A Woman Needs Love [Bonus Tracks Edition]

Personnel: Ray Parker, Jr. (vocals, guitar, piano, synthesizer, drums); Arnell Carmichael (vocals); Paul Jackson, Jr. (guitar); Don Palmer, Marvin Limonick, Henry Ferber, Robert Sushell, Marshall Sosson (violin); David Schwartz , Gareth "Garry" Nuttycombe (viola); Kenny Flood (flute); Sylvester Rivers (piano, synthesizer); Ollie E. Brown (drums, percussion); Larry Tolbert (drums); Jack Ashford (tambourine); Cheryl Lynn , Sister Josephine James, Deborah Thomas, Sharon Jack, Darren Carmichael, Jerry Knight , J.D. Nicholas (background vocals).
Audio Remasterer: Sean Brennan .
Liner Note Author: Randy Mahon.
Photographer: Aaron Rapoport.
This was the last album Parker did with Raydio, and it was a successful outing. It yielded the number one Billboard R&B smash hit "A Woman Needs Love," and an easy-flowing track with lyrics supporting women in relationships that retained its number one position for two weeks. That single was followed up with "That Old Song," reflecting on the yester-love a girl and boy shared; it peaked at #26 after 11 weeks. Parker slows down the pace with "Old Pro" and "So Into You." With the latter's title being self explanatory, the former is the tale of a reformed player wanting to settle down. As for dance grooves, Parker exhibits his musicianship on the remainder of the album on tracks like "It's Your Night," (#73, five weeks), "Still in the Groove," and "All in the Way You Get Down," all creditable compositions. ~ Craig Lytle