When Love Comes Calling

After singing backing vocals in Stevie Wonder's band, Deniece Williams debuted with This Is Niecy in 1976, fully supported by Maurice White of Earth, Wind & Fire. Its ‘Free’ not only reached No. 2 on the R&B chart but became an anthem across eras through innumerable covers and samples. She also topped the American chart with a Johnny Mathis duet and a song from Footloose. Yet viewed through the lens of adult contemporary, this third album is the natural choice.

At Maurice's urging, David Foster and Ray Parker Jr. shared production, constructing an urban crossover style in which soul and pop merge. Deniece's signature bird-like high soprano sounds especially vivid within these textures. The title track and the expansive ballad ‘Why Can't We Fall in Love?’ are interesting to compare: the rhythm players differ, one group associated with Jay Graydon, the other with Parker's own playing.