Legendary soul artist Leon Ware delivers a masterclass in smooth, sophisticated grooves with his 1979 album Inside Is Love, now available on CD via TK/Solid (Japan). Positioned between his celebrated 1970s Motown work and his later resurgence at Elektra, this album captures Ware at a peak of compositional and production skill — warm, mellow, and effortlessly stylish.
Ware wrote and produced the entire set himself, bringing the same masterful studio sensibility he famously applied to Marvin Gaye’s I Want You. The album flows seamlessly from track to track, with no filler — just pure, meticulously crafted soul and R&B. Standout tracks include the infectious two-step “What’s Your Name,” the title track “Inside Is Love,” and other gems such as “Try It Out,” “Club Sashay,” “Inside Your Love,” and “Love Is a Simple Thing.” Each cut brims with melodic sophistication, silky vocal delivery, and midtempo grooves that sparkle with elegance and energy, demonstrating why Ware has long been revered as a master of the genre.
Born in Detroit in 1940, Leon Ware was a songwriter, producer, and performer whose influence on soul and R&B is immeasurable. He gained acclaim for his work with Motown, penning and producing tracks for Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, and Minnie Riperton, among others. Known for his warm, intimate vocal style and lush, sophisticated arrangements, Ware’s music often combined sensuality with subtle musical innovation. Albums like Musical Massage and his work on Gaye’s I Want You cemented his reputation as a visionary architect of modern soul. Ware’s career spanned decades, balancing behind-the-scenes brilliance with captivating solo recordings that continue to inspire generations of artists.
Inside Is Love is a prime example of Ware’s artistry: refined, soulful, and timeless, offering a listening experience that stands shoulder to shoulder with the best of his catalog.