![]()
select
***
ALBUM REVIEWS
Entertainment Weekly (10/12/01, p.43) - Ranked #88 in EW's "100 Best Movie Soundtracks"
Spin (1/97, p.59) - Ranked #16 on Spin's list of the '20 Best Albums of '96.'
New York Times (1/6/96, p.C16) - Included on Jon Pareles' and Stephen
Holden's list of the Top 10 Albums of `95 - "Kenneth (Babyface)
Edmonds gathers most of the sultriest female singers in current
rhythm-and-blues... and matches them with his own tender,
gently pulsating songs..."
Musician (3/96, p.92) - "...this is a Babyface album. Not only
did he write all the new songs, but it's his empathy and melodic gift
that sets the stage for these performances..."
Entertainment Weekly (12/1/95, p.73) - "...the album goes
down easy, just as you'd expect from a package framed by
Whitney Houston tracks....the soundtrack waits to exhale,
hovering in sensuous suspense." - Rating: B
All Music Guide (1/97)
- Mega-producer Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds assembled quite a cast for this critically acclaimed
soundtrack (and movie). The phenomenal Whitney Houston leads a mostly all-star cast of artists.
Houston is featured on three of the 16 selections including the "Exhale (Shoop Shoop)," which
crested at the number One spot on the Billboard R&B charts for eight consecutive weeks
and one week at number one on the pop charts. The dynamic vocalist sails through
the emotional "Why Does It Hurt So Bad." She teams with Cece Winans on the
inspirational duet "Count on Me," and both accomplished singers raise all hopes with their comforting vocals.
With a Sly Stone twist, Babyface concocts a laid-back funk groove
for the single "Sittin' up in My Room," which features the humble
vocals of Brandy. Though the song does not allow her to unwind
with her higher notes, it does, however, reveal her lower octaves.
The single reached number two on both the Billboard R&B and
pop charts. "Not Goin' Cry" features the eccentric Mary J. Blige
lamenting a lyric that became an anthem for many women. Rising star
Faith Evans delivers a cynical lyric with her adulating vocals.This
album also includes three stellar selections by three divas: Aretha
Franklin, Patti LaBelle, and Chaka Khan. Their voices just defy time
by soaring to admirable feats. The lesser-known acts (Sonja Marie,
For Real, and Shanna) impart excellent performances on this
outstanding all-female set. ~ Craig Lytle, All Music Guide
|
![]() |
![]() Release Date: 11/14/1995
|