Customer Reviews

Fear of Flying [Vinyl]

5 star:		(60)
4 star:		(34)
3 star:		(14)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Mya's Fear of Flying is probably one of the best r&b albums i have now. Anyone who likes pop/r&b/rap genre music will absolutely love this cd. Mya's first cd was hardly even worth listening to. 1. Turn It Up (Intro)- Great way 2 start the cd 2. Case Of The Ex - Awesome beat and tune. Great Song 3. Ride & Shake - Ok song. 4. That's Why I Wanna Fight - One of the best songs on the cd, definitely. 5. Pussycats - It really grows on u 6. The Best Of Me (feat. Jadakiss) - good song w/ good video 7. Lie Detector - another favorite 8. How You Gonna Tell Me - Great Song 9. Grandma Says (Skit) - Hilarious! 10. Takin' Me Over (feat. Left Eye) - Background music sounds like calm circus music. Left Eye has awesome, yet provocative rap. 11. Now Or Never - Corny beginning, but good song overall, w/ great beat 12. Fear of Flying - This song i really can idetify w/ because everything in this ballad i have gone thru. 13. Flying (interlude) - I know this sounds stupid, but it really touched my heart. 14. Can't Believe - Good slow song 15. No Tears On my Pillow - Yet another awesome slow song 16. For the First Time - Good r&b slow song 17. Man In My Life - ok song, there are better ones on the cd. 18. Get Over (Outro) - similar ending 2 the destiny's child cd (the writing's on the wall). the cds both end with a gospel style chorus.

Mya burst onto the music scene about three years ago with a string of catchy, slinky, well-sung singles and a solid debut album. She distinguished herself from the pack of emerging teenage singing stars by appearing in the Lilith women's music shows and by tap-dancing during her live performances. Time has passed and Mya re-surfaces as a beautiful young lady with an 18 cut CD meticulously produced (some will say over-produced) by the usual cadre of superstar producers, including the ubiquitous Rodney Jerkins, Wyclef Jean and hot rising studio star Swizz Beatz, alll of whom contribute potential hits. The result is a surprisingly varied and mixed bag of songs which somehow manage to share a cohesive sound based on equal parts TLC's "No Scrubs" and Destiny's Child, held together by Mya's vocal exuberance, sass and intelligence. The vocal special effect that first came to prominence in Cher's "Believe" weaves in and out of this album, which also includes a song reminiscent of The Cardigans' "Love Fool," an unexpected reference, and a folk-acoustic and very moving title track. The pack of ballads that close out the set vary in quality, despite Mya's best efforts, and don't always hold the attention. However, the first 8 tracks on this CD are as powerful and punchy a suite of hot songs as you will encounter, from the deserved hits "Case of the Ex" and "The Best of Me," to the smokin' hot "Pussycats" and bounce-ready "Ride and Shake." Most teen idols do not survive for long outside of their first flush of success, but Mya has the goods to continue making music for some time to come.

very rarely does one come across a record, where they can play the entire cd through without having to skip threw about 5 songs, well i should stop looking, because i found that record. this is the most unbelieveable cd i have since i bought keep the faith by faith evans. mya has definetly improved from the first record which was filled with corny little love songs, but the content on this album WOW! my favorite songs are "case of the ex", "thats why i wanna fight", "pussykatz", "best of me" [featuring Jadakiss], "lie detector" [featuring Beanie Man], "how you gonna tell me", "takin me over" [featuring Left Eye], "fear of flying", & "no tears on my pillow". the best song though is a flip between "now or never" & "can't believe". mya definetly put a ton of work into this album, and it reflects that. excellent job mya.

This album is a work of art. It makes me wonder how Alicia Keys could have gotten so many awards for her album, when in comparison from a non-R&B fan, Mya beats her out completely. I recommend this album above any of the other R&B albums, even Aaliyah's. This is one that deserves to be on everyone's shelves.

