Hugh's Favorite 1995 Albums

Quincy Jones — Q's Jook Joint
Produced by Quincy Jones

Since Back On The Block, many of the jazz legends who were Quincy Jones' contemporaries have passed away. So when Jones decides to make an album, every musician in the industry wants to be counted. This gives Jones the opportunity to put together outrageous ensembles as he draws on over fifty years of music experience. The album jumps off into Let The Good Times Roll featuring Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles and Bono. Bono? Stomp features the cast of the Broadway production Stomp, paired with rappers like Coolio and Shaq (yes, Shaq!) and singers like the Gap Band's Charlie Wilson and Chaka Khan. Its insane but it works. I really love the line "I get by an old school soul survivor, My sound's gonna hit you like a drunk driver!" The album mainly features remakes of past Quincy Jones' productions like Michael Jackson's Rock With You (featuring Brandy) and the Brother's Johnson's Is It Love That We're Missin' (featuring Gloria Estefan). However there are new Rod Temperton compositions: You Put A Move On My Heart (featuring newcomer Tamia) and Slow Jams (featuring Babyface, Brandy and SWV). This album is too much fun to miss!

Whispers — Toast To The Ladies Various Producers A slight let down for the Whispers but they have been making some great albums. Many songs are produced by the new comer Magic including the very nice Make Sweet Love To Me.	After 7 - Reflections Produced by Babyface & Various Producers By far the best After 7 album. Features some surprisingly good production work from Jon B. Includes the song 'Til You Do Me Right.	Brian McKnight — I Remember You Produced by Brian McKnight McKnight's sophomore effort is even better than his debut. Includes a remake of Crazy Love and the super sweet Still In Love With You.
Stevie Wonder — Conversation Peace Produced by Stevie Wonder Stevie is a musical genius although he's still trying to equal the brilliance of his seventies work. This is still a good album. Includes I'm New and Take The Time Out.	Temptations — For Lovers Only Produced by Richard Perry This album of remakes really shows how impressive the Temptations are. Their version of Night And Day is the best I've heard.	Mariah Carey — Daydream Produced by Walter Afanasieff & Mariah Carey On of her better albums. Her collaboration with Boyz II Men on One Sweet Day is outstanding! I also really like Underneath The Stars.
Soundtrack — Waiting To Exhale Produced by Babyface Babyface produces an album of female singers with very mixed success. They include Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin and Brandy. Still the real magic comes from Whitney Houston who is good as usual on the title song and Why Does It Hurt So Bad.	Kool & The Gang / J.T. Taylor — State of Affairs Produced by Khalis Bayyan & J.T. Taylor A much needed reuniting of the gang with lead singer James "JT" Taylor attempts to capture the magic of yesteryear. Features the very good Salute To The Ladies and In The Hood.	Portrait — All That Matters Produced by Portrait I think this is the best effort by Portrait to date. The title song is sweet and there's a cool remake of the Bee Gees How Deep Is Your Love. Here's A Kiss is the standout song.
	Jon B. — Bonafide Produced by Jon B. & Babyface A decent debut from this multi-talented Babyface protégé. The title track is silly fun! Features the saccharin duet with Babyface Someone To Love.