Editor’s Note: Our new, recurring “Albumism Recommends” series aims to shine a bright light on our favorite albums of the past, with an emphasis on the records that arguably never achieved the widespread or sustained attention they rightfully deserve. As you’ll see below, unlike our longer-form feature articles, we’ve intentionally kept the accompanying commentary to a minimum, so as to allow the great music to speak for itself.
We hope that you enjoy discovering (or rediscovering) these musical treasures and if you like what you hear, we encourage you to spread the good word far and wide so that others can experience these under-the-radar classics as well.
ARTIST: Chanté Moore
TITLE: A Love Supreme
RELEASED: November 15, 1994
LABEL: Silas/MCA
NOTABLE TRACKS: “Mood” | “My Special Perfect One” | “Old School Lovin’” | “This Time”
Though I recall first learning of Chanté Moore's name and hearing her voice in late 1991 via "Candlelight and You," her duet with Keith Washington featured on the House Party II soundtrack, I didn't really take sustained notice of her until her proper debut single "Love's Taken Over" emerged nearly one year later in July 1992. An absorbing, slow-burning ballad that showcases Moore's vocal versatility and undeniable sensuality, the instant classic "Love's Taken Over"—and its accompanying "Quiet Storm Mix"—arguably overshadowed the ten other compositions that comprise her inaugural album Precious (1992).
The opposite dynamic defines Moore’s eargasmic second studio affair A Love Supreme (1994), as it's a more balanced, exquisitely orchestrated and thoroughly engaging affair overall, with standout moments in abundance. Employing a gifted group of producers and instrumentalists that lend atmospheric soundscapes and memorable melodies to the proceedings, Moore's emotive, impassioned vocals shine the brightest on the quartet of singles ("Old School Lovin,'" "This Time," the cover-medley "Free/Sail On," "I'm What You Need"), the endearing "My Special Perfect One," and the Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis produced highlight "Mood."
It's a bold move indeed to adopt the same album title as John Coltrane’s universally beloved 1965 landmark LP, but Moore backs it up by blessing listeners with a lot to love across the most accomplished effort within her underappreciated discography to date.