Search - Phyllis Hyman :: Living All Alone

Brilliance in Every Since of the Word...

Kevin H. Bailey | 12/07/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wow.



Where do I begin.



I really can't respect a true "R&B Buff" if this album isn't mentioned in the conversation as one of the greatest ever released. I'm shocked no singer recently has attempted to remake any of the tracks on "Living All Alone" by now.



Growing up in a household full of adults, I was prone to listen to the music they listened to. When this album got the household's approval--which was a feat in itself with a household and family of music critics--I was hooked.



So while both Go-Go and Hip-Hop were in the start of their "golden eras," this album (as well as Anita Baker's "Rapture") stayed in heavy rotation.



I was a 6 year old youngin' living in "Uptown" Washington, D.C. when I first heard "Living All Alone" on WHUR, immediately followed up by "Old Friend." Later that week, I watched her sing "Living All Alone" live on a late night show.



I was intrigued.



At that time, I thought she was a new artist that became an overnight sensation, as "Living All Alone" played on D.C. urban radio like crazy. Thankfully, my grandfather (rest his soul) schooled me on that assumption when I approached him about Ms. Hyman.



Point blank, every song on this LP is a gem, with "Living All Alone," "Old Friend," and her version of "What You Won't Do For Love" being staples for REAL "Quiet Storms" on radio stations around the country (if any of those still exist today).



From every lyric, to the composition of each track, to her flawless delivery, this 9 song masterpiece is the ultimate "eargasim" of R&B. My personal hidden highlight is "You Just Don't Know."



This is a must have. Period.



Before I end, I must share these two tidbits...



One, I got a chance to meet Ms. Hyman in Georgetown, during the summer of 1993. She was shopping, smiling, by herself, just chilling like a regular human being. I was amazed at her warmth -- She waved, smiled, and gave me a certain eye contact I'll never forget when I said "hi" to her. She wasn't on her "celebrity highhorse" one bit.



She also died laughing when my uncle (who I was with) screamed, "You always been better than that b**** Patti too!" But, that is a story for another time!



Second, I found this CD -- brand new, original -- at a Circuit City in Virginia Beach in 1997. When I spotted it, I immediately thought about WHUR, when I met her, and her tragic death and battles with this game we call life. And I can tell you that was the best $9.99 I ever invested.



And I will guarantee you will feel the same way if you obtain this timeless R&B classic."

Aint you had enough love

Peek~a~Boo Queen | 11/06/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I must say although there are folks out there that didn't care for her album "Living All Alone" but I surely loved the song "Aint you had enough Love" which was played greatly throughout my hometown in the midwest at the time it debuted in 1987. I was so excited to find it available on youtube to listen to it because its a very difficult track to find and thank goodness I can hear "MY" favorite song of all the songs listed on the "Living All Alone" album."