Reviewed by Steve Best

Released back in 2001, but only now available in the UK record shops, this super-smooth soul delight appears on the mainstream Elektra imprint of EastWest Records, and I hardly need say that it simply oozes quality. If I tell you that producer credits include the legendary Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis (SOS Band, Janet Jackson and Alexander O‘Neal), Warryn Campbell (Mary Mary) and Kevin Bond, you can guess at the results. Lush ballads (opener “Never Give Up”), slinky sassy workouts (“Fo’ Sho’”) and gospel-soaked testimonies (“Thank You”) rub shoulders with exquisite pop and even an appearance by rapper T-Bone on the closer “I’m Thankful”. Pure class from start to finish and a set that ensures that Yolanda’s star remains firmly in the ascendancy.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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