Kim English - Higher Things (11 tracks) +Album Reviews

Music to move you in more ways than one

09/01/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When I wake up in the morning, this CD gets me out of bed... has me running, skipping, jumping like a little kid. Not only is the music hot, but the lyrical content of this stunning debut album from Kim English is phenomenal. She manages to be positive and inspirational without coming across like a self help manual. If you're a house-head like me, then this album is an absolute must buy! She works with a number of top producers from clubland to create a sound that is soulful, sassy, and funky, including Mood II Swing, Mousse T., and Maurice Joshua (who produced most of the album) along with others. If you're familiar with thier work, then you know this album has got to be good. Her cover of Anita Baker's "Been So Long" is terrific. She sounds just like Anita! I like this album because it speaks to my soul. Whenever life's little drama's begin to plague me, I recall the lyrics of "Unspeakable Joy", "Higher Things" and "Learn 2 Luv" and I realize that it's all really petty in the big scheme of things. Hey... that's saying a lot for a house album!"

Good Concept Needs Better Producers

David Sizemore | 09/28/1999

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I am a big fan of house music and I agree this is a great LP...but under the circumstances..none of the original mixes ever make it to the Dance floors of the US......The majority of the music you hear in a club is a remix that may or may not ever be released to the market as a shelf item..you normally have to search and search..if you are as big a fan of house music as me then you will know what I am saying when I state "Razor and Guido did an excellent job with Unspeakable Joy and should do more work with Kim English"...her music would do so much better with a hard house edge....the garage house sound is gone..and unfourtunately doesnt look like it is going to make a big return anytime soon..bottom line..Good LP but If I were a customer I would hold out for the singles..."

Great starter disc for vocal house neophytes

David Sizemore | Hayward, ca | 02/11/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"everyone knows "unspeakable joy", but there are other great cuts as well. the Anita Baker Cover, "Been So Long", is a nice downtempo tarck, but "Learn To Love Yourself" is THE song to listen to whan you get this disc. A great disc for those who want to dip their toes in the "vocal, I ain't leaving the club till Sunday morning" house crowd"

Spritually Uplifting Dance Music at It's BEST!

David Sizemore | 09/08/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is great, NO DOUBT! Many of the best DJ/Producers in dance have joined forces with "the voice". Kim English will appeal to dance music lovers who also live for a positive message. "Learn to Love", "Supernatural", and the title song "Higher Things" are the cuts! BUY IT!"

Classic house gem !

David Sizemore | 07/18/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I picked this CD up on a trip to NYC over a year ago, now it is rocking my world. I mistakenly thought it included the track "I Know A Place". I was so disappointed when I got home and realized it didn't have that track, I didn't bother to open it. Shame on me, because this is an excellent CD. English is one of a precious few album artists (Byron Stingily and Ultra Nate are the others) who is faithful to the house sound. Unlike many singers in the dance genre, English is not the stereotypical, attitudinal "screaming" house diva. I am probably in the minority on this one but I prefer the Maurice Joshua-produced, album version of "Unspeakable Joy" to the techno-pop version played on radio and in clubs. That song is just one of many treasures on this CD. The Mood II Swing-produced "Learn To Love" is also a standout. Todd Edwards gives a classic, disco-y vibe to "Tomorrow". And Masters At Work "work" their magic on "Nite Life" one of the best remixes they have cranked out in a little while. The only curious inclusion is her remake of Anita Baker's "Been So Long". English has a great voice and she does the song justice but it sounds too much like Baker's version. Dance music tends to be very producer-driven, and there are some heavyweights on this CD. However, the true star is Kim English. Not only is the diva front and center but she wrote or co-wrote four of the tracks. Clearly, English set the overall tone for the CD as well, each song has an uplifting, empowering message. And of course, she sings the hell out of every last note!This collection has recently been remixed and repackaged as "Re-energized" which is also worth checking out. If you like that one, then you MUST give "Higher Things" a try."

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