooth-yet-always-soulful approach, highlights include the 1979 album's title track, the soulful 'Love Account,' 'The Heart Break Kid' and the standout 'Sylvia' (featuring Soul group Enchantment on background vocals). Notes by distinguished writer Matt Bauer include quotes from producer Shapiro and others.