AMG Review of Classic Soul, Vol. 1

Steve Leggett
All Music Guide

Classic Soul, Vol. 1 is a collection of previously issued tracks from soul/blues singer Willie Clayton. Nothing here will disappoint, for Clayton's smoke and whiskey-tinged tenor is a throwback to the days when R&B meant deep, deep soul. Woefully underappreciated, Clayton should appeal to fans of Al Green, the singer he most resembles. He tackles a Green tune here, "Simply Beautiful," and it is a spot-on version that would pass a blindfold test. Highlights include the opening track, "I Love Stealin' It," but don't stop there. Like Al Green,Willie Clayton could sing a dinner menu and make it a classic.