Read My Lips

Personnel: Melba Moore (vocals, background vocals); Lillo Thomas (vocals, background vocals); Binky Brice, Eddie Martinez, Clarence Brice, Fareed Abdul Haqq, Fareed Haque (guitar); Jeff Smith , Jeff Smith (flute); Alan Ross (saxophone); Barry J. Eastmond (piano, keyboards); Keith Diamond (keyboards, synthesizer, bass synthesizer, drums, drum programming, background vocals); Robert Aries (keyboards, programming); Rob Kilgore, Barry Eastmond, Bobby Douglas, Andy Barrett (keyboards); Paul Laurence (synthesizer, kurzweil, percussion, drum programming); Richard James Burgess (drums, drum programming, percussion programming); Terry Silverlight (drums); Bashiri Johnson (percussion); Rob Aries (keyboard programming); Cindy Mizelle, Brenda White, Curtis King, Danny Madden, Debra Byrd, Rock Wilk, Freddie Jackson, Janice Dempsey, Regi King, Vernon Jeff Smith, Lillian Day Jackson, Andrea Dawkins, Lisa Fischer, Audrey Wheeler, Vicki Genfan, Michelle Cobbs (background vocals).
Audio Mixers: Chris Lord-Alge; Julian Mendelsohn; Keith Diamond; Nigel Green; Steve Goldman; Mike Drake.
Recording information: Celestia Sounds; Right Track Recording Studio; Unique Recording Studios.
Photographer: Wayne Pannabecker.
The most versatile and underrated item in Moore's often overlooked catalog, Read My Lips runs the gamut from funky R&B radio numbers to quietly passionate ballads to rock-stenciled up-tempo fare. Moore packs a tight-lipped, defiant punch on kinetic affairs such as "Mind Over Matter" and "Winner." Meanwhile, she's pure and sultry on the slow burn of "To Those Who Wait" and the emotional intensity of "I Can't Believe It (It's Over)." Having plenty of able assistance on hand doesn't hurt her case, either: producers Keith Diamond and Paul Laurence bring a meld of jazz, funk, pop, and soul influences to the fold, and intertwine them with remarkable consistency. This resourceful approach results in material that far surpasses earlier hits like "Love's Comin' at Ya" and "Keepin' My Lover Satisfied"; and it also turns out a surprising remake of Fleetwood Mac's "Dreams." With arrangements that are always on the dot, solid songs, and stellar vocals, Read My Lips is a must for every Moore fan's collection. ~ Justin M. Kantor