This second of three underrated releases for Hi finds Syl Johnson slowly but surely transforming from a credulous loser into a standup guy no one messes around with. 'Diamond in the Rough' could be viewed as a creative bridge between the slightly formulaic Hi approach of 1973's 'Back for a Taste of Your Love' and the more bluesy and rewarding 'Total Explosion' from 1975.
Track Listing:
1. Let Yourself Go - Syl Johnson (3.11)
2. Don't Do It - Syl Johnson (2.47)
3. I Want to Take You Home (To See Mama) - Syl Johnson (2.38)
4. Could I Be Falling in Love - Syl Johnson (3.08)
5. Stuck in Chicago - Syl Johnson (2.51)
6. Diamond in the Rough - Syl Johnson (2.56)
7. Keeping Down Confusion - Syl Johnson (2.42)
8. Please, Don't Give Up On Me - Syl Johnson (2.35)
9. Music to My Ears - Syl Johnson (2.44)
10. I Hear the Love Chimes - Syl Johnson (2.44)
Year of Production: 1974
