Tamia Albums (4)
What The Critics Say
After several inexplicable record company delays to the project and a four-year hiatus, Tamia's long-awaited third album finds her sticking to many of the roots that were in place through her previous releases. Her voice is stronger than ever and while she hasn't really lost a step, it's the producers who equally share the spotlight here. On each track, they present a different environment in which Tamia can flex her skills. From the pop-savvy genius of Jermaine Dupri and Trackmasters taking her to the club dancefloors and radio-friendly unit shifters ("More" and "Still") to the 7 Aurelius ballad "Officially Missing You," which takes a blatant page from the Babyface book of ballad production, she delivers a strong performance right from the onset of the record. There are moments of filler (getting through "Still" is a tedious exercise in patience at times), especially if you're looking for shades of innovation. While there are moments of pure R&B pop indulgence that will satisfy casual listeners and those looking for the hits, More really doesn't break new ground, nor does it separate her from the rest of the pack (right down to the Beyoncé/Lopez image makeover in the packaging) of acrobatic divas who adhere to the same formulas. ~ Rob Theakston, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Canadian-born chanteuse Tamia's second album, A Nu Day, is a nice pop-R&B record that doesn't set off to break much new ground. She has more of a traditional singer's voice (à la Vanessa Williams) than the guttural growls of many of her day's R&B contemporaries. That said, this album provides for a pleasurable and unchallenging listening experience. As was the norm for that day and age, the album contains its share of man-dissing tunes, notably the two openers, "Dear John" and the set's first single, "Can't Go for That," which is also offered as the set's closer, in remix form, sampling the Hall & Oats hit from which it's inspired. There's also an adequate cover of the old DeBarge hit "Love Me in a Special Way." Some of the set's strongest material, however, includes funkier tunes penned by Dallas Austin, "Go," and Missy Elliott ("Wanna Be," arguably the set's biggest highlight). Dubious offerings include "Un'h--to You," which may sound somewhat funky, but the over-sexed lyrics come off sounding more awkward than legitimate (imagine Vanessa Williams singing about "finding her spot"). Another song, "Long Distance Love," tries awkwardly to make poetry out of lyrics that include the words "AT&T," "Bell Atlantic," and "Sprint," with awkward commercial-sounding results that only serve to date and cheapen this otherwise engaging set. Regardless, Tamia's voice is a pleasure to the ear, and the set boasts its share of strong songs. Other notables include "Stranger in My House" (the second single) and "If I Were You." ~ Jose F. Promis, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Although it suffers from some uneven material, Tamia's eponymous debut album is an appealingly stylish collection of contemporary urban soul. Usually, her seductive voice can make the mediocre songs enticing, but the album truly soars when she has a strong song, like "Imagination." It's moments like these that indicate Tamia has true potential. ~ Leo Stanley, All Music Guide
