Soul Talkin'


Soul Talkin' is an album by the American musician Brenda Russell, released in 1993. Disappointed with how the album was handled, Russell took a break from solo recording to travel and work on other projects.
The single "No Time for Time" peaked at No. 47 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart.

Production

The album was produced by Russell, who cowrote or wrote every song but one. She spent two years working on Soul Talkin'; it was the first time Russell had produced an album entirely on her own.

Critical reception

Entertainment Weekly called the album "a crafty collection of Caribbean, Brazilian, and jazzy pop," writing that "not since her 1979 debut has Brenda Russell sounded so good, so right." The Sun Sentinel thought that "it's fine adult contemporary radio fare, but if Russell wants a serious crack at the charts, she needs to loosen up and really swing." The Washington Post determined that Russell "wraps her songs in so many synthesizers and harmony vocals that she smothers them," while noting that her true talent remains her songrwriting.
The Los Angeles Times opined that "the highlight is the appearance of Bobby Caldwell—another gutsy singer—on the gently romantic 'Who Are You?'" USA Today declared that Russell is "a gifted composer," writing that "her infectious pop melodies enrich the album." The Orange County Register deemed the album "compelling, if slick, R&B pop/balladry."

Personnel

Musicians
Background and guest vocals
Arrangements
  • Brenda Russell – all vocal arrangements, arrangements
  • Jeff Hull – arrangements
  • Jerry Hey – woodwind arrangements
  • Brad Cole – arrangements
  • Steve Lindsey – arrangements
  • Ivan Lins – arrangements
  • Bill Cantos – arrangements
  • Mike Shapiro – arrangements
Production