BARBARA ACKLIN – The Brunswick Anthology (2002) 2CD | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

An up-front soul singer who knew how to deliver a love song faithfully and a cheating song with fire in her voice, Barbara Acklin lit up the R&B charts (and occasionally the pop charts) during the late '60s and early '70s. She entered the Brunswick organization as a secretary, but soon became a hit songwriter when she persuaded Jackie Wilson (and producer Carl Davis) to record "Whispers (Gettin Louder)," which became a rejuvenating 1966 hit for Wilson. Acklin's recording career at Brunswick, which commenced soon after, is surveyed with this very good two-disc collection that proves her talent traveled far beyond the singles charts. Her hits are present, obviously, including "Love Makes a Woman" (her biggest hit, by far), "From the Teacher to the Preacher" (her smooth duet with Gene Chandler), and "Am I the Same Girl" (the hit that should've been bigger, with a backing track by Young-Holt Trio that became an instrumental hit under the title "Soulful Strut"). The Brunswick Anthology also compiles some of her excellent co-compositions with steady Eugene Record (of the Chi-Lites), including "Someone Else's Arms" and "I Call It Trouble." At 36 tracks, it's very comprehensive -- representing nearly everything Acklin recorded for the label -- so fall back to The Brunswick Singles A's & B's if you're unsure how much Barbara Acklin you require. John Bush