Phyllis Hyman - Forever With You (12 tracks) +Album Reviews

Hidden treasures exposed

Jesse H. Melchor | Chicago, IL USA | 08/22/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This posthumous release includes previously unreleased tracks recorded by Phyllis Hyman from 1985-1995 during her tenure at Philadelphia International Records. The tracks selected for this effort have not been included in previous offerings and are a treasure for the Sophisticated Lady's passionate aficionados. The title of the CD resulted from an inquiry from her estate to her fans who were instrumental in selecting the title of the project.Among the 12 tracks are "Forever With You," an upbeat, live arrangement ditty in the grand tradition of the ebony enchantress...with a dose of Latino flava added for good measure. The ballad "Funny How Loves Goes," was remastered as a duet with male vocalist newcomer Damon (his CD was initially scheduled for release on March 7, 2000). Despite this, the bittersweet ballad compliments the duet configuration, with Phyllis and Damon effectively expressing their aching mutual heartache of a love gone bad. It speaks truthfully of how love can separate two people who no longer feel it.Phyllis continues to stand tall as she reminds us of "The Strength Of A Woman," a forthright feminist statement from the Divine Nubian Queen. "Hurry Up This Way Again" is Phyllis' interpretation of the Stylistics R&B steppers classic and true to the original version."How Long" could have marked her return to the clubs as the house track stands poised to herald her return. Conversely, the lushly orchestrated "Someone To Love," details her hope in finding that someone special to call her very own. Listening to this track, one can only imagine the statuesque Goddess Of Love showered in a delicate spotlight, with a blanket of fog under her bare feet.The quiet storm side of Phyllis Hyman is apparent on "The Kids" which speaks the truth about nurturing our young and appreciate their natural qualities. "Set A Little Trap" displays Phyllis at her most playful as she coyly delivers the lyrics over a catchy melody.Overall, a well-structured project with jazz inflections, quiet storms, upbeat tracks and best of all...lyrics of substance."

Among the Stars

Jesse H. Melchor | 09/03/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Easily the best collection of Phyllis Hyman gems released after her passing ("I Refuse to be Lonely" comes in a very close second). Beautiful, sexy, powerful, sultry, passionate."

Forever remembering Phyllis

Charli Girl | Mississippi, USA | 05/13/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Forever With You is by far the best compilation of unreleased treasures showcasing her wide range of talent that the industry intentionally ignored. Rather, than the poorly thought out albums that she was forced to be release during her rocky tenure at Arista, it took Kenny Gamble to produce a work of art that Phyllis, had she been with us, would have been more than proud of.

From the upbeat, snazzy opening title track, Forever With You, she shows fabulous control and command of her voice. Though heavily edited, track #2, Funny How Love Goes, gives the Phyllis fan a glimpse of her personal heartache of forlorned and love postponed. Come Right or Not At All and How Long can easily be anthems of feminine liberation, which Phyllis aptly belts out effortlessly. The words were truly her--they exuded Phyllis' no nonsense approach. Then there's Someone To Love--a heart wrenching song that Phyllis pours her soul into. The words embrace and caress her--becoming a part of her. To listen to her croon those lyrics, you can sense Phyllis' deep desire to have someone to love couldn't have been more real.

She goes through the entire gaunlet of emotions and genres. From the dance floor rifts and soul stirring heartbreak ballads to the remake of the Stylists Hurry Up This Way Again, to the very jazzy number Set A Little Trap, Phyllis' range easily blends and meshes into a very classy CD that should have something Phyllis could have truly received her flowers for while she was still among us. This CD shall always be Forever with her fans."

Powerful and chilling..Phyllis Hyman has never been better.l

Charli Girl | 08/15/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I have been a loyal and devoted fan of the late and great Phyllis Hyman for years. She always seemed to sing about her pain, sorrow, grief and failed love affairs. These are all topics that we can relate to and identify with. Her classic ballads, "Old Friend," You Just Don't Know," "Obssession," and "Be Careful How You Treat My Love," are songs that I have listened to so much over the years that I have all of the words memorized! My favorite tracks on this C.D. are "Funny How Love Goes," and "Set A Little Trap." I listen to these tracks almost daily. Both songs have a little jazz and pop mix. But most important, they have that distinctive Phyllis Hyman voice that we love so much. It was great that Philadelphia International Records was able to package the collection of songs by the diva after her tragic death. Without a doubt, Phyllis Hyman will always be with us in spirit. For anyone who is interested in reading more about the life of Phyllis Hyman, a new book out by writer David Nathan entitled, "The Soulful Divas," profiles notable African-American singers, including Hyman and is a must read for any fan of Hyman."

You've been waiting for this one.........

Tom Conroy | Pittsburgh, Pa. USA | 06/19/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Here is the Phyllis Hyman her long-time fans remember..I rank this collection of unreleased songs as no less than a masterpiece, and finally her fans get a a disc of unheard of tunes. Crank up the player and listen to this woman croon "Someone to Love" and you will be hers FOREVER. Once again she breathes new life into an old tune with "Hurry Up This Way Again" and she fills the dance floor with the kicking "How Long" Always one to get in her feminist licks, she tells the young ladies about "The Strength Of A Woman", then coyly flirts and devastates the men with the jazzy "Set A Little Trap". The title track is a catchy, upbeat love letter to her fans for the years of support and she stays true to her social conciousness with "The Kids". Phyllis was always known for great duets and she harmonizes like smooth wine with Damon, a new singer from the PIR roster, on "Funny How Love Goes". This is Phyllis at her best, in full voice with terrific material, and a knock-out cover picture that captures her sultry, regal beauty...enough said."

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