Review
Luther Vandross totally knocked it out of the park with his first solo album, "Never Too Much," dropping it in the summer of 1981. This album is nothing short of a game-changer in the R&B scene, with Vandross showing off killer pipes and a knack for cooking up songs that have a real smooth blend of soulful vibes and top-notch production. The title track has got this killer beat that just hooks you, and it's not surprising that it made it to the top of the charts. Plus, "Never Too Much" has this staying power - it's been reissued, sampled, and covered by loads of artists.
Then there's Vandross turning Dionne Warwick's "A House Is Not a Home" into his own signature song. He takes this tune and makes it soar over seven minutes of pure feels, proving he's not just an incredible singer but a master at interpreting songs too. Aside from his vocal magic, Luther really flexes his songwriting and producing muscles on this album, blending soul, funk, post-disco, and a touch of jazz. The end result is a sound that's both polished and full of life, where each track flows into the next perfectly. Throw in some heavy hitters like bassist Marcus Miller and Luther's seasoned background vocal team, and you've got a musical feast. "Never Too Much" is definitely a shining moment for Vandross, who'd been perfecting his craft behind the scenes, and it set the stage for an epic career. Even though it took a bit longer for the world to catch on to his genius, this album's charm hasn't faded a bit, making it a staple for anyone who’s got a thing for old-school soul and R&B. - Melody
