Search - Vesta :: Relationships

Vesta gets personal.

Yiannis Psaroudis | soho, ny | 09/17/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"vesta williams is back, after a five-year hiatus, with a new album that showcases a more mature and sultry version of the diva than some of her fans may be used to. songs like "i'll be alright" and "somebody for me" seem more personal than her earlier work...almost as if the listener has become privy to the intimate thoughts running through the soulstresses mind. meanwhile, a stronger jazz influence on songs like "i have to" and the stevie wonder-penned "you and i" combine williams' chaka-like vocals with dianne reeves-like riffs that may finally earn her the recognition that she deserves. meanwhile, "who" let's us know that vesta hasn't lost her street credibility and may even draw in the aaliyah/nicole crowd, if they know what's good for them. here's hoping that it won't be another five years before we're treated to another sampling of this diva's talent but, if it is, we know it will be well worth the wait."

Soul diva returns with her strongest set to date

John Jones | Chicago IL | 09/15/1998

(4 out of 5 stars)

"It's been five years since Vesta's last release, "Everything and More," and she's apparently put the time to good use. Not only has she shed a good 100 pounds at least (the sultry picture inside the booklet of her lying on a bed in a negligee is quite an eye-opener for those of us who were fans back when she was the size of Chaka Khan) but she's retooled her overall sound to a near-perfect adult pop/soul/jazz collage. And her fans have every reason to be happy about it.Vesta's albums have always been enjoyable, but they've also always been a little too in the moment...her ballads were great but the uptempo numbers followed whatever trends were dominant in R&B at the time, making the albums a bit dated down the line. Thankfully, "Relationships" has no such problem. The tone here is mature and sophisticated; this album is one for the adult R&B fans (thank God someone remembered we still exist!)."Somebody for Me" and "Can You Feel Me" are smooth, polished numbers waiting for radio, "Like Today" and "Just Fine" are gorgeous modern jazz/soul pieces, helped by the production and co-writing of Lee Ritenour. And "I Have To" is a slow-swinging, supper-club jazz number, an instant jazz/soul classic along the lines of Anita Baker's "Been So Long." But don't think she's afraid to get a little funky..."For Old Times Sake" and "Who" are pulsating midtempo numbers, and the album's closer, "All Because I'm Free," is a finger-popping gem that matches a funky upright bass with a psychedelic, vibrating Rhodes keyboard and a flawless vocal to create one of the album's very best cuts.After years of great singles and good albums, it's great to see Vesta evolve into a mature soul artist not afraid to take her own, jazzy path. We fans are richer for having shared the journey."

ONE STAR? ARE YOU... YOU *GOTS* TO BE KIDDING

John Jones | 10/28/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was browsing reviews, and I just had to say something... This CD is Vesta's best to date, most consistent... etc etc etc!!! After hopping between sounds for awhile, she seems to have found her niche... Like someone else said, generally her ballads are strongest, but when she gets to the uptempo numbers, it just doesnt fit her... Here, she keeps it jazzy midtempo, and ballad driven... The lyrical content here is so personal... clearly she just got out of a relationship... and she details all the emotions one goes thru from the mistreatment... the breakup... the loneliness, to hopes of reconciliation, to ultimately getting over it and getting on with her life...Unfortunately this CD didnt get the exposure it should have, but this is a great piece of work for jazz and r&b fans..."