Remember the first time you heard the unique voice of Toni Childs?  Was it “Stop your Fussin” or “Walk and Talk like Angels”?  Regardless your ears noticed before registering this new voice in your pop mind registry. This is a truly gifted vocalist, not like the rest. She has a depth of tone that few possess.   Her world music interests and influences were not indulgent but fully embraced and embodied.

Union is the debut album by American singer-songwriter Toni Childs. Released in June 1988, Union peaked at number 63 in the US (where it has since been certified Gold for sales of over 500,000 copies). It peaked at number one in New Zealand, selling 5× Platinum (75,000 copies net sale). Netting four singles, “Stop Your Fussin’,” “Don’t Walk Away,” “Walk and Talk Like Angels”, and “Zimbabwe.” “Stop Your Fussin'” reached the top 20 in Australia, New Zealand, and Germany, while “Don’t Walk Away” became Childs’ only single to chart in the United States, reaching 72.

Release info:
1988—A&M (U.S.)—SP 6-5175

Group members:
Toni Childs—vocals, guitar, bass
Guest artists:
David Ricketts—bass, guitar, keyboards, drum programs
Rick Marotta—drums
Jeff Martin—keyboards
Alex Weird—guitar
Alex Acuna—percussion
Hans Christian—cello
Dan Huff—guitar
Steve Hogarth—keyboards, George Lee—sax, percussion
Paul Hanson—bassoon
David Rhodes—guitar
Gary Barlough—synthesizers, synclavier programs
Gary Barnacle, Peter Thoms, John Thirkell—The Phantom Horns
Crystal Wilson, Penni Wilson, Rene Geyer, Sibane Semaswati Singers (Bhunya, Swaziland: Salamba Dlamin, Titus Macusa, Sipho Hlatshwako, Leonard Khumalo, Richard Mabuza, Job Masilela, Samuel Mbuyisa, Elliot Nhcabatsi, France Mntshali, Jabulane Ngwenya), New Generation (Zambia: Frank Chitembwe, Justin Ndhlovu, Andrew Zulu, Eddie Yumba)—backing vocals
Produced by:
David Tickle
Comments:
This first album has the incredible song “Don’t Walk Away”, as well as “Walk and Talk Like Angels.” (jjhanson@att.net)
Union still blows my socks off. (elionwyr@onix.com)

Union has this very eclectic feel. Rock/pop/folk mixed with African instruments and background vocalists. The music is original, fresh, and uncluttered, even though there’s a lot of stuff. I think it’s brilliant. (JoAnn Whetsell)

By all means, track down Union, which has some stunning stuff and is even more steeped in world music than the other two (this, from someone who doesn’t care for world music!).