After last year's disappointing Personal Reflections, it was unclear to soul music fans whether Freddie Jackson's enviable recording career was at an end. But those doubts are happily removed with Transitions, a fine showcase for his smooth vocals and his best album in years. Beginning with the first single, "Until the End of Time" through the disc's final song, a tribute to Luther Vandross, "Superstar/Wind Beneath My Wings," Jackson is singing the kind of melodic, romantic music that made him a radio staple during the 80s and 90s. Strong compositions such as "More Than Friends" and "Heaven" (previously recorded by Asaph Womack) and solid production throughout make this a welcome return of an old friend, and one of the happy surprises of 2006. Recommended.
By Chris Rizik
