Michael Bolton really showed his stuff when he made Soul Provider, his breakthrough album. He proved with such songs as the title track, "How Can We Be Lovers", "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You", and "When I'm Back on My Feet Again" that he could write great songs and carry a memorable tune with each one. Not to mention that all four were big hits back in the day.

Those four big hits aren't the only things that make Soul Provider a great album. Most of the non-hits could've well been hits, especially "Love Cuts Deep" and "It's Only My Heart". The only song I didn't like is "Georgia on My Mind", but then again I never liked the original of that song either.

While Soul Provider isn't Michael Bolton's best album (Time, Love & Tenderness holds that honor), it is a great buy for anybody who likes love songs with great lyrics and soaring vocals.

A really great album, Michael's amazing voice powers through the strong dynamics of the album. Beautiful lyrics and great production make it a timeless classic. From the tenderness of How am I Supposed... to the raw emotion of How Can We Be Lovers, Michael's singing brilliance is never in doubt. Ignore the less than average reviews, this is a classic Michael Bolton album.

My goodness some critics can be so vicious! Really, this CD is not at all as bad as it's portrayed. I bought it back in 1989 when Michael Bolton enjoyed a pretty large fan-base. Let's face it, this is not fist pumping music that is going to fill up a stadium; but, then again, it was never meant to be. Michael is firmly placed in the easy-listening genre with a load of other artists who either never got their full due or whose audience unexpectedly turned on them. In Michael's case, I can't tell which it is, maybe he is affected by both scenarios. Michael's gritty vocals are soulful and he sings with passion. He offers a pleasing range of tunes, which I am hard-pressed to dislike. Basically, Michael is easy listening and there is nothing wrong with that!

First off I like Bolton's early work in the late 70's to mid 80's.Bolton's first albums Blackjack 1979, Worlds Apart 1980, Michael Bolton 1983, and Everybody's Crazy 1985 were all pretty good melodic rockers, but this is the end.Soul provider is the beginning of a soul failure.
The only good songs on here are How can we be Lovers and You wouldn't know Love.These songs have a catchy chorus and rock somewhat.The rest of the album is garbage.
Why did you sell out Bolton? It's such a shame what could of been.If Bolton stayed on the melodic metal/rock path he would be a rocker still to this day and most likely a dam good one like he was in the early to mid 80's.
It's a cryin shame!

The quality and depth of the songs is very pleasing to listen to. Michael Bolton has a wonderfully soulful voice.