Come to My Party / Fan The Fire

A two-fer (two albums on one CD) from the Impressions' two-year stint (1979-1981) on Chi-Sound Records, with many productions by Eugene Record (the Chi-Lites). The group was again a trio, comprised of Fred Cash, Sam Gooden, and Reggie Torian. Fourth member Nate Evans, who replaced Ralph Johnson, quit in 1977; the immediate post-Curtis Mayfield Impressions were also a trio comprised of Leroy Hutson, Cash, and Gooden. This was a good but underappreciated period for the Impressions; they cut some stunners that few heard. Standouts include the eloquently understated ballad "Maybe I'm Mistaken," the rousing "Fan the Fire" (also done by Eugene Record, but this version has more body), the single "All I Want to Do Is Make Love to You," and a spiffy remake of "For Your Precious Love." [The version released by Westlife was the same as the edition released a few months before by Charly, except for different packaging and cover art.] ~ Andrew Hamilton|