Sounding Off - Brief Article

Ebony, Oct, 2000 by Lynn Norment

WITH a unique voice, passionate delivery and from-the-heart lyrics, SYLEENA JOHNSON carves out her niche in the music world with her debut, Chapter 1: Love, Pain & Forgiveness (Jive). The Chicago native and daughter of R&B artist Syl Johnson says the recording is a "total expression of myself." Her words and passion speak of heartache and pain far beyond her 24 years. There are heartfelt songs, such as "She Don't Mean A Thing" and "Ain't No Love," and Syleena puts her own bluesy brand on each. Favorites are "You Said," which features vocalist Liberty City; "He's Gonna Do You In," with guitar flavoring from blues master Buddy Guy; the very pretty-yet-melancholy "One Day," and the assertive "I'd Rather Be Wrong." This talented vocalist also co-wrote each track.

R&B vocalist LV makes a hit debut with How Long (Loud), which contains a wealth of soul and R&B dedicated to women. But everyone will enjoy his silky-smooth vocals that range from baritone to tenor, set against pulsating rhythms that put you in a romantic mood. In addition to the passionate title track, there are many great songs, including the pleading "Forgive Me Girl," the catchy "Everyday Hustler," which features Raekwon, and "Hold On," a great take on Bobby Womack's Woman's Got To Have It." Previously best known for his haunting vocals on Coolio's 1994 "Gangsta's Paradise," LV shows he has the passion and pipes to go the distance.

After a long hiatus, vocalist RACHELLE FERRELL is back, and her fans will be delighted with her new recording, Individuality (Can I Be Me) (Capitol). With incredible range and a voice that defies categorization, Ferrell thoroughly entertains. She offers testimony on a personal relationship, and there are powerful songs that range from the intense "Sista" to the beautiful "I Forgive You" to the moving "I Gotta Go." Another standout is the tender "Reflections of My Heart," on which she is joined by her brother, Russ Barnes, also a talented vocalist.

With perfect harmonies, great melodies and up-to-the-minute lyrics, BOYZ II MEN demonstrates it is still the standard when it comes to male vocal groups. On the new recording, titled Nathan Michael Shawn Wanya (Universal), after the four members, the quartet showcases its enormous vocal talent, but the group also contributes to the writing and producing of the project. Among favorite cuts are the beautiful ballads "I Do" and "Pass You By," written by Shawn Stockman and produced by the group. There are also the Latin-flavored "Beautiful Women" and the dance grooves, "Bounce, Shake, Move, Swing" and "Step On Up."

ALSO NOTED: The Original Kings of Comedy soundtrack, featuring Steve Harvey, D.L. Hughley, Cedric the Entertainer and Bernie Mac (Universal); Aaron Neville, Devotion (EMI Gospel); Bebe Winans, Love & Freedom (Motown); Daryl Coley, Compositions: A Decade of Song (EMI Gospel); DarNell Owens, He's Got What U Need (Anointed Music); Jill Scott, Who is Jill Scott? (Hidden Beach); Changing Faces, Visit Me (Atlantic); The System, ESP (Orpheus Avex); Parental Advisory, My Life: Your Entertainment (Dreamworks); David Sanchez, Melaza (Columbia); Christian McBride Band, Sci-Fi (Verve); Branford Marsalis, Contemporary Jazz (Columbia); Big L, The Big Picture (Rawkus); Ta-Gana debut (Hollywood/Third Rail); Denise LaSalle, This Real Woman (Ordena); Somethin' For The People, Issues (WB); No Question (Ruffnation/WB); Big Bub, Never Too Late (Flavor Unit); Buju Banton, Unchained Spirit (Epitaph); and Cleopatra, Steppin' Out (Maverick).