Consumer Guide Album

Ashford & Simpson: Real Love [Capitol, 1986]
If I gave points for attitude, I'd up this a notch for fidelity to formula: Nick and Val wrote it, Nick and Val sang it, Nick and Val produced it, and they hope you like it too, Mr. Crossover Gatekeeper. But not even "Nobody Walks in L.A.," which makes good on its title but is too quirky and local for a single, takes it on home. So while they go four for eight overall--one-two-three on the first side, lead cut on the second--only their many fans will care. B