Comments for Belle, Regina, Passion

After a lukewarm debut and a promising followup, Regina soars on her third release with her most adult and seductive set. The title tune gets things started on a sultry hip-hop beat, and "Tango in Paris" boasts a smooth midtempo groove, but the rest of the album flaunts Regina`s ballad skills to the height of perfection. "Quiet Time" is a lush, jazzy winner; a spoken cameo from Barry White certainly doesn`t hurt the song`s romantic quotient, either. "The Deeper I Love" and "Do You Wanna Get Serious" showcase flawless vocals over irresistible pop hooks, and "My Man" proves to be one of the best readings of the Billie Holiday/Barbra Steisand tune ever recorded. The lovely (if a little sacchrine) "A Whole New World," from the children`s film "Aladdin," is included here...too bad it didn`t do the same for Regina`s career as it did for Celine Dion to sing the theme from "Beauty and the Beast." Still, the song is something of a modern pop classic and it fits in winningly here. "If I Could" is in the same adult-contemporary pop vein and boasts one of Regina`s finest vocals to date. "One Love" is a mediocre piece; its peace-on-earth lyrics and half-baked hook are nothing special. Then there`s "Dream in Color," which at least lets Regina`s vocals soar in a gospel setting (clearly, where she cut her teeth as a singer) but the composition, both music and lyrics, is tepid. Looking for the album`s gem? That would be "Love," a sultry, smoky ballad that marries pop and jazz so beautifully and features such a perfect vocal that Anita Baker must have been shaking in her boots when she heard this one. Don`t expect any up-to-the-minute raps, house beats, or current pop trends; Regina Belle is an adult`s artist, and anyone who favors the adult contemporary genre is definitely going to appreciate the songs and production on this winning release. As for her vocals, well...let`s just say that "Passion" is a most appropriate title.

I just wanted to compliment you on your achievements. that's really a way to go. However, I've been trying without success to get hold of the lyrics from your song, After the love has lost its shine, to no success. I wonder if you can e-mail me those lyrics. I reaally adore that song.