LP - Black Vinyl.
This second of three underrated releases for Hi finds Syl Johnson slowly but surely transforming from a credulous loser into a standup guy no one messes around with. Diamond in the Rough could be viewed as a creative bridge between the slightly formulaic Hi approach of 1973's Back for a Taste of Your Love and the more bluesy and rewarding Total Explosion from 1975. Different from the southern soul belter which distinguished fellow Hi second leaguers Otis Clay and O.V. Wright, Johnson's unique feat lies in his earnest yet sometimes ironic take on love and relationships.
Tracklist:
A1. Let Yourself Go
A2. Don't Do It
A3. I Want To Take You Home
A4. Could I Be Falling In Love
A5. Stuck In Chicago
B1. Diamond In The Rough
B2. Keeping Down Confusion
B3. Please, Don't Give Up On Me
B4. Music To My Ears
B5. I Hear The Love Chimes