Remember to Breathe

Rebekah

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 10, 1998)
• Original Release Date: March 10, 1998
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Elektra / Wea
• ASIN: B0000062Q7
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #249,490 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Although she owes more to Joni Mitchell and Joan Armatrading than to Mary J. Blige and Natalie Cole, Rebekah makes music that is direct and fastidious. She doesn't waste time refuting the usual archetypes of black femininity; they simply don't exist in her world. Rather than worrying about who she isn't, she spends her debut recording defining who she is. She delves into relationships on "Hey Genius," in which she declares her fatigue of vain men, and on "Be Your Own," in which she advises her guy "to stop trying to be my man and instead be your own." She describes her détente with your mother's strict religious mores on "Sin So Well," and "Love Song" is about her struggle to counsel a neighbor who is suffering spousal abuse. Rebekah sings these songs with a small, shiny voice that coils inwardly and leaps out with a variety of effects. On "Keep It a Secret" and "I Wish I Could Believe Me," she embodies a rocker's insolence; on the title track and "Pining," she maintains a jazz singer's precision, and on "Be Your Own" and "Cardboard Boxes," she has a soul diva's sauciness. All of her songs possess a sophisticated sense of dynamics. Where she fails is in the mawkishness of "Little Black Girl," and the album sometimes does seem a shade precious. However, her emergence marks the growth of an eclectic bunch who are embracing a broad spectrum of musical backgrounds as their own. After all, the best soul music is about the search for truth, and in Janet Jackson's "Got 'Til It's Gone," Q-Tip reminded everyone, "Joni Mitchell never lies." --Martin Johnson

Entertainment Weekly
Rebekah stirs saucy soul rockers with sweet crooning tales, making perceptive observations with her willowy, childlike voice. Ranging unevenly ... Remember to Breathe still packs enough presence and panache to make Rebekah a star.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good debut that deserves more shine!!, January 17, 2005

By	Zeb91 "Hip Hop Head 4 Life" (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews

Looking at this album I was assuming she was one of the many young R&B artists who didn't make it. Was I wrong. She is one of very few young women singer/songwriters that chooses to be backed by a band instead of some flossy hip-hop production. Rebekah is a very good singer with a great voice and her songs are well written. Each track on this album is different. None of them sound the same, even though they do revolve around a few key topics. The title track is a great song with her band putting together a great track. Her band seems to be just a collection of studio musicians who know what they are doing and this is demonstrated by the fact that her bass player is Mike Elizondo, who currently is Dr.Dre's go to man for any bass lines he might need. Rebekah unfortunately did not really have a chance to be successful. Our society does not seem to appreciate female singers who are not singing cheesy pop love ballads over some synths and a repetitive drum track. If you are looking for a good singer that you've probably never heard of check this album out you will not be disappointed.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars such a great album, January 15, 2004

By	Brandon Jackson (Korea) - See all my reviews

This is a wonderful album that honstly reflects on todays problems without being hyperbolic. I love her voice, because its unique and not trying to fit into some category. I am angry that this album has not received much attention. But, I do hope that this will inspire those to give it a try. It is simply great

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Innovative, creative, and sensational, January 26, 2006

By	C. D. Davis (Chatt, TN) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

My fiance went on a "spending spree" and bought this for me from a used book store in the junk bin for $1.95. When I listened to this cd I could not believe it was only priced at 2 dollars. This is not pop, R&B, or rock. Its not easily categorized because its simply music and that's the way all music should be. True music is an expression from the artist's soul, not a well rehearsed script provided by the production company to make a lot of money. The quality of the music is worth a whole lot more than 2 dollars. Rebekah has a lot to say in a lot of different ways. Thanks Rebekah for re-introducing me to the art of simply loving music.