This self-titled release, issued in February 1976, was
Diana Ross
' first album since December 1973's
Last Time I Saw Him
. It followed
Ross
' starring role in the
Berry Gordy
-directed Mahogany. That film's theme, a sweeping
Gerry Goffin
/
Michael Masser
ballad sung by
, topped Billboard's Adult Contemporary and Hot 100 charts; though it appeared on the
Mahogany
soundtrack, it was also included here and leads a set that's as diverse as
, with a total of nine songs involving 16 songwriters. "I Thought It Took a Little Time (But Today I Fell in Love)," a stately ballad with a commanding chorus, was a Top Five Adult Contemporary hit but wasn't nearly as successful with R&B radio. "Love Hangover," with its extended lead-in and hurtling and thumping yet graceful groove, was
' entry into the disco market, where she proved to be a natural fit, and it not only topped the dance chart but the R&B and pop ones as well. "Kiss Me Now" is another highlight, a frisky, showbiz jazz number where
feels free enough to throw in a quick impression of
Louis Armstrong
. That covers the album's first side. Side two is much more focused, generally sticking to contemporary soul. "One Love in My Lifetime," yet another one of
' Top Ten R&B singles, is the most notable of the five songs, with the
Ashford & Simpson
-penned "Ain't Nothin' But a Maybe" a close second. Subsequently mired in a couple unfocused patchwork recordings,
wouldn't make another truly fine album until
The Boss
, written and produced in its entirety by
. ~ Andy Kellman