Street Corner Symphony

The subtle siren's sophomore set is a semi-successful attempt to blend '70s funk-disco rhythms with '60s-inspired vocal and horn arrangements. Lucas is at her best on the snazzy, jazz-tinged "The Depths of My Soul," wherein she blends her trademark sultriness with a little more gut. The closing lullaby, "Reflections," is also quite pleasant. Focusing too much on big arrangements and production, a bulk of the set loses sight of keeping its main attraction upfront. The dance number "The Edge of Night" and the title track, which fuses hooks from '50s and '60s pop hits (sung by Lucas and the Whispers, whom she backed prior to her own recordings) over a disco bridge, are prime examples of this problem. Even with a unique lounge feeling, the ballad "Simpler Days" suffers from over-polished production which doesn't fully complement Lucas and Dick Griffey's duet. A few worthy moments here, but definitely not the prime of the singer's work. The CD release includes 12" versions of the album's two singles. ~ Justin M. Kantor