At Last,
Gladys Knight's first studio album since 1995, offers a much-welcomed return by the gifted vocalist who easily adapts to contemporary music without compromising her signature sweet tones. The 13 tracks featured on
At Last are a blend of mid-tempo R&B fare and ballads. Because
Knight seamlessly incorporates a 2001 music sensibility to this recording,
At Last can comfortably sit alongside works by
Destiny's Child,
Toni Braxton,
Faith Evans, and other younger musical counterparts. Single releases from this album will be right at home on R&B and urban radio stations. Being out of the studio for six years has had no effect on
Knight, as she is in top form. Her voice is rich, soulful, and silky as she grooves on such tracks as "If I Were Your Woman II" and "Greatest Love of All." "Grandma's Hands" takes a more soulful, gospel-like turn, with words reminiscent of Southern ragtime blues. References to fried bacon, Sunday morning, and church imagine a Southern lifestyle deeply rooted in family and religion. "Love Hurts" sees
Knight's voice full of emotion as she offers a nurturing and sage perspective on matters of the heart. Actor
Jamie Foxx takes a turn on the mic with
Knight on "I Wanna Be Loved." It's the album's one mildly uncomfortable moment because
Foxx lacks the power and presence to hold his own alongside
Knight. His voice just disappears on this duet.
At Last marks a refreshing return by
Gladys Knight, who doesn't miss a beat. ~ Liana Jonas