Jimmy Hughes, Best of (Fame/EMI)

Often, we think of R&B and soul music as expressions of individual, passionate greatness—Otis, Aretha—when often, it’s nothing more or less than black pop—think Motown. The Best of Jimmy Hughes is great black pop, with the real star being the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. Well-worn songs such as “High Heel Sneakers” and “Shot of Rhythm and Blues” get going to a go-go arrangements that obscure their recirculated nature, and they got the party started before Hughes opened his mouth for songs such as “I Want Justice,” “I’m the Loving Physician” and “I’m a Man of Action.”

That’s not to say Hughes was a weak singer. He’s convincing singing in the roles those songs cast on him, and his signature song, “Steal Away,” his high tenor is powerful and pleading. Still, his voice isn’t the show; the band’s the show, and Hughes is simply the reason for the session.