What The Critics Say
On The Real Thing, her sixth studio album (not counting two Christmas releases), Vanessa Williams switches from the '70s soul covers that made up 2005's Everlasting Love to a mix of adult contemporary originals and faithful interpretations. While Rob Mathes produced the entirety of the previous set, the labor here is divided between him and Rex Rideout (Boney James, Will Downing), as well as Keith Thomas and Babyface, both of whom go way back with Williams. With four people sharing the producer's chair, the whole album nonetheless carries a relaxed, serene feel, even when it is at its most active and spirited. The highlights tend to come with the Latin material -- including the title track, written by Stevie Wonder for Sergio Mendes, and "If There Were No Song," switching between a lush ballad and splashes of percussion and horns -- which Williams pulls off with natural ease. It's not likely to raise anyone's body temperature, but it's too welcoming to ignore. ~ Andy Kellman, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
On Everlasting Love, Vanessa Williams covers her favorite soul songs of the '70s, often with help from the London Session Orchestra. This is a classy set of material that straddles the line between faithful renditions and creative reinterpretations. The strummy folk-soul of the Isley Brothers' "Harvest for the World" is turned into jazz-funk for the dancefloor; the natural exuberance within "Never Can Say Goodbye" is toned down a few degrees, thanks in part to George Benson's guitar and James "D-Train" Williams' (!) backing vocals. Nothing really grabs you by the throat or makes your body hairs stand on end, but that's all right. Williams' music career has almost always had more to do with caressing the ears than anything else. This disc is nothing if not a fan pleaser. ~ Andy Kellman, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Although it relies a little too heavily on ballads, Next finds Vanessa Williams in fine form. Williams has grown into a strong singer, capable of wringing emotion out of even banal adult contemporary tracks. She can turn the relatively empty songs into impressive showcases for her vocal talents, and when she has a good song, like the sultry "Someone Like You," the results are first-rate. There could have been more uptempo dance numbers like "Happiness" to give Next more depth, but it's still a worthwhile effort from Williams. ~ Leo Stanley, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
With the help of some talented friends, charming pop vocalist Vanessa Williams blends in the beauty of jazz, gospel, and soul music to create a portrait of Christmas songs. The record, entitled Star Bright, is genuinely filled with a glistening appeal, and the songs that it contains encompass a rich tapestry of the best and brightest seasonal music. The setting changes via each song, some tunes filled with Williams' rich voice backed by an assertive, charismatic gospel choir. The collection is filled with such traditionals as "Do You Hear What I Hear" and "What Child Is This?" A brilliant rendition of Rob Mathis' "Star Bright" is featured, and "Angels We Have Heard on High" draws the listener to the feeling of a wintry landscape of hope and joy during this festive season. Perhaps the most romantic tune featured in this collection is Williams' duet with Bobby Caldwell, a flavorful jazz singer in his own right. These arrangements make good soup for the casual holiday music listener and should be favorites for a long time to come in the holiday section at one's local retail music store. Just a side note -- the packaging is quite festive and appealing, decorated with snowflakes and blue-type lettering in the credits. Williams looks quite radiant by herself on the cover, enough to appease the listener to buy the record. Other uplifting, praiseworthy tunes such as "Go Tell It on the Mountain" and "Gracious Good Shepherd" deserve a listen. The final track, "I'll Be Home for Christmas," is the most reflective piece, and should spark one to ponder on holidays and years past, and reminisce on precious times with family or without. ~ Shawn M. Haney, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
More diverse than Vanessa Williams' two previous albums, Sweetest Days finds the singer exploring jazz-influenced songs without giving up the type of boring, radio-minded fluff that had enabled her to sell millions of albums. The CD's standout track is "Ellamental," an irresistible R&B/jazz/hip-hop tribute to Ella Fitzgerald. (Much to her credit, Williams was insightful enough to praise the jazz legend while she was still alive instead of waiting until after her death.) She's almost as appealing on "Sister Moon" (a torchy Sting gem) and the Babyface contributions "You Can't Run" (which has a Sade-ish quality) and the haunting "Betcha Never." But sadly, Williams doesn't hesitate to waste her talent on such contrived, hopelessly dull adult contemporary fluff as the title song -- a song that's every bit as clichéd and insipid as "Save the Best For Last." ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Typically, Vanessa Williams' albums are mixed bags. She's at her most exciting when taking chances and coming from the heart, and at her worst when recording frightfully dull material that is designed strictly for commercial radio airplay. This is certainly true of her sophomore effort, The Comfort Zone. Williams is at her best on the sexy, alluring title song and a striking remake of the Isley Brothers' "Work to Do," and at her worst on the hit adult contemporary ballad "Save the Best For Last." The song isn't genuinely romantic, only corny and insipid. One wishes Williams would stick to songs that are worthy of her, but when artists are under pressure from labels to sell as many albums as possible, artistic considerations easily fall by the wayside. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
The disc is evenly divided between dance-floor fodder and AOR fluff, and it ain't half bad. Despite the fact that Williams works with six producers and eight songwriters, the disc has a consistent feel, and while Vanessa doesn't have a voice suited to belting out raunchy R&B, she's smart enough to stay within her limitations and let her personality take up the slack. ~ J. Poet, All Music Guide
