Martha Wash
Artist: Martha Wash

Martha Wash's work with the Weather Girls and Black Box was so strong that one couldn't help but greet this debut solo album with high expectations -- perhaps so high that a generally enjoyable album came as a slight disappointment. Anyone familiar with the big-voiced diva's history couldn't help but hope for a soul/disco/house extravaganza, and... Read More

Portrait of a Singer
Artist: Howard Huntsberry
The Best of Sade
Artist: Sade
Community Score: 8.00

By the time this was released in 1994, something unexpected happened. Sade's early work became classic and the later additions boasted even better vocals and songs that nicely improved on the theme. The timeless sound and class always exhibited makes Sade Adu and her band a no-brainer for an appealing compilation. Like Al Green's Greatest Hits,... Read More

I Ain't Movin'
Artist: Des'ree
Community Score: 5.00

British soulstress Des'ree caused little more than a ripple with her 1992 debut, Mind Adventures, but caught fire with her sophomore effort, I Ain't Movin', and the smash single "You Gotta Be." The uplifting song was a U.S. Top Five hit and best exemplified Des'ree's smooth blend of pop/R&B music and power-of-positive thinking lyrical style.... Read More

Age Ain't Nothing But a Number
Artist: Aaliyah
Community Score: 8.78

Aaliyah has a pleasant voice, but the real reason the teenager's debut album, Age Ain't Nothing but a Number, was a hit is the radio-ready production courtesy of R. Kelly, her then-husband. Kelly wraps Aaliyah's voice in layers of lush synths and deep grooves, while adding songs that are frequently better than the ones on his own album, 12 Play.... Read More

All-4-One
Artist: All-4-One
Community Score: 8.25

All-4-One's self-titled debut proved that the quartet were exceptional vocalists, but the songs they sing often don't do them justice. Dividing their time between ballads and smooth dance-pop numbers, the group always sounds good, but they aren't charismatic enough to make weak material compelling. Nevertheless, when the group does have a good... Read More

Diary of a Mad Band
Artist: Jodeci
Community Score: 7.56

Jodeci juggles new jack swing and vintage soul on their second album...The disc's love songs, particularly "Cry for You," "What About Us," and "My Heart Belongs to You," are tender, passionately sung, sincere expressions of romance and love. But then...there's a string of innuendo-laden come-on numbers, complete with explicit language, raps and... Read More

From the Mint Factory
Artist: Mint Condition
Community Score: 7.50

The second release from Mint Condition follows closely on the heels of their successful debut. Principal vocalist Stokely has good presence, projects sincerity and earnestness on love songs, and reflects Stevie Wonder's influence. The backing vocals, arrangements, lyrics and production style aren't overloaded with electronics, strings or any... Read More

Toni Braxton
Artist: Toni Braxton
Community Score: 8.69

Toni Braxton is both an elegant and earthy songstress, nicely balancing those seemingly divergent sentiments on her self-titled debut disc. Braxton's husky, enticing voice sounds hypnotic on "Breathe Again," dismayed on "Another Sad Love Song," and disillusioned on "Love Shoulda Brought You Home." But she's never out of control, indignant, or so... Read More

Take a Look
Artist: Natalie Cole

Those who questioned whether Natalie Cole had either the will or skill to succeed with another session of pre-rock popular music need wonder no more. There are another 18 jazz-tinged and early pop numbers, with some unexpected pleasures ("Calypso Blues," "It's Sand Man") and spectacular triumphs ("Cry Me a River," "Fiesta in Blue," "I'm... Read More

The Collection: 1991-1998
Artist: Mint Condition

The Collection (1991-1998) contains all the highlights from the Mint Condition's first three albums, plus their contribution to the Jason's Lyric soundtrack, "If Trouble Were Money," and two new recordings. Since Mint Condition's albums were a little uneven, a collection of this sort is welcome, even if it arrives a little early; it offers an... Read More