This little inspirational set was released and sank without trace back in 1995. Unfortunately there was a lot of great material out that year – and the majors were still – reluctantly I expect – releasing quality material then meaning that a lot of smaller, independent labels had a harder job to get their material to be noticed. Pity, as this is quite a good set and definitely one for those who like a more secular sound in the musical shape of, say, Witness. Hailing from New York, Relations were a grouping consisting of producer Michelle McCants, Jerry Hutchinson and featuring the vocal talents of Glendora Reed. The set encompasses many sounds ranging from more soulful gospel tunes to dance a la CeCe Peniston and even a small element of rap! The soothing intro is soon replaced by a hot 90s dance rhythm that would have made Cliville & Coles proud. “I've Given You Love” may sound, by today's standards to be a little dated but give the song a chance and the appeal will soon become apparent to you. This is a good dancer and one that should have been big at the time! The chunkier “Your Wish Is My Way” could easily appear on a more urban Witness album, and as such is a worthy inclusion on this album. I also like the short, yet sweet “I Will Be Right There” with it's warm, resonating keys and jiggly beats. Yes, there is a rap BUT it works very well in it's setting and the vocal harmonies are very moreish indeed! “Just For You” is an excellent cut with tasty, swirling keyboards and a nice melody, but is overshadowed by the superb “Heavenly” which grabbed my attention immediately, and as a result has been played a great deal. What a pity this CD was overshadowed in it's day! This song alone makes the whole album worthwhile. Similarly “It's Your Love” will press a few soulful buttons I am sure. The song uses THAT haunting synth sweep that Gary Taylor used to use in the late 80s / early 90s. Oh, I wished it was used again now! “I Will Be Right There” is another quality groove and reminds me of what contemporary artists such as Company or Dawkins & Dawkins were making at the time. The final cut is deceiving...and when it gets going a few minutes in is simply superb...”Reach Out (Don't Let This Moment Pass You By) is another quality downtempo groove, although the lyrics are a bit more overtly religious than some. Musically, though, this really is something else, and if you are totally irreligious as I am then still don't allow this cut to pass you by! Please, if you can, seek out this 90s rare groove. It's well worth it!
The Vibe Scribe
