The Comfort Zone

by

Vanessa Williams

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What a comeback! Vanessa Williams, the former Miss America tarnished by scandal back in the 1980's is definitely a survivor of the controversy that forced her to resigned as the first Miss America of African-American descent. She doesn't need a crown, because with her amazing voice, her beauty, and her immense talent, the singer/actress blew her critics away with this follow-up album to her 1989 debut.

The "Comfort Zone" has SMOOTH written all over. With amazing beats on some songs, and beautiful balladry on others, Vanessa has proved that she is no flash in the pan. The album's title track is a smooth song that makes the listener feel somewhat transported musically. However, not stopping there 1. Comfort Zone "Running Back To You," was one of the album's top singles and features an amazing club beat that will make you groove to Vanessa's sweet vocals anytime. "Work To Do," an R&B song with a bit of rap is another great high-tempo track that will have one feeling upbeat.

Vanessa is also well known for her ballads and her famous song "Save the Best for Last," became a number one hot due to her ability to sing like an enchantress. Same goes for the songs "What Will I Tell My Heart," and "Just For Tonight," which also demonstrate the range of her vocal talents.

The "Comfort Zone" is a must have for any R&B fan. Vanessa is a true diva and when I first purchased this album in 1993, I couldn't put it down. It's one of the 1990's best albums in my book.

For Vanessa Williams, her start really began to shine within the early 90's. She also had some other joy within her hands, with her then husband, Ramon Harvey, with their children. Nevertheless, what always really stood out for Vanessa, was the fact that she survived a tragic scandal, and shined her light a whole lot further. In this case, it was absolutely a breakthrough for her career. At the time, she already began launching a huge acting career, with a role in The Pick-Up Artist, and a short appearance in the cancelled television drama, Partners In Crime, but as time will continue to tell, this might've been her one and only hit at the time.

Her 1991 album, The Comfort Zone, broke her through between the boundaries within the rankings of Pop and R&B. The songs blend in beautifully from Hip Hop, to smooth soul, with classic songs like Work To Do, and Save The Best For Last, which was Vanessa Williams first ever #1 hit song on the charts. The songs garnered several Grammy nominations, but she sadly lost those nods, to Unforgettable by Natalie Cole.

It is kind of sad that all the radio stations only play one hit song from the album, Save The Best For Last, which may make people think Vanessa Williams is a one-hit wonder, but she isn't. A lot of people would only buy this because of that one song, because it stands out the most. Anyway, I suggest this record as an introduction to the sophisticated diva.