The Songs of My Life (1993)

These are not the songs that made rhythm & blues queen Ruth Brown famous (and it's a pity they couldn't have included a rousing up-tempo number for variety). But Brown singing these ballads and torch songs provides an emotionally nourishing experience. On a masterly, bittersweet ''While We're Young,'' she shares wisdom acquired from a far from easy life. Her honesty and craftsmanship should give her a shot at another Grammy.

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