Going for the Glow

Personnel: Donna Washington (background vocals); Michael McGloiry, Paul Jackson, Jr. (guitars); Tony Coleman (keyboards, synthesizer, drums, background vocals); Nick Johnson (keyboards, background vocals); John Barns, Patrice Rushen (keyboards); Michael Boddicker (synthesizer, percussion); James Gadson, Leon "Ndugu" Chancler (drums); Chuck Jackson, Paulinho Da Costa (percussion); Rodney Wayne, Julia Tillman Waters, Maxine Willard Waters, Oren Waters (background vocals).
Audio Mixer: Frank Kejmar.
Liner Note Author: Charles Waring.
Recording information: Golden Sound Studios, Inc, Los Angeles, CA; MCA Whitney Recording Studio, Inc, Glendale, CA.
Photographer: Frank Baptie.
Enlisting the services of Chuck Jackson, Capitol upped the production ante for Washington's sophomore outing, with more commercially successful results. Shortly before Luther Vandross' breakout as a solo artist, "'Scuse Me, While I Fall in Love" from this set became a Top 30 R&B hit. Vandross co-wrote the funky, snazzy tune. Besides that catchy ditty, Going for the Glow also shines with the mellow "It's Something" (penned by David Foster and Brenda Russell and later made an R&B hit by Lalah Hathaway), the kinetic "Nine to Five (Come Alive)," and the inspiring title track (also penned by Russell). Though not quite as unique as its predecessor, Going for the Glow is more consistent in its arrangements and overall flow. Washington proves herself a fine purveyor of a buoyant, energy-ripe groove time and time again. ~ Justin M. Kantor