Album: It Must Be Love /  Artist: Lenny Williams /  12 tracks: 53:39 /   Lentom Entertainment

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to meet that someone special, who makes time stand still? Perhaps you already have, and when you are with her or him, that person takes your breath away. Lenny Williams captures those feelings and emotions, as he sings, “I Can’t Say I Love Without You,” easily the most romantic song of this decade, and destined to be an often-requested wedding song. The song from his new album It Must Be Love, may find its place among the tunes most requested for the bride and groom’s first dance.  If you have ever been in love, if you are in love, or if your heart aches to be in love again, then this song will stir powerful emotions deep within you.

It Must Be Love is a magical CD, with songs that explore all the emotions, angst, and uncertainties of love, but more than that, it celebrates all the good things about being in love. Just like a fine chardonnay, caressing your lips, Lenny Williams, smooth, rich vocals sooth the musical palette. As the fragrance of these songs fills your senses, Williams captivates you with the sensual “It Must Be Love,” and the soulful vibes of the love missive, “I Be Missing You.”

Williams had a hand in co-writing and / or arranging all of the songs for It Must Be Love, which no doubt accounts for the strong connection between the singer and the lyrics for songs such as, “I Will Never Leave You,” a pretty tapestry of love. Like the roses that he sings about, Williams presents us with a beautiful bouquet of colors, and backs it up with heartfelt emotion. The music is simple and stripped down, allowing Williams’ vocals to carry the tunes. Not since the passing of Luther Vandross, have we heard a song delivered so tenderly, yet powerfully.

Williams, the former vocalist with Tower of Power, slips effortlessly into the sixth track, the gospel flavored, “Amen,” a song which mixes traditional R&B vibes with a just a tease of rap.

 “Can’t Nobody Do Me Like You Do,” is a song that begs to be danced and moved to. Close your eyes, move your hips and feel the music. This song evokes memories of Gregory Abbott’s, “Shake You Down.”  Jessie Tate helps out with fine backup vocals, on the song penned by Williams, Charles Leonard and Lionell Holiman. We have not said a lot about the musicians until now, but keyboardist Holiman, guitarist David Stalling, saxophonist Skip Mesquite and Mike Gillette (trumpet), create an exquisite, velvety backdrop for the vocals.

Lenny Williams turns up the heat with the romantic “Loveland,” as he paints a very realistic picture, of a couple stealing away time, while the children are not at home, lighting a fire, massaging her neck, and… Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, gentlemen if you need some suggestions, buy It Must Be Love, and play the song “Loveland.”

Reviewed by Joe Montague for Riveting Riffs (www.rivetingriffs.com)

Reviewed February 2008

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