SAPPHIRE - TEENA MARIE
Teena Marie possesses one of the most distinctive — and respected — voices in R&B, and she shows it off to full effect on her second Cash Money album. Named after an unreleased song by late mentor and longtime compadre Rick James, the album features Marie and James reprising their earlier duet magic on “You Blow Me Away.”
Elsewhere, Marie harmonizes with 14-year-old daughter Alia Rose, family friend Kurupt and another Motown legend, Smokey Robinson. The Robinson pairing results in the standout “God Has Created.” Marie briefly stumbles on “Love Is a Gangsta,” whose imagery comes off as a forced attempt at hipness.
But Lady T’s knack for penning moving lyrics remains intact as her expressive vocals bring to life relatable stories about love and inspiration on the playful “Ooo Wee” and the emotional “Resilient (Sapphire).” –Billboard