Ratings of Songs:
1.Intro--very cool, I liked hearing her voice. Not much words just moaning, but sounds nice. 10

2. Case of the Ex- Well I'm sure most of you have heard it. Gave it a 9.5 it's getting to a 10.

3. Ride and Shake-- I liked it, it's upbeat and has a nice flavour. Definite 10.

4. That's Why I Wanna Fight-- Enjoyed it. It's a 10. I liked it, very cute.

5. Pussycats-- Masterpiece. I love this one. I loved the rhymes, the lyrics, everything. I enjoyed this. If I could give it a higher score I would. It's a definite 10.

6. Best of Me-- Another amazing one. I liked Jadakiss lines, everything on this one is breathtaking. The lyrics are heated and smooth. Definite 10.

7. Lie Detector--This is for a man and or a woman. Perfect song. I loved it. It's cutre, it's fun, it's just way awesome. Completely slammin'. Definite 10.

8. How You Gonna Tell Me-- This is for all the girls, who get advice uncalled for. It's way good. I felt for it. Giving advice when their lives are a mess!! A 9.

9. Grandma Says-- it's an interlude, that's funny. Edumacation. Very funny!

10. Takin' Me Over-- I loved this one. I give this a 10. I enjoyed all the fast ones alot. Danceable, and cool to chillout with, because the lyrics make sense and have a ... flow. A definite 10.

11. Now or Never--Definite 9.5. This is a great song.

12. Fear of Flying--Title of the album. Actually this is the one song I can't tolerate. But once you listen to it more than once, it starts growing on you. So I give this an 8.5, because the lyrics are really moving, especially for any romantics at heart!!

13. Flying--Interlude: This is just her talking and giving a message. It's nice, flows with the song above. Pay attention to the lyrics of the song above and you'll understand this. But even as a stand alone, it has a deep message on love and how much it can hurt.

14. Can't Believe-- A 10. I love this. It's my favorite romantic song next to Man in My Life, on I adore.

15. No Tears On My Pillow-- A beautiful song. I loved it. I give it a 9.

14. Again and Again-- This is a song you can only get on the import album. Or you can hear it on Mya's site. It's a beautiful song, and taken out of the American version and put in place of by No Tears On My Pillow. If you want both, get the Import album. I'm fine with just the regular. And I'm sure this song will turn up on a single. This song is a definite 10.

16. Free-- You don't get this on the album. It's on the import as well. Kick ... a song, one of the [best] songs. It's on a soundtrack. If you can get it, it's worth it. It's a definite 10. The cutest song, and the video kicks .... You could see it and hear it at her site at myamya.com.

17. For the First time: I enjoyed this. It's a 9. I liked it alot.

18. Man of My life: Wow, this is my favorite romantic song. I love this song. I love it. Completely adore it. It'd be higher than a 10, but I can't put it higher than that. I love this song.

19. Get Over (Outro)- it's her thanks to everyone. She sort of sang it or something, I liked it.

This album was worth about 4 or 5 even 6 Grammys. I was really taken and impressed by the work on this album. Coming from a complete R&B hater, I had to give a note on how good this is!!

No hesitation, get this album, and if you can, get all the import songs. There are two. AGain and AGain and Free. You'd have to get the import for those. But you miss out on For The First Time. Overall I give this a grade of 100%. Great album. If you like R&B, and even if you don't, you might be converted if you hear this album. Masterpiece!!!

Sin,
V

I really dont like Mya and I really didn't like her first CD. In fact, the only song that I even liked was "If You Died I Wouldn't Cry Cause You Never Loved Me Anyway" (which was too long a name for a song anyways). I really didnt even plan on buying the CD. At first, I just bought it to say I had it. But I first listened to Pussycats because of the wierd name and I loved it right away. It was the knock! The beat was tight, the lyrics fit the music and everything. Then I listened from the beginning and I love Case of the Ex too. Nothing on her CD is bad (like on her old one). Towards the end there are a few slow songs but they're still good. I really like Case of the Ex, Pussycats, Lie Detector, How You Gonna Tell Me, Takin Me Over (the best song on the CD), Now or Never, Fear of Flying, and Cant Believe. You can definitely tell that Mya has matured and has put alot of time and dedication into this CD because it is the knock! I play it all the time! I bring my discman with me everywhere now! If you dont have it, you gotta get this CD.

Although I didn't purchase Mya's first CD, I decided to take a chance on her second CD, "Fear Of Flying". Overall the CD is good with just a few missteps. If I were to compare this CD with other CDs I would say that this CD is somewhere in between Brandy's "Never Say Never" and Monica's "The Boy Is Mine". Her CD takes on several different themes: heartbreak, temptation, revenge, etc. The best songs on this CD, in my opinion, are when Mya starts to slow the tempo down a little bit, just like she did on her previous CD with the single, "My First Night With You" and on the "Life" soundtrack, with "Why Should I Believe You". On "Fear Of Flying" she has "Can't Believe", "No Tears On My Pillow", and "Man Of My Life" which sounds similar to a Michael Jackson song. "Can't Believe " is my favorite song on the CD as of right now. Mya also wins with some of her uptempo songs as well. "Case Of The Ex", "How You Gonna Tell Me" and the current single with Jadakiss from the LOX, "The Best Of Me" are all certified hits. I think most people will like this album, but don't expect a "Never Say Never" or a "One In A Million", which I would give 5 stars. Mya's slowly but surely trying to make a claim as the top young female performer and like they always say the third time is the charm.

This is the first CD of Mya's I own and I was not disappointed. Many hip-hop artists release their better, faster tracks as singles, but the rest of the album is just filler. Well, this is definitely not the case for Mya. (OK, so some of the songs are a little slower than I'd like, but you can't please everyone.) I also have a lot of respect for Mya the way she doesn't flaunt her sex appeal to the media like so many other female artists today - her strength really does lie in her music. Her voice may not be amazing, but it's just right for the bouncy beats on this CD. I've had it over a year but it never really gets old.

Review (out of 10):

1. Turn It Up (Intro): It's a little long for an intro, but at least there is music and not just talk so I don't skip it over.

2. Case of the Ex: Here's the track I bought the CD for. The beat is movin' and the hook is really out there. Strong single - 10

3. Free: Another single, with more free flow to the lyrics. Also a great song to dance to - 9

4. Pussycats: Hot song, about girls on the street givin' it up to guys, or rather a lesson AGAINST such behaviour. I like the scratch she adds to the sound of the song. - 8

5. Again and Again: Once again, Mya's the one in control. Fast beat and good overall appeal, but nothing that'll rock your world. - 8.5

6. How You Gonna Tell Me: This was my favourite for a while, cuz the lyrics are fun but real. Good hit in my books - 9.5

7. Grandma Says (Skit): Funny, but is it necessary? But I have to say, the guy doing the Grandma makes a good imitation.

8. Takin' Me Over: This song ROCKS!!! It's slower (not ballad-slow) but still fast enough to get you going, and Left Eye's rap is tight - 10

9. The Best of Me: Another hot single with Jadakiss. This song didn't hit me at first but it grows on you. Great beat - 10

10. Lie Detector: I think this song is kinda funny (even though I'm not so sure it's supposed to be...). The hook is fast, and Beenie Man's voice is wicked - 9.5

11. Fear of Flying: Pretty good song, though I might have played it up a little better seeing as the CD rides on it. The CD kinda falls from here. It does have a nice feel, though - 8

12. Fear of Flying (Interlude): Don't bother with it, it doesn't really mean anything anyway.

13. Now or Never: The tempo is slowing down, but this song is kinda sweet and still has a little oomph in it - 8.5

14. Man In My Life: This is my least favourite track on the album. Mya is too tight to be singing sappy about some man. - 6.5

15. Can't Believe: Another ballad, same style. I can't find any real substance in this song. - 7

16. That's Why I Wanna Fight: The CD picks up just in time - this song has beat, and it's a little wacky in it's own way - 8.5

17. Ride and Shake: This song is another killer. The sound rocks ya and Mya's vocals keep it tight. Hot - 9.5

18. Get Over (Outro): Refer to Intro, it's basically the same idea.

As you can see, overall the CD has a pretty good appeal. I won't give it five stars, however, because a few rough edges need some smoothing and I'm surprised a couple tracks on there made the cut. But it's great hip-hop, and Mya rocks to her best on this album. You can dance to it, sing to it, play checkers, I don't know, whatever you're into. It's a worthwhile purchase for a star who's still on the rise. It's Now or Never.

I stole this Cd from my cousin because I loved Case of the Ex and Best of Me. When I listened Mya took my interest with her up tempo numbers and dreamy ballads. While her voice isn't top notch it doesn't matter. Only Pussycats to me is a miss step.

Mya actually channels a little soul on Man in my life (Toni Braxton like someone else said). However a highlight is I can't believe a slow tune about how Mya can't beleive her man is in love with another and not her. A lot of people can relate to that! Should have been a single.

Favorites: Best of me, Case of the ex, Man in my life, and I can't believe.

I never liked Mya much until I heard "Case of the Ex" on the radio and decided to purchase "Fear of Flying". I was surprised to find that most of the tracks are very good! My personal favorites are "Pussycats" - "Case of the Ex" - "The Best of Me" - "Takin Me Over". Here is a song-by-song review.

1. (Intro)

2. Case of the Ex - You might have heard this one already. A catchy one, easy to dance to. One of the best of the album, great track. 9/10

3. Ride & Shake - Another good track, this one has potential. Has attitude and good vocals. 8/10

4. That's Why I Wanna Fight - Yet another good one, a little slow for me at times, but still very good. 7/10

5. Pussycats - Cute opening, swanky vocals. Makes you want to move! One of my definite favorites on the album. 9/10

6. The Best of Me (ft. Jadakiss) - You may have heard this one, too. Very good, with a story of sorts between Mya and Jadakiss. Good lyrics, catchy. 9/10

7. Lie Detector - Smooth, interesting to listen to the lyrics carefully. Very good, with little Jamaican-ish vocals in there. 7/10

8. How You Gonna Tell Me - Nice opening, good use of guitar and background vocals. Very catchy, makes you want to get up and dance. Has potential. 8/10

9. Grandma Says (Skit) - Very cute, leading into next song.

10. Takin' Me Over (ft. Left Eye) - A very cute song, one of the best. Left Eye gives the track a fun edge. Lighthearted, one of my favorites. 9/10

11. Now or Never - A soft, gentle track, with catchy, sweet lyrics. A fun track, overall. 7/10

12. Fear of Flying - Title track. A gentle, warm song, with nice vocals. Not particularly one of my favorites, but I can't say it's bad. 6/10

13. (Interlude)

14. Can't Believe - Takes ahwile to begin. A romantic song, one of the few ballads, which pleases me. Once it begins, it's very sweet. 7/10

15. No Tears on My Pillow - Not one of my favorites, another ballad. But still, a nice song. 6/10

16. For the First Time - Kind of breathy, not particularly good. Doesn't sound like much work went into it. Not too bad. 5/10

17. Man in My Life - Final track, except for the Outro. Pretty good, not upbeat, but a nice track. 7/10

I remember this album when I was in the 7th grade and loved the single Best Of Me with Jadakiss. I played this album constantly. Fear Of Flying is about growing up,learning lessons,taking chances,listening to others and minding your heart. Mya takes steps,makes those moves,and soars with this album that exceeds all possibilities and fulfills all expectations. This album contains sassy,sexy,soulful and wise,hip-hop informed, and R&B flavored,laced with heartfelt singing and state of the art beats. This album took Mya into new uncharted territory and delivers an R&B/pop sound that signals maturity and a new outlook. This album has been certified Platinum. Remember,this was 2000. Mya was 21 or 20 when she recorded this album.