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R&B/Soul/Urban

Rating Scale: to

Artist:	PHIL PERRY
Title:	"ONE HEART, ONE LOVE"
Label:	Peak Records/WH Group
Reviewed By:	Donn Jehs
Rating:

They better have good crowd control when Phil goes out on tour, because the women are going to be certifiably nuts over him and his latest album, "One Heart, One Love." With the soul of a poet, the voice of an angel, albeit a sexy one, and range most singers only dream of, "Phil Perry" brings us 10 songs about love and being true to the one you love. This is no "playa," but a man who loves long, deep, and forever. One has only to listen to his duet, "Do Not Disturb," with his wife Lillian, to realize the depth of feeling between the two and the fire that still burns between them. "I'm Sorry" sets the tone. He's human, he makes mistakes, but he realizes you're the one and asks how can he make it right. The words are sung with meaning, with a true sense of regret and yet with a touch of the hope for the future. So it's only natural that "We Belong Together" as he expresses his need for her, "And I gotta tell you now/ I can't shake your love off of me." And when they get together he knows you "Do What Comes Natural," as he slips into a softer, sexier mode singing over an insistent drum beat like that of pounding hearts. But this is no one night stand with a "Pretty Lady." as he invites her, in his sweetest voice (and it is sweet), to "Come inside/ Make my heart your home." Not only a great voice, but wonderful lyrics that ring true, and allow Phil to express the feeling. As I mentioned before, his duet with his wife "Do Not Disturb," which all couples and parents will take to heart, is about making "quality time" for your spouse and love. The title track is about commitment, about giving yourself totally "twenty-four seven." "Mind-Blowah" will have every woman wishing the words were meant for her. A song that would do "Marvin Gaye" proud. Then there is the low point, when love threatens to become distant. It's when Phil urges you in his most convincing manner to "Hold On With Your Heart." This song struck a chord with me, as it might with you, or as one of the others might, for there are many feelings expressed through his music. It's his gut emotion coming through that you identify with. Perry sings the high notes as he tells her he was "Born To Love You," reaching for them like he does for her. The album closes with a medley of "Al Green" songs, paying homage to another master of soulful love. It includes "Lets Stay Together," "Look What You've Done For Me" and "You Ought To Be With Me" blended together with a lover's touch. "One Heart, One Love" is one to buy!

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