Hard to imagine Leon Russell doing a "comeback" LP, but after the rather disappointing showing he made with his last effort this is just about what this amounts to. And he does remarkably well, with the vocals moving back toward the drawling, bluesy style most fans prefer but at the same time showing a sophistication he never displayed before. The same may be said for the songs, which are ballads or mid-tempo for the most part, though there is some fine blues rocking.
Basically, the material here is what makes the set exceptional, including several cuts that rival the intensity of his brilliant "Song For You." There's lots of help from Mary McCreary on backup vocals and some fine Memphis musicians. Key here, however, is that Russell seems to have taken himself seriously and the LP shows just how good he can be when the effort is there. Like Willie Nelson, he can write with the best when he tries. This time he's trying. Best cuts: "Make You Feel Good," "Stay Away From Sad Songs," "Back To The Island," "Bluebird," "Lady Blue."

Track List:

01 - Will o' the Wisp (Instrumental)
02 - Little Hideaway
03 - Make You Feel Good
04 - Can't Get Over Losing You
05 - My Father's Shoes
06 - Stay Away From Sad Songs
07 - Back to the Island
08 - Down on Deep River
09 - Bluebird
10 - Laying Right Here in Heaven
11 - Lady Blue

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