A slicker, sweeter, and less satisfying outing than their previous LP,
Genesis,
Friction did nonetheless include their biggest hit, "I'll Be the Other Woman." A little daring for the radio in that it acknowledged an adulterous affair, "I'll Be the Other Woman" was also something of a departure for
the Soul Children, putting Shelbra Bennett in the spotlight as lead vocalist (
J. Blackfoot had tended to have the most visible leads). Bennett was also lead singer on the less impressive single "Love Makes It Right," a small R&B hit that concludes the record. In the interim, there are lush ballads that get into icky sweetness ("What's Happening Baby") as well as some more up-tempo, funky numbers. The best of the lot is "Can't Let You Go," which smolders a bit thanks to the grainy lead vocal (presumably by
J. Blackfoot) and subtle wah-wah guitar. The album was paired with 1972's
Genesis on a single-disc CD reissue. ~ Richie Unterberger