Free Soul: The Classics of Minnie Riperton

Notes

This collection features 19 songs by the soul singer. Japanese reissue. While there is a domestic two-CD package available of the best of the late Minnie Riperton's work that pretty much captures every single and hit, this entry in Capitol Nippon's Free Soul series does a better job in some ways on a single disc. While it is unusual for the Free Soul series to focus on a single artist, Riperton is rightfully an exception to that rule as she stood -- no, towered -- over virtually every other artist in her class with the possible exception of Dusty Springfield, who is now, sadly, also gone. The track list here, 19 in all, features more than a fair share of hits such as "Simple Things," "Lovin' You," "The Edge of a Dream," "Could It Be I'm in Love," "Don't Let Anyone Bring You Down," etc. But in addition to these more well-known cuts, this set goes to the albums themselves for tracks that had been overlooked because they either weren't released as singles or ended up as B-sides, such as "Inside My Love," "Take a Trip," "Perfect Angel," "Feelin' That Your Feelin's Right," and many others. What emerges is a well-rounded portrait of Riperton's considerable gifts, not only as a vocalist but as an interpreter and as an artist who controlled her environment in the recording studio. There isn't a thing here that doesn't ring true as hers. There are a good many Riperton collections out there, but this is the first one to adequately gauge the depth and breadth of the artist. ~ Thom Jurek