The Right Stuff

by

Vanessa Williams

Edit

During the 1980's, the name Vanessa Williams would be infamous with the scandal she saw when she was forced to resigned as Miss America 1984 due to the release of several nude photographs she took while a student at Syracuse University. However, at the beginning of the 1990's, that image would forever change as Ms. Williams became the most famous and successful winner in that pageant's history.

Blessed with beauty, charm, and immense talent, Ms. Williams showed everyone that she was like the phoenix of mythology: rose out of the flames and into the air. "The Right Stuff" marked her first album as a new woman, and the results are incredible. Produced by her former husband/manager, Ramon Hervey, the "Right Stuff" gave Vanessa notoriety as a talented chanteuse.

The album's title track, "The Right Stuff" is a hip, danceable song that will keep you on your toes. Other great songs on this album include one of my favorite ballads, "Dreamin'," a sweet, soulful song that captures the magic of her voice. "Darlin' I" also perfectly shows William' immense depth of vocal talent.

The other songs on this album are great, and Ms. Williams has definitely earned the fame she much deserves. From starring in hit films such as "Eraser" and "Soul Food", hosting specials and programs on VH1, or just being the gifted diva she is, Ms. Williams is a portrait of success and grace. If you loved this album, I highly recommend her follow-up album, "The Comfort Zone" as well.

I only bought this CD because it was about $1.50 for a used one on Amazon. I was interested to see what it sounded like, which the first half of the CD was alright. However, starting from "He's got the look" it went down hill a couple of levels. I must admit I really don't even listen much to the second half, and in fact I just finished listening to the second half to verify my thoughts. I'm sorry but it is as I remembered not very good in some cases, especially the off key "Whatever Happens". Overall, Vanessa Williams does have a beautiful voice and she can really sing, but this CD just is not, for me, very good. Now if you want to take a major step up into a better vocal and song selection, then Vanessa's next CD "The Comfort Zone" is one to get. Every song on her second album is good and on Amazon it is cheaper than this OK CD.