Father and Son

AMG Review of Father and Son

Stephen Thomas Erlewine
All Music Guide

Father and Son is the first full-length collaboration between Gerald and Eddie LeVert, two singers who have sustained their popularity throughout the changing climate of soul and R&B for over two decades. Appropriately, the album falls into the middle ground between the heart-stopping, smooth soul of Eddie's group, the O'Jays, and the slicker, funkier LeVert, which featured Gerald. Largely produced by Gerald and his longtime associate Edwin "Tony" Nicholas -- with Eddie and Dwain Mitchell handling some of the funkiest numbers -- Father and Son showcases both of the vocalists to fine effect. Half of the album is devoted to sweeping allads, like the single "Already Missing You" and "Don't Make Me Beg." The other half is full of funk workouts, including a smouldering cover of the O'Jays' "You Got Your Hooks in Me" featuring Walter Williams, the singer of the original, on lead. What holds Father and Son together the most is the love and respect between Gerald and Eddie LeVert, which is evident by the way the two singers play off of each other. Most duos compete for the spotlight. Here, each vocalist lets the other shine.