Keep the Faith - Evans, Faith (Cassette 2005)

As a devoted fan of R&B and soul music, I must attest that Faith Evans is one of the most talented artists around. I have seen her perform live both on MTV and BET and I can only laud her memorable performances. Her magnetic personality and beautiful voice makes her one artist that stands out from the rest of the crowd. Faith has been in the music business for quite some time, working alongside with such well-known artists as Puff Daddy and the group 112. She has also gone through a lot of onerous times in her life, particularly her turbulent relationship with the late (and I personally think great) Christopher Wallace, a.k.a. Notorious B.I.G. However, Faith Evans manages to keep the faith and it shines in her stellar career. What allows Faith Evans to be such a praiseworthy artist is her versatility. Faith s songs are a diverse bunch, ranging from dance mixes to slow jams. With hit songs such as "Love Like This" and "All Night Long" (with Puff Daddy), the rhythm wants to make you dance all night long until the morning light. Love Like This is a great song, a rapid-fire jam that keeps your feet moving and your body shaking. All Night Long does not contain any particular message; it is simply stating that life should be fun. Forget your troubles, just dance the night away. The fast paced beats of those two songs will keep you engaged and energized on the dance floor.

My personal favorite though is Faith's love ballad, "Never Gonna Let You Go." This is a beautifully written song, a masterpiece that will touch your heart deeply. It is an enchanting, smooth song which will sooth your soul. This song is best heard when sitting by a fireplace with your loved one. This song demonstrates that when you fall in love with someone, you want him/her to be a part of your life forever...

Some of Faith Evans s lesser known tracks such as Tears Away and No Way are beautifully written and sang. Faith s accomplishment is in her ability to legitimately express her emotions of sadness or pain in her music. When you listen to her songs, you can almost vicariously experience the emotions she is going through, whether they are feelings of joy or sorrow. These songs can be a reflection of her trying to maintain a decent relationship with the B.I.G. Still, amid the troubles of maintaining a relationship, Faith genuinely displays strength both on the surface and on the inside. Her songs continuously show the willpower of a woman.

What I mainly enjoy about Keep the Faith is the songs ability to capture you. Whether you are in the mood to dance, or you are experiencing a severe heartbreak, just remember that in life, you must Keep the Faith.

This CD is an ideal choice for any party scene. I highly recommend it for aficionados of R&B and dance music. There is a genuine reason why Keep the Faith made it as a platinum hit...