Lisa Stansfield

England has been spewing out the latest in hip soul stylists, but the "style" part hasn't been
cutting the mustard. Mostly the records have been all sheen and no grit. That is, until now.
Lisa Stansfield (previously the featured vocalist on Coldcut's club hit "People Hold On") is
the sleek soul mama for the Nineties. Affection is a picture-perfect marriage between
house beats and the torchy growl of late-night silky soul. Not since Teena Marie... More >

Like few of her predecessors--Martha Reeves comes to mind, and also, odd though it may seem, Teddy Pendergrass--Stansfield's style is virtually devoid of trademark, display, or drama; all she wants to do with these songs she helped write is sing them. The songs themselves are as attractive and unassuming as her voice, a fine instrument that provides more than the expected quota of aural pleasure without drowning you in its bounty. She loves, she hurts, she has her limits. She's going to be around. (Grade: A-)