First Lady, The - Faith Evans

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Thought-provoking
Quality and consistency of tracks	A couple of weak links
Value for Money	Good

Advantages:	Great Voice, Good Selection of Tracks
Disadvantages:	A Few Poor Tracks

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Faith Evans isn't really a household name in the music industry, especially over in the UK as she's had very little coverage so I'm not surprised if you've never heard of her. In the US however things are different, she's recognised as an up and coming star in the R n B genre of music having already had a career that spans over 10 years. She first hit the charts in 1995 with her first album, appropriately titled "Faith" which contained the hit single "Soon as I get Home." In 1997 she again shot into the American charts with a track devoted to her husband B.I.G, on which she collaborated with P Diddy and 112. She's not had an easy time, with a huge drugs scandal going on which the press (as usual) jumped onto, but finally things seem to be looking up for her.

The First Lady is actually Faith's fourth album release (released in May 2005), which is quite an accomplishment for any artist who can stick it out for this long in a turbulent and ever changing music industry. It's already gone platinum over in the US, having sold over 500,000 copies within a month, and it's also her first album working with Capitol Records. If you are a fan of R n B, but with a chilled soulful sound that borders on gospel music, then Faith Evans' music will be right up your street.

"Goin Out" is the first track on the album and features Pharrell and Pusha T, it's produced by The Neptunes who are somewhat renowned for music that's a little different and "left field." It's a summery track with a hint of soul at the start, with Faith coming in with the upbeat and definite sounding chorus. "Me and my girls are going out tonight," seems to sum up her attitude on life, to have fun and enjoy it to the full. As Faith herself has been quoted saying "I'm not going to stay sad, I'm at a great place in my life" and this song really does seem to sum up her attitude for fun!

"Again" is the next track on the album and it reached number 12 in the UK charts, coming in even higher in the US and seemingly a hit in every country in which it was released. It's got a slight retro feeling with a 70's feel to it almost, chilled out and quite summery once again. The lyrics are very reflective on the past few years in the music industry and make for a song that most of us could relate to in some way. The lyrics, "If I had to do it all again, I wouldn't take away the rain, cos I know it made me who I am," seem to sum up the general gist of this song perfectly. There's also reference to the media jumping on her arrest for a drug problem, her response to which is, "they speculate and exaggerate for a better story."

"I Don't Need It" is the third song on the album and is much more upbeat in comparison to the previous 2 tracks. It's got a slight eastern, dance feel to it although is much less memorable than it's predecessor's and not really one of my favourite tracks on the album. Faith's vocals work well in this track with her voice coming across well and hitting every note head on. "Stop N Go" is the next track which reverts back to her trusted soul feel, the lyrics are pretty clever as basketball is used as a metaphor for her relationship - good but not so good if you've not a clue about basketball! Makes a change from the usual love ballads that you tend to get really.

"Mesmerized" borders on the jazz genre, it's got a great jazzy groove to it and the classic soul vibe, it's even lined up to be her next release off this album. It was co-wrote with her husband Todd Russaw and was produced by the same people that did her 1995 album. It's followed by "Tru Love" which changes the mood of the album completely and is much more reminiscent of Faith Hill's songs rather than Faith Evans! It's quite a sweet, very low-key love ballad suited much more to the country or soul fields than the r n b genre. It's a feel good love song, slightly sickening but then every album needs one of those vomit-inducing tracks, "I love you just the way you are…. When you say you need me like I need you, and you can't be without me like I can't be without you." This is followed by a rather clashing track, "Jealous" which moves away from the lovey dovey mood of the previous track. Not really one of the better tracks on the album but none the less it's worth listening to just to hear the piano bits!

"Ever Wonder" is the next track on the album and a duet with Mario Winans, and is quoted as being "honest and simple." Simple would have to be the word here, it's almost identical to some of Mario's previous tracks, especially his release "I Don't Wanna Know." It's a nice tune, but it's all been done before - numerous times even. It's got a nice beat running under it all the way, with sultry and calming lyrics. It's followed by "Catching Feelings" is possibly the slowest and most laid back track on the album, it's almost floaty with very little substance - ideal for listening to while going to sleep I've found!

"Get Over You" restores the mood entirely; it's catchy and quirky, with a jazzy and soulful feel to it once more. The background music is very sultry and soft, letting Faith's voice soar through at different beats and levels. The lyrics are meaningful, and ideal to anyone going through a break up "Yes it's true, I can't get over you, no matter what I do," how many times have we all been there! "Until You Came" brings us nearer to the end of the album, it's got quite a lengthy introduction which sets the mood - it's sultry and sophisticated. It's a truly brilliant song with accurate lyrics and a great beat, "I never gave my heart to love, I never gave my time to love, I never gave a care for love, until you came." "Lucky Day" is her final solo track on the album and has a truly 70's feel with a catchy beat underneath (reminiscent of that Lynx advert track with the dancers). Not really the most memorable song on the album which draws us closer to the final track…

"Hope" is a duet with Twista, which featured in the former film Coach Carter, a film about a basketball team with the odds against them realising their dreams in America. It's got fabulous lyrics and a brilliant tune with Faith's addition of the chorus just adding more momentum to it. It's all about expectations of the future and hoping that life gets better - a fantastic tune to end on!

This is a great album in my opinion, yep they are a few B side tracks among the hits but that seems to be commonplace these days with the majority of albums. She's got a fantastic voice and this album really does it justice so go on, have a listen!

For more information on Faith Evans you can check out her multitude of fan sites: -

http://www.faithevansonline.com/
http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Palladium/2646/faith.html
http://www.vh1.com/artists/az/evans_faith/artist.jhtml

The album is available at play.com for £8.99 or amazon.co.uk for £9.99.