Search - Billy Paul :: War Of The Gods

A perfect album

R. D. Armstrong | Quincy, MA | 07/07/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the rare pop album that is strong beginning to end. Every cut here belongs on any Billy Paul greatest hits album, although only "Thanks for Saving My Life" typically makes it. That one is a great, upbeat song, but the best one here may be the title cut.



Paul was a distinctive, perhaps even unique, R&B singer. He may have lacked vocal range, but when he performed Gamble and Huff numbers, the result was almost invariably stirring, and the first two selections here offer an other-worldly mysticism that shows why.



Paul compensated for his limited range with passion. That is evident on "The Whole Town's Talking" and "I Was Married." Even the final number, "Peace Holy Peace," though perhaps unsuitable for radio or mass audiences, due to length and message, is a passionate treasure. Easily Paul's best album."