This album could have easily been released ten or more years ago. That's not to say that it sounds dated but it has a nice slight 80ies influence and if you put this matter in a more positive way you could say the songs here are more or less timeless (does someone say this is euphemistically?). Ok, lyricwise Paper Boat isn't really a challenge or food for thought because the overall topic is love, love and -you've guessed it- love, but that's the theme of most of the classic soul song we know from Marvin or Teddy.
If you also buy house 12"es you'll find a lot of names you know from labels like Soundmen on Wax or King Street involved here on background vocals, namely Kenny Bobien, Eddie Stockley or Stephanie Cooke. And just like there's no denying the vocal power of Brenda's background vocalists, there's no question that Miss Hillman does have the right ingredients in her voice.
Brenda is not only capable of handling a soul song but she also delivers a a great jazz song completed by vibes and saxophone in the shape of Love Without Intermission. Songs like It's Just You, Best Of Friends, Finding Mr. Valentine or the superb Paper Boat are soul songs like they should sound but mostly don't do anymore in the time of urban/R&B music ruling the black music scene.
If you like real soul music done with conviction and if it doesn't have to sound fresh and up-to-date then Brenda's Paper Boat is a dream come true for you. The only little shortcoming is the remark on the backcover 'file under: Nu Classic Soul' (when this is more Classic Soul) and maybe the fact if Brenda have had a bigger budget the sound may have been more natural and better on some songs. Really one for the purist amongst you to check out.