Customer Reviews

Raw

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4 star:		(1)
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RAW (1989) is Alyson Williams first complete studio album as a solo artist. After recording with Melba Moore, Bobby Brown, Oran Juice Jones and being in such groups as Orange Crush and Unlimited Touch (with Melissa Morgan) she has finally come into her own. Being the first R&B female solo artist to record with Russell Simmons, she has proven her right to being the first lady of DEF JAM. I have had the opportunity to know Alyson (Ally Cat) during the recording of this installment and I must say she put every bit of her soul in each song.

With the CD opening, "Just call my name" along with "I looked into your eyes" and "Not on the outside", Alyson captures the classic R&B style that music listeners have been longing for. Surprisingly, Alyson pulls off the gospel edge of "I'm so glad" because she does come from a jazz background. The CD changes its format and style with "My love is raw", "On the rocks", "I need your lovin" and the Hip-Hop/Dance track "Sleep Talk" what strategy!!!! Not only does the CD provides a "Quiet Storm" format (that was suppose to be the original title of the CD but changed at the last minute)but it goes right into a genre of music that is still popular today!

I must say this is very fine work from a lady who has paid her dues since 1980 and I am proud to say she "showed up" like a Diva should.

Job well done!!!!

Buy it, you definitely will not regret the investment!!!!!

ALYSON WILLIAM'S debut album "RAW" was one of the best r&b albums the year it was released (1989). She had a wonderful vocal style that took you back to the 70's, but the style was kept current when blended with some hip-hop as she was on DEF JAM RECORDS. With background harmonies by the likes of BLUE MAGIC, JOCEYLN BROWN, LISA FISCHER, PHILLIP INGRAM, AND CHUCK STANLEY you can feel this soul music coming from a mile away!

The ballads are all esential. You can't tell if these tunes were done in the 70's or 1989. That is a good thing as some of the most romantic and jazzier r&b songs were composed in the 70's. "JUST CALL MY NAME" (Top 10 r&b) is about supporting the one you love, even if you're not together anymore. "I NEED YOUR LOVIN'" (Another top 10 r&b)is a stirring ballad. The single was actually a remixed version done by JAZZIE B. (SOUL II SOUL) and was more uptempo. NOREAGA sampled this on his "N.O.R.E." release for his rap "I LOVE MY LIFE". So if you're looking for that version you may be a little dissapointed to find the slower version on the disc. "WE'RE GONNA MAKE IT" a lovely duet with TED MILLS (of BLUE MAGIC) is a sure standout as the two talented vocalists trade leads. Another standout duet is the silky "IM SO GLAD" with CHUCK STANLEY.

The uptempo "SLEEP TALK" (Another top 10 r&b hit, without a video) and "MY LOVE IS SO RAW"(Featuring rapper NIKKI D.) also went top 20 r&b peaking at #12. This album is full of classic r&b, hip hop and jazzy tunes. Russell Simmons even produced the heart-wrenching ballad "NOT ON THE OUTSIDE". Go figure?

ALYSON WILLIAMS wears many hats on this release. It is never mentioned that she was one of the first r&b singers to merge with hip hop music along with MICHEL'LE before MARY J. BLIGE came along. This release is a must have for any fan of r&b music and even though her second release didnt do as well, this album stands out among anything released at that time. Sing on ALYSON!

This little known R&B artist has so much talent! Buy this cd and you'll see what I'm talking about, but beware...it's full of soul!

This little known R&B artist has so much talent! Buy this cd and you'll see what I'm talking about, but beware...it's full of soul!

What ever happened to good R&B music. Well Alyson Williams Delivers on this Album RAW. The first few tracks are straight up ballad funk with the subtle sounds of the old motown with today hipness. With Alyson's powerful yet tender vocals this album just could not lose. And dont' forget the slammin' uptempo jams that are still being played in clubs today. This is a must for the fan of real R&B music that is not sampled or out of style. A must have!!!

'Sleep Talk' and 'My love is so raw' are the stand out dance tracks for the more energetic among you, while the lovers would like 'Just Call My Name ' and 'I Need Your Lovin' for chilling out to.

I love tracks 8 thru 11! Sorry that's it. I think she's a good singer. Producers need to give her better writing and arranging.