Only for the Lonely

AMG Review of Only for the Lonely

Ron Wynn
All Music Guide

This 21-track anthology collects songs recorded in 1969 and issued on three albums. The roster includes a strong duet with Johnnie Taylor called "That's The Way Love Is" and her signature tune, "A House Is Not A Home." Steve Cropper produced and arranged 11 cuts, with Don Davis producing another eight. Staples' energy, delivery, timing and technique were consistently awesome. Unfortunately, only a few of these songs got much attention outside R&B circles, but their quality shows Staples' greatness as a soul vocalist.