In 1988, the pressure was on Anita Baker to release an album worthy of succeeding "Rapture," her crossover, breakout smash that set a new standard in R&B and sold five million copies. With "Giving You the Best That I Got," Baker dethroned U2's "Rattle and Hum" from Billboard's top-selling album slot and proved that "Rapture" was no fluke.

The title track made it all the way to #2 on the pop singles chart; a cool, laid-back but soulful affair, the song cemented the path that "Rapture" had begun to lay for the jazzy, "Quiet Storm" artists of the late 80's to recieve airplay and crossover acceptance. The pop-flavored "Just Because" was the follow-up, and the jazzy "Rules" enjoyed airplay on adult contemporary and jazz stations nationwide.

The hidden treasures on the album, however, are just as enjoyable (if not more) for their diversity: "Good Enough" is a sultry slice of Bossa Nova that boasts a delicious scat; "Good Love" utitlizes Baker's lower register in its seductive chorus; and "You Belong to Me," a definite missed opportunity for a single, finds Baker in a more upbeat setting with glorious results. (Not to be confused with Baker's rendition of Carly Simon's "You Belong to Me," a ballad on her "Rhythm of Love" release.)

Some critics unfairly complained that the songs weren't as rich or compelling as those included on "Rapture." But did Carole King ever top "Tapestry"? Did Fleetwood Mac ever make a better album than "Rumours"? After all, an artist's classic release doesn't invalidate their other work, and "Giving You the Best That I Got" is just as strong and worthy as anything else in the Baker cache.

Voices like hers are what makes life special. Her sexy trill soothes any beast. The honesty in her tones backed by superb professional instrumentation makes this album a gem. "Priceless" and "Giving You The Best That I Got" lead six other winners.

Yes, we all know "Rapture" was Anita's pinnacle, but that doesn't make her other albums any less spectacular in their merit. "Giving You The Best That I Got" definitely has a faster, more upbeat tempo to it than "Rapture", and several tracks written off by most get better and better with each listen.

The playful "Good Enough" is sweet fun to listen to, especially if you've heard such similarly paced songs from Lorez Alexandria or Lambert, Hendricks and Ross. "Rules" definitely grows on you over time, and makes you wish Anita would release an album of jazz standards.

Like with "Rhythm of Love", listen to this album without unfairly comparing it to "Rapture", and you'll find it a pleasurable (though short) listen to enjoy more and more with every spin.

Anita Baker is well known in the circles of contemporary music and jazz music. I believe she is a musical genius. All you need to do is use your ears!!! Plus, look at her credits. For instance, this album features her as executive producer. The musicians chosen to work on this album are the cream of the crop.

This album in particular features many of Anita hits, and most of the songs are still played on the radio stations across the nation daily. "Lead Me Into Love" is a divine ballad. Anita reaches passion highs and lows in her vocals. The title song "Giving You The Best That I've Got" is a glorious rich ballad! "Good Love" is a passionate ballad. "Rules" is riddled with emotion and soul!! The finale "You Belong To Me" has Anita reaching into the raw corners of sensation.

Anita Baker's vocals are so easy to listen to. Her subtle and soulful vocals have very fine depth and passion. She brings pop, soul, jazz, and r&b together in her music. Anita Baker is the Ella Fitzgerald of this generation!

Anita Baker has been "giving us her best" since her first album.

The title track is what I love the best from this album. After I

bought the cassette,(I didn't buy a CD player until after I got

married. That was in 1992 and it was a few years later,OK?)I was

blessed to see her in concert, when she came to town. Her husband

was sick in the hospital and the newspaper wrote her a bad review. However she did the best that she could under those

circumstances(?) The bad review she received was unjustified! Lady B's love was sick and the effort she gave, I admired it. As

I stated in my other review, she puts her heart and soul in her

songs!