Although best known for the irresistible Northern soul groover "The Snake," Al Wilson's stunning debut LP largely eschews up-tempo dancefloor fare in favor of a luminous folk-jazz approach that perfectly complements Wilson's rich, textured vocals. Produced by Johnny Rivers and arranged by the team of Marty Paich and Gene Page, Searching for the Dolphins boasts a supple, string-sweetened beauty enhanced by its impeccable song selection, including Fred Neil's title cut, Jimmy Webb's "By the Time I Get to Phoenix," and Rivers' own "Poor Side of Town." Wilson is an uncommonly expressive vocalist, and he articulates the emotional depth of the material with clarity and poignancy.

(by Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide)