Customer Reviews

Reachin Back

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

 

 

This CD was not the best received CD of her Columbia/Sony years, but it was her best work to date. Most people that I know who like Regina Belle tell me that this was her weakest CD and "how dare she remake all those classics," but to record EVERY song on this CD and be creative and make it her own is amazing. I wish Regina was on TOP like she was for some time. Her voice..... makes me melt.

In the back of most people's mind there's a place--usually a dimly-lit, music-filled, smoke-clouded place--where certain memories reside. That first fumbling kiss, for instance. Or a clumsy, halting, but oh-so-sweet slow dance.
Regina Belle has found the key to unlock memories like these on "Reachin' Back," a collection of certified soul classics.
As you might expect from a woman who's made it her life's work to sing songs like these, Ms. Belle has good taste in material--witness her inclusion of two great Spinners tracks, "Could It Be I'm Falling In Love", and "I'll Be Around ".
On both, her strong, sinewy alto voice explores numerous vocal possibilities. Here, she's wrapping her finely-honed low register around a drawn-out vowel; there, she adds a quiet, almost inaudible gasp to the end of a phrase.
This terrific woman is a SOUL singer, first and always, and she's singing some of the world's best soul songs.
Other highlights include a truly passionate rendering of The O'Jays' "Let Me Make Love To You ", as well as an almost spiritual reading of the Main Ingredient's "Just Don't Want To Be Lonely ", in which Belle reaches back into her prodigious talent--and her legendary pipes--and brings forth note after shining note of powerful soul.
There's no new ground broken on REACHIN' BACK. But hey, who needs new ground when you--and Regina Belle--are happy just to wander back into those precious places in the mind, where the magic memories dwell...
Experience Regina's SOUL !
P.S. A re-issue of this essential recording is mandatory !

With this stellar 1995 effort, Belle finally had songs to match her lovely voice. The pit many R&B/soul artists fall into is taking on mediocre material and hoping the oohs, aahs, and drum beats will carry them through. Belle stacked the odds greatly in her favor here by covering beloved, melodic soul standards. She shines.

I love this album but had it on cassette so I got with the program and got the CD

Regina Belle who possesses one of the purest & most exquisite voices on the R&ampB scene is back with a new CD,
Reachin' Back (Columbia). This is Regina's tribute to one of her strongest roots, the Philadelphia Sound. This music is not
over produced & overcooked. The arrangements & production are simple and do justice to this girls splendid voice, you can
feel every note that she sings! For the real thing, checkout her covers of "Love T.K.O", "Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time),
& "I'll Be Around". This girls gonna be around for a long time!

This is one of the best CD's I have ever heard. Regina Belle sings The Sound of Philadelphia and takes you back to the seventies with her wonderful voice and wonderful arrangements.

I've loved Regina Belle since I can't remember when. She has such a powerful voice and she suits so many of the songs here. They are arranged well and she sings them all beautifully. I especially love Could It Be I'm Falling In Love and Love T.K.O. She is such a good singer and if you are a fan of older tunes, you should treat yourself to a fantastic cd.

On the wave of an unpredictable,massive revival of all work of the super-chanteuse,who is currently making a HUGE comeback,all her old and new recordings are very much in great demand.
Regina's case is, in a way,very similar to that one of Daryl Hall or Lalah Hathaway....Funny (and sad at the same time) destiny! It 's like her...sweetest..revenge !
Only now people start to realize how influential and creative ( but in the past years relatively neglected) her style, skills and work have been for thousands of young artists and listeners as well.
Regina takes a challenging journey back to the roots of Rhythm and Blues made in Philadelphia in the 70s,the so called 'Philly Sound',putting some Disco-Dance flavours into the famous songs,revisiting and almost re-inventing them !
Best tracks:"Love TKO","You Make Me Feel Brand New","Could It Be I'm Falling iI Love","You Are Everything "...
Since their definitive original performances have become part of the public's collective consciousness,it's unfair to hold Regina's interpretations in comparison.
Taken on their own terms,her covers are very well performed and extremely well produced.
She really shines !!
This album had ( and still does have ) a massive inpact on the gay community all over the world,making Regina one of the most shining gay 'ICONS'.
Definitely,it's one of the most loved CDs in the Gay Pride circles.
It's very seductive and enjoyable, and attracts young and adult fans.
Gorgeous soul and funk sparklers make ' REACHIN' BACK ' amazingly addictive.
Capable,in short,of kicking any modern chill-out album in touch !
Buy it with Regina's spendid latest hit 'Lazy Afternoon' !
It's a great buy !

Regina is one of the greatest voices. Her voice just fits the Philadelphia soulful sound. "You make me feel brand new" and "Let me make love to you" are two of my favorites. This is a must cd. I also recommend "This is Regina" as well as all of Regina Belle's discs.

Regina Belle does a great job with classic "Philadelphia Sound" material. Her versions of two ballads: Hurry Up this Way Again and Love TKO are wonderful. However, the real stand outs for me on this album were updated (mid-1990's) dance versions of the Spinners' classics: Could it Be I'm Falling in Love? and I'll Be Around. These 2 songs alone are worth the price of the album.