Search - Gwen Guthrie :: Hot Times

Hot Times 1990

DJ Paul McGee | United States | 05/27/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This was a bit of a sleeper-hit for Gwen Guthrie, but is was an important aspect of the late 80's/Early 90's R&B/Dance sound.



You can tell that Gwen, Benny Mendina and the other producers were striving to have the current sound. When you listen to the songs on "Hot Times" you can't help but remember this eras' sound. Artists such as Cherrelle, The Pointer Sisters, Phyllis Hyman, Evelyn King, and Melba Moore come to mind on many of the songs here.



Three songs in particular represent this time period well



6) Feel Good (111 BPM) Reminds me of the sound Blackbox was

introducing to the states around 1990 or 1991.



8) Our Love (104 BPM) This should have been a huge single. It has that

complete summertime "FM-friendly" vibe. Think One Way, Cherrelle,

SWV, SOS Band, Regina Belle, etc.



9) Same Ole Thang (109 BPM) This is easily the most searing track on the

whole disc. Cherrelle and Karyn White really come to mind on this

obviously commercial R&B funk attack. A floorpacker with plenty of

mainstream appeal. This would hold up well even today.



Gwen Guthrie has a wonderful ballad that closes out the set "Never

Knew Love Like This," (no, it's not a cover version) the song shows

her great range and maturity as a true artist.



In addition to picking up a used copy of this CD (Plenty currently

available @ Amazon right now, by the way) you should also investigate

Guthrie's back catalog. Big, better and richer than you probably had

imagined. This lady rocks, folks!!

"