Back to Front. - sound recording reviews

Ebony, August, 1992 by Lynn Norment

Musical whiz Lionel Richie ends a five-year hiatus with the release of Back To Front (Motown), which he calls a "career retrospective album." And that it is, for among the 14 selections, there are only three new songs -- "Do It To Me," which is reminiscent of Richie's days with the Commodores, the old Motown-flavored "My Destiny" and "Love, Oh Love," his answer to today's world problems. It's a sure bet that at least one will join Richie's repertoire of pop classics. Longtime fans can enjoy favorites, including "Three Times A Lady," "Say You, Say Me," "Hello," "Easy" and "All Night Long."

ALSO RECOMMENDED: Yo-Yo Ma and Bobby McFerrin, Hush (Sony Classical); Just An Illusion, Najee (EMI); Straight Ahead, Look Straight Ahead (Atlantic); Anthony Cox, Dark Metals (Antilles); Roy Hargrove, The Vibe (Novus); Kenny Blake, Rumor Has It (Heads Up); Tony Williams, The Story Of Neptune (Blue Note); Dr. Michael White, New Year's At The Village Vanguard (Antilles); Art Porter, Pocket City (Verve); Nona Hendryx & Billy Vera, You Have To Cry Sometime (Shanachie); LaVern Baker, Woke Up This Mornin' (DRG); debut from Brian McKnight (Mercury); Arrested Development, Three Years ... (Chrysalis); The Boys, The Saga Continues (Motown); Lidell Townsell & M.T.F, Harmony (Mercury); Mo' Money soundtrack (A & M); Isley Brothers, Tracks of Life (Warner Bros.); Helen Bruner, Have You Heard About It? (Cardiac); Deleon Richards, New Direction (Word); and Jackson Family, Make Us One (Command).