Faith Evans is no novice to the music industry. She has worked as a background vocalist for artists such as Mary J. Blige, Tony Thompson, Usher and Pebbles. She is also a member of Sean "Puffy" Combs' Bad Boy family, and FAITH is that record label's first attempt to venture into musical lands outside the hip-hop nation. The debut establishes Evans as a true soul singer, separating her from the pop-oriented R&B that has seemingly taken over the genre.
Faith's vocal style is based in the blues and gospel traditions, and the trumpet that enhances "Give It To Me" shows that Faith is just as comfortable communicating with jazzy instrumentation. "You Used To Love Me" is the closest she gets to a club or a jeep, but is still an example of the bluesy soul she conveys throughout the album. Although Faith shares the same producer as hip-hop-soul queen Mary J. Blige--who makes a guest appearence on the cover of the Rose Royce classic, "Love Doesn't Live Here Anymore"--her approach isn't likely to invite too many comparisons. "No Other Love" uses the same Isaac Hayes sample ("Walk On By") that made "Warning" a hit for her husband, The Notorious B.I.G., and is the kind of highlight that proves Faith's vocal talents surpass those of her peers.
Mostly comprised of ballads, the lyrics on FAITH focus on love and nothing else--whether it be the love for her daughter ("You Are My Joy"), or for her man ("Fallin' In Love"). Evans' writing reflects her life and her songs never address a something, but always a someone.
Recorded at Hit Factory, Daddy's House Recording and Clinton Studios, New York, New York; Central Studios, Bladensburg, Maryland.
Engineers include: Rich Travali, Axel Niehaus, Rob Paustian.
Personnel: Faith Evans (vocals, background vocals); Daron Jones (vocals, keyboards); Bruce Purse (trumpet); Darryl McClary, Herb Middleton (keyboards); Quinnes Parker (background vocals).
Audio Mixers: Charles "Prince Charles" Alexander ; Richard Travali; Axel Niehaus; Tony Maserati.
Recording information: Central Studios, Bladensburg, MD; Clinton Studios, New York, NY; Daddy's House Recordings, New York, NY; Hit Factory, New York, NY.
Photographer: Caroline Greyshock.
Unknown Contributor Roles: Fred McFarlane; Lisa Terry; Jeff Haynes; Akua Dixon; Kevin Johnson; Paul Pesco; Regina Carter ; Victor Bailey; Judith Insell.
Personnel: Faith Evans, Mary J. Blige (vocals); Daron Jones (vocals, keyboards); Bruce Purse (trumpet); Darryl McClary, Timothy "Tyme" Riley, Herb Middleton (keyboards); Jean-Claude "Poke" Olivier (programming); Quinnes Parker (background vocals); Mark Ledford, Regina Carter, Akua Dixon, Judith Insell, Victor Bailey, Paul Pesco, Fred McFarlane, Kevin Johnson, Jeffrey Haynes, Lisa Terry.
Entertainment Weekly (8/11/95, p.52) - "...packed with sensual, smoky R&B torch songs and titanium-hard hip-hop beats--Faith seems set to take her place at the top of the mountain of young soul divas..." - Rating: A- Vibe (9/95, p.192) - "...possesses a perfect voice. Folks have likened that voice to rain, and it's an appropriate metaphor....can sound as lilting as a summer shower or as electric as a thunderstorm. Her instrument's potential seems boundless....more Whitney than Mary, more classic than nouveau." The Source (9/95, p.104) - "...For those closet sentimentalists or those who like to get their slow drag on....when you're working with the man who perfected the remix, there's still a good chance that FAITH will not only be pumping on rainy nights in the crib but also on summer days in the Land Cruisers too..."
True R&B for the Millenium "Don't be Afraid" & "Reasons" tie as my favorite but the other tracks are so hot also. This album came out 1995 but clarly applies to me in 2011. It nursed my soul through a divorce and into a new relationship with the Love of my Life! No female singer has as much soul as Faith, no one out now. She is untouchable and you will be pleased you purchased this album, her best work ever! Her lyrics and soultry sound will give you chills and move you to tears. Submitted by meshia72 (Toledo, Ohio) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
A Total classic!!! This is one of favorite 90's R&B albums of all time. And here's what's weird. Im only 15!! Faith Evans is my favorite singer of all time. She's way btter than the singers like riahnna, beyonce, ciara, etc. that are now. My favorite song on this album is Dont Be Afraid. This song was a Wayans Bros. episode. Again, I love album Submitted by Brianna (New York) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
FAITH EVANS #1 FAN her first album is the best so far i can listen to it 24/7!!!!!she's GREAT Submitted by tc (NC,USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Super Artist!!! This woman is a super singer. Her music soars to unbelieveable heights. The songwriting is excellent and the lyrics are super. Any album by Faith Evans should be in your collection. Submitted by jejr9 (Irvine) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
The R&B Bible for Loving a woman It is official that "Reasons" is the best song on the album. However, Faith has matched this track on her latest album with the track "Catching Feelings". The content is not as good as "Reasons" but the trance is the same. This first album can be added to the list of all time greatest Love/relationship albums. Added to the likes of Babyface's "Tender Lover", Johnny Gill's ("My,My,My")1990 self titled album, and Marvin Gaye's "I Want You" album. This album should be a prerequisite for all men starting at age 17. We have to recapture the Love and let go of the fears that bring tears men. We just need a little "Faith". Submitted by Arcanum Ethereal (S.Euclid, OH) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
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