Shelby Lynne -- good. Dusty Springfield -- good. Shelby Lynne sings Dusty Springfield -- goooooooood.

Just A Little Lovin’ is a tribute album to Dusty Springfield by Shelby Lynne. This may seem like an odd combination.  Dusty Springfield is a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame pop icon. Shelby Lynne is a country/pop singer with attitude. What comes out of this mix is a bluesy, smoke-filled lounge type album.

This disc is a sparse collection; Shelby Lynne is backed on each song by drums, bass and either a piano or drums, an approach to Dusty Springfield’s music that saves the album. Shelby Lynne is smart enough to use Dusty Springfield as a jumping off point for her own interpretations of some classic songs.

“Just A Little Lovin’” and “Anyone Who Had A Heart” set the tone for what is to follow. The focus in on the vocals and the subdued instrumental background help give these classic pop songs a lite jazz feel.

“You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me,” one of Springfield’s classic songs, is given a spectacular a cappella introduction. The purity of Lynne’s voice makes this an affecting performance as she slows the song down and eliminates the booming sound of the chorus.

Other highlights include “I Only Want To Be With You,” which is given a different cadence and vocal emphasis from the original. “The Look Of Love” is the closest Lynne comes to a classic Springfield sound. “Breakfast In Bed” was a song that lost Springfield’s vocal in the mix; here, Lynne gives a clear vocal presentation of a great lost love song.  One of the more interesting songs is “Willie and Laura Mae Jones,” the only song on which Lynne plays lead guitar. She returns this Tony Joe White penned song to its country roots.

The only two non-Springfield songs feel out of place and just do not measure up. The only self-penned song,“Pretend,” is ordinary. The Young Rascals cover of “How Can I Be Sure” is a poor choice as it has been covered hundreds of times and Lynne adds nothing new.

The Live DVD contains only two songs and both are Springfield covers. Lynne has her regular band behind her and that makes quite a difference. She moves Springfield from the lounge to the bedroom with her live interpretations of “Wishin’ and Hopin’” and “Breakfast In Bed.” While the CD is interesting, these two songs make the listener wish that she had presented more of the songs live. The Lynne attitude is back and she exudes a sexuality. The DVD is good stuff, but too short.

All in all, Just A Little Lovin’ is a sedate and interesting album. The CD shows Shelby Lynne’s soft side and interpretive ability. The major problem is a sameness in the presentations which is all the more apparent when viewed against the two live performances on the DVD. Still, it is a good way to spend an hour.

Rating: B+

User Rating: Not Yet Rated

---

Comments