Various Artists: Sweet Emotions

Richard Pryor once said that, after a good bout of sex, he needed “eight hours of sleep and a bowl of Wheaties.” Sweet Emotions (Instinct, EX359-2, 67:39) bills itself as a prelude to romance, but it’s actually for the eight hours after (unless your fantasies involve elevators and/or Demerol). Taken individually, the songs on this collection-with entries from Gota, the James Taylor Quartet, and the ever-mellow Count Basic-would each be passable interludes on a disc of considerably livelier material. Taken together, the sugar-coated vocals and helium-filled instrumental arrangements add up to a sure knock-out pill. Fine for those who expect that from their tunes; those who don’t should avoid this collection. Or at least make sure not to operate any heavy machinery.

Originally Published January 1, 1998