Superbad [Expanded Edition]

After having a number one R&B hit with "Caravan Of Love," as a member of Isley/Jasper/Isley, singer/songwriter/keyboardist/producer and former Isley Brothers member Chris Jasper wisely chose another message song, the chugging "Superbad," for his solo debut on his own Gold City label. Its praise of education, self-determination, and all-around positive moxie enticed record buyers to give Jasper a Top Three R&B hit single his first time out. Its follow-up, the pop/rockish "One Time Love," made it to the R&B Top 12. The steppers love the sparse, midnight-mellow "Like I Do," while the earnest ballad, "Giving My All," garnered radio play as an LP track, and the gospel song, "The Son of Man," was a precursor for Jasper's foray into gospel, Praise the Eternal. ~ Ed Hogan