The title single is the best recorded version of "Lookin' for a Love" and an unusual soul smash for 1974. A revamped oldie, originally performed by Womack and the Valentinos in the early Sixties, this new arrangement forsakes the currently fashionable strings and falsetto vocals for gritty singing and harmonies that reflect the desperation of the lyrics. The vocal lines are punctuated by brief but highly expressive guitar notes, probably from Tippy Armstrong, while the "Lookin' for a Love" chant is enhanced by countersolos. The electric guitar is used to great effect, conveying emotion in brief but eloquent phrases.

The rest of the album is the work of an artist who turns out a few gems but a great deal more fool's gold. At least Womack lets us down in stages. "I Don't Wanna Be Hurt by Ya Love Again" follows "Lookin' for a Love" and presents the title in an attractive fashion, with uncredited female vocalists crooning the line while Womack improvises around it. Unfortunately the artist is not a master of melody, and the lyrics fall uncomfortably where they may.

"Doing It My Way" commences the album's serious decline. "Do whatever ... gets you off!" Womack admonishes at the top, launching a long, rambling, condescending rap. Bobby tells the world about the hang-ups engendered by "material things," a phrase which makes a return appearance on the second side, and he relates the problems of the phone ringing during lovemaking and an album running out just short of climax.

"Let It Hang Out" marks a slight return to form with a powerful backing of wailing instruments, but mediocrity pervades from there on out. Womack's problem seems to be material. He writes one or two classic compositions a year, but at least on this album doesn't find enough outside quality material to fill two sides of an LP. (RS 164)

PAUL GAMBACC??NI