Soul Classics, Volume 11

Highlights include Shalamar's "This Is For The Lover In You," Smokey Robinson's "The Agony And The Ecstasy" and Earth, Wind & Fire's "Wait."

Various Artists: DeBarge, Debra Laws, Donny Hathaway, Dorothy Moore, Earth, Wind & Fire, GQ, Patti LaBelle, Peabo Bryson, Angela Bofill, Phyllis Hyman, Rufus, Shalamar, Teena Marie, The Whispers, Smokey Robinson, Bloodstone, Blue Magic, Carrie Lucas, Chaka Khan.

Volume nine of the WDAS 105.3 FM: Classic Soul Hits series is another solid collection of slow jams from the '70s and '80s. The lineup is an interesting mix of superstars like Earth, Wind & Fire and Smokey Robinson, big stars like Teena Marie, Shalamar, and Donny Hathaway, as well as some obscure artists like GQ, Blue Magic, and Debra Laws. There aren't a lot of big hits, or even very familiar songs included, but to a fan of smooth soul this disc will be a romantic walk down memory lane. Even if all the songs don't strike a chord, the syrupy sweet sounds will. Like any of the other volumes in the series, the packaging leaves something to be desired, but the music makes for a worthwhile purchase. ~ Tim Sendra