Millie Jackson: Between the Sheets (1999)

Millie Jackson is much more than an entertainment legend. The shapely, charismatic and multi-talented soul diva is without a doubt, a music industry icon whose often criticized career paved the way for many of today's forward female recording artists. Jackson vocal performances are distinguished by her bold sexual content and her honest, often saucy spoken interludes; Between the Sheets however bucks that popular image by compiling 16 tracks of Jackson's more straightforward R&B material. The compilation concentrates on her late-'70s and early-'80s material, balancing hits with lesser-known singles and album tracks. Smooth jams, glossy production, and quiet storm dynamics are the order of the day here, and Jackson's performances hold up surprisingly well without the provocative histrionics, thanks in large part to her beautifully textured, soulful voice. Those seeking a more thorough representation of Jackson's output might want to try some of her studio albums, or Rhino's Totally Unrestricted! anthology, but Between the Sheets is one of the finest Millie Jackson collections ever assembled, largely because it avoids the kitsch of her salacious soul and finds her playing it straight, more or less. Overall, this set offers proof that Millie Jackson is a fine soul singer who doesn't need her bawdy schtick to make an impression and, as such, it's of interest not only to fans, but to doubting Thomases as well. Highlights include 'I Feel Like Walking In The Rain,' 'Loving Arms,' 'All the Way Lover,' 'It Hurts So Good,' 'A Love of Your Own,' 'Special Occasion,' 'If You're Not Back in Love By Monday,' and 'Summer, the First Time.' http://www.cduniverse.com/, http://www.allmusic.com/, http://www.weirdwreckuds.com/

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Millie Jackson singing 'If Loving You Is Wrong (I Don't Want To Be Right.)' Live footage from 1984: