June Pointer - June Pointer

Weak material is the primary downfall of this disappointing sophomore solo effort by June Pointer. The voluminous cast of producers -- ranging from '80s R&B stalwart Kashif to legendary mainstream rock guru Phil Ramone and mainstay David Foster -- saves the set from many would-be disastrous moments with impressive budgets and wizardry. Pointer has a robust set of pipes that warrant much more demanding material than the banal "Parlez Moi D'Amour" or the incoherent "Why Can't We Be Together," a tune co-authored by Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager that sounds like a throwaway version of their earlier composition, "Love Power." But fortunately, there are several eminent selections: "Put Your Dreams Where Your Heart Is," a glowing ballad that touches on both the sublime and powerful aspects of self-discovery, and the feisty mid-tempo rocker "Keeper of the Flame." It's a wonder why neither of these cuts were chosen as singles, as they show two stylistically different sides of the singer. Both are far better showcases of her power and tenacity than the formulaic "Tight on Time (I'll Fit U In)," which is centered on a measly rap and went nowhere fast on the charts. Dedicated fans may want to investigate the album solely for the aforementioned "Dreams" and "Keeper," but in general, Pointer's first album, Baby Sister, is a more solid bet. ~ Justin M. Kantor, All Music Guide