The sweet, distinctive voice of Randy Crawford has seen a career span of over 30 years, Her first single 'Street Life' was a top 5 hit in the UK charts. The singer’s career began performing in night clubs in New York. Being in the right city at the right time, this opened doors for her to work with the likes of George Benson and Steve Hickett (ex guitarist for Genesis).With 33 singles and 16 albums under her belt the new collection ‘The Best of Randy Crawford’ is a selection of some of her finest work.

This album opens with some of Randy Crawford’s most recognisable hits such as ‘One Day I’ll Fly Away’, ‘Rainy Night in Georgia’ and ‘You Might Need Somebody’, also made famous by British R&B singer Shola Ama back in 1997. Over half way into the album a few covers crop up such as a live recording of John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ which features Yellowjackets. She also covers ‘Give me the Night’ by George Benson and ‘What a Difference a Day Makes’, the Spanish song made popular by Dinah Washington.

One Day I'll Fly Away, performed by Randy Crawford's in 2006

Crawford showcases her versatility in songs such as 'Rio De Janeiro' and' Warn but not Tattered'. Musically Rio De Janeiro gives emphasis to it's is title as a Bosa Nova/Brazilian Jazz song. 'Worn But Not Tattered' on the other hand includes signature Blues baselines and rhythms. Randy Crawford adapts nicely to these tracks yet still upkeeps a mellow feel that is present in her other songs. The album closes the same way it opened with the recognisable down tempo track ‘Almaz’.

The Best of Randy Crawford is a collection that you can’t really find much fault in. It’s the perfect soundtrack to a lazy day or the CD of choice after a hard days work, unwinding with your tipple of choice. The more up-tempo tracks sit nicely beside the rest as if there is an ingredient that sustains everything despite it’s variation. It must be that sweet, distinctive voice.

 

The Best of Randy Crawford is out now