Customer Reviews

Paradise

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Billy Lawrence is my favorite female vocalist of all time. When people ask, and I tell them this, the very common reaction is "Who?" At that point I am eager to let them listen to one of her CD's and EVERY TIME I have gotten the person hooked on her! As I said in my comments on "One Might Say," Billy Lawrence can reach an amazing point of soul/intamacy with her smooth, mellow voice. Her songs are beautiful written and "Paradise" offers a variety of styles that can only be described as amazing. I would say the highlights of the CD are the songs "Heaven" and "Footsteps." The two songs are perfect examples of Billy Lawrence's unique, smooth vocal style and songwriting skills. Much like "Forgive Me Baby" (one of my favorite songs of ALL TIME) is on "One Might Say." I sincerely hope that Ms. Lawrence has a third album in the works. I know I will be first in line to buy it!!

This is a great album! It showcases her melodic voice on songs that touch on R&B that pulse with the heartbeat of classic soul. Billy's talents go beyond her crystalline voice. She's building a reputation as one of the most dynamic and creative artists in music. She first charmed her critics and listeners on her '94 debut "One Might Say" that introduced a refreshing sound that stood boldly apart from the formulaic sameness that grips much of today's R&B. With her second album, Paradise shines as a smoothly blended amalgam of Billy's diverse music environment. Each song on Paradise holds a very special place in the singer's heart. Her passion spills over on to each song on Paradise. While these songs all have what it takes to become a hit, it's quite obvious they weren't written just with that intent. From the elegant "Hooked On You" to the funky hip-hop "Come On" feat. MC Lyte to the sexy, but innocent "Whirlpool of Love," Billy fills her music with a spirit of optimism, faith and a little mystery. On songs like "Paradise" and "Footsteps" she shows a wisdom beyond her years. "Paradise" is about how you can only reach paradise in life when you believe in yourself. "Footsteps" is the fitting end to the album, an aggresive, confident lesson on the dangers of taking the wrong path in life. This album is a sparkling collection that transcends genre, 11 sensuous gems that are beautiful to hear and meaningful to listen to. Don't hesitate to buy this great well-done album.

For the life of me I do not know why this album was slept on. It is so beautiful. Billy Lawrence's voice is enchanted. This isn't a blind fanatical review. I'm being real. ...I bought this album many years ago and it still manages to get repeat spins in my stereo. Billy Lawrence is an underrated vocalist that shines like diamond hidden under a rock, all she needs is the right promotion and she'll take off. I pray and hope that she creates another record because she is a great artist and I will always follow her music.

I can recall one night this year, it was around 4am and I was playing this album and Billy's first album "One Might Say" on my stereo. My friend was in the room and we were both just relaxing. He had never heard of Billy Lawrence before so we were both just listening to the records, I woke up the next morning and he's all shaking me like "who was that singing that album?!" I said it was Billy Lawrence and he was like "her singing is so beautiful, how come I never heard of her?" All I could reply is "I don't know." But, don't you make the same mistake. Obviously, you're reading this review because you stumbled across this artist and she intrigued you. ...However you purchase this album just get a ticket and enjoy this beautiful ride because I have and I always will. Thank you, Billy Lawrence.

This was a sleeper album of '96. My favorite cut was "Paradise". I remember hearing it for the first time in college at Grambling State ( GS, GS, GS, GS, U...U...U! I thought u knew!) Although it had only a few stand out singles it was still a quality album. Definitely worth a purchase!

When this album first came out, I remember I was hesitant to buy it. This album really nice with smooth, laid back grooves and Billy's voice is so soft. Trackmasters did a really good job producing this album. Overall, nice album.

I heard Billy's song, 'Come On' on the "Set It Off" soundtrack and was intrigued by her vocals. I wish I could find more fan sites to learn more about her as an artist but I slept on her when this album was released. I can't really remember what was going on in the music world in 1997 but I can't imagine why Billy did not get more attention on the strength of THIS disc. I did go back and purchase her debut and found it weak so this disc definitely shows growth and improvement; however there are more filler tracks than solid hits so maybe that's why she hasn't been picked up by another label to date.

Her vocals are breathy & airy and match perfectly with her music - it's also impressive that she wrote or co-wrote a majority of the songs but conversely - working with others may help her produce stronger tracks or "radio friendly hits" that others are so obsessed with. As a music fan, I'd recommend giving this disc a try, it's enjoyable r&b and Billy's vocals are certainly stronger and more enjoyable to listen to than the current r&b chicks who're being shoved down our throats today.

The stand-out tracks to me are: Come On, Paradise, Whirlpool of Love (she really reminds me of Pebbles on this track), So Into You, Tell Me Why (really showcases her vocals), Chances Are, Footsteps. Although I like Up & Down, the song really is filler material and I admit that the use of the sample is what I enjoy most about the song.

Billy Lawrence is a singer that I think alot of people really missed out on. The voice is unique and when you hear it, you can say "THAT is billy".

I gave the album 3 stars instead of 4 only because of a couple tracks that people would like to call fillers. But songs like "chances are", "come on", and "foot steps" NEED to be heard. Great songs, good album, I suggest this one for something different to add to your collection.

By listening to Billy Lawrence's songs on this album, you almost feel just like you are in Paradise. I first heard her single "come on" feat. MC Lyte in 1997 on the radio in the car and soon after one day while in the record store I spotted the single and bought it on CD and on cassette as well as the maxi single with 7 tracks. Later, the album Paradise was released and I didn't hesitate to get it... after listening to the first 3 or 4 songs I absolutely loved it! She sings so beautifully and the songs and music is also beautiful. Billy will leave you mesmerized and captivated with her pretty voice. Make this your nexy buy!

I love all the songs on the album. Billy is a powerful singer and you can feel her vocals.My favs are "Footsteps Poem", "Hooked On You", "Come On", "Paradise", "Crazy Love", "Whirlpool Of Love", "So Into You".

I listen to this cd almost every day!! Full of smooth R&B and mid-tempo grooves that pull you in and keep you focused on the music until the last track (I have been late to work many times because of this cd). I bought it after hearing it being played in a music store. Afterwards, I even went back for her first cd "One Might Say". I highly recommend this cd to anyone who likes R&B, especially smooth R&B.