Customer Reviews

Martha Wash

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have a long-standing appreciation for the vocal power and artistry of Martha Wash. First on background/featured vocals for the late Sylvester, then as one of the Two Tons of Fun, to a lesser degree as a Weather Girl [because of the triteness/novelty factor of some of those tunes], then as a featured vocalist, sometimes uncredited, for a variety of club music acts. From her first appearance, she was a singer to watch!

On MARTHA WASH, her first official solo album, she does her typical masterful best, belting out her heart on a series of upbeat, gospel-influenced [and sometimes, themed] dance/r&b tunes, and a few ballads. Ms. Wash, quite simply, can sing circles around just about anybody. One thing I truly appreciate is that she is not a screamer for screaming sake. She is a vocalist of great artistry, as well as power. She can shade a tune just right to build drama. I defy anybody not to appreciate her vocal majesty in Carole King's "Someone Who Believes in You," an incredibly beautiful ballad that she completely makes her own, and yes, makes you BELIEVE.

The club cuts are all a cut above, and, not just because of the power vocals. They are above-average tunes in and of themselves. They are among my favorite tracks to which to work-out.

Everything about this project: the singing, the musicianship, and the tunes themselves, is above average.

If you love r&b and gospel with a strong dance/club flavor, and extremely beautiful and strong vocals, this set is not to be missed, and can be picked up for a steal of a price.

CARRY ON, MARTHA!

It's a sad comment on the music industry that Martha Wash had to SUE various records labels for ripping off her vocals for other big hits (BLACK BOX, C&C MUSIC FACTORY) to finally get a shot at making her own debut album, but here it is! If only more people bought it like me. If you love house beats and fierce, lung-busting vocals, how can you deny the triple threat of the CD's open trio of dance hits: WHATCHA GONNA DO, GIVE IT TO YOU, and RUNAROUND - all hammered at dance clubs in the mid 90s. Featuring production and writing by TODD TERRY (before EBTG) and BRIAN MORGAN (before SWV), Martha's range goes from house to gospel to R&B to power ballad and uptempo pop/dance in the blink of an eye, never losing focus or strength - I just wish some label would give her another shot to bless us with a new CD!!

Wash is one of those talents that are rarely heard outside of the "club scene". That fact is great injustice for this singer possesses a voice that can alternately explode one minute and be gentel the next.

The self-titled '93 release supports that supposition, with songs suited for the dance floor as well as the choir stand in a church. "Leave a Light On" "Carry On", and "Give It to You" are examples of the former, wherein "Hold On, Part II" can get one jumping up and shouting on the pews.

Wash shows her softer side on "Now That You're Gone", a ballad lamenting a relationship gone sour and the reflective aftermath of its end. As the abandoned woman, Wash comes across as one that will rebound and stand the test of time.

As a singer, she should continue to do the same.

If you listen to house music, it's likely you've heard this woman. She has worked with C&C Music Factory, Black Box, and just about everybody else for 30+ years. Amazing powerhouse vocals, with great songs that really showcase her voice. Where is the new stuff? I'm waiting!! :)

If you enjoy house music, you'll love this one. Some nice ballads here, but most of the stuff is ready for the club. Upbeat and happy.

The anonymous voice behind about a dozen club hits of the early 90s and the victim of one of dance music's most pathetic moneymaking schemes, Martha Wash (born on 12-28-53 in San Francisco), can sing with the gut busting intensity of Aretha Franklin, but she's never received any singing credit for all of the songs on which her big, booming voice is heard. Wash, who weighed some 250 lbs and was nearing 40 at the time that she helped make hits for C+C Music Factory, Black Box, and Seduction, was always replaced on the album cover by a younger, thinner female that the record companies attempted to pass off as the actual female vocalist heard in the songs, and this practice was unfortunately also used in these groups' music videos. Fortunately, Martha Wash fought successfully for acceptance, and in 1992 she made this album that not only does nothing to waste her singing talent, but also lays down a few gut wrenching ballads along with the customary club-hoppers. "Things We Do For Love" is a good floor pumper, as is "Carry On" which adds some gospel-ish exuberance, and she turns out a gorgeous ballad with "Someone Who Believes In You." Currently, Martha Wash is one of the most popular live club performers in the world.

If you like REAL singers, then you need to purchase this CD because Martha sings her A.. off. Sylvester knew what he had when he introduced her to the world, and that's all I got to say about it!!

I purchased this album 2 years ago and still listen to it to this day........ 4-06. Martha has one of the best underated voices in the business. She has been ripped off by others but anyone who knows her voice,,,knows it no matter what face they try and put on the voice....... trust me you will love martha once you hear her, and this is by far one of the best albums ever......... rick

The product was in the shape as promised and the delivery time was was quick and unexpected. Thank You....

Her voice is amazing. Love this CD. Buy it if you don't already own it. Martha rocks!

Oh my Goodness, I was down in ATL. when I heard this CD when I tell you this lady has a powerhouse voice like no other. With some of her notes she runs circles around Mariah Carey. I love this CD, if you really want to hear a real voice sing and not some of this B/S on the radio. Get this CD you will see it