I Am Your Woman: the Best of Syleena Johnson

Performer: Syleena Johnson
Artist: Fabolous; R. Kelly; Kanye West
Producer: Larry "Rock" Campbell; Darren Henson; Ivan Barias; Keith Pelzer; Kevin Randolph; Mike Dunn; R. Kelly; Scorpio; Bastiany; Bob Power; Carvin Haggins; Nedra Olds-Neal (Compilation)
Distributor: BMG (distributor)

Notes: Arrangers: R. Kelly; Syleena Johnson; Carvin "Ransum" Haggins. THE BEST OF SYLEENA JOHNSON skims the cream from the R&B singer's first three albums on Jive Records. The daughter of `60s R&B artist Syl Johnson, Syleena borrows from the legacy of vintage soul, but puts it in the context of urban contemporary and hip-hop. That blend finds its expression in her singles, all of which are featured here. Guest stars boost the stature of Johnson's tracks, with Busta Rhymes joining her on "Tonight I'm Gonna Let Go," and R. Kelly and Fabolous appearing on "Hypnotic." But it's Johnson's raspy, soulful vocals that ultimately put these tunes over. Those who've missed Johnson's studio albums and are looking for a well-compiled overview should pick this up. Syleena Johnson's jazzy alto vocals, which show more than a few traces of gospel and the blues in approach and phrasing, have plenty of R&B DNA in them as well, since she is the daughter of Hi Records soul singer Syl Johnson, although father and daughter travel slightly different paths through similar musical territory. The younger Johnson also has a full vision of what she wants to say, and while most of her material falls into the dark corridors of love gone wrong, the joy and defiant survivability in her inflection give everything she tackles the veneer of hope. This set collects key tracks from her linked autobiographical trio of albums from Jive Records, and includes the urban hit title track "I Am Your Woman"; the powerful "Hit on Me," which tackles the issue of physical abuse; and a masterful cover of Al Hudson's "If You Play Your Cards Right." The result is a fine introduction to an intriguing singer at the start of what looks to be a very promising career. ~ Steve Leggett

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