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Everyone grows up... even rappers. Pioneering female MC Queen Latifah shows a newfound level of maturity on The Dana Owens Album. A set of standards the rapper/actress decided to cover, the album features a host of jazz classics and R&B favorites.

Latifah is at her seductive best when playing the sultry siren on Al Green's "Simply Beautiful." With a little help from Green himself, Latifah's vocals slide over the warm, organ-drenched instrumental. The result is one that works today as well as it would have several years ago. Similarly, the big band-backed "Baby Get Lost" swings with bluesy groove that is pure nostalgia.

However, it's when Latifah mines more standard fare that the album seems to hita snag. Fans of James Moody's "Moody's Mood for Love" may want to skip Latifah's version, as it misses the subtle perfection of the original. Her rendition of "I Put a Spell On You" doesn't falter, but it's not impressive either. It ends up being the kind of performance that finds you constantly waiting for more but never getting it. The same can be said for her cover of the Mamas & the Papas' "California Dreamin'."

That said, with Latifah's recent critically acclaimed turn in the film Chicago, this album's timing couldn't have been better. And with help from legendary producer Arif Mardin (Aretha Franklin), The Dana Owens Album is an interesting and impressive new chapter in the star's diverse career. --Rashaun Hall
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Product Description

Queen Latifah sings! Queen Latifah is an icon in today's show business world. A charismatic & instantly recognizable artist, her career has included successes in every possible entertainment media. Her highly anticipated vocal album shows off the phenomenal singing talents she revealed in the films 'Chicago' & 'Living Out Loud'. With production from legendary producers Arif Mardin (Norah Jones, Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin) & Ron Fair (Christina Aguilera, Black Eyed Peas), this album is sure to be one of the most talked about & visible record releases of the year.

Review

the quick-witted NJ MC..has a knack for..love songs &...blues that recalls the great Dinah Washington.The year's biggest surprise. -- Philadelphia Inquirer, Tom Moon, ISBN13: B0002XL1XU ISBN10: B0002XL1XU Material Type: audioCD