Cathy Dennis Albums (3)
What The Critics Say
After scoring no less than four American Top 10 hits from her debut album, Move to This, British singer Cathy Dennis followed up with a fine second album, Into the Skyline, which unfortunately fell into the dreaded "sophomore slump" category, perhaps because it treaded similar musical waters as her debut. As a result, her third and best album never saw a release in the United States. Am I the Kinda Girl was released during the peak of the 1990s grunge era, resulting in an album much more earthy and melancholy than her two previous dance-oriented records. This album, in fact, could very well be classified as a rock/pop album with no real dance cuts. "Am I the kinda girl that could be your boyfriend?" is the question she asks on the album's title track, and that sets the lyrical tone for the album. The lyrics are ripe with drug references and sexual innuendoes (without resorting to foul language), yet the songs possess a definite feeling of sadness. The ballads resonate with a 1960s sound, and the results are beautiful. "When Dreams Turn to Dust," "Stupid Fool." and "The Date" are among the album's best songs, and they are sung so earnestly they almost sound tearful. She also provides a great cover of the Kinks' "Waterloo Sunset." The upbeat songs, namely "Homing the Rocket" and "That Is Why You Love Me" are no less engaging. This is a solid, sincerely delivered album that unfortunately never received the exposure it was due. ~ Jose F. Promis, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Though not in a class with fellow British R&B/dance divas Lisa Stansfield or Caron Wheeler, Cathy Dennis proved herself to be a welcome addition to Britain's '90s R&B scene with Move to This -- a decent, though not remarkable, effort released when she was riding high on her hit with dance outfit D-Mob, "C'Mon and Get My Love," and her single "Just Another Dream" (both of which are among the CD's high points). The girlish-sounding Dennis doesn't have a great range, but she does have heart -- and is indeed warm and convincing on such sleek and infectious dance-floor fare as "Got to Get Your Love," "Taste My Love," and "Everybody Move" (which was produced by Nile Rodgers of Chic fame). Dennis is at her worst when moving from R&B/dance music to bloodless adult contemporary-oriented pop, like the ballads "Too Many Walls," and "My Beating Heart." Amazingly, the latter was also produced by Rodgers -- who has produced gems for everyone from David Bowie to Madonna, but wastes his considerable talents on "My Beating Heart." Nonetheless, Move to This has more strengths than weaknesses, and reminds us that England is definitely a country to pay attention to when it comes to dance music. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
