Rachelle Ferrell wore two hats in the 1990s: straight-ahead jazz singer and commercial R&B/pop singer along the lines of Anita Baker, Miki Howard, and Angela Bofill. Produced mostly by George Duke, this self-titled album is an example of her R&B/pop side. With this smooth, classy effort, Manhattan/Capitol was obviously intent on appealing to the more adult-oriented tastes in the urban contemporary market. While artists like Mary J. Blige, Bell Biv DeVoe, Babyface, and Janet Jackson were making R&B relevant to hip-hoppers, Ferrell opted for maximum quiet storm appeal with this album. If you were buying a lot of Baker, Luther Vandross, and Freddie Jackson albums in the early '90s (along with some Grover Washington, Jr. and Joe Sample, perhaps), you were exactly the type of listener Manhattan/Capitol had in mind with sophisticated numbers like "It Only Took a Minute," "'Til You Come Back to Me," and "Sentimental." Most of the songs are appropriate vehicles for the Philadelphian's big, rich voice, but while this collection of mood music isn't bad, it isn't the gem that Ferrell had the ability to deliver. As pleasant and likable as much of the material is, one got the impression that she was capable of a lot more.
by Alex Henderson
Tracklist:
1
I'm Special 6:07
Backing Vocals – Rachelle Ferrell
Bass – Freddie Washington
Drums – Ricky Lawson
Guitar – Paul Jackson Jr.
Keyboards – George Duke
Written-By – Rachelle Ferrell
2
Welcome To My Love 5:37
Backing Vocals – George Duke, Jim Gilstrap, Rachelle Ferrell
Bass – Freddie Washington
Drums – Ricky Lawson
Guitar – Paul Jackson Jr.
Keyboards – George Duke
Piano – George Duke
Written-By – Donald Robinson, George Duke, Rachelle Ferrell
3
Waiting 6:00
Backing Vocals – Rachelle Ferrell
Bass – Al Turner
Cymbal – Doug Nally
Guitar – Michael J. Powell
Keyboards – Vernon Fails
Percussion – Michael J. Powell
Programmed By – David Ward, Paul D. Allen
Written-By – Michael J. Powell, Rachelle Ferrell, Vernon Fails
4
It Only Took A Minute 4:40
Backing Vocals – Carolyn Perry, Darlene Perry, Lori Perry, Rachelle Ferrell, Sharon Perry
Bass – Freddie Washington
Guitar – Paul Jackson Jr.
Keyboards – George Duke
Piano – George Duke
Written-By – Danny Sembello, Donnell Spencer, Marti Sharron
5
With Open Arms 6:19
Backing Vocals – Rachelle Ferrell
Bass – Freddie Washington
Drums – Ricky Lawson
Guitar – Paul Jackson Jr.
Keyboards – George Duke
Organ [Hammond] – George Duke
Piano – George Duke
Written-By – Donald Robinson, Rachelle Ferrell
6
'Til You Come Back To Me 6:12
Backing Vocals – Jim Gilstrap, Lori Perry, Lynn Fiddmont, Rachelle Ferrell
Bass – Larry Kimpel
Drums – Ricky Lawson
Guitar – Paul Jackson Jr.
Keyboards – Brian Simpson, George Duke
Written-By – Karyn White, Steve Harvey, Valerie Davis
7
You Can't Get (Until You Learn To Start Giving) 3:42
Backing Vocals – Alex Brown, Josie James, Rachelle Ferrell
Bass – Freddie Washington
Drums – Ricky Lawson
Guitar – Paul Jackson Jr.
Horns – George Duke
Percussion – George Duke
Written-By – Rachelle Ferrell
8
Nothing Has Ever Felt Like This 6:25
Arranged By – Rachelle Ferrell
Bass – Anthony Jackson
Drums – Buddy Williams
Guitar – Kevin Eubanks, Mike Campbell
Percussion – Steve Thornton
Piano – Barry J. Eastmond
Vocals – Will Downing
Written-By – Rachelle Ferrell
9
I Know You Love Me 3:53
Arranged By – Rachelle Ferrell
Backing Vocals – Rachelle Ferrell
Bass – Freddie Washington
Congas – Paulinho Da Costa
Drums – Doug Nally
Guitar – Paul Jackson Jr.
Horns – Rachelle Ferrell
Keyboards – Rachelle Ferrell
Organ – Rachelle Ferrell
Programmed By – David Ward, Paul D. Allen
Strings – Rachelle Ferrell
Tambourine – Michael J. Powell
Written-By – Rachelle Ferrell
10
Sentimental 3:37
Arranged By – Rachelle Ferrell
Bass – Freddie Washington
Guitar – Paul Jackson Jr.
Keyboards – Rachelle Ferrell
Percussion – George Duke
Strings – George Duke
Written-By – Rachelle Ferrell, Tena Clark
11
Could've Fooled Me 4:36
Backing Vocals – George Duke, Jim Gilstrap, Rachelle Ferrell
Bass – Freddie Washington
Drums – George Duke
Guitar – Paul Jackson Jr.
Keyboards – George Duke
Percussion – George Duke
Piano – George Duke
Written-By – David Foster, Dennis Lambert
12
Too Late 4:05
Arranged By – George Duke, Rachelle Ferrell
Bass – Freddie Washington
Drums – Ricky Lawson
Guitar – Carlos Rios
Keyboards – George Duke
Piano – George Duke
Saxophone – Kirk Whalum
Trombone – George Bohannon
Trumpet – Oscar Brashear
Written-By – Rachelle Ferrell
13
Peace On Earth 4:19
Arranged By – Rachelle Ferrell
Piano – Rachelle Ferrell
Written-By – Rachelle Ferrell
