Back for More

The definition of ‘two step’ soul has always been a little vague, but if it means late 70s/early 80s slow, sweet R’n’B for lovers, then Al Johnson’s Back For More from 1980 is a two step classic. It’s a Norman Connors production so the uptempo tracks are in the pocket, jazz-funk-inflected soul jams with complex, rich arrangements while the ballads are epic and sophisticated. Johnson has a pleasing, gently impassioned delivery and Back For More is a super-smooth, romantic, urbane early 80s soul album.