This album was given so much positive press and exposure on it's release in the late Summer of 1998 it's completely baffling as to why there was no follow up. However, hopes are high as the lady returns to recording with Norman Connors on his latest album, Star Power, although it is nothing like what we have on here. But, to be fair, this was a monumental debut album and was a veritable 'who's who' of the great, the good and the out-of-this-world. What newcomer could boast, in the late 1990s, of having Norman Connors, Angela Bofill, Dexter Wansel, Gerald Albright, Bobby Lyle, Paul Jackson Jr, Paulinho Da Costa,Freddie Washington, the Earth, Wind and Fire Horns, Ali-Ollie Woodson and Jean Carne make appearances on their album? I adore this album and it still gets a regular airing, and 5 cuts in particular. Such class, finesse and style I was reminded of a 90s Phyllis Hyman, and when Philadelphia International released her posthumous "Forever With You" set it was, for me, a perfect combination of albums and songs.For the modern crowd, the 90s jogger "Love Hurts" pulls no punches. Not surprising that this was a single release. Cutting edge, slick and urban yet sophisticated, this song was the perfect entree to the mouth-watering treats that followed it. The track on here which reduces me to a blubbering wreck is "Inside My Love". This is one of Dexter Wansel's finest, most spine-tingling, moments since he kicked off "Living All Alone" with THAT haunting synth. This is top-draw adult RnB at it's very best. A powerful song with real grit and integrity. Marion Meadows' sax is simply the icing on the cake and a perfect accompaniment to Wansel's expert hands on the keyboards. I cannot live without this song...simply beautiful. The sprightly "Special My Love" has Norman Connors' handiwork all over it. He's recently re-visited it on his new Cd but it does not even compare to this. Was it worth actually trying? I think not. The eerie and different "Tossin' And Turnin'" is another clear winner and is has real punch when turned up LOUD! This set is full of contrasts and it works! The genius is that although this is the case, the album flows along perfectly. A great job done. My final pick is "He's The Only One", again featuring Marion Meadows on sax. Spellbinding quality soul. If you don't own this then don't let your collection suffer any longer without it!
Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe
The Vibe Scribe
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