Isolated, these Hi recordings are fine, but compared to
Syl's Twinight tracks they're missing something.
Willie Mitchell transformed
Johnson from an attitudinal soul man who wailed about social issues and mini skirted babes, to a predictable singer who does everything at the top of his register. Uptempo tracks: "Back For A Taste Of Your Love," "I'm Yours," and "Take Me To A River," are well done, but too orchestrated for purists. "We Did It," "I Hear The Love Chimes," and "Wind Blow Her Back To Me," while better bets, are still far from being time capsule material.
Johnson's fans will find these 15-tracks a good overview of his Hi Records era, but will discover a different, mellower singer this time around.
–
Andrew Hamilton, Rovi