Search - For Real :: Blackfish

HOT!!

08/24/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Almost since its formation in 1993, the four female members of the R&B group For Real were caught up in a whirlwind of activity. After the release of It's a Natural Thang, its debut album, the group went on to a variety of interesting projects. The women have appeared in Italian Vogue, in whose pages they modeled men's suits; they've gone on tour alongside Stevie Wonder; they've lent their voices to a Martin Scorsese project, the film Grace of My Heart; and they also became actresses for a time, with appearances in "Shake Rattle and Rock!" on Showtime. The quartet also have songs on soundtracks for the films "Fled" and "Waiting to Exhale." The group's 1994 debut album, It's a Natural Thang, released by A&M, was a critical success. Its second offering, Free, was released in 1996 by Rowdy and spans the sounds of three decades, from the 1960s through the 1990s. "Like I Do," the album's first single, came about through the efforts of the group's producer, Dallas Austin. The concept he put forth was that of a black-and-white, 1960s television program, where the women wore miniskirts and Afros. The quartet is composed of Josina Elder, La Tanyia Baldwin, Necia Bray and Wendi Williams. They spent the early years, before they had a record contract, rehearsing in a Los Angeles garage, going to school and holding down a variety of jobs."

For Real: Free

newjackswing | Universal City, CA USA | 12/12/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For Real's second album, Free, is an exceptional set of contemporary R&B that straddles the line between swingbeat and old-school vocal harmonies. Even when the songs are weak, the quintet sings with passion and conviction, making Free a joyous, infectious record. 1997 Soul Train Award Nominated for Album Of The Year by A Group, Band Or Duo, and Billboard Video Award Nominated for Best R&B/Soul Clip: "Like I Do""

Like.?.... I Do - but only one track

Ray Santi | Washington, Tyne & Wear, England | 02/24/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The Motown pastiche "Like I Do" is a superb mid-tempo track with a haunting feel to it. The songwriter credits include Holland-Dozier-Holland so that explains the Motown sound. For me that song is worth the price of the cd. The rest ? Well, inoffensive enough but who cares when you have a gem "Like I Do"."