Music reviews. CD reviews. Critically hip!

The cover of Maiden Voyage promises a journey into the world of soul and boogie. From the very beginning, with the beautifully chirpy Lihue by Nohelani Cypriano, the CD definitely makes good on its promise. There is a variety of genres and styles on this 13-track album – everything from Diana Ross to Toto – but through clever song selection, it all molds together into a realized gem.

Fast on the heels of Cypriano’s Lihue, which with its bird chirping in the background and sensual lyrics is a great album start, is Roy Ayers’ (Sometimes) Believe in Yourself. Definitely turn this one up, turn off the lights, and find that special someone. Ayers’ voice sounds like a cross between Marvin Gaye and the Bee Gees. There is also great string work in the background, reminiscent of Barry White.

The third entry is the disco version of Toto’s Georgy Porgy. I’m not the biggest Toto fan, but this one fits nicely on the album. The refrain of “Kiss the girls and make them cry,” is the catchy, finger-snapping glue for the track.

I’m also not one for dancing, but I couldn’t stop my toe from tapping and swaying my shoulders back and forth. Beware! Try not to play Maiden Voyage too loud in the car; it can induce rhythmic jaunts that will keep your eye off the road. Honestly, these 13 songs make you want to close your eyes and think of lovin’ someone.

Raw Soul Express’s The Way We Live is probably the highlight of the album. The harmonic singing sounds like the Temptations, and the beats sound like the great boogie standards we’ve come to know and love. Amazingly, this CD puts together so many songs that most listeners, including myself, have never heard of before. But there is something timeless about the beats and voices that make it sound like we know it by heart. Also, because these are mostly unknown artists, the collection doesn’t have that “PBS Compilation” feel – you know those CDs that are hawked late at night by dried up has-beens. This CD is different than that. It’s a look into a past that is familiar, but most don’t know precisely.

The Diana Ross addition is Tenderness, and, for the most part, it’s a welcome track. I would have preferred for the whole album to remain the property of lesser-known artists, but, dammit, Tenderness is a great tune.

So, if you thought the latter part of the 1970s wasn’t too bad musically, then Maiden Voyage is a must. If you frown upon soul, boogie, and disco, you might be surprised just how pure a musical form it can be.