Sounding Off - Brief Article

Ebony, July, 2001

LUTHER VANDROSS is back with a wonderful new recording. Luther Vandross, that reminds us how great a performer and vocalist he is. Among the songs on the new CD from J Records is the melodically inquisitive "Take You Out," the poignant "Can Heaven Wait?" and the heartfelt, pleading "Bring Your Heart To Mine." On these and throughout the recording Luther proves he is still the master of the love song.

An inspirational collaboration between SEAN COMBS and the REV. HEZEKIAH WALKER, Thank You (Bad Boy/Elektra), is the first gospel record from Combs' label. The CD'S first single, the spirit-lifting "You," features Faith Evans, Carl Thomas, 112 and Mario Winans, among other artists. Another great song is Kelly Price on "Thank You," but standouts also include Brian McKnight on "Running Back To You" and "Something's Changed" from 112. Proceeds from the album will benefit charitable causes.

A brilliant and refreshing new artist is making an audacious debut with Songs in A Minor (J Records) on Clive Davis' new label. At age 20, the multitalented ALICIA KEYS struts her soulful stuff with a blend of funky R&B and cutting-edge hip-hop. Top that with Keys' angelic vocal power, her mastery of the piano and her clever lyrics. Among songs that impact are the passionate, soulful "Fallin'" and the moving "Troubles," both with sentiments far beyond her years. She collaborates with Isaac Hayes on the flowing "Rock Wit U" and with Jermaine Dupri on the rocking "Girlfriend." Then there's the emphatic, poignant "A Woman's Worth." This is the first from Alicia Keys, but it certainly won't be the last.

CRAIG DAVID has invaded the U.S. music scene with his personalized brand of British Soul, and fans are surrendering to the multitalented 19-year-old and his unique, inventive sound. On the CD, Born To Do It (Atlantic), you are convinced that the sweet-voiced artist indeed was born to deliver great music. There's the silky smooth yet thumping "Fill Me In," the Latin-flavored "7 Days," the easy-flowing, mellow "Walking Away," as well as the smooth, hip dance tune "Booty Man" and the jam "Rewind." Among the 12 cuts are plenty of songs with lyrics that women love and with which guys can identify, such as "Can't Be Messing `Round." Soon American fans will know why the gifted, charismatic David is an international, multiplatinum-selling star.

ALSO NOTED: Syleena Johnson, Chapter 1: Love, Pain and Forgiveness (Jive); 2Pac, Until the End of Time (Interscope); Lina debut, Stranger on Earth (Atlantic); Jamie Hawkins debut (Elektra); Sisqo, Return of Dragon (Def Soul); Gigi debut (Ryko/Palm); Jimmy Cozier debut (J Records); Bilal, 1st Born Second (Interscope); Lil' Johnny debut, I Got You (Warner Bros.); JT Money, Blood, Sweat & Years (Priority); 8Ball Presents the Slab (Jcor); Baby Boy soundtrack (Universal); CeCe Winans (Wellspring Gospel); Daryl Coley & Beloved, Oh, The Lamb (Verity); Excelsior debut, God@Work (Verity); Bishop Nathaniel Bond & DHP Mass Choir, Keep Your Mind on Jesus (Blackberry); Ted & Sheri debut (Church Howse Music); To Grover With Love (Q Records), with Gerald Albright, Ronnie Laws, Mark Whitfield and Chaka Khan; The Best of Quincy Jones, with James Ingram, Luther Vandross and Stevie Wonder (Universal); Benny Golson, One Day, Forever (Arkadia); Kenny Barron & Regina Carter, Freefall (Verve); Louis Armstrong: A Musical Autobiography (Verve); Chico Hamilton, Foreststorn (Koch); Spyro Gyra, In Modern Times (Heads Up); Terence Blanchard, Let's Get Lost (Sony), with Dianne Reeves and Cassandra Wilson; Karl Denson, Dance Lesson #2 (Blue Note); The Amazing Bud Powell (Blue Note); and Ernest Ranglin, Gotcha (Telarc).