Toni Childs
Union

Toni Childs was practically unknown at the end of the eighties when this album was released, revealing her as a singer-songwriter with an original and powerful voice, capable of bringing new and interesting sounds to the forefront.

Take the funky-soul of the opening track ("Don't Walk Away," which was also a successful single) where her visceral vocals are supported by a gospel choir and a spirited saxophone ensemble. Immediately following is the Caribbean charm of "Stop Your Fussin'" and then, on my personal list of preferences, the bouncy "Walk And Talk Like Angels" and "Let The Rain Come Down," along with the hypnotic sensuality of "Where's The Ocean," which closes the album on an elegiac tone.

In my opinion, however, the true gem is "Zimbabwae" – imbued with the sounds and musical colors of southern Africa – drawing our attention to that part of the continent which, in those years, fascinated many musicians (consider Paul Simon of "Graceland" and Simple Minds of "Mandela Day") but was still torn apart by interracial as well as interethnic conflicts: obviously, the pacifist verses of a song are not enough, but at least they help us, even today, not to forget.

Overall, therefore, an album of great depth, which went somewhat unnoticed in our part of the world in 1988, but will not disappoint those who wish to rediscover it.