AMG Review of Hustle to Survive

Richard S. Ginell
All Music Guide

Since Layers, Les McCann went on a long retreat away from the cutting edge, basically and literally hustling to survive in a rapidly changing marketplace. Hence the emphasis on vocals and commercial backings on the remainder of his Atlantic albums, which tend to trail off in quality. The title track and "Says Who Says What" continue his string of earthy, topical, radio-friendly soul vocals that tried and tried to score hits the size of "Compared to What" but never quite captured the moment again. McCann's fascination with synthesizers and electronics also continues, although by now he is mostly interested in using the instrument as just another color instead of the basis for the music itself à la Joe Zawinul. McCann's vocals are soulful and sincere and he still plays lots of acoustic piano; it's the material that often lets him down here. Best track is the instrumental "Us," a great funkbuster.