Although Billy Paul actually recorded this in the early '70s, the company didn't issue it until he already had a couple of successful releases under his belt because of its jazz direction and flavor.
It was one of several Paul albums released in 1973, his biggest year as an artist.
Paul might have been successful in jazz; if he emerged in the '80s or '90s doing this kind of supper-club/cabaret fare, he would immediately be routed into the adult contemporary and Quiet Storm market and probably be a huge hit.