Customer Reviews

This Is Niecy

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Deniece Williams' first album is a classic debut by a talented vocalist and songwriter. When I first heard "Free" I couldn't get enough. The melody and arrangement grabbed me right off and Niecy's vocals seared her declaration of independence in my musical memory for years to come. This jam is timeless and the album is a classic. It's mix of jazz-inflected soul ("Free"), Earth, Wind and Fire (Maurice White's influence) funkiness ("It's Important to Me") and soulful reflection ("That's What Friends Are For," "If You Don't Believe"). And Niecy witnesses to the listener that somebody is "Watching Over" you. I have always admired Niecy's talent and her conviction to include in her albums a tune to touch your spirit. This is the first of many great albums by a very talented performer. A CLASSIC debut effort.

I cannot give this cd anything less than 5 stars!I loved this album when I bought it years ago and I still love it! I love the innocence of Deniece's voice and the passion she displays in every note. I can honestly say that this is not the case 31 years later. The hit "Free" was an instant smash and no one else can handle her songs. Will Downing did a remarkable job when he covered"Free". What can one say? Just an awesome singer and an unforgettable time in history for rhythm and blues also known as "Soul".

together with the richness of Earth,Wind&Fire backing her up with the music this is a classic.Charles Stepney & the Great Maurice White Produced this Soulful classic.Free is still Poetry to the Human Ears.you feel her emotions Vocally and the richness of the music.

Deniece Williams has one of the most beautiful voices I've ever heard so I was estatic when I saw this disc in a record store. The entire disc is excellent and considering that it was released close to or over 30 years ago, the music sounds as timeless as if it were just released last week! The production by Maurice White & the late Charles Stepney combined to make this one of the best debut records by an r&b singer ever.

The music on this disc is what r&b artists of today SHOULD strive for but never seem to be able to capture the sheer brillance of.

My favorite tracks are: IF YOU DON'T BELIEVE, FREE, THAT'S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR & CAUSE YOU LOVE ME BABY.

Deniece has a soaring, pure, angelic soprano voice that soars on every song. Those who are just buying this disc today will be playing it 30, 40 or even 50 years from now - that's how great it is. If you love Minnie Ripperton and/or Syreeta Wright, then you will fall in love with Deniece's music as well & this disc is a great starting point for those who haven't had the pleasure of listening to her music.

What a wonderful way to start off a musical career! Deniece Williams owns probably the most beautiful voice in soul music. She has the voice of an angel and it is wonderfully sung on "Free", which was her first Top 40 hit, reaching #25 on the Pop charts and topping the R&B charts. Deniece Williams delivers mesmerizing vocals on "Free" and "If You Don't Believe". This album was released in 1976 and successfully landed in the top 40 of Billboard's Top 200 Pop Albums. Prior to this release, Deniece was part of Stevie Wonder's backup group, Wonderlove. Also in 1976 Deniece Williams sang backup on YOUNG HEARTS RUN FREE by the fabulous Candi Staton (whom is my favorite singer). On the album she is credited as June D. Williams. THIS IS NIECY is a must for all Deniece Williams' fans and anyone who likes soul music from the late 70s. Definitely this will not be a disappointment to any fan of soul music.

"This is Niecy." The beautiful and talented Deniece Williams gave her all on her debut, an attractive collection of glossy R&B that was similar to what people like Minnie Riperton and Jean Carn were doing at the time. Maurice White and company give her supreme instrumental backing, production and arrangements. The good thing is, though the music is d##n good, her voice still stands at the forefront, and draws you in on every single song. Powerful and soothing at the same time, her soprano vocals soar on this album, from the upbeat funk of "It's Important to Me," to the breezy "Cause You Love Me Baby" and "That's What Friends are For" (which she later recorded with her duet partner Johnny Mathis), to the light, intoxicating "Free," the biggest hit from the album. The song has since become a classic. The elegant "If You Don't Believe" closes the collection, with some excellent horn work. The ideal '70s soul experience, "This is Niecy" paints an exquisite portrait of a talented, multi-faceted artist. Essential.

Deniece Williams possesses a very special gift. In the 70s she was doing studio work as a backup singer for many top singers at that time. She was satisfied to be a part of making music. But then these songs came her way. She cowrote them with Earth, Wind and Fire and it was suggested that she record them. She wasn't looking to record solo but thought it would be a fun project. To listen to just the first seconds of this amazing release shows that God does indeed bless certain people with voices of an angel. Deniece Williams possesses an amazing vocal range and is most comfortable at her highest falsetto. She also sings with an intense emotional range. She lives every song she sings. The top numbers here are of course the huge hit FREE where she liltingly caresses each note and makes the song a r@b ballad of emotional beauty. IF YOU DON'T BELIEVE is also an amazing ballad. The jammin IT'S IMPORTANT TO ME and CAUSE YOU LOVE ME BABY are also standouts.

Deniece would go on to record for decades. She has sung pop, adult contempory, funk, r@b and is at her emotional best with spiritual and gospel. Many know her mostly for her 80s hit LET'S HEAR IT FOR THE BOY but there is so much more to this brilliant woman. This debut release is the shining moment of a true vocal queen. She possesses a true gift and this cd is a must for any Deniece Williams fan or needed for any true music library. The cd is remastered beautifully and there are in-depth liner notes by Deniece Williams herself. I can't recommend this cd enough. You will be in heaven with every listen.

Deneice Williams is the Original songbird along with Minnie Ripperton this a Good album/cd from a great underated artist.The single free stands the test of time, standout cuts are free/if you Dont believe and /that's what friends are for. Niecy started out as a background singer for Stevie Wonder Today Niecy covers R@blues as well gospel, Deniece has several grammy Awards from the gospel world.Also pick up My melody great album/cd for the single silly. Deneice Williams new album/Cd is Love,Niecy Style
2007

As I type this review I am listening to this timeless album. I need to listen to artists of this caliber because it reminds me of a time when the music industry valued talent and elegance over bravado and trash. The recordings here are simple and sweet with an easy but melodic rhythm to them. Free... what can you even say about it. Just beautiful. How'd I know that love would slip away. And the list goes on and on.

A plug an play disc. Always reminds me of a simpler time when people seemed to value romance over sexuality. I was probably just naive but i'll revel in it. A pleasure for the ear and a very relaxing disc.

Highly recommended.

This album, released when the EWF style was at its peak, is one of those albums you listen to after 20 years and still enjoy. Perfect production, great compositions, impeccable singing, and globally a masterpiece. She could not do any better with her later albums, although an album such as "As good as it gets" should have had much more impact.

If you like the style of voice of Minnie Ripperton and the classy and softer side of EWF, this album is for you !