Search - Bernadette Cooper :: Drama According to

AHEAD OF HER TIME

Kent Browning | SPRINGFIELD, OHIO United States | 09/17/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The band leader and personality of the great r&b band KLYMAXX, Bernadette Cooper steps out and makes a solo release that was well worth the purchase. Featuring former band mate Lorena 'Lungs' Shelby, Chuckii Booker and Teena Marie on this release she made a well rounded album that got little promotion from the label. Cooper was not a supreme vocalist but her delivery and style set her apart from others in her day. Her album is nothing like former bandmate Joyce 'Fenderella' Irby's "MAXIMUM THRUST" (Irbys was more soft r&b, pop and dance). Cooper starts off with the boastful "I LOOK GOOD". It is a slick rap with Shelby on background vocals recalling the days of KLYMAXX. Other standouts are the funky and sensational STRAIGHT JACKET LOVE AFFAIR" and "THE DRAMA ACCORDING TO...." (featuring Teena Marie's blazing vocals on the bridge).Cooper was a musicians' artist and shows her Prince influence on the comical and suggestive "THE HOWARD HUGHES SITCOM" and the slow jam "THE AGENCY SENT ME". Songs that could have easily been performed by Sheila E. or even Prince himself. Also checkout the sexy jam "LETS BE DISCREET". After plenty of great releases with KLYMAXX, Cooper should have gotten better treatment for her solo release from MCA records. A diamond in the rough and any fan of KLYMAXX would want this record. HOT!"

MY ALL-TIME FAVORITE CD!!!!!

Darrell L. Lee | Jackson, MS | 12/15/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have been a Bernadette Cooper fan since the beginning of time. I have traced her career from Klymaxx to her productions and collaborations with 80s groups/artists such as Cheryl Lynn, Teena Marie, Mazerati, Shalamar, Madame X, The Deele, Dynasty and former band colleague, Joyce Fenderella Irby. Cooper later went on to produce songs for minimum exposure artists (if any at all), like Alisa Randolph (former member of Madame X), the female trio, Altitude. The only well-knowns artists Bernadette worked with were Nia Peeples, Salt'n'Pepa and Paula Abdul. Being the writer, co-producer and vainglorious persona on most of Klymaxx's songs ("Men all Pause", "Divas Need Love Too," "Sexy", "Meeting in the Ladies Room", "Fashion" and "Lock & Key"), it was only a matter of time before Cooper would spread her wings as a soloist. On October 11, 1990, B.C. released her only solo project to date--"Drama According to Bernadette Cooper"--a truly spectacular and brilliant piece of work which featured appearances by Teena Marie, Lorena Lungs, Chucki Booker and others. It received great reviews and the first single "I Look Good" broke the top 20 R&B charts! However, this was not enough for Cooper to get noticed by the newly-formed new jack swing/M.C. Hammer-you-can't-touch-this culture. Her follow-up release, "Stupid", a song about being so in loove with somebody that you'll do anything for them, had number 1 hit potential, but barely made it to number 50 on the charts. Thus, "Drama According to Bernadette Cooper," with its excellent production value, P-funkiness and witty lyrics, quickly faded into oblivion. Obviously not discouraged, Bernadette continued her career through the 90s, again with little recognition, even collaborating on Klymaxx's "reunion" CD, "One Day" released on an independent record label. So the questions remain: Where is Bernadette Cooper now? Has she moved on to bigger and better things? Is she even still around? Who knows? But it would be interesting to hear from her again in the 21st century, or even to see her on one of those shows that documents "Where are they now?". Great artists like Cooper really can never be forgotten and "Drama According to Bernadette Cooper" (not to mention anything else this lady has done) is a true testament to that!!!!Darrell L.--A Bernadette Cooper fan for life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Very good

Sinitta | Germany | 06/08/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A very good funky and catchy album. Bernadette Cooper is solo even better than with Klymaxx. The album reminds a bit of Prince, especially with the single "Stupid". Klymaxx as well as Bernadette and Joyce Irby really proved to be a main force in singing and producing - unfortunately very much overlooked."