The Spice of Life, released in November 1969, stands asMarlena Shaw\’s second — and final — studio album for Cadet Records, produced and arranged by the renownedRichard EvansandCharles Stepney. From the opening, Shaw\’s voice — both playful and powerful — cuts through the lush yet tight-knit arrangements, weaving together a vibrant tapestry of soul, proto-funk, jazz, gospel, and blues. The album features two defining classics: her deeply resonant original of \”Woman of the Ghetto\” and a signature take onAshford & Simpson\’s \”California Soul,\” both staples in sampling culture (you\’ll probably find that you\’re more familiar with Shaw\’s material than you thought.) Evans and Stepney\’s arrangements are far from mere support — they\’re panoramic and inventive. You\’ll hear kalimba flourishes, psych-tinged guitar accents, and bongo-fueled organ textures that elevate each track, keeping the atmosphere rich but never overwhelming. Moments like theBacharach-styled \”Looking Through the Eyes of Love\” or the dramatic flair of \”Stormy Monday\” showcase their widescreen sensibility and Shaw\’s versatility. Beneath its musical elegance,The Spice of Lifecarries a weighty current of social commentary. Tracks such as \”Woman of the Ghetto\” and the succinct, fierce \”Liberation Conversation\” bring political and feminist themes into a soulful, expressive framework — adding unexpected depth to the sophisticated sonic palette. This album offers an immersive journey through soul-jazz mastery, one that rewarded listeners with sampling gold for decades to come. Reissue on 180g vinyl.