A Brand New Me The Complete Philadelphia Sessions (2017)

"Atlantic believed in Springfield as a soul singer. When "Dusty In Memphis" didn't score as high as the label had hoped, they doubled down and paired her with producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff and arranger/producer Thom Bell. The ten tracks that became "A Brand New Me" were cut in September 1969; the remaining seven songs date from February 1970, for what was proposed as another album -- and was also abandoned. Those five extra songs include two Bell compositions -- the emotionally resonant manifesto "I Wanna Be a Free Girl" and the sweeping, string- and horn-laden psychedelic soul of "Something for Nothing." She re-recorded some of these tracks back in England, but the original versions are far superior, proving time and again that Springfield was unusually critical of herself. "The Complete Philadelphia Sessions" offers stellar sound and excellent liner notes. This is an essential purchase for any Springfield fan, as well as a welcome introduction for newcomers." (Thom Jurek, Allmusic; 5 uit 5 sterren)