Brenda Russell, the pop-soul singer, composer and pianist, says that even though her songs have been recorded by artists like Oleta Adams, Roberta Flack, Luther Vandross, Chaka Khan, Donna Summer, Ray Charles and Earth, Wind and Fire, she usually writes songs with only herself in mind as the singer. Some of those compilations can be heard on her latest album, "Soul Talkin' " (EMI/ERG), including the romantic ballads "You'll Fall in Love Again" and "No Time for Time," as well as the upbeat "Life Is Waiting" and the Caribbean-tinged "10,000 Words."
"I learned early in my writing career that if I try to tailor a song for someone else, I'm usually off base," said the Brooklyn-born artist, now based in Los Angeles. "They're usually looking for something from you with your character.
"I go through cycles with my writing. I have cycles where I'm up all night and lose track of time, and then I go for months without a thing to write about. My song "So Good, So Right" came to me while I was washing dishes after a dinner party. I never write in front of people -- never ever -- but this hit me so strong that I went into the living room where guests were having coffee, sat down at the piano and started writing this song. People were looking at me but I had to do it. My inspiration comes from God, so I always have to be open, kind of like being an antenna. I like to write songs people love."