Willie Clayton
Ace In The Hole
2 Three People Sleeping In My Bed
3 Hurt By Love
4 In Need Of A Good Woman
5 My Baby's Cheating On Me
6 Rocking Chair
7 Careless
8 Bartender Blues
9 I Love Stealing It
10 Happy
11 Running In Life
12 Stone Cold Lover
13 Equal Opportunity - Solo
Label: Ace Records (3) – ACE MUSIC 2066
Format: CD, Album
Country: US
Released: 1995
Genre: R&B Soul, Blues
Style: Southern Soul
Willie Clayton's 1996 album, Ace In The Hole, is considered a strong and commercially successful release in the Southern Soul/soul-blues genre, drawing praise for its authentic blues tracks and hit single "Equal Opportunity". The album largely reworks material from his earlier releases, combining proven hits with new collaborations.
The album is noted for consolidating successful songs from previous EPs and singles, ensuring a strong collection of material.
Ace In The Hole was a major seller for the Ace label, largely due to the success of the track "Equal Opportunity".
The album is characterized by Clayton's soulful and tasteful vocal performances, covering songs previously recorded by his fellow label artists like Ronnie Lovejoy and Robert "Duke" Tillman.
Reviewers highlight the album's authentic blues track "Bartender Blues," which is described as truly embodying the genre.
A key addition to this release is a duet version of "Three People (Sleeping in My Bed)" featuring vocals by Lynn White.
Overall, the album is appreciated by fans of deep soul and blues for its solid tracks and cohesive sound, despite the fact that many songs had appeared on earlier, less widely distributed recordings.
Forever
Written-By, Producer – Andre Miller, Cornell Ward
A2 Rock And Hold Your Baby
Producer – Jim Sims, Willie Clayton
Written-By – Willie Clayton
A3 Special Lady
Producer – Jim Sims, Willie Clayton
Written-By – Andre Miller, Cornell Ward
A4 Stone Good Lover
Producer – Cornell Ward, Jim Sims, Willie Clayton
Written-By – J. Armstead*
B1 Can I Change My Mind
Producer – Jim Sims, Willie Clayton
Written-By – Barry Despenza, Carl Wolfolk
B2 Make Me Yours Forever
Written-By, Producer – Andre Miller, Cornell Ward
B3 Rocking Chair
Producer – Jim Sims, Willie Clayton
Written-By – C. Reid*, W. Clark*
B4 One Night Stand
Producer – Jim Sims, Willie Clayton
Written-By – Al Green
Label: Timeless Records – TRPL 127
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: UK
Released: 1988
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Modern Soul
Forever is regarded by fans and critics as a definitive "modern soul" classic from Willie Clayton. Critics highlight Clayton’s "amazing" vocal performance and his ability to deliver soulful interpretations of mostly familiar songs.
The album is frequently cited as a must-listen for soul music enthusiasts, with Clayton's voice described as having a signature style that makes melodies feel timeless.
Reviewers describe the music as "mood music" that evokes imagery of dimly lit dance floors and romantic affection.
It is often called an "overlooked" gem of late-80s soul, praised for its "killer" tracks and for maintaining a high standard of quality that helped define Clayton as one of the last great "Soul Men".
Key Tracks: "Make Me Yours Forever": Identified by fans as a standout "killer boogie slow jam" that makes the entire project essential for soul collectors.
Collectors and critics often cite the album for its "winsome melodies" and "lush arrangements" that reflect a mix of Memphis and Motown influences. It is frequently described as a "must-have" for fans of modern soul, with some critics noting that Clayton remains an underrated figure in the genre.