Mica Paris - Whisper A Prayer (1993)

Britisher Mica Paris is the most exciting female vocalist to come along in some time. She hasn't exploded due to the uncertainty and unpredictable nature of the music business. This CD is arguably more satisfying than her stunning debut, So Good. My two favorites were co-written by Paris, "Positivity" and "Can't Seem to Make Up My Mind." The productions are divided between Narada Michael Walden and Rod Temperton; Jon Lind produced "Whisper a Prayer," and Paris herself produced "I Bless the Day." Her original version of "You Put a Move on My Heart" sounds better than Tamia's version off Quincy Jones' Jook Joint CD. She delivers these songs in her smooth, jazz- and blues-influenced, intense but relaxed style. She has a voice the ears never tired of, and her signature moans will have you writhing in your seat. Unlike her first LP, which scored a minor R&B hit with "My Temptation," none of these excellent songs made much of an impact.