Gwen Guthrie - Ultimate Collection (1999)

She was a very rare and precious talent that won me over as a fan within a month of being able to acquire her self-titled from 1982 this year (2001). Her smooth vocal approach to some of the material along with the moments where she belts out with such strong and powerful and soulful finesse and conviction is a testament as to why she was a highly sought after background session vocalist working with the likes of Madonna, Patti Austin, Quincy Jones, etc.In fact, Guthrie's sweet, yet sassy, voice was very close to style much like Patti Austin's. She never sang over the top (like most R&B wannabe divas in a melo-dramatic sense) nor did she stay hidden behind a background vocal session (she was recognizable)! Much to the world's sadness she is gone but has left behind a treasure for those who still want to get to know her.She is gone, but not forgotten…

Tracklist:

01. Ain't Nothin' Goin' On But The Rent
02. Padlock
03. Outside In The Rain
04. Peanut Butter
05. It Shoul Have Been You
06. Oh What A Life
07. (They Long To Be) Close To You
08. Seventh Heaven
09. Oh Donny No
10. Is This Love
11. Younger Than Me
12. God Don't Like Ugly
13. Peek A Boo
14. Ain't Nothin' Goin' On (dub mix)