Felicia Adams - Read My Lips (2004)

A long, quiet decade after she made a splash with "Thinking About You" in 1994, Felicia Adams returned in strong fashion with her debut solo album, Read My Lips. Released independently on her LadyBoss Enterprises label, the album showcases a strong willingness on behalf of Adams to be firmly in control of her artistry. Not only is this her album, released and sung by her, it's also totally written by her (in conjunction with Christopher "CL" Liggio, who produces the music and plays all the instruments). As such, it's a statement of independence as much as it is one of songcraft, and an impressive one at that. It's easy to be swooned by the silky voice of Adams, who has the ability to mirror the emotions showcased in her lyrics with those of her singing. She's in full command of her God-given talents throughout Read My Lips, especially on the first few songs, all of which are highlights: "Share My Love," "You" (previously released on the Baby Boy soundtrack a few years prior), and "Hello," in particular. There's plenty more to follow these songs, however, as Read My Lips runs for a full hour plus, capped off with "Thinking About You," the classic song that put Adams on the map in the first place. This album-closing bonus track, with its trademark new jill swing vibe, puts everything Adams accomplishes throughout Read My Lips into a proper perspective. This woman has come a long way in ten years. Back then, in 1994, she was a hotshot -- an exciting new voice on the scene, with endless promise and plenty of talent to spare -- but then she sort of disappeared. But Read My Lips couldn't communicate its key message any more clearly -- Adams is back, big time, and she's only grown stronger with every passing year, as a singer and as an independent woman. And for that reason, among others, there's much to like about this album.