Gil Scott-Heron: Real Eyes (Arista AL 9540)

REAL EYES, Gil Scott-Heron's eighth Arista album, is noteworthy for a couple of reasons. It's the poet-cum-songwriter's first recording without Brian Jackson, his musical partner for a decade, and it marks a retreat from the increasing electronic emphasis of his past two albums. Thankfully, Real Eyes is a strong, vital collection of songs that stands as his best album since the Bridges LP three years ago.