The Best of Tyrone Davis: In The Mood offers 15 gems that center mostly on romance. The title track was Davis’ biggest hit with the label. With it’s boudoir-minded lyrics Davis’ come-ons were forward and as he sang, “Just like ice cream and honey my love is gonna make you melt”, it’s almost cringe time. “Ain’t Nothing I Can Do” follows the same logic and has Davis singing about a “dark, cozy room” where he’s no doubt doing more than talking. During this time Davis, longtime producer Leo Graham and arranger James Mack fashioned an up to-the-minute subtle Chicago sound. The streamlined yet hooky approach gave the proper emphasis on Davis’ voice on the tracks “Be With Me” and the delicate “Let’s Be Closer.” Davis also did uptempo offerings as well. “Give It Up (Turn It Loose)” has the title being his pragmatic solution to put an end to going-nowhere relationships. This compilation’s most overt dance track, the bass heavy, “Get On Up (Disco)’ is skilled, kinetic and certainly shows Davis having a good time. As his Columbia output is often underrated The Best Of Tyrone Davis: In The Mood thankfully puts these tracks back in circulation and is a must for his fans. – Jason Elias
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