Lisa Stansfield Album: “Lisa Stansfield”

From the seductive midtempo of the opening track, "Never Gonna Fall," to the sweaty house rhythms of the closer, "People Hold On," this project finds Lisa Stansfield in top form. She shows her love for 70's soul on two wonderful reamkes: Barry White's "Never Never Gonna Give You Up" and Phyllis Hyman's "You Know How to Love Me," which both succeed not only in being respectable to the originals but also in being unique artistic statements for Lisa. "The Real Thing" uses a familiar Lisa chord progression without sounding redundant, thanks in part to an irresistible hook and slick production. "I'm Leavin" is one of the great underrated soul ballads of recent years, and the gently brilliant "Don't Cry for Me" shows that not all straight-ahead pop is pure schmaltz. Like all Stansfield projects, the album could have been trimmed down by a couple of tracks, most notably the hip-hop lite "The Very Thought of You" and the routine ballad "Got Me Missing You." But listen to the sleazy funk of "The Line" and the acoustic revelation that is "Footsteps" and it's clear that Lisa has reached yet another artistic plateau. Sadly, this album will never get the commercial attention it deserves, but today's hard-edged divas that are selling so many records on the strength of gimmick could take a lesson from a true and unique vocal artist like Lisa. To quote track two, this is the real thing.

Easily Lisa Stansfield's BEST release. EVER!! Why this CD did not receive more attention upon its release escapes me. I just came across this disc upon seeing it marked down to a ridiculously low price in the bargain bin at a large music store in San Francisco last week. As many other listeners have noted here on Amazon, there are NO filler tracks here at all. Lisa sounds equally at ease singing her blue-eyed soul on the killer dance tracks and the slow-burn ballads. But I have to say, it is still her remake of Barry White's "Never, Never Gonna Give You Up" and Phyllis Hyman's "You Know How To Love Me" that elevate this CD to a MUST-OWN status for any R&B/Disco/Dance Fan. Her remake of Barry's dance classic easily equals the Big Black Teddy Bear's 1973 classic. The rhythmic instrumentation is a nice update of Barry's great track while still retaining its core foundation. While "You Know How To Love Me" sort of pales in comparison, Lisa still does fans of the late Phyllis Hyman proud with her soulful remake.

There are several outstanding modern tracks here besides the two '70s remakes, like "Suzanne" "Don't Cry For Me" and the surprisingly touching "Footsteps", which reminds me of a gospel tune with its deeply moving lyrics. For any Stansfield fan, Lisa does no wrong here. Her sexy, soulful voice makes every track stand out, especially her cover of the classic Seventies stuff. Sort of makes me wish Lisa would release an entire CD full of Seventies covers. Am I the only one who wishes this? I'm sure many of her fans think the same. Lisa was born 30 years too late. She should have been born to make this blue-eyed soul stuff in the Seventies alongside the likes of Phyllis Hyman, Gladys Knight, Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor.

Lisa Stansfield has to be one of the most (commercially) underrated artists in the industry today. The commercial failure of this CD proves it. What a voice! The songs are sexy and beautifully phrased by this oh so talented English girl. Get this CD and hear how real soul should sound. My only complaint about this album are the way the tracks are sequenced. Otherwise, the songwriting, individual song arrangements and, again, that VOICE - all superb!!!

I have heard her on the radio and realized I was missing out not having her music in my collection. She sings beautifully. Her sound is a great blend of R&B and soul. She needs to do more. My fav tracks are The Real Thing, Never Never Gonna Give You Up and Don't Cry For Me.

Yes, this is Lisa's best cd to date and the other two weren't bad! Good looks and great music...what a combo..