Bobby Womack is simply put a musical legend. The way he pours his soul into music is unparalleled. He is extremely talented at songwriting as well because every song has a point, a strong message. Every song on this album is 5 stars. Bobby Womack, with his unique voice, made a soul classic that should be appreciated nowadays. The Poet II is a masterpiece...one of his many. 10 Stars!

I felt this was a really good follow-up to the Poet.hard to match fully because Bobby Womack knocked out the Poet.but Poet 2 is nice.cool duets with Patti Labelle who matches Bobby WOmack with Soulful takes on Songs such as "Love has finally come at last"&"through the eyes of a child".Bobby Womack brings the pain on "Who's foolin' Who".Why this Soul Legend isn't in the Rock&Roll Hall of Fame is a Great Mystery to me.but Bobby Womack is the truth.

What a fantastic collection of songs this is from one of soul music's greats.

Released way back in 1984, this was the follow up to Bobby Womack's critically acclaimed `The Poet' which was a comeback hit. It still sounds fresh and has not dated one bit.

The first three songs; `Love has finally come at last', `"It takes a lot of strength to say goodbye', and `Through the eyes of a child' feature Patti Labelle providing some outstanding vocals. `Through the eyes of a child' in particular features some great jazz guitar by George Benson, a gospel feel, and lots of great sax.

`Surprise surprise' is a tender semi do wop ballad, with some great harmonica.

The next three songs are upbeat dance numbers; `Trying to get over you', the funky `Tell me why', and `Who's foolin' who' (where Bobby sounds like he's having a great time, and features a great sax solo).

`I wish I had someone to go home to', is a great ballad with Womack lamenting his loneliness, and wanting more than just a one night stand. Wicked guitar playing, and delicate backing vocals.

Closing track `American Dream' is an awesome, soulful ballad that samples Martin Luther king Jr's famous `I have a dream' speech. His vocals are really amazing. This is my absolutely favourite track.

There are two bonus tracks, re-recorded specially for this reissue; An acoustic version of the ballad `Surprise surprise', and a slowed down acoustic version of `Trying to get over you' which is an interesting alternate take on the original. His raspy voice seems to have dulled a wee bit though, and dropped an octave or two.

The CD has great new liner notes and photos, giving a brief overview of Bobby Womack's impressive career. A lesson in music for our soul singers of today.

I am a patti fan. I think she is the greatest.