Deniece Williams Albums (14)
What The Critics Say
Shanachie once again provides the means for a more-or-less inactive vocalist to record an album of covers. Like Ann Nesby's In the Spirit, Miki Howard's Pillow Talk, Vesta's Distant Lover, and Silk's Always and Forever, this disc is a set of favorites reinterpreted by someone with a loyal fan base; in this case, a fan base that has likely wondered whether or not to give up on hope for a new album. Deniece Williams' first disc since 1998's This Is My Song, Love, Niecy Style has been a long time coming, and it's a definite pleaser. It's not just that Williams' voice remains sweet and lilting, or that the song choices -- including Luther Vandross' "Never Too Much," Earth, Wind & Fire's "Love's Holiday," Donny Hathaway's "Someday We'll All Be Free," and Stevie Wonder's "If You Really Love Me" -- are first rate. There's an impressive list of collaborators, which doesn't look too dissimilar to the credits of her first several albums. Wonder, George Duke, Philip Bailey, and Bunny Sigler all guest on one or two songs, while Philly soul vet Bobby Eli produces and plays guitar throughout. Williams and her crew pull off a thematically and stylistically broad range of material, rarely doing much to alter the original arrangements, yet doing so with easy flair. ~ Andy Kellman, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
A solid but tranquil smooth gospel collection (nothing smacks you over the head saying "I'm a hit"). All the songs were co-written by Niecy, who manages to uplift everything with her sweet, angelic, forever young soprano. Most aspiring and uplifting are "Blessed Assurance," "Lover of My Soul," "No, Never Alone," and "I Love Him Above All Things." ~ Andrew Hamilton, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
The Songbird has returned to the recording studio for the first time in six years and she even owns the record label. Unfortunately, the whole project seems like a hurried demo record, a series of uninteresting, hookless, programmed songs. "Stop a Tear From Falling Down" and "One More Kiss" are juvenile, but the traditional a cappella gospel hymn "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" suits the singer well. "Why You Wanna Do Me" is funky and fast-paced track, while "Love Don't Even Live Here No More" is a ballad done in Williams' distinctive style, but other than those exceptions, much of the material is of average quality -- nothing special, nothing particularly memorable. ~ Bill Carpenter, All Music Guide
'Lullabies to Dreamland'
Release Date 11/12/1991
Tracks 12
Label Sony
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What The Critics Say
Original, acoustic, light pop lullabies, and the like. ~ Bil Carpenter, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Deniece Williams raised some eyebrows when she decided to begin splitting her focus between urban contemporary and contemporary gospel. The results have thus been quite mixed, and this first gospel venture not only wasn't a major success, but didn't even get widespread exposure in the gospel ranks. It was likewise ignored by pop and R&B audiences. The vocals were competent, the production dull and the material surprisingly timid. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Williams enlisted Philly soulmeister Thom Bell as her co-producer (and primary co-writer) a second time on this mellow 1982 release. Building upon the lush balladry of 1981's My Melody, this set inevitably bears a few similarities to its predecessor, but manages a more diverse soundscape. The rock-influenced "Love Notes"; the soft opening verse and subsequently alternating degrees of percussive intensity on "How Does It Feel"; the moody "Waiting"; and the marching rhythm and glorious melodic structure of "Now Is the Time for Love" almost defy classification. Vocally, Williams is in top shape here and seems completely in sync with the material and arrangements. Niecy also gave the songbird her second Top Ten pop hit in a cover of the Royalettes' 1962 hit "It's Gonna Take a Miracle," which she delivers capably, but not as intuitively as the original selections (all of which she co-wrote). Niecy is an essential addition to any Deniece Williams collection. ~ Justin M. Kantor, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Deniece's heavenly soprano is as impressive as ever under the guidance of producer Thom Bell. The sweet Philly sound architect keeps Williams' expressive, high-range vocals under wraps, transforming her into a bel canto singer on eight delightful selections. Highlights include the R&B hit "Silly," "Strangers," and the lovely Stylistics-inflected "You're All That Matters." Bell departs from signature sound on the reggae-drenched "Suspicious," but Williams handles the jerk groove as well as she does the ethereal "Sweet Surrender." ~ Andrew Hamilton, All Music Guide
'When Love Comes Calling'
Release Date 1/1/1979
Tracks 10
Label Columbia
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