Young Hearts Run Free

by Bill Carpenter Young Hearts Run Free was Candi Staton 1976 pop breakthrough, featuring her signature song, the title tune. Recorded at Sound Studios in L.A., it was her first album recorded outside of Muscle Shoals. The set was produced by the late Dave Crawford and marked Staton's exodus from the world of gritty Southern soul to the classy world of urban soul and dance music. The album featured fine ballads such as the whispery "Summertime With You," "What A Feeling," a coming of age tale, and Al Green's "Living For You." The dance tracks "Destiny" and "Run To Me" were too formulaic and similar to "Young Hearts" to merit discussion. The set also featured the rocking "I Know," and the laidback "You Bet Your Sweet, Sweet Love," with background vocals by Deniece Williams , and Ray Parker Jr . on guitar.