The First Lady

Faith Evans

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 5, 2005)
• Original Release Date: April 5, 2005
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Capitol
• ASIN: B0007QJ1SO
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (162 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #65,850 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Faith Evans, wife of the late Biggie Smalls, has probably seen more sympathy in her 10 bumpy years in the recording business than she knows what to do with. But that doesn't curb our compulsion to cheer over her latest triumph, The First Lady, her debut release on Columbia after stepping away from Bad Boy Records, is a hoot-and-holler worthy affair that has nothing to do with misplaced pity. Out she storms on opener "Goin' Out Tonight" with Pharrell and Pusha T, thrusting her graceful but sturdy voice over a propulsive, hand-clappy beat. In the space of a single track, she's navigating the Motown-ish thumps and funky guitar riffs of the first single, "Again," to lay bare the facts behind her 2004 stint in rehab. Throughout, Evans' breathy voice seems incapable of jumping the groove—here's an R&B princess with a jazz diva's sense of timing—and on songs like "Mesmerized" she slinks into a ‘70s soul place that leaves us wishing we could time-travel together more often. Tacked to the end for fans who discovered Evans via the Coach Carter soundtrack is her collaboration with Twista from that film, the hip-hop track "Hope." --Tammy La Gorce

Product Description

Japanese pressing of 2005 album features one bonus track, 'Do My Thang'. EMI. --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic From The First Lady of R&B + HipHop, April 13, 2005

By	William m Coles (BALTIMORE, MARYLAND United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Definately, a classic CD from the highly respected, utilized(almost every artist you can name has her on their track from R&B, Gospel, Hip Hop)who else can say that, and one of the most humble ladies of R&B & hiphop, in respect to vocal talents, who consistently delivers a smooth, melodic, sweet style. The tracks vary and flow so harmoniously . The Netumes hot club track Me & My Girls Going Out Tonight; Again, Back & Forth, Jealous, Mesmorized. I mean the whole joint is like that while she is reflecting on her life. I mean this one is really nice and smooth with funk, ballads(like no one else can do them) and soul. I can't say enough good things about this one. And to add to that she not a copy cat artist. She is an original vocalist that stays constant no matter what the industry or hottest new artist are presenting/representing.
Much Love to Faith. She is all that.

26 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The First Lady Gets the Last Word., April 7, 2005

By	The Groove (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

After three albums on the Bad Boy label, Faith Evans returns with "The First Lady," her debut release on Capitol/EMI. The widow of the Notorious B.I.G., Evans has a bruised and gusty voice that, when armed with the right material, sets her apart from the faceless studio creations that often dominate the airwaves. But as is the case with most divas, Evans is not without her share of personal drama. The lyrics in "Again" are anything but ambiguous: the directly reflect on her recent run-in with the law and prior battle with drugs. "Mesmerized" has a tight groove that recalls James Brown; the Neptunes-produced track "Goin' Out" will find a welcome home in many clubs, and "Until You Came" is a tender slow jam that compliments Faith's voice nicely. Compared to her last three records, the production on "The First Lady" is less trendy and relies a bit more on live instrumentation, but the street sensibility remains. My "faith" has been renewed.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars CLASSIC FAITH!!!!!!!!!!!!!, April 9, 2005

By	Sonya "Author of Guilty Pleasures" (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

Man, oh man, where do I begin?! First Lady is absolutely fitting for this long-awaited album. Faith not only puts her heart and soul into the music, she sings with conviction. Silky smooth, sensual, and strong is the voice! A testimony that change is always good! A personal message to Faith - don't look back, fast forward.

Track Feedback

AGAIN 5/5 A true testimony to NO REGRETS and courage!

I DON'T NEED IT 4/5 Clap your hands to this one!

STOP N GO 5/5 "Fade away like Jordan." Whoa! This cut takes it to the court! I can envision her man at the foul line and Faith telling the brother if you miss, I am through with you! "If I let you catch me will you run your mouth?" Faith is woman and will roar!

MESMERIZED 5/5...beats, beats, beats. Throwback track on the album that will have you strapped in stilettos, sporting afro puffs and hoop earrings in a funky groove. This one is for the real soul sistas and should be the next release!

TRU LOVE 5/5 makes you want to stay in love.

JEALOUS 4/5 nothing typical about this track. Faith sings the truth about a dangerous emotion with passion.

EVER WONDER w/ Mario Winans 3/4 - I just didn't feel the magic in this duet - at least not yet.

CATCHING FEELINGS 5/5 A tantalizing temptation of a woman with an appetite for the young!!! A sexy cut.

GET OVER YOU 4/5 - Singing about the one that got away...Makes you want to Press play and do a drive-by.

UNTIL YOU CAME 5/5 Simply Beautiful!

Lucky Day 5/5 - Signature song. Fun and free-spirited track that will make you want to lace up your roller skates and get your swerve on! Faith sings like the wind is blowing in her hair.

Faith IS NO DOUBT SHOWING GROWTH WITH HER NEW INDUSTRY FAMILY! Smart move...REMEMBER, FIRST LADY, NO REGRETS!!!