"Her sultry debut, "Precious," was perfectly acceptable, but on her sophomore release "A Love Supreme," Chante Moore spread her wings and absolutely soared. Masterfully combining classic and modern elements of R&B, Chante created one of the most memorable soul albums of the 90's.The most noticeable improvement over its predecessor is the number of thick, solid midtempo grooves, whereas her debut was largely stuck in ultra-slow ballad mode. "This Time" takes the tropical-influenced rhythms of her first single, "Love's Taken Over," and raises the stakes by coming up with an equally slick groove and another set of flawless vocals. A cover of Deniece Williams' "Free" has a driving groove behind it (not to mention a gorgeoud fluglehorn and backing vocals), and "Searchin" lays down a bass-heavy beat underneath Chante's spoken-word stylings (think Madonna, "Justify My Love"). But the ballads are just as distinct and original as well. The slightly-distorted percussion of "Your Love's Supreme" are a striking contrast to her smooth-as-silk vocals, ditto for the window-rattling rhythms of "Soul Dance." Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis work their usual percussive magic on the seductive "Mood," and the rapid-fire verses juxtapositioned against a laid-back groove make "I'm What You Need" a near-perfect gem.The only true faults of the record rest at the very end: "Am I Losing You" skirts the realm of maudlin, and "Thou Shalt Not" is so bland a pop ballad it's a wonder it made the album, considering the quality of material that comes before it. But one listen to "Old School Lovin" will settle any score; sounding every bit like a 70's record (this was before the sound of scratchy vinyl became so popular and therefore overused, so it's enjoyable here) Chante sings the joys of old-fashioned romance, and the production, arrangement, vocals, and hook are all beyond reproach.The same could be said most of the whole album. Mature and stunningly stylish, "A Love Supreme" proved Chante Moore to be a most significant figure in contemporary R&B."
Supreme sophomore set
Jesse H. Melchor | Chicago, IL USA | 08/23/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Chante Moore: elegant, sultry, sensual, seductive, feminine and talented. Chante proves that she's a musical force to be reckoned with her sophomore release. Both her elegant style and music are far beyond her years, yet compliment her creativity and delivery exceptionally. This time around (pun intended), Chante returns with a concept album and guides us on a journey of searchin' for love, finding it, appreciating it and enduring its trials and tribulations.The infectious "Seachin'" demonstrates that sashay Chante can belt out funky grooves and basslines with the best of them while crooning out both spoken word and singing vocals as she rides the roller coaster of love. Bump this while cruising the streets for optimum effect.Hang on tight while "This Time" and "My Special Perfect One" render their climax before the ballads "I'm What You Need" and "Your Love's Supreme" bring you down oh so slow. Chante demonstrates her high vocal octaves on "I'm What You Need," poised to pleasantly surprise any cynics out there.But wait, there's so much more from Miss Moore! Included here is her interpretation of Deniece Williams' and the Commodores' classic "Free/Sail On." In case you may be wondering--yes, she does hit that high note! Also, she goes house on the Alicia Meyers remake "I Want To Thank You," and belts out more funk with the wicked "Soul Dance."It has been said that this album is superior to her first effort. All of her cuts are strong, well-produced and tightly woven together as an excellent concept album. To those who appreciate a SINGER (yes, they still exist...just hard to find) whose vocal talents and songwriting are not oveshadowed by who produced it, mixed it or whom she is associated with, this effort is not to be missed."
This was the first tape I bought when I finsh basic training
G. E. Baxter | Maryland | 01/21/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Of course that was back in '95. Out of all of her CD this is her best work. There is not a bad song on this CD. Ol Skool loving still gets played several times in a row on my CD player. Grab this one before its out of print."
Why is her third solo album taking so long ?
Torquemada | Atlanta, Georgia USA / Madrid, Spain. | 11/18/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I discovered Chanté Moore at a friend's house in January 98. I was immeditely seduced by the songs and the style, and I immediately went hunting for her first album. The balance between rythm and romance is excellent on this album, and her cover version of Deniece Williams's "Free" is one of the best of all the ones I have heard. This lady has become one of my audience's favourite on my show on a Spanish F.M. radio. George Duke (a great musician, composer, and talent searcher) could not be wrong when he decided to play and write a couple of songs on her first CD. You will not be be wrong if you add this album to your collection... and look out for her third album."
Moore, moore, moore, bring us more of this "Love Supreme"!
jktooo | 08/18/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Man, I love this! Smooth, beautiful soul with deep rythm. Talk about 90's R&B at it's best! Glad to see a few other reviews of Chante's, I thought I was one of very few Chante Moore fans.
"Searchin'", "This Time", "I'm What You Need", "Old School Lovin'", "Free/Sail On" and "Am I Losing You" show the diversity and co-song writing abilities in this underrated, talented r&b queen! This type of diversity is lacking in Mariah, Whitney, Christina and any other top vocalists today.
Her voice isn't hugely powerful, she's "moore" like a Diana Ross with lungs with a tinge of Shanice/Mariah (refering to the whistle tone which she doesn't over use in any shape, manner or form). Her range takes us from sweet (as in Free/Sail On), heavenly (as in "Without Your Love"), sexy/sultry ("I'm What You Need", "Old School Lovin'", "Searchin'"), sad ("Am I Losing You") to gospel ("I Want To Thank You", "Thou Shalt Not") and fun ("Mood"-almost sounds like Janet Jackson, "Thank You For Lovin' Me").
I'm not totally sure of her involvement in the actual writing of the lyrics but they are romatically brilliant and I wouldn't be surprised if the lyrics were her's and the co-writing by Law, Hamblim, Hall, etc., was mainly in the music.
This is a classic 90's r&b that was underrated and talent mostly unrecognized. Too bad because we need "moore" of this type of talent today."