Boz Scaggs - Silk Degrees (50th Anniversary) [Green]

Five decades after it first spun, Boz Scaggs' Silk Degrees returns in an anniversary pressing on 180-gram green vinyl, a fresh look for the album that made sophisticated soul-pop sound effortless.

After years as a respected singer and guitarist, including an early stint in the Steve Miller Band, Scaggs teamed up with producer Joe Wissert and a crew of Los Angeles session players who would soon form Toto and become some of the most in-demand players in pop. Keyboardist David Paich, drummer Jeff Porcaro and bassist David Hungate gave these songs a sleek, swinging precision that still sounds immaculate, and Paich co-wrote several of them alongside Scaggs.

"Lowdown" is the silky centerpiece, a cool, slinky groove that crossed over to dance floors and R&B radio alike. "Lido Shuffle" barrels along with boogie-woogie swagger, while "What Can I Say" glides on a breezy, light-footed bounce. Then "We're All Alone" closes the record with a ballad so lovely it was soon picked up by Rita Coolidge.

It is polished but never sterile, carried by Scaggs' smooth, soulful voice and a band clearly enjoying every bar it plays together.

Silk Degrees remains the blueprint for yacht rock's finest moments, and a sure bet for any late-night listening session with the lights turned low.