Sounding off: the best in recorded music - recordings for Mother's Day - Brief Article

Ebony, May, 2002 by Lynn Norment

MOTHER'S Day is a special time for all, including songwriters and recordings artists. Over the years, a number of songs have stood out as beautiful, motherly tributes. Among them is the Intruders' melodic '60s "I'll Always Love My Mama," still popular some 30 years later. Then there are the Spinners' heartfelt "Sadie," the Winans "Special Lady" (a tribute to their grandmother), and Tupac Shakur's "Dear Mama." In recent years, Boyz II Men paid tribute with "Mama," and Lenny Kravitz honored his mother, the late actress Roxie Roker, with "Mama Said" and "Thinking of You" from his latest CD. Blues legend B.B. King's "Nobody Loves Me But My Mother" makes a poignant statement. And on his latest CD, Babyface encourages men to respect their "Baby's Mama." On these and other songs, the message is clear: Mothers hold a special place in our hearts.

TAKE 6 returns with a fresh new album, Beautiful World (Warner Brothers) that continues to showcase superb harmonization from the talented vocal group. On this set, the members demonstrate outstanding vocal ability as they tell inspiring stories, some with a gospel flavor (such as "Don't Give Up," "Wade In The Water" and "Peace in the Valley"), and others with more of an R&B or pop feel, and all infused with upbeat jazz rhythms. Take 6 guide listeners through their beautiful world.

MICHELLE WILLIAMS of Destiny's Child delves into her church roots with her debut solo recording, From My Heart to 'fours (Columbia). Among the standouts are the encouraging "Heard A Word," the soulful "Steal Away to Jesus" with Shirley Caesar, the easy-flowing, inspiring "Sun Will Shine Again," and "You Care for Me," which features Men of Standard. On all, Michelle uses her angelic voice to sing praises to God.

DONELL JONES returns with his third recording of love songs, Life Goes On (Arista), and it demonstrates that this talented singer-songwriter-producer will continue to have a major impact on the music scene and in the bedrooms of millions of fans. Inspired by love, he offers a mix of songs that address the emotional complexities of male/female relationships. There are the up-tempo "Still," the romantic "You Know," on which he pledges eternal faithfulness, and more, to his special lady; and "Do U Wanna," a loving, seductive mood-setter.

ALSO NOTED: Raphael Saadiq, Instant Vintage (Universal); Musiq Soulchild, Juslisen (Def Soul); Ray Charles, Thanks for Bringing Love Around Again (Crossover Records); Bobby McFerrin, Beyond Words (Blue Note); Kenny Garrett, Happy People (WB); Tom Joyner's Old School Mix Returns (Rhino); Ms. Jade, Girl Interrupted (Beat Club/Interscope); Tata & Brando (Heartless Records); Heather B., Eternal Affairs (Sai); Naughty by Nature, iicons (Naughty/TVT); MC Solaar, Cinquieme As (Elektra); Philip Bailey, Soul on Jazz (Heads Up); Avant, Ecstasy (MCA); Toshi Reagon, Toshi (Razor & Tie); The Persuasions Sing the Beatles (Chesky); The Very Best of Ashford and Simpson (Rhino); The Best of Tyrone Davis (Rhino); Reuben Wilson, Organ Blues (Jazzateria); B2K (Epic); Cooly's Hot Box, Take It (OmTown); Commissioned Reunion Live (Verity); BeBe Winans, BeBe Live and Up Close (Motown); Joann Rosario, More, More, More (Verity); Woody Rock, Soul Music (Gospo Centric); Joshua's Troop debut (Tyscot); Ann Nesby, Put It On Paper (It's Time Child Records/Universal); Tonex, O2 (Verity); and Kenny Eldridge and the Jesus Celebration Singers, A Live Celebration (Celebration Music).