David Ruffin

David Ruffin

"Who I am" Motown

The title and the opening cut ('Who I Am') promises that this record will show just who David Ruffin is -- and it certainly does. The producer is Van McCoy famous for his computerized disco smash, 'The Hustle.' Like Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, and other producers at the top of the modern R & B scene, McCoy works with a combination of lushness and driving soul. His problem is that he seems committed to adding a heavy patina of plastic to the formula. Don't get me wrong, the album is not a complete loss. Ruffin's voice is as fine as ever, and on three or four songs he and McCoy's settings combine to kick up a distinctive, extremely danceable groove ('Who I Am,' 'Walk Away from Love,' 'Love Can Be Dangerous To Your Health'). Most of the rest of the tunes come off as copies of the best, though. Hurry back to Detroit, Motown --for a little more home-bred natural soul.

--F.B.