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Al Jarreau — L Is For Lover
Produced by Nile Rodgers

Al Jarreau ended his long term association with producer Jay Graydon in a move that must have been from the artistic need to explore new territory. Long time Jarreau fans may have been concerned since Rodgers was more famous for his disco era music as lead man of the Chic. Rodgers had previously produced Madonna's Like A Virgin. However, this album proved to be a very pleasant surprise. L Is For Lover has a very new, fresh sound. Unlike in previous albums where Jarreau collaborates on writing most of the songs, L Is For Lover employs a wide range of songwriters. They include Robbie Nevil (Real Tight), Johnathan Butler (Give A Little More Lovin') and Philippe Saisse (Says).


More 1986 Albums:

James Ingram —Never Felt So Good
Produced by Kieth Diamond & James Ingram
An unexpected album in that it was a departure from his successful debut.  The album features a much hipper, funkier sound which flopped commercially but it works for me.  Features Always and Love's Been Here And Gone.

Anita Baker — Rapture
Produced by Michael Powell
This is actually her sophomore effort but the big success of this album introduced her sultry deep voice to the world.  Features Sweet Love and Caught Up In The Rapture.

Jermaine Jackson — Precious Moments
Produced by Jermaine Jackson, Tom Keane & Michael Omartin
A well put together album features the Stevie Wonder co-penned I Think It's Love and the Marvin Gaye inspired Words Into Action.

D Train — The Best Of D Train
Compilation (Produced by Hubert Eaves III)
Another great soul act from Britain whose You're The One For Me is to die for.

Lionel Richie — Dancing On The Ceiling
Produced by Lionel Richie & James Anthony Carmichael
Not his most inspired work but it does feature Say You, Say Me from the movie White Nights.

Bob James & David Sanborn — Double Vision
Produced by Tommy Lipuma
One of my favorite instrumental albums also features Al Jarreau singing beautifully on Since You've Been Gone.

Chaka Khan — Destiny
Various Producers
An eclectic collection of songs and producers yields some gems including Love Of A Lifetime and Earth To Mickey

Bruce Hornsby & The Range — The Way It Is
Produced by Bruce Hornsby & Elliot Scheiner
A very impressive debut which includes two of my favorite songs of the year: The Way It Is and Mandolin Rain.

George Benson — While The City Sleeps
Various producers
A somewhat disappointing album by George Benson standards but it does contain the wonderful Kisses In The Moonlight.