Classic Album Review: Dusty Springfield - From Dusty, With Love

Dusty Springfield - From Dusty With Love
Originally released April 1970 on Philips records

1. Lost
2. Bad Case Of The Blues
3. Never Love Again
4. Let Me Get In Your Way
5. Let's Get Together Soon

6. Brand New Me
7. Joe
8. Silly, Silly Fool
9. The Star Of My Show
10. Let's Talk It Over

Dusty is often referred to as the greatest soul singer that England ever produced, and she's absolutely deserving of such high praise. From early hits like 'I Only Want To Be With You', 'The Look Of Love', 'Son Of Preacher Man' and 'You Don't Have To Say You Love Me', to the sophisticated, soulful adult pop of the 'Dusty In Memphis' album, and fan favourites such as See All Her Faces and Cameo, Dusty's commanding, versatile voice is unparalleled. Like other genre-defining artists, she is the subject of frequent comparisons - most recently to 'new soul' acts like Adele and Duffy but the truth is her skill and range set a high benchmark in music that has yet to be matched or bettered.

Though her star diminished somewhat in the mid to late 1970s, Dusty's voice remained as disarmingly powerful as ever, with a combination of personal tribulations, record company politics, and weak material playing the most part in her lack of success throughout the decade. As is well documented, it took the Pet Shop Boys to bring Dusty back in to the limelight, featuring her on their huge 1987 hit 'What Have I Done To Deserve This'. They would go on to produce and write much of her successful electronica leaning album Reputation in 1990.

Today's album was released just as Dusty was first beginning to slip from the public consciousness in 1970. A combination of lack of public interest and lack of promotion sealed From Dusty With Love's' fate, but as the Memphis album's spiritual twin, it's ripe for reassessment.

Misleadingly titled 'A Brand New Me' outside of the UK, I personally I find it to be one of her most solid albums, and an extremely enjoyable listen. Like many of our 'classic albums', it's runtime is brief to say the least - just over 25 minutes - but the 10 hook-filled songs are beautiful vehicles for Dusty's voice. The album is produced by the team of Gamble and Huff, who would later work on two of The Jacksons late 70s releases, and they bring with them an authentic Philadelphia soul sound that is a perfect match for Dusty's sultry, defiant and pleading performances. The musicianship on the album is superb, with backing vocals from The Sweethearts of Sigma, a Sam Reed led horn section, and Don Renaldo providing strings. The result is every bit as lush and transformative as you'd expect.

The short run time packs in everything from gospel, blues, pop and soul, but Dusty is always front and centre. Though rarely heard and underappreciated, songs like 'Bad Case Of The Blues', 'Never Love Again' and the heartwrenching ballad 'Joe' can stand shoulder to shoulder with her most well known tunes as A+ examples of Dusty Springfield's mastery of her her craft.