"Five years after her attempt at a commercial crossover (1994's uneven, occasionally challenged "Whisper a Prayer"), Mica Paris returns to the funky roots and understated production that made her 1990 project, "Contribution," such a rich soul classic. Midtempo grooves with thick, bass-heavy beats have always been Mica's forte, and this release is no exception. "Carefree" and a reworking of Sly and the Family Stone's "Stay," for example, have rhythms strong enough to walk on; even when the percussion is, by arrangement, more laid-back (as on "Let Me In" and the title track) the overall force of the rhythm is undeniable. All of which gives Mica the perfect platform for her soaring, soulful vocals."Waiting" is a scorcher of a ballad with gorgeously minimal production and one of the singer's best vocals to date, while "Perfect" and "I'll Give You More" are classic examples of understated UK hooks; if only American writers and producers could learn to hold back like this, to the benefit, rather than the expense, of the song...even more impressive is that Mica produced all three of these tracks herself. A beautiful Isley Brothers cover keeps up the momentum ("Don't Say Goodnight") and the deliciously retro "Is It Good Enough" (recalling some of Chaka Khan's best work with Rufus...a guitar line inspired by "Sweet Thing" doesn't hurt a bit) brings the album's appeal full circle. A couple of slight missteps aside ("Love's Gone" leans towards mediocre, and "Ain't No Way" simply doesn't justify an eight-minute running time) this album is a classic example of what most American fans of R&B are missing out on. It is possible, after all, to have a hit after you're 25, to have songs whose musical merits are just as strong as their beats, and to have enough chops on your own without being a mere product of your producers. Listening to a lot of R&B in the American Top Ten may not prove these facts, but Mica Paris' "Black Angel" makes them gorgeously, soulfully clear."
America wake up, Mica is here to stay.
Eddie Johnson Jr. | 02/01/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Mica Paris voice is undescribable. I do not know why this cd was not heavily marketed in the States. We lost Phyllis Hyman but we have "Mica". Her lush vocals is like wearing a velour garment and sitting in the back of a smoky jazz club listening to her stylize her musical journey. From "Stay", "Is it good enough", "Carefree" "Baby Angel" and my all time favorite "Don't Say Good night". This record company needs to re-release this in the States and have commercial radio give it the air-play it so deserves. I can not wait for "Mica" next project. When we have releases by Sade, Erykah, Angie, Lady Jill Scott and others Mica can keep company with these fine artists/vocalists. I believe Mica when she sings "Don't go no where" while singing "Don't say good night". Mica, keep the timbre of distinction in that voice and stay true to your art woman!"
Best SOUL CD I've Heard In Years
Eddie Johnson Jr. | 06/12/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I must say, Mica out-did herself with "Black Angel". Every track on this CD is excellent and Mica's voice has never sounded so good.The production is very slick and high quality. The choice of songs were right on target and Paris' performance is stellar! This is without a doubt Mica's best effort to date. It's too bad this CD was not given a domestic release. America missed out on a superb R&B album.Anyone longing to find a real R&B album in the midst of all of the so-called new hip-hop flavored R&B, look no further. "Black Angel" is it! Don't pass on this one. I promise you won't be disappointed."
Vive la Paris!
Terry Plain | St. Louis | 10/05/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"There are only two artists in my music collection whom I have confidence in saying that I know every song that they have ever put out for the public audience to hear. The first is Al Jarreau and the second is Mica Paris. I picked up the "Black Angel" CD while hanging out in London in Feb. 1999. The US record label that dropped Mica after "Whisper a Prayer" not only did her a huge diservice but also threw away a segment of music lovers that welcomed her "I am woman--hear me roar" vocal stylings.Black Angel is her best music (a close second is "Contribution") With help from UK artists such as Boy George and Swedish artist Stephen Simmonds--WHO IS THE ABSOLUTE BOMB--I I DARE SAY THE HEIR APPARENT TO STEVIE WONDER--there is no way she could have gone wrong. She brings out the best in UK Blak music and blows out most female r&b who think soul is based on how high you can sing in the key of C. All I can say is whenever she crosses over the Black Atlantic to our shores I will be the first in line. You go girl!!"
The strongest effort to date from an underappreciated diva
Terry Plain | 10/07/1998
(4 out of 5 stars)
"First things first, since Amazon doesn't list the tracks, I'll do it for them...1. Interlude 2. Stay 3. Is it Good Enough 4. Carefree 5. Let Me Inside 6. Black Angel 7. Perfect 8. Hate to Love 9. Waiting 10. I'll Give You More 11. Love's Gone 12. Don't Say Goodnight 13. Baby Angel 14. Ain't No Way 15. Sixth Street 16. OneFive years after her third and weakest release, "Whisper a Prayer," (which definitely had its moments but was just as definitely not her best work) Mica Paris returns with her strongest effort to date, "Black Angel."Mica never has gotten much recognition in the States, outside of her 1989 R&B hit "My One Temptation," which was so bright and seductive it even found its way onto lite jazz stations. Her 1990 release, "Contribution," found Mica favoring rough edges and sharp production on a terribly funky and criminally overlooked project. 1993's "Whisper a Prayer" was obviously her attempt to crossover into a pop category, as most of the music was formulaic and mediocre. In the five years since "Whisper," however, Mica has obviously taken some steps to creative independence - this time around she's co-written five songs and produced three of them all on her own. The result is her funkiest, catchiest, and most fun album to date.The material never gets frantically fast-paced; sultry ballads and midtempo stompers are what Mica does best. "Carefree" and a cover of Sly and the Family Stand's "Stay" are standouts, giving Mica the perfect platform for her soulful vocal runs. "Is it Good Enough" and "I'll Give You More" are further examples of catchy hooks successfully placed over window-rattling beats, and "Waiting" ranks as one of Mica's sultriest ballads to date.The Boy George-produced title track is another midtempo winner (how nice to hear Mica sing over an acoustic guitar after so many electronics in her career) and "Baby Angel" even adds a traditional jazz touch to this eclectic, adventurous effort. "One," her cover of the U2 classic, is remixed here with funky, fun results, and another bonus track, "Sixth Street," is a moody number about a philandering lover. The truth is, Mica's voive could make anything sound good...she's one of those rare vocalists that you recognize the minute you hear her, she's THAT distinguishable. And her technique of sliding off notes is utilized to perfection without overdoing it. Currently a big seller in England, "Black Angel" proves that in the world of UK R&B, Mica unwittingly named this project after herself."
Track Listings (16) - Disc #1
