LA-based singer Gene Rice had a nice run in the mid-90s with a couple strong albums that highlighted his expressive, soulful voice. He came out of the box with the RCA debut album, Just For You, which delivered two top 20 hits, “You’re a Victim” and “You’re Gonna Get Served.” With a voice that sounded like a blend of Teddy Pendergrass and Luther Vandross, he had the vocal goods, and adult soul radio was welcoming.
Unfortunately, Rice’s eponymously titled follow up album stalled on the charts, with the lead single, “Come a Little Closer,” not getting the airplay it deserved.
Rice continued to guest on the albums of others, but we didn’t hear from him again until 2016’s G3 release, which appeared to be largely a vault album – though quite enjoyable.
By Chris Rizik
