It's Alright With Me

by Alex Henderson In 1979, two years after Labelle's breakup, the trio's fans were hoping that Patti LaBelle, Nona Hendryx, and Sarah Dash would someday get back together. But it was not to be; all three of them were pursuing solo careers, although Patti LaBelle was the only one who became a major superstar as a solo artist. Produced by Skip Scarborough in 1979, It's Alright With Me was Patti LaBelle's third solo album. This vinyl LP came at a time when disco was huge, but LaBelle doesn't provide a lot of dance grooves here. Though It's Alright With Me contains a few up-tempo selections (including "Deliver the Funk" and the exuberant "Music Is My Way of Life"), romantic ballads and slow jams are dominant. Overall, the material is pleasant but not remarkable; this is true of the up-tempo items as well as ballads like "Come What May," "My Best Was Good Enough," and "Love and Learn." This isn't a bad record, although it isn't one of LaBelle's essential albums either. Not recommended to casual listeners, It's Alright With Me is strictly for the singer's more devoted fans.