Deniece Williams - Niecy (CA)

All Music Guide

Williams enlisted Philly soulmeister Thom Bell as her co-producer (and primary co-writer) a second time on this mellow 1982 release. Building upon the lush balladry of 1981's My Melody, this set inevitably bears a few similarities to its predecessor, but manages a more diverse soundscape. The rock-influenced "Love Notes"; the soft opening verse and subsequently alternating degrees of percussive intensity on "How Does It Feel"; the moody "Waiting"; and the marching rhythm and glorious melodic structure of "Now Is the Time for Love" almost defy classification. Vocally, Williams is in top shape here and seems completely in sync with the material and arrangements. Niecy also gave the songbird her second Top Ten pop hit in a cover of the Royalettes' 1962 hit "It's Gonna Take a Miracle," which she delivers capably, but not as intuitively as the original selections (all of which she co-wrote). Niecy is an essential addition to any Deniece Williams collection. - Justin M. Kantor, All Music Gui...de Read more Less